Former All Black captain Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford has received his knighthood award at an investiture ceremony in Auckland.
He collected the honour alongside actor Rawiri Paratene, who became a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Sir Wayne Shelford was dressed to the nines today, a far cry from his days in the black jersey.
"Mum's Scottish, so I'm wearing the kilt on today, and this is our clan kilt," he said.
Sir Wayne played for the All Blacks from 1985 to 1990, appearing in 22 official tests and captaining the team for three years.
He's credited with bringing the mana back to the All Blacks' haka.
"I thought if we're not going to do it properly, we're not going to do it at all," he added.
"So the guys bought into it back in 1985, and they started doing it properly."
He's also involved in a number of charitable groups, championing men's health after his own brush with cancer.
"[I'm] trying to help out where I can, serving the community. I enjoy doing it."
Giving back and expecting nothing in return.
"It's a great honour, and I'm very humbled by it. It's a great reward."
Also rewarded today was Rawiri Paratene for services to Māori, film and theatre. The actor and director is now a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
"I feel honoured, especially to receive it with Sir Buck," he said.
His career spans five decades, including Whale Rider and performing Shakespeare at London's Globe theatre.
He's an advocate for the use of te reo Māori, and pushed for the teaching of Māori in schools.
But he's not done yet.
"I still can't speak te reo very well, but I'm still young," Paratene added. "I'm gonna go to university to do my MA."
A memorable day for two legends - Me ko Nukutawhiti rao.
