One of the 178 people recognised in the Queens Birthday honours is former Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

Commissioner Bush is being made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for for services to the New Zealand Police and the community

42 years of service, he started as a Cadet at the age of 18, and remains in the force despite stepping down from the top job earlier this year.

Commissioner Bush told Tim Dower says it has been an absorbing career.

"My entire adult life up until this point in one organisation, but its an organisation where you get lots of variety, lots of challenges but an opportunity to always do the right things.

Commissioner Bush adds he has been able to work with thousands of great people with the same goal to serve the community.