Salute for music festival founders

Chris and Mark De Jong. Photo / Greg Bowker

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When they first set up a Christian music festival, husband and wife team Chris and Mark De Jong thought it would be a fun place for a few people to spend a weekend.

But the Parachute Music Festival grew and grew.

"It just grew year on year. It's certainly much bigger than we ever thought it would be," said Mr De Jong.

The De Jongs have been awarded Queen's Service Medals for their services to music since establishing Parachute Music in 1989.

Mr De Jong is responsible for strategy and planning while Mrs De Jong is in charge of the creative direction.

"Working with your spouse is probably the strongest thing you can do in that you have a common vision, but it's also one of the most difficult things to do because it means you're working on stuff together all the time," said Mr De Jong,

He said it was a strange feeling to receive the award. "Our first thought was we felt too young to be given an award like this."

The couple work with a large group of people who have been involved in music for the last 20 years, and Mr De Jong said it was a nice recognition of their achievements.

Parachute Music is a charitable trust which aims to encourage and develop young Christian musicians in churches around New Zealand.

"In the last 20 years we have really seen a great development in the music coming out of churches, both music being played within churches and also how many Christians are in the mainstream music world. We like to think we have a part in that."

As well as a charity and festival, Parachute has grown into a record label and a management and booking service for artists.

The Parachute Music Festival began in 1991 when 1200 fans came to a venue in Waikanae. This holiday weekend, more than 25,000 concert goers, both Christian and non-Christian, are packing into Mystery Creek, Hamilton, for the festival.

Mr De Jong said the growth had come from mainstream New Zealanders falling in love with the music and artists.

"People also like the fact that it's a festival with a great atmosphere and you can come spend the weekend. It's non-threatening; it's a pretty safe place to be."