Vivek Kinra, of Wellington
Vivek Kinra, of Wellington, received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to traditional Indian dance. Mr Kinra is an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer and teacher of the Indian classical dance form, Bharata-Natyam, and has performed in numerous countries. He established the New Zealand Academy of Bharata-Natyam in 1992 and is its artistic director. The school is not only the foremost institution in New Zealand for this form of dance, but has also contributed to cultural awareness in New Zealand. He has given lectures and demonstrations to various organisations, including at the New Zealand School of Dance, the Victoria University School of Music, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. He has created numerous new dance productions, blending traditional and innovative dance concepts.