David Hartnell, Auckland, MNZM
For services to entertainment. Mr Hartnell has made a strong contribution to the national and international entertainment industry, most notably as a celebrity columnist. In 1976 he became New Zealand’s first full-time freelance gossip columnist in print, radio and television. Since then he has continued to write columns and host shows both in New Zealand and overseas. His columns have always been presented with professionalism, integrity and credibility. During the 1980s he designed makeup for New Zealand stage productions of ‘Annie’, ‘Half a Sixpence’, and ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. In 1996 he was one of the three original presenters of ‘Express Report’, New Zealand’s first alternative lifestyle television show. In 1998 he was awarded the Variety Artist Club of New Zealand ‘Scroll of Honour’ for his contribution to New Zealand entertainment.