A former Bay of Plenty Police officer has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock was named an ONZM in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to police and the community.

Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock with Police Commissioner Mike Bush. Photo: Supplied.

'Andy has filled many important roles with police, including leading several sensitive and high-profile cases - among them the review of the double homicide of Harvey and Jeanette Crewe,” says Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

In 2004, he was seconded to the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct and in his present role he has oversight of all criminal investigations in the Northland, Waitematā, Auckland City, Counties Manukau, Waikato and Bay of Plenty districts.

After the ceremony at Government House in Wellington, the Police Executive hosted a reception for Andy and his family back at Police National Headquarters, where he was thanked for his selfless commitment over 40 years.

'It was also a chance to thank his loved ones for the huge support they have shown to him and to police,” adds Mike.

Louise Nicholas was also invested with her ONZM at the same ceremony.

'Louise has been a strong advocate for survivors of sexual assault and we took the opportunity after the ceremony to thank her for the assistance and support she has shown for police in recent years,” says Mike.