(L-R) President Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Recipient George Henare, Host Miriama Smith.
Equity New Zealand is thrilled to announce that George Henare is the recipient of the 2018 Equity NZ Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Ryman Healthcare.
During a distinguished career spanning 50 years, George has been seen on stage, film, and television, and heard on radio and talking book.
On stage George has played everyone from Ratty, Dracula and Snoopy to Lear, Lenin and Caesar. On screen, his extensive resume spans 70s TV landmark The Governor, 90s classic Once Were Warriors, and an award-winning role on 2010's Kaitangata Twitch.
George has been touring Australia since 2016 playing Sultan in Disney’s hit musical theatre production Aladdin.
George was nominated for this award by New Zealand performers and selected by the board of Equity New Zealand.
Equity NZ President Jennifer Ward-Lealand described George as pure delight to watch and work with: “As a performer he leads by example; hard working, diligent, consistent, imaginative and versatile. As a member of the community George is engaged, passionate and principled.
As well as his impressive body of work in Australia and New Zealand, his generosity and good humour are legendary. Also, he’s always the first to volunteer for a fundraising event! A very well-deserved accolade for a leading light of our industry”.
Since its inception, the Equity New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award has been made possible with the generous support of Ryman Healthcare. Previous recipients include Elizabeth McRae, Dame Kate Harcourt and Ken Blackburn.
Ryman Healthcare Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod said George Henare had brought huge pleasure to audiences over many decades. “George is a New Zealand treasure and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to support this award for him. He thoroughly deserves it and the recognition it brings for his stellar career.’’
George will be honoured at an awards ceremony in Auckland in October.
The Equity Foundation and Equity New Zealand thanks Ryman Healthcare for their support of this award.