Equity congratulates all members who have been nominated in the Dunedin Theatre Awards, to be held on 7 December 2015:

Male Performer of the Year: Hamish Annan (Punk Rock), Simon O'Connor (The War Play), and Taylor Barrett (Punk Rock).

Female Performer of the Year: Jacque Drew (Time Stands Still) and Torum Heng (Time Stands Still).

Production of the Year: Time Stands Still and Punk Rock.

The Actors' Program class of 2015 have made a 100% Equity film - The Engagement Party - starring an all Equity cast of Frank Borrell, Joe Nathan, Albertine Jonas, Mel Odedra, Anna Baird, Emily Campbell, James Russell, Ruby Lyon, Paul Trimmer, Chelsea Belle, Cally Castell, Holly Hudson, Timmie Cameron, Dion Greenstreet, and Brie Hill. Associate producers are Equity board members Natalie Beran and Grae Burton and the film was directed by Equity member Kathy McRae.

The Wellington Theatre Awards are on 6 December 2015. Congratulations to all the Equity members nominated:

Best Actor - Rob Mokaraka (All Our Sons)

Best Director - Maiava Nathaniel Lees (All Our Sons), Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (Ache)

Production of the Year - All Our Sons

Most Original Production - All Our Sons

Most Promising Male Newcomer - Jack Buchanan (Long Ago, Long Ago)

Best Supporting Male Actor - Jack Buchanan (A Servant To Two Masters), Simon O'Connor (Gifted)

Most Promising Female Newcomer - Carrie Green (Conversations With My Penis) and Harriet Prebble (Gifted)

Best Supporting Actress - Harriet Prebble (Gifted) and Susie Berry (2080)

Most Promising New Director - Miriama McDowell

Outstanding New Playwright - Jess Sayer (of the Equity national performers' committee)

Outstanding Performance of the Year - Kathleen Burns (A Servant To Two Masters), Andrew Laing (Gifted), Renee Lyons (Ache)

Equity New Zealand is thrilled to announce that Dame Kate Harcourt is the recipient of the 2015 Equity Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Ryman Healthcare.

Dame Kate’s professional career began in the 1960s on children’s radio programs. Over the last five decades Dame Kate has worked extensively in film, theatre, television and radio.

Equity President Jennifer Ward-Lealand says: “I cannot think of a more worthy recipient for our first Lifetime Achievement Award.  Kate epitomises what this award is all about; honouring those who inspire us not only with the longevity and calibre of their acting careers, but also with their kindness, humility, good grace and generosity as mentors.”

Dame Kate was nominated by New Zealand performers and selected by the board of Equity New Zealand.

Of Dame Kate’s selection from an impressive list of nominees Equity Board member and Vice President Tandi Wright says:  “Dame Kate has tirelessly and consistently thrown herself into this profession with passion, mana and a delicious sharp wit.  She was a pioneer for women in the industry in her youth and remains a constant inspiration to us all.”

The Equity New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award is made possible with the generous support of Ryman Healthcare. Ryman Healthcare Managing Director Simon Challies says Dame Kate is a deserving winner.

“She’s had a stellar career and been a huge influence on generations of actors. I think this accolade for Dame Kate will strike a chord with our residents and we are delighted to be able to support it.”

ALL WELCOME