Gillian Davies has spent much of the past 50 years changing the lives of hundreds of children, through theatre.

Miss Davies' dedication to the amateur theatre culture of Hawke's Bay has earned her a Queen's Service Medal in this year's New Year Honours List.

The 68-year-old's relationship with theatre started when she was just 13, with a starring role in the Napier Repertory Society show Hotel Paradiso. Miss Davies is a life member of the Napier Operatic Society, where she has directed many hit shows including Cats, 42nd Street, Les Miserables and Bugsy Malone _ which involved 60 children and raised $70,000 to support those with child cancer.

In 2009, she directed Miss Saigon, staged at the Napier Municipal Theatre.

As well as training hundreds of young people, she has developed programmes to train and support emerging directors.
She also received an Outstanding Women's Award from the Napier City Council in recognition of her service to the arts in the Napier community.

”Theatre isn't just about entertainment. It educates and informs. It has the ability to change people's lives.''

In 2009, she directed Miss Saigon, staged at the Napier Municipal Theatre.

As well as training hundreds of young people, she has developed programmes to train and support emerging directors.

She also received an Outstanding Women's Award from the Napier City Council in recognition of her service to the arts in the Napier community.

”Theatre isn't just about entertainment. It educates and informs. It has the ability to change people's lives."