Mr Neil McDermott, of Invercargill, QSM, for services to music promotion and the community
Neil McDermott was entertainment convenor of the Makarewa Country Club. He campaigned for the public recognition of successful Southland artists, resulting in the City Council establishing a Walk of Fame outside the Civic Theatre. His initiative to celebrate Southland musician Dave Kennedy resulted in the formation of the Southland Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and he was the convenor and driving force behind the event. He helped research the book ‘45 South: In Concert’ on Southland musicians, sourced funding and arranged a printing deal. Mr McDermott volunteers with Rugby Southland and has supported the Invercargill Public Library.