Two people are recognized this year in the New Zealand Queen’s Birthday honours list for services to New Zealand - United States of America relations.

Mr Richard (Dick) Armitage of Vienna, Virginia was appointed an Honorary Companion of the Order (CNZM) for services to New Zealand - United States of America relations.

Similarly, Mr James Clad, of Washington, D.C was made a member of the order (MNZM) for services to New Zealand - United States of America relations.

Both are former high-ranking United States officials. Mr Richard Armitage was Deputy US Secretary of State from 2004-05 and Mr James Clad, was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asia Pacific Security from 2007-09.

The Honours list is produced annually to mark the occasion of the celebration of Her Majesty’s Birthday. The list was published 6 June, 2011 – a public holiday in New Zealand in recognition of the Queen’s birthday.

To view the complete Queen's Honour list click here.