Darcy Nicholas, of Lower Hutt
Darcy Nicholas received the Insignia of a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for services to museums. Mr Nicholas has been the General Manager of Community Services at Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures in Porirua since its opening in 1998. A leading contemporary Māori artist and sculptor in his own right, Mr Nicholas is a cultural leader who has developed Pataka into a nationally and internationally significant institution. The combination of traditional and contemporary exhibitions and outstanding customer service has resulted in consistently high visitor numbers. He is a renowned leader, orator, strategic thinker and networker. In 2004 he was the Creative Director for the exhibition Māori Art Meets America in San Francisco, and received the Absolutely Creatively Wellington Award at the 2005 Gold Awards. His paintings are held in private and public collections throughout New Zealand and internationally.