Lawyer Sir Peter Williams QC has today been knighted by the Governor-General.

He's been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the law.

The honour was announced in the New Year list.

The ceremony was held at his home today.

It was brought forward from May because Sir Peter is terminally ill with cancer.

He's represented some of New Zealand's most high profile criminals over his long career, including Mr Asia boss Terry Clark.