The first New Zealand golfer to win a major tournament, Sir Bob Charles, is among recipients of the nation's top honour the Order of New Zealand in the New Year's Honours List.
Sir Bob, who became a Knight Companion of the Order of Merit in 1999, is the first New Zealander and first left-hander inducted into golf's World Hall of Fame.
He has long supported the game in New Zealand financially and as a mentor for young players.
Yvette Corlett, the first New Zealand woman to win an Olympic gold medal, is made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She won the long jump title at the 1952 Helsinki Games.
Former All Whites player and current New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to football.
Herbert this year coached the national side at the World Cup in South Africa, where they were the only side undefeated during the tournament.
Captain of the New Zealand football team Ryan Nelsen is appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the sport.
Besides captaining the All Whites, Nelsen continues to play for Blackburn in the English premiership.
Steve Price, former captain of the Warriors rugby league team, is made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the sport.
The veteran of the Australian competition joined the Warriors in 2005 and is credited with boosting the profile of the sport and turning around the fortunes of the Warriors.
Price was Warriors captain from 2005 to last year and says he is humbled and proud to be included in the New Year's Honours list.
New Zealand women's rugby coach Brian Evans has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, while Melissa Ruscoe, who led the Black Ferns to a fourth consecutive World Cup win, becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Squash star Shelley Kitchen and cricket historian and former New Zealand selector Don Neeley have been made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
