Ms Mary Cornish, MNZM, of Auckland, for services to the performing arts
Mary Cornish is an artist and educator in the performing arts sector. She is a committee member and former Chair of the New Zealand Ukulele Trust. As Artistic Director of the Trust’s Annual community festivals, she created free, family-friendly programmes, coordinating artists such as Sir Dave Dobbyn and Six60 to perform alongside children. She co-authored the Kiwileles Songbooks and led workshops for teachers. She created ‘In Our Beat’, a festival connecting local schools and their communities through the performing arts, and serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. Ms Cornish directs choirs at the Auckland Primary Musical Festival, the New Zealand Choral Federation’s ‘Kid Sing’ competition, and St Cuthbert’s College.