It's an honour to award you | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

The hard work and tireless contribution to the community of four Hawke's Bay locals were recognised at a closed investiture ceremony in Wellington on Tuesday.

The Hawke's Bay recipients were among the first of 60 New Zealanders recognised by the Queen's Birthday Honours to receive their awards from Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Susan Satyanand at Premier House.

Kevin Atkinson from Havelock North was well-known in the region for key roles in various technology, business, health and sporting organisations. He received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services for business and the community.

Mr Atkinson felt humbled upon hearing the achievement of the other 14 recipients at the ceremony. He described the occasion as "nice and intimate" and was able to "have a little chat" with the Governor-General after receiving his award.

Haami Hilton also attended the ceremony and was awarded the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for services to Maori.

Earlier that day long-serving chief fire officer Alvan Wakeford from Havelock North received a QSM for services to New Zealand Fire Services and Te Paea Dodd from Mahia received her QSM for services to Maori.

Ceremonies were continuing today and tomorrow and included film-maker Sir Richard Taylor, poet Ian Wedde, chef Ruth Pretty and businessman Lloyd Morrison.