More than 600 people gathered to see Te Atawhai Archie Taiaroa of Tuwharetoa and Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi made a knight commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
In a shift from tradition, he received his knighthood at his former school Hato Paora College in Feilding.
Naida Glavish from Ngati Whatua, who worked with Sir Atawhai on Te Ohu Kaimona, says he has highly developed skills which he brings to chairing the fisheries commission and other Maori organisations, reports Waatea News.
She says Sir Atawhai is also known for his knowledge of tikanga, and his deep humility.
Honors Secretariat director David Baguley says Sir Atawhai made a formal request to have the accolade presented to him at his former high school.
Mr Baguley says several people have been knighted outside of Government House - usually at a marae or overseas.
Sir Atawhai was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003 for his extensive community work and contribution to Maori society.
Sixty-two people are receiving knighthoods this year.
