A renowned Kiwi musician and an acclaimed sports star are among 14 people recognised at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Auckland today.
Mike Chunn was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music and mental health awareness, while Ivan Vicelich was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Chunn, a former member of Split Enz and Citizen Band, established the Play it Strange Trust to encourage school kids to write songs.
Kimbra, who went on to success for her duet with Australian musician Gotye, was once a contestant in the Play it Strange songwriting competition.Chunn and his family attended the ceremony today, where he said it was a "special day".
"From my point of view, it's justification for the purpose of my life in Play it Strange, which is to see songwriting acknowledged, understood, respected and celebrated."Chunn struggled with agoraphobia and has been involved in promoting mental health awareness, particularly men's mental health, which he was recognised for today.
"To have a phobic disorder is the most appalling illness really," he said."Their ailment needs to respected, I'm just part of that wheel moving."Chunn said since being part of the "Like Minds Like Mine" campaign he had been approached by people on the street to share their story about a phobic disorder.
