Mr Bill Urale, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to music and the community
Bill Urale, better known as King Kapisi, is a hip-hop artist who has promoted connecting with Pacific culture, language and heritage through his music. He was the first New Zealand hip-hop artist to receive the APRA Silver Scroll songwriting award. He has performed at numerous events and festivals in New Zealand and internationally. He DJs in rural communities which may traditionally be excluded from touring circuits. He coaches multiple basketball teams and supports the Turning the Tide on Suicide campaign, Whare Tauranga’s ‘Whare 4 Whānau’, and other charities and social issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Urale has supported Māori health providers to increase community vaccination rates.