Court of Appeal President Ellen France has been made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2016.

Dame Ellen has been President of the Court since 1 September 2014. She was appointed to the High Court in April 2002 after serving as Deputy Solicitor-General in the Crown Law Office. She was appointed to the Court of Appeal in June 2006.

Former Chief District Court Judge and a judge of the High Court, Ronald Young, has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Sir Ronald was appointed to the District Court bench in 1988 and became Chief District Court Judge in 1993. He became President of the Electoral Commission in 2000 and was appointed a High Court Judge in June 2001. He retired in 2015 but remains on the bench of the Vanuatu Court of Appeal.

Judge Sharon McAuslan has become a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for services to the judiciary. Judge McAuslan was appointed to the District Court in April 1995 and retired recently. She was appointed an Acting District Court Judge for two years from 30 January 2016.

Minter Ellison Rudd Watts partner and chair Catherine Quinn has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the law and to women.

Auckland barrister Ali'imuamua Sandra Alofivae has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Pacific community and youth.

Christchurch lawyer Selma Scott has been awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to the Pacific community.