The honour has been created by the TNZ Board to recognise individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to taekwondo and have had a positive impact on the community.

The TNZ Board said long-time voluntary service was of particular importance when selecting winners of the award.

Kim and Wagner have secured the prize in recognition of their "significant contributions" to taekwondo.

Wagner is an Olympic referee while Kim is a World Taekwondo Council member and previously held the role of TNZ President.

"The TNZ Board would like to take the opportunity to recognise the decades of serves to taekwondo in New Zealand and around the world by Grandmaster Kim and Master Wagner," said TNZ President Jin Keun Oh.

"Their selfless contribution over many years epitomises what taekwondo means to so many people and deserves to be held in high esteem.

"The positive impact they have both had on the taekwondo community in New Zealand and around the world is greatly appreciated.

"On behalf of the TNZ Board, congratulations and thank you for your service."

TNZ was reinstated as a full member of World Taekwondo earlier this year.