The Queen has agreed to the formalities necessary for the Government to bring back titles in New Zealand's honours system.
The move was signalled by Prime Minister John Key earlier in March.
The Queen has approved the reinstatement of titles of Knight and Dame for the two highest levels of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Principal and Distinguished Companions of the order will be able to choose to be redesignated.
The Governor-General is the first to change, with the Queen approving his now becoming a Knight Grand Commander of the order.
