Ms Suzanne Porter, of New Plymouth, ONZM for services to the arts and event management
Ms Suzanne Porter was Project Manager for the development of Puke Ariki, a museum, library and information centre in Taranaki. As Chief Executive of the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT), she has been instrumental in establishing New Plymouth as a national and international destination through events such as WOMAD Aotearoa, the Taranaki Arts Festival, and the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival.
She has led more than 60 major events, generating significant economic benefits for the region. Her commitment to sustainability has ensured all TAFT events are zero-waste and accessible to communities through local schools, marae and halls.
Ms Porter’s leadership contributed to New Plymouth winning the World’s Most Liveable Small City Award in 2008 and 2021 and to Lonely Planet naming Taranaki among the world’s top destinations in 2017.