One of Newstalk ZB's most familiar voices has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, two decades after first being sounded out.

Barry Soper's been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to journalism, recognising 43 years in the parliamentary press gallery.

He says he considered the honour 20 years ago while serving as political editor, on the advice of senior colleagues.

"And asked their opinion on whether it would be seen, or I could be seen as politically biased - and I think the conclusion was: that was a possibility. So I didn't want to compromise my independence."

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More people are wanting to give up vaping, for a variety of reasons.

Almost 16,000 people reached out to Quitline last year, with a quarter enrolled in the Quit Vaping programme.

Māori make up 23 percent of those seeking support.

Auckland University Public Health Professor Chris Bullen says vaping is less harmful than smoking, but also has negative impacts.

He explained people are considering costs, potential long-term health effects and if they want to be addicted to something.

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Suzie Bates intends to distance herself from the White Ferns once she retires from the international game following the upcoming women's T20 Cricket World Cup in England.

Bates has been awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to cricket and basketball, following a two-decade career where she also played for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Olympics.

The 38-year-old Bates has ruled out staying on with the White Ferns in a coaching or advisory role.

She says this award has taken her by surprise, but she's thrilled to be acknowledged.

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