In the latest New Year Honours, several prominent figures in the New Zealand arts sector have been recognized for their exceptional contributions. Renowned sculptor Fred Graham has been awarded as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his pioneering work in contemporary Māori art. Graham has been a notable figure since organizing one of the first exhibitions of modern Māori painting and sculpture in 1966. His accolades include representing Aotearoa at international exhibitions like the Venice Biennial and exhibiting in Te Ao Marama/Seven Māori Artists across Australia.
Also named as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, film producer Robin Scholes has been celebrated for her extensive work in the screen industry, producing films that bring New Zealand’s stories to life, such as “Crooked Earth,” “Mr. Pip,” and “Mahana.” Scholes has been acknowledged for her efforts in mentoring Māori screen talent and young individuals.
Internationally respected film producer Matthew Metcalfe has been inducted as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Metcalfe’s productions have been featured at prestigious festivals, including Toronto and Sundance, and he is notable for producing “The Dead Lands,” the first action film entirely in Te Reo Māori.
In the literary domain, Lee Murray, a speculative fiction writer and mentor, has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Murray has earned five Bram Stoker Awards internationally and stands as the only New Zealander bestowed with the Shirley Jackson Award for psychological horror. Additionally, she received the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in 2024.
Judith Bell, an advocate for music education in Christchurch, has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Bell, formerly a specialist music teacher, co-chaired Music Education Canterbury and has been pivotal in organizing the Strum, Strike and Blow music festival.
Sarah Rae, celebrated for her dedication to choral music in Southland, has also been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Her leadership in the Invercargill Schools’ Sing Out has spanned over three decades, and she has directed the Southland Girls’ High choir, leading it to several national finals.
Ian Reid of Napier, recognized for his commitment to musical theatre since 1967, has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Reid has significantly contributed to the theatrical community locally and nationally, aiding in staging major musicals in New Zealand.
Finally, for her longstanding services to dance and musical theatre in Wairarapa, Sharon Stevens-Cottle has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Over fifty years, her studio has been a nurturing ground for countless students, fostering a love for dance and performance.
