The achievements of sixteen people in early childhood, primary and secondary education were acknowledged including former Ministry of Education Secretary Karen Sewell who was named Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Dame Karen was honoured for her service to education including heading the Education Ministry, the Education Review Office and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. She is currently the chair of Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu Correspondence Board, served on numerous other education bodies and led the implementation of National Standards, a new national curriculum, and Youth Guarantee.
Queen's Birthday Honours also included the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CMZM) for Myrlene Dawn Jones OBE for services to netball and education, Office of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for Heather Irene Bell for services to education and Alexandra Mary Raine Matheson, for services to performing arts, education and LGBTIQ rights.
The Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to education went to: Tristan David Brebner, Jacqueline Duncan, Kieran Francis Fouhy, Thomas Hullena, Barry Douglas Petherick, Anthony James Pope, Amalia Tuffield, Graham Stewart Young, Susana Lemisio received the same award for services to the Tokelau community and early childhood education and Rahera Shortland, for services to Māori, education and television.
Queen Service Medals were awarded to Pareaute Polly Nathan, for services to Māori and education and Arihia Amiria Stirling, for services to education and Māori.