Original source: RNZ

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been given New Zealand's highest honour at an investiture ceremony in Auckland.

Miss Clark was made a member of the Order of New Zealand in the 2010 New Year Honours list for her services to New Zealand.

Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand hosted an investiture ceremony on Wednesday morning at Government House in Auckland, where she received the badge of the Order.

Miss Clark was the first female Prime Minister to win office at an election and held the post for three consecutive terms.

She now heads the United Nations Development Programme in New York.

Ordinary membership of the Order of New Zealand is limited to 20 living people at any one time and Miss Clark has joined 16 current members.

Miss Clark also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Auckland on Wednesday evening.