Mrs Brenda Hayes, QSM, of Christchurch, for services to theatre
Mrs Brenda Hayes joined Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society as part of the properties department and has been Stage Director since 1985.
She has mentored newcomers in stage skills and trained several stage and properties managers.
She is Chief Archivist, working to preserve the Society’s historical play programmes, photographs, posters and flyers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she enhanced the Society’s social media presence, utilising these archives.
She was instrumental in securing a warehouse for the Society after the Christchurch earthquakes caused the loss of the Repertory’s Kilmore Street theatre.
Mrs Hayes has been the longest-serving member of the Repertory Committee.