Full list of winners: 2024 Southland Creative Arts Awards
“This event has also been a wonderful way to bring together people from across the arts sector and highlights the important role the arts plays in our region and our communities."
Arts Murihiku hosted its inaugural Southland Creative Arts Awards evening at the Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill on Saturday night.
Arts Murihiku chairperson Rebecca Amundsen said it was clear from the overwhelming response to nominations and the sell-out event that it was long overdue.
“This event has also been a wonderful way to bring together people from across the arts sector and highlights the important role the arts plays in our region and our communities.
“The arts are vital to the vibrancy of our communities and the wellbeing of our people.”
The plan is to hold the event again in two years time.
Amundsen said Arts Murihiku would like to congratulate all of the finalists in and thank them for their tireless work.
“We would especially like to congratulate and acknowledge the winners in each category. Your years of service have not gone unnoticed.”
Winners of the 2024 Southland Creative Arts Award:
The Little Green Fairy Patronage: Kennedy School of Music
(Awarded to a business or sponsor who has consistently supported the arts through support, patronage, collaboration and encouragement.)
Founded in 2011 by Kelly Kennedy, the Kennedy School of Music nurtures Southland’s aspiring musicians. With over 700 students, the school offers tailored lessons for all ages, from babies to seniors and has a commitment to include neurodivergent communities.
Dedicated to removing barriers and increasing accessibility to the arts, the school provides annual scholarships to ensure that all children can thrive, regardless of their circumstances. The school also seeks out opportunities for learners to shine in community events.
Ensuring that music is available throughout the region, the Kennedy School of music collaborates with 14 Southland schools, engaging with Tamariki across Murihiku.
Sponsoring events such as the Southland Musicians’ Awards, shows a commitment to supporting others in the sector, making the Kennedy School of Music a business that gives much more than just tuition.
The Hits Production Excellence: Jim & Marcella Geddes
(Awarded to an individual who displays excellent dedication and skills in helping bring an artistic endeavour to the public behind the scenes, for example; producers, production secretaries, arts administrators, stage managers, set and lighting designers and curators.)
For decades, Jim and Marcella Geddes have worked tirelessly to champion the arts within Eastern Southland and beyond, creating important connections within the community, and exemplifying outstanding arts production practice.
Their mahi at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, the East Gore Arts Centre, and the nationally-renowned Eastern Southland Gallery has shown vision and innovation. Their behind-the-scenes expertise has enabled significant projects to flourish, creating acclaim at the highest levels.
Jim and Marcella are the trusted custodians of a huge body of work that brings mana to our region.
Through their dedication, vision and hard work, Jim and Marcella Geddes exemplify best case practice that arts communities everywhere aspire to.
Good Tech Team Leadership in the Arts: Sally Bodkin-Allen, April Fisher
(Awarded to an individual who has voluntarily steered groups or individuals to success and has inspired and empowered those around them through leadership, management or administration.)
Sally Bodkin-Allen: Sally Bodkin-Allen leads by example, both in governance roles and hands-on organisation.
Her prolific 18 months of activity includes 2 performances of The Sing Thing, uniting in song, 1000 children and hundreds of rest homes residents; Pictures in her head supporting female song writers; singing with special needs children and outreach singing in rest homes and at The Night of the Arts.
Sally also creates inspiring work of her own. 18 Eden Avenue, which has been produced in Invercargill and Nelson, won three OSTA awards, including one for Sally in best vocal direction.
Sally leads SIT Kids’ Concerts, musically directed The Addams Family for Gore Musical Theatre gaining another OSTA nomination and is a tutor at Out of School Music classes.
Sally has been a previous Arts Murihiku board member; is on the Outreach Singing Trust and mentors the NZ Choral Federation for Southland.
Sally Bodkin-Allen is a passionate leader the Southland’s music sector.
April Fisher: For decades, April Fisher has woven herself into the fabric of the Bluff Drama Club, leading it to become a beloved cornerstone of Bluff’s cultural landscape.
From cast member to creative direction, April’s unwavering dedication and boundless creativity has been transformative. Under her stewardship, Bluff’s thespians have blossomed. Their annual Theatre Restaurant is an eagerly-anticipated highlight, all thanks to April’s vision and tireless efforts, building the season from three to four-nights of sell-out entertainment.
In 2023 Let’s Talk C.R.A.P was as popular as ever, thanks again to April’s talents in writing, directing, musical directing and choreography.
Beyond the spotlight, April’s dedication to the club includes event planning, catering and even cleaning, always leading by example. A troupe of grandchildren have now joined the ranks, following in the footsteps of April Fisher’s impressive arts leadership.
Southland Art Society Leadership in Arts Education: Linda McGregor
(Awarded to an individual, group or institution who displays passionate, innovative and accessible education in the arts.)
Coordinator for Out of School Music Classes, Linda McGregor, is dedicated to enriching the lives of others through the arts. She creates an inclusive, nurturing environment for both kaiako and ākonga – one where all students can begin their musical journey and, ultimately, a lifelong love of music.
Linda removes barriers for students, by ensuring quality instruments are available to hire.
Her mentor programme empowers senior students to gain valuable leadership skills, while free seminars are offered to support whanau with their child’s music practice.
Beyond the weekly classes, Linda also facilitates large annual events including biannual concerts, the Instrument Expo and primary school tour concerts. Such mahi has played a pivotal role in driving the huge growth in student numbers. Additional Out of school music classes have been formed this year to keep up with demand.
Linda McGregor embodies the essence of community spirit. Her unwavering support and encouragement inspires and enriches young people on their musical journeys.
Southern Outlook Emerging Talent: Oshadha Perera
(Awarded to an individual under 25 who displays great talent and skill in their field and who is working towards a future in the arts.)
Oshadha Perera’s poetry and short stories have been widely published and recognised by regional, national and international writing awards. He was runner up in three international writing competitions, and nationally, he won the Queenstown Writers Short Story Competition, two categories in the Wellington Writers Walk Poetry Competition, the Auckland Museum Lest We Forget Poetry Competition and was runner up in the IIML National Schools Poetry Award.
His work has been published in national and international platforms, in Australia and The UK and was read during Auckland Museum’s ANZAC Day ceremonies. It has featured on buses and the airport in Guernsey, UK and has been recognised by awards from Massey, Canterbury, Victoria and Waikato universities.
Oshadha was shortlisted for the New Zealand Poetry Society’s student feature which recognises the best emerging poets in Aotearoa and his achievements led him to being selected as a judge for an international poetry and the Pātaka Haiku Competition. He was also one of 11 emerging poets chosen to attend the International Institute of Modern Letters Poetry Masterclass.
In addition to his writing, Oshadha’s art has been selected for a fine line magazine, English in Aotearoa magazine, and Artstart art exhibition, all at a national level.
ELM Marketing Creative Excellence: Malcolm McDonald
(Awarded to a person or group who has shown skill, creativity, innovation and mastery in their field.)
Malcolm McDonald is a talented artist who has brought alive production sets for Invercargill Repertory for many decades.
In the 23-24 seasons Malcolm designed and painted sets for Blackadder, Butler to the Prince, Mum’s the Word and The Pink Hammer.
Blackadder received an OSTA’s nomination for best set in 2023 and this year, 18 Eden Avenue won Best set at the OSTAs.
Malcolm’s attention to detail, with painstaking work, ensures every set is perfectly executed. It is common for audiences to applaud, when the curtain reveals his sets.
Malcolm’s innovation with design in creating sets that are practical, yet intrinsic to the production, demonstrate his multi-faceted creative talents.
Malcolm McDonald is a true master of his craft and his past year’s work has been exceptional.
Community Trust South Community Catalyst Organisation: Mīharo Murihiku Trust
(Awarded to an organisation or group that has made significant contributions to fostering a sense of community and connection within the Murihiku arts scene.)
Miharo Murihiku Trust continues to reach Māori and Pasifika communities, offering a huge range of opportunities that engage youth and the wider community, encouraging creativity, passion and expression.
In 2023 they presented both Murihiku Polyfest and Central Lakes Polyfest, building capability with rangitahi to run sessions.
They promoted visual arts with the Mīharo Murihiku Art Awards and Exhibition, the Rangatahi Maia Exhibition and a senior artist exhibition and workshop, with Lyle Penisula.
Collaborating with professional organisations such as Toi Whakaari, The NZ Drama School, offered a ten-day performing arts experience; while The Conch, a Pacific Theatre Company, provided workshops in devising, writing, soundscaping and filmmaking. Miharo also offered other wānanga covering topics from karakia to harakeke weaving.
Miharo Murihiku Trust has become the cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, bridging gaps and fostering understanding across diverse communities.
Ascot Park Hotel Community Catalyst Individual: Lesley du Mez
(Awarded to a person that has made significant contributions to fostering a sense of community and connection within the Murihiku arts scene.)
Lesley du Mez, manager at Southland Education, has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the arts, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Her exceptional contributions encompass community building, innovative arts education, and fostering artistic collaboration and community engagement.
Lesley enriches the arts community of Murihiku by connecting it to artists from a diverse range of backgrounds. She mentors emerging artists, organises annual events, regular workshops and weekly classes, ensuring that artists are provided with opportunities to share their skills with the wider community.
Lesley also builds capability in our local artists by bringing in incredible creatives from outside the region.
A strong advocate for the arts, serving on the ICC’s Creative Communities committee, Lesley du Mez’s dedication to community arts has made her a true pillar of Murihiku’s creative sector.
He tohu kia mau ki nga taonga tuku iho: Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust
(For a group or individual who is independently pursuing the reclamation, preservation and celebration of te ao Māori in their practice. Awarded to those who hold onto, and maintain and develop those treasures and knowledge handed down from our ancestors.)
Over an hour and a half from the nearest marae or adult education centre, Te Anau has faced limited opportunities for immersion in Māoritanga and te reo Māori.
Yet, the Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust has risen to the challenge, supporting Fiordland whānau in connecting in many engaging ways that has increased the visibility and value of Maori culture.
In a supportive environment, hands-on sharing of skills, knowledge, and cultural conversations, foster the preservation and celebration of te ao Maori.
Waitangi Day and Matariki events, encourage locals to learn about Aotearoa’s history, while preserving and celebrating tikanga Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Other events showcase local artists’ achievements and help promote culture and heritage.
The trust’s mission to create a more culturally-aware and responsive community is paying dividends. Cultural performance experiences in schools, along with wānanga in weaving and kapa haka, demonstrate how much the community is now embracing Maori arts, all thanks to the dynamic mahi of The Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust.
Sono Sound Systems Lifetime Achievement: Trevor Daley, Riversdale Arts Incorporated, Jonathan Tucker, Invercargill Musical Theatre, Helen Nicoll.
(Awarded to a person or group who has consistently shared their time, energy, knowledge and skill for the betterment of the Arts in Murihiku.)
Trevor Daley is a household name in Southland’s entertainment circles. Since the 1970s, he has dedicated countless hours to supporting the community; organising events and ensuring musicians are celebrated.
President of the Southland Musicians’ Club since 1976, Trevor has also served on the ICC’s Creative Communities Committee and the advisory committee for the Civic Theatre Artists’ Corner. He founded the Southland Entertainer of the Year, the Southland Music Awards, the Southland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Southland Guitar Legends event. The Backwaters Trust and Cancer Society’s Relay for Life have also benefited from his expertise.
Trevor has been vital in encouraging musicians and his efforts have fostered a thriving music scene, benefiting the community for decades. Trevor is the kind of person who just gets on with things and while a skilled musician himself, he is happy to let others take the limelight.
In 2015, Trevor was aptly honoured as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
With kindness, encouragement and dedication for decades, The Southland’s entertainment scene has been greatly enriched by Trevor Daley.
Riversdale Arts Incorporated has actively facilitated and promoted the arts, and arts education, for 51 years, ensuring Southlanders enjoy the diverse artwork being created throughout New Zealand.
Their annual exhibition, is an eight day event, which is seen as a calendar highlight by many New Zealand artists. It draws in the support of much of the local community – including the local school, which creates and runs a café for visitors throughout the season.
The society also guides budding local artists in perfecting their craft. Hosting various workshops and classes throughout the year, encourages and enables Southerners to try their hand at every art genre.
Collaborations such as the What Lifts You project, with local schools, and the commissioning of a documentary film to celebrate their 50 th anniversary, further cements the connection Riversdale Arts has with the community.
Creating a legacy is a cornerstone for Riversdale Arts. Recently they commissioned and gifted an artwork to the community. Odelle Morshius’s sculpture, entitled “Community – Hapori” comprising a grouping of nine people, acknowledges the contributions that members of Riversdale Arts have made throughout the years. Riversdale Arts: A lifelong, 50 plus years of commitment to the arts.
All the world’s a stage – and local legend Jonathan Tucker has nurtured a love for the dramatic arts in the south for more than 60 years, directing well over 100 productions.
As a teacher at James Hargest College for more than 50 years, Jonathan directed at least one play every year, and continued to do so for years past his retirement. His passion for theatre has positively impacted and inspired hundreds of students.
Jonathan chose to celebrate James Hargest’s 50th jubilee, by immortalising Brigadier James Hargest in a production. After three years’ researching and writing, Repertory produced it in 2009, with Jonathan again in the director’s chair. The story is now a unique piece of Southland’s history.
Beyond school, Jonathan has been involved with Repertory Invercargill, Invercargill Operatic Society (now Invercargill Musical Theatre), and Shakespeare in the Park.
His relationship with Repertory began in 1963 as an actor, but it wasn’t long before he found his true calling in the director’s chair. Since 1974, he has directed at least one play every year.
Jonathan has served as President, committee member, is a Lifetime Member, and the current Patron of Repertory Invercargill.
His relationship with Shakespeare in the Park, includes cameo performances and mentoring as patron.
Jonathan’s dedication to and impact on theatre has been acknowledged by a Queen’s Service medal and a Paul Harris Fellowship award, from Rotary.
Jonathan Tucker remains a rare and precious gem in Southland’s Theatre crown.
Much more than a group or club, Invercargill Musical Theatre is a home to many.
Celebrating its 50th year jubilee in 2023, Invercargill Musical Theatre has for the past five decades brought a plethora of entertainment to Southland audiences. It is seen as a place pivotal to recognising and nurturing the talents of Southland’s performing artists.
The company draws together creative teams, performers, technical crew, and a tireless army of behind-the-scenes volunteers to produce top-quality musical theatre productions year after year.
An untold number of voluntary hours are dedicated to ensuring each show achieves a high standard of excellence.
IMT shows are a significant event on Invercargill’s arts calendar, and undoubtedly add vibrancy to the community. Each show offers an invaluable experience for locals who learn and grow from experienced theatre practitioners.
Recently, youth productions have been added to IMT’s repertoire, notably, Spongebob Jnr in March of this year. These productions will enable the next generation of Southlanders to grow and develop their stagecraft skills for the future.
The Invercargill Musical Theatre Company has been instrumental in the lifeblood of the performing arts community of Southland.
Helen Nicoll was the first full-time employee for the Anderson Park Art Gallery (now the Invercargill Public Art Gallery), in 1987. She quickly became extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand’s visual arts history and the contemporary art scene, developing management and curatorial skills.
When gallery director John Husband retired, Helen took on the reins as Director until her own retirement in 2013.
Helen developed the first digital records for the society’s substantial collection, and researched the biographies of many of the artists represented within it. Her meticulous documentation forms the foundation of the organisation’s current records.
Helen brought best case practice to the gallery’s operations, working with volunteers and dedicating many hours as a sole staff member at the gallery.
Strong relationships were built with local and guest artists and many significant works were gifted to the collection as a result of these connections.
A natural talent for curation, as well as a unique style, allowed Helen to really made her mark on Anderson Park Art Gallery and The annual Spring Exhibition was her tour de force. Every artwork was displayed beautifully, and the event was a highlight on the arts calendar for many years.
Helen Nicoll’s strong advocacy for the arts and her dedication to the IPAG collection has left a legacy that she should feel extremely proud of.
ILT Supreme Award: Steve Solomon
(Awarded to an individual or group who has exemplified the kaupapa of Arts Muirihiku and these awards in the period from January 2023 until closing date of the awards. A practitioner, group or producer who has pushed boundaries, inspired others, and made a lasting impression on the Murihiku artistic landscape).
Kaiwhakairo Steve Solomon embodies the reclamation, preservation, and celebration of Te Ao Māori through his exemplary practice in traditional and contemporary Māori art.
With profound respect for tikanga, Steve translates traditional narratives and values into contemporary forms, ensuring they resonate with modern audiences while retaining their essence.
Committed to Māori symbolism, ideas, and aesthetics, Steve reclaims and reintegrates them into our visual landscape. He actively engages with Māori communities, ensuring that his work reflects te ao Maori of Murihiku.
In advocating for Māori culture, Steve sets an example through his public practice, demonstrating that Māori art can flourish everywhere.
Steve inspires others, raising the expectations and quality of Māori art, through contemporary materials and technologies, taking care to preserve the knowledge handed down from ancestors.
Celebrating the rich heritage of Māori art and pushing its boundaries, Steve Solomon preserves the relevance and vitality of te ao Maori in the modern world.
Kaiwhakairo Steve Solomon’s masterful balance of creative expression with adherence to traditional form, draws upon the knowledge and skills of generations before him, taoka he is always willing to share.
His collaborative leadership, in a joint project between Southland District Council, Te Aō Marama, and local iwi has created artworks celebrating Matariki.
Steve has created a myriad of carvings throughout the deep south, including one at the Ministry of Education’s new building, and seven amazing taoka for the Kuma Southern Māori Business Awards.
Steve Solomon’s creativity plays a critical role in preserving, revitalising, and uplifting Mātauranga Māori. By sharing the stories of our tākiwa, and amplifying the voices of tangatawhenua throughout our region, Steve Solomon is educating the community one artwork at a time.