Paul Ellis, Auckland, MNZM
For services to the music industry. Mr Ellis has been involved in the New Zealand music industry for more than 25 years. In the last 12 months he has co-organised Band Together, Concert for Canterbury, New Zealand’s largest free outdoor concert in Christchurch and organised the entertainment for the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service. He is seen as an influential figure in both the New Zealand and international music industries, having worked with Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, and Strawpeople on a domestic level. While based in New York, he was President of Artists and Repertoire for Sony and ATV Music, publishing Sarah McLachlin, Cyndi Lauper and others. Mr Ellis was one of the judges for two seasons on New Zealand Idol and one season of New Zealand’s Got Talent.