Decades of service to Maori, business and health governance has seen Ngati Porou's Ingrid Collins recognised as a Dame in the New Year Honours

She took Maori farming to the world - as Chair of the Whangara Farms partnership since its inception.

Collins also owned and ran Three Rivers Medical Centre for more than 15 years - and spent nine years as Chair of Tairawhiti District Health Board.

She says the life she's had, has opened doors for other people.

Collins says it's not often you get a lay person buying into a medical practice -- but recently she's heard of others doing the same.