Our Master of Ceremonies becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Venkat Raman (Indian Newslink)
Auckland, June 4, 2018
If you have attended the Sixth and Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards both held at SkyCity Convention Centre respectively in 2013 and 2016, you would have applauded the superb way in which Jackie Clarke, our Master of Ceremonies conducted the proceedings.
If you have not been with us, you should try to do so at the Eleventh Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards to be held on Monday, November 26, 2018 at the same venue.
Jackie Clarke will return as our Master of Ceremonies to entertain you.
Right now, she deserves a round of applause from all of us.
For, Jacqueline Emma Clarke has been appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to the entertainment industry.
Entertainer par excellence
Her exuberant stage presence, ability to ‘play games and pranks’ with Prime Ministers, Ministers and Members of Parliament, prompting them to dance and laugh on stage, makes her an entertainer par excellence.
At our Awards Night held on November 28, 2016, which was the last public event for John Key as Prime Minister (he surprised us with his sudden resignation eight days later) was in his elements, while Andrew Little, the then Leader of the Opposition, did a ‘shake and a twist,’ while the then Revenue Minister danced along with her on stage.
High Standard and Elegance
Described as ‘Entertainer Extraordinaire of Stage, Screen and Studio,’ Jackie is one of the most popular figures in show business as well as programmes of high standard and elegance. As well as the ‘Skitz,’ a TV3 hit comedy series, numerous television shows (including Saturday Live, Nightline and Options) she has appeared in a number of television advertisements for Lotto and Electoral Roll.
Jackie also wrote and presented ‘Wise Women,’ a documentary and a song for TV One’s ‘Work of Art. Her versatile vocal chords have mastered opera at the Mercury, Cole Porter at Downstage and Country N Western.
Apart from crooning at ‘Christmas in the Park,’ she has toured and recorded with Annie Crummer, Putty, The Netherworld Dancing Toys, Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Brass Quintet.
More about Jackie Clarke
The Honours List released today for Queen’s Birthday, said that Jackie Clarke has been in New Zealand’s entertainment industry for more than 35 years.
“In the 1980s Ms Clarke co-founded iconic pop comedy group ‘When The Cat’s Been Spayed,’ releasing two albums and touring the country for ten years. For the past twelve years, she has been a part of acclaimed vocal group ‘The Lady Killers.’
“Individually, she has toured with artistes such as Dave Dobbyn and Annie Crummer, and recorded with artistes such as The Darlings, Don McGlashan, Midge Marsden, Mika and Jan Hellriegel.
“Her stage career has included starring in large-scale productions of ‘Joseph,’ ‘Mamma Mia,’ ‘Anything Goes,’ ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘Mum’s the Word,’ as well as premieres of New Zealand works such as ‘The Underwatermelon Man,’ ‘C The Musical,’ ‘Dominion Road’ and ‘Hairy Maclary.’ She has performed with all of New Zealand’s major orchestras, was a regular fixture at Auckland’s Christmas in the Park concerts, and has been part of the Jubilation gospel choir for 18 years.
“Her television work includes acting in the comedy series ‘Skitz’ and its spinoff ‘The Semisis,’ presenting documentaries such as ‘Wise Women and Song,’ ‘War Songs’ and ‘Twins,’ hosting ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and judging ‘Showcase’ and ‘New Zealand Idol.’
“Ms Clarke is a New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation Ambassador and a host of the annual ‘Kids For Kids’ National Concert series.
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Photo Caption:
- Jackie Clarke, our Master of Ceremonies at the Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards, held on November 18, 2013 at SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland
- Jackie hides behind a beaming John Key in an improvised act at the Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards held on November 28, 2016 at SkyCity Convention Centre
- Andrew Little does a twist and a shake with Jackie Clarke at the Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards held on November 28, 2016 at SkyCity Convention Centre
(Pictures for Indian Newslink by Creative Infographics)
