Last updated 21:12, June 12 2018
Rochelle Martin was acknowledged for her services to rugby and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
If it involves breaking "society's norm" or being in a team environment, you can almost grantee it will spark the interest of previous Black Fern and firefighter, Rochelle Martin.
Martin, who lives in Red Beach north Auckland, was recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List for her service to rugby and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
The 45-year-old was anonymously put forward for the recognition and later found out she was given an order of merit award.
Rochelle Martin has been working for Fire and Emergency New Zealand for 17 years.
Martin first played rugby when she was 18-years-old and said she has never looked back.
"Friends of mine were heading to pre season rugby training and asked me to come along so I did and fell in love with it.
"I love being in team environments so I knew it was the sport for me," she said.
When Martin was 20 she was given the opportunity to train for the Black Ferns and made the team in 1994.
As a Black Fern she held the positions of vice captain and captain of several international touring squads, including those that won the 1998, 2002, and 2006 Women's Rugby World Cups, the Canada Cup in 1996 and 2005, and the Churchill Cup in 2004.
"In the end I got a knee injury and had to look into other career options. At the time one of my coaches was a firefighter and said I should look into it, so I did.
"It ticketed all the boxes for me as it was an active job and you work as a part of a team to help people."
Martin became a firefighter in 2001 and since has been promoted to senior fire station officer and now to acting national recruitment manager and assistant area manager.
Martin is a member of Women in Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the National Women's Advisory Committee, and a previous board member of Women in Firefighting Australasia.
"This was such an honour as I am the first female career firefighter to be in this position."
Throughout Martin's career she was also awarded player of the year for rugby in 1995 and fire sportsperson of the year in 2003 and 2005.
"I am humbled, I know I work very hard and give everything a go so I am really proud.
"Over the years I have learnt there are no limits and you can do anything you put your mind to.
"People need to remember there are no barriers and that they can achieve and do things that are slightly outside of societies norm and be good at it, like being a female and playing rugby or being a firefighter."
Martin said she looks forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
"It's been a hugely satisfying career. I am always learning and there is always opportunities to grow.
"I am beginning to work on a campaign that will be released in July to encourage more people to be interested in Fire and Emergency New Zealand as a career."
For more visit fireandemergency.nz
Martin was one of many who were recognised in north Auckland for their services.
Gordon Hosking and Margaret Wade were recognised for their services to conservation, Michael Anthony O'Brien was awarded for his services to social policy and education, Annie Ballantine was recognised for her services to the community, and Kumiko Duxfield was acknowledged for her services to the Japanese community.