News snippets from across Northland and the surrounds.

Professor Rangi Mātāmua is a major finalist for New Zealander of the Year

The man who led NZ's Covid-19 response in a pandemic has now been knighted to become Sir Ashley Bloomfield. Video / Marty Melville

Janine Morrell-Gunn has made children's content for New Zealand screens for over 35 years.

Newly appointed Dame Lisa Carrington opens up to NZ Herald Focus' Cheree Kinnear on a hectic 2021, reconnecting with family after Tokyo plus what's ahead for her as she commits for another Olympic cycle. Video / Andrew Warner / Photosport

Newly appointed Dame Sophie Pascoe opens up to NZME's Jason Pine about how she found out about her new title and what's ahead for the Paralympic champion. Video / NZ Herald / Photosport

Olympian Barbara Kendall talks about her honour.

COMMENT: Surely we should first have seen the deeds, and what contribution he will make, before bestowing Richie McCaw with this country's highest accolade, writes Barry Soper.

The appointments to Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit come after New Zealand's unprecedented success in the Cricket World Cup at home in February and March.

Ta Pita Sharples is the first to acknowledge an honour bestowed by the Queen is not the most traditional of Maori ceremonies.

Keith Stanton has been a strong leader and mentor in the business community. he was appointed to a member of the New Zealand Order Of Merit.

As well as her work with Pultron and as its managing director, Bronwen Holdsworth has made a significant contribution to the cultural and artistic development of Gisborne.

Displaying leadership skills beyond his rank and compassion for fellow soldiers were just two of the reasons behind the Queen's Birthday Honour for Staff Sergeant Rob McGee.

New Zealand has three new dames, three more knights and one appointment to the Order of New Zealand in the Queen's Birthday Honours announced today.

See the full list of New Zealanders honoured in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Fishing magnate Peter Talley is a joint managing director of the Motueka-based Talley's Group. He was appointed Knight companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

An act of skill and courage has earned Lieutenant Simon Wasley a Queen's Birthday Honour.

Her alter ego's name, "Nano Girl", was coined by schoolchildren but top scientist Dr Michelle Dickinson may be more of a superhero than she gives herself credit for.

Lesley Elliott's daughter Sophie was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend in their family home in Dunedin in 2008.

A recurring criticism of this country is that it fails to acknowledge the importance of its business leaders.

For all the accolades earned during a decorated career, this was one honour that basketballer Dillon Boucher found overwhelming.

Everyday happenings can sometimes be the beginning of extraordinary stories, children's author Betty Gilderdale says.

Skope industries founder Robert Stewart says his knighthood is a tribute to the workers at his Christchurch business set up 45 years ago.

A veteran radio broadcaster, a children's author, sportsmen and members of the judiciary are among those recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Professional director and businesswoman Bridget Liddell has been on the board of many New Zealand and international organisations since the early 1990s.

All Blacks manager Darren Shand is being honoured for his services to rugby but he finds that a strange way to describe a dream job.

One of the latest Kiwis to be knighted, Sir Richard Hayes is probably the only knight in the country with the nickname Hannibal.

Outspoken Summerset Group director and former chief executive Norah Barlow was stunned to be made an officer of the NZ Order of Merit.

Queen's Birthday Honours: The nation says thanks very much for a job well done.