Leonie Lawson, of Remuera
Leonie Lawson received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music. Mrs Lawson has been involved in music, particularly choirs, for more than 40 years. She was the Director of Music at the Diocesan School for Girls for more than 35 years, and was involved with the Auckland Choral Federation and the New Zealand Choral Federation. She has ensured the continuation of the Big Sing, the national choral competition for secondary schools, and was involved in the development of the Kids Sing, a regional competition for primary and intermediate school students. She established the Auckland Girls’ Choir and has been its Director of Music for more than 10 years. She was the principal conductor and accompanist for the Auckland Primary Principals’ Association Music Festival for more than 30 years, is the Chair of the Grand Opera Society in Auckland, and is a foundation member of Music Education New Zealand Aotearoa. Mrs Lawson is also an adjudicator at a number of choral contests.