A longstanding Dunedin based kaumatua is looking back fondly on his involvement on the Ngai Tahu Waitangi Tribunal settlement process, following his recognition in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Edward Ellison has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his services to Maori and Conservation.

Mr Ellison is a kaumatua at Otakou on the Otago Peninsula.

He says there's a special highlight when it comes to his Ngai Tahu days.

"Of course, post the report from the tribunal we went about establishing Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu as we know it now, and all the whakatipu runanga that grew up from there."