A big-time company director, who grew up in the states, is now being honoured for her service to New Zealand.

LISTEN ABOVE: Dame Paula Rebstock speaks to Gia Garrick

Paula Rebstock becomes a Dame in the New Zealand Order of Merit.

She's spent time with the department of Labour, chaired the Commerce Commission, chaired ACC and is now on the board of Auckland Transport.

Dame Paula is putting the honour down to the success of the people she's worked with over the years.

"That's how I see the award, really recognition for some great work that a lot of people have been part of."

Newly appointed Dame Paula Rebstock moved here from the US in 1987.

Paula Rebstock said she was so shocked to receive the letter, her husband thought there was something terribly wrong when he saw her open it.

She said at first she couldn't work out if it was real, or if someone was playing a prank on her, but it was a delight to find it was for real.