NZ Festival Promoter Honoured

Shirley May, main organiser of the Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival and Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival, was honoured Nov. 8 for her contribution to the entertainment industry.

Both festivals inject NZ$1 million ($816,500) into the local economy.

May received a standing ovation when bestowed the Scroll of Honour by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand during the Benny Awards in Auckland.

Over 20 years, the 61-year-old beef farmer helped organize 43 festivals for little financial remuneration. She has also been a member of the Little Tennessee Country Music Club in Kawakawa for the past 32 years.

“I thought I’d stop at 60 but I’ve got another 10 years in me,” she said.