Each year on New Year's Day, the New Year Honours List is published, acknowledging New Zealanders who have provided valuable voluntary service to the community or faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office. This year, there are four of our local Kiwis who received these prestigious awards. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said a theme of this year's New Year Honours was that the work of those recognised for improving lives continued. Ardern said the awards showcased amazing achievements despite the challenges of the year.

Dr Timothy Michael Malloy of Warkworth was made an officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health.

Gillian Mary Adshead and Kevin John Adshead of Warkworth were awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to conservation. 

Professor Emeritus Louise Frances Basford Nicholson of Snells Beach was made a companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to neuroscience and education.

The New Zealand New Year Honours List is a part of the British honours system, with New Year's Day, 1 January, being marked by naming new members of orders of chivalry and recipients of other official honours. The awards are presented in the name of Queen Elizabeth II. Honours have been awarded since at least 1890.