Dr Paul Maunder, of Blackball, MNZM, for services to the arts and the community
Dr Paul Maunder established a performing arts centre in Petone and worked on theatre projects with schools, ethnic communities, psychiatric patients, unions and prison inmates. He initiated the Blackball Readers and Writers festival and a writer’s residency, mounted regular plays, and helped organise the 1908 Blackball Strike centenary commemoration. He helped establish Mahi Tupuna – Blackball Museum of Working Class History, where he is Secretary and Treasurer. He has served on arts bodies and residents’ associations, authored publications and developed community initiatives. He helped establish Te Puawai Co-operative Society, which explores a transition economy and provides work for local residents. Dr Maunder volunteers as a St John New Zealand First Responder.