Mr Pio Terei, MNZM, Auckland
For services to entertainment. Mr Pio Terei has been involved in numerous entertainment projects, as a comedian, actor, radio and television host, musician and performer, making a significant contribution to the entertainment industry and locally produced shows for more than 20 years. He has made a number of television shows, including hosting 'Pete and Pio', 'The Life and Times of Te Tutu' and 'It's In the Bag'. He has appeared in the feature films 'Number 2' in 2005 and 'Spooked' in 2003, as well as in the television feature 'The Man Who Lost His Head'. Mr Terei has hosted several community events in Porirua, including the 'ASB Polyfest' in 2008. His show ‘Tangaroa with Pio’, which screened on Māori Television, has introduced a wide New Zealand audience to the special connection between Māori and the sea. He is involved with Parents Inc and is Water Safety ambassador. He has made a strong contribution helping New Zealand audiences engage with Māori content in an entertaining way. In 1995 and 1998, Mr Terei received the New Zealand Film and Television Best Comedy Programme Award and Best Comedy Performance Award in 1999.