Mr Alan Smythe, CNZM, of Auckland, for services to the community and philanthropy
Alan Smythe has produced fundraising events in New Zealand for charitable causes for more than 40 years, including the Great Investment Race, Opera in the Park, Dragon Boat Racing and Symphony Under the Stars. He produced Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park in 1996 in the Auckland Domain, an event that continues to run annually throughout New Zealand. He remains Executive Producer of the event, which provides a platform for up-and-coming New Zealand dancers and singers and has raised more than $10 million for charities. With more than 140 large-scale free concerts produced and combined fundraising events, he has raised $34 million for charities in New Zealand. Mr Smythe launched the Great Investment Race in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, which has raised more than $10 million for community causes.