The Governor-General, Lieutenant-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, is recognising Maori contributions to communities during investiture ceremonies at Government House in Auckland.
At a ceremony on Thursday, Margaret Kawharu became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work in securing a Treaty settlement for Ngati Whatua o Kaipara.
A senior kaumatua from the Hauraki rohe, Richard Rakena of Thames, received the Queen's Service Medal at the same investiture.
Mr Rakena has done a range of work for Maori since his retirement as a locomotive engineer supervisor, including making submissions to the Waitangi Tribunal on Hauraki's Treaty claims.
On Friday, honours will be bestowed on Piatarihi Callaghan of Te Puke and Hinerangi Raumati of Manukau for services to Maori, while Moengaroa Solomon of Ngaruawahia will be awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to Maori and the community.
