Two Kiwi police officers have been recognised as part of this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Police National Dive Squad head Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to New Zealand Police and the community.
Mr Adams is a leading expert in underwater search and recovery operations, having been on the dive squad for 28 years, police said in a statement. He has headed the team since 2002.
Māori Responsiveness Advisor Sergeant Whitiaera Timutimu receives a Queen's Service Medal for her services to criminal justice programmes and the community.
Ms Timutimu is an advocate for criminal justice initiatives in Tairawhiti, and is heavily involved in mentoring young people.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush called today's recognition "well-deserved", adding that the pair are "highly respected for their expertise and outstanding service in their respective fields".
"I'm sure their whānau, friends, colleagues and the many people they interact with will be just as pleased as I am to see they have been recognised at the highest level for their māhī," Mr Bush said.
Mr Adams and Ms Timutimu were both surprised by their awards, they said.
Six firefighters have also been named on this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.
They are Alan Tapp of Otago, Garth Cowley of Auckland, Bronwyn Dobson of Bay of Plenty, Gary Aitken of Warkworth, Bryan Styles of Carterton and David Findon Wight of Whitianga.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Chief Executive Rhys Jones congratulated the honorees and thanked them for their service "on behalf of all New Zealanders".
"Reading their citations is a reminder of how lucky we are at Fire and Emergency to have such talented and dedicated people put themselves forward to serve their communities," he said.
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