Sir Dave Dobbyn has been formally knighted in a ceremony at Government House in Auckland.

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and her husband Sir David Gascoigne hosted the ceremony for Dobbyn and a number of other recipients of honours on Wednesday morning.

Dobbyn, who has written and recorded decades-worth of classic New Zealand songs, was formally recognised for his service to music.

In December 2020, Dobbyn was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

After the ceremony, Dobbyn said being honoured in such a way had been a “surreal experience”.

“I still can’t quite believe it, and it’s been great to have such distinguished company.”

Dobbyn said he still wasn’t used to the title of “sir”.

“It’s very odd, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.”

When asked whether he thought his family would start referring to him by his title, he said there was not a chance.

“Now I’m just looking forward to celebrating with a cup of tea and a nice lunch on the waterfront with my family.

“I might even hit the kombucha later, maybe even the cranberry juice.”

Dobbyn said he wanted to thank all of New Zealand for holding him in such high regard.

“I wasn’t exactly the golden boy. I’ve been a ratbag at times in my life like everyone else, but thank you to everyone for the continued support.”

Dobbyn started out in music with schoolmates, forming Th’ Dudes in 1975.

He went on to start DD Smash, releasing hits such as Whaling.

With Th’ Dudes, he released the song that gets every pub shouting, Bliss, as well as Be Mine Tonight, and Walking in Light.

His solo career spawned more unforgettable tunes. He created the soundtrack to animated 1980’s comedy Footrot Flats and wrote tearjerker Welcome Home, later translated as Nau Mai Rā.

He is also the man behind Loyal and Slice of Heaven.

Credit:Stuff.co.nz