Mr Donald Trott, of Whanganui, CNZM for services to opera
Mr Donald Trott is Founding Director and Executive Chairman of the New Zealand Opera School in Whanganui.
Many alumni have gone on to sing internationally, including the award-winning group Sol3 Mio. He was involved with the merger of Auckland Opera with Wellington-based National Opera to form the New Zealand Opera Company (NZO).
He has been on the NZO Board since its formation and served as benefactions manager. He led the creation of the New Zealand Opera Foundation Trust. He was Vice Patron of the Auckland and District Pipe Band, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the former Perkel Opera, and Trustee of the Dame Sister Mary Leo Foundation. Mr Trott was an establishment member of the Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust, overseeing a complete rebuild of the historic instrument.