Wellington woman Gaylene Preston has been made a Dame in this year's New Year Honours list, recognising her achievements in the world of film.
Dame Gaylene shares her success with a number of people working in the arts, including Poet Laureate Selina Tusitala-Marsh, and actors' advocate Jennifer Ward-Lealand.
When she found out she was becoming a Dame, she says she was pretty surprised.
"When I told my daughter, we just rolled around laughing."
Dame Gaylene's long list of productions have documented New Zealand history to the world.
She's responsible for films on the Napier and Christchurch earthquakes, and more recently Helen Clark's quest to lead the UN.
"I think I'm like very many independent filmmakers who want to tell stories they think are very important to be told and they want to feed and clothe their families while they're doing it," she says.
Dame Gaylene is one of many in the arts world recognised in this year's Honours list.
Owen Mapp becomes a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori carving and bone art.
Lead singer of Kiwi band Netherworld Dancing Toys, Malcolm Black, will become an Officer of the Order of Merit.
Mr Black has now established himself as a music lawyer, looking after a number of Kiwi artists.
Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh is also honoured as an Officer. The New Zealand Poet Laureate has been published in more than 70 anthologies, and spends her time teaching and giving back.
"It's where my skill set and my passion cross-road and I think if each of us can do that then we can just go on to do amazing things," she says.
In the world of theatre, Jennifer Ward-Lealand becomes a Companion of the Order.
Ms Ward-Lealand has fought for the rights of actors', chairing Equity New Zealand since 2007. And she has also toured and directed her own productions.
She too is most proud of giving back.
"I hope that part of my work has helped support them over the years and through building the union to make them feel they have a place that they belong and that they are respected."
Jenniona Samuel, Shirley Horrocks, Rob Tapert, and Fay Looney also are honoured, rounding out another successful year in the arts.
Newshub.
