Michael Friedlander received the Insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community. Mr Friedlander has contributed to many local businesses and organisations in the Auckland region for more than 40 years through the Friedlander Foundation, which he established in the 1960s. He has assisted and sponsored many organisations in the fields of tertiary education and research, youth development, and the arts, as well as the Jewish community.

Among the many to have benefited from his generosity are the Foundation for Youth Development, the Liggins Institute, the Business Roundtable, the Auckland Art Gallery, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and the Erman Trust.

Michael Friedlander has also been involved with the New Zealand Centre for Independent Studies for 20 years and contributed significantly to the Auckland Synagogue and the Kadimah School refurbishment programme.