Jones has been made a Knight Companion of the order for his services to the Pacific community and youth.
He wore a traditional red ulafala or necklace, to honour his Samoan heritage and received a long round of applause from the packed crowd after Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy bestowed the honour on him.
Jones was a member of the 1987 World Cup winning playing 55 games for the All Blacks between 1987-1998.
He also played for Samoa in 1986 and coached the Samoa national side between 2004-2007.
Source:
Radio New Zealand