Dame Miranda Harcourt received the insignia of a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit this morning for her immense contributions to the New Zealand screen industry and theatre as an actor, acting coach, producer, director, and writer. A pioneer of verbatim theatre in New Zealand, Dame Miranda also served as Head of Acting at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School from 1998 to 2005, and continues to work globally with leading directors and actors. Long-serving members of Fire and Emergency New Zealand were also acknowledged for their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of their fellow New Zealanders.
