Seven members of the Kiwi music industry are among those recognised with 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours. 

Singer Hinewehi Mohi became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, music and television. Famously the first person to sing the NZ national anthem in te reo Māori before an All Blacks game, Mohi co-founded the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, and is currently working to develop a bi-lingual music industry for APRA AMCOS. 

Former Upper Hutt Posse and Moana and the Moahunters singer Teremoana Rapley became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music and television, while Karoline Tamati (Ladi6) was also awarded an MNZM for services to music. 

The Verlaines’ lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Graeme Downes was awarded an MNZM for his services to music and music education. Downes founded The Verlaines about 40 years ago and was a senior lecturer in music at the University of Otago for two decades. 

Tanya Muagututi’a and Posenai Mavaega, both integral members of award-winning arts company Pacific Underground have also been made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit for their services to Pacific performing arts.

Judy Livingston, who has held multiple roles with Gisborne Concert Band since the 1970s, received a QSM for services to music and the community. Since 2000 Livingston has delivered a free public concert series throughout January each year.