Pasifika youth advocate and former All Black Sir Michael Niko Jones has been welcomed into the New Zealand Order of Merit at an investiture ceremony this morning at Government House in Wellington.

Jones has been made a Knight Companion of the order for his services to the Pasifika community and youth.

Jones wore a traditional ulafala, to honour his Samoan lineage.

He received a long round of applause from the packed crowd as Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy spoke to him after being knighted.

Sir Michael Jones then grinned from ear to ear and gave a small to nod to acknowledge the crowd, as he returned to his seat.

The 52-year-old founded and chairs The Village, a community and youth trust aiming to help keep Maori and Pasifika youth out of gangs.

The trust has grown to include a sports academy and a mentoring programme.

He also helped establish the Pacific Peoples Advancement Trust, which started and sponsors the Pacific Advance Senior School.

Jones, who holds a chiefly matai title in Samoa, is regarded as one of our finest All Blacks.

The former flanker boasts a 55-test career that included the 1987 Rugby World Cup, while his commitment to Christianity saw him forgo all Sunday matches on religious grounds.

He was inducted in to the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2003.

The Pasifika champion is one of 20 people receiving their honours in this morning's ceremony.

Dame Patsy said it was an honour to present the special awards.

"What's makes today particularly special is it's an opportunity to honour the significant contribution of a number of individuals."