Sue Paterson
Senior New Zealander of the Year
2017
Ryman Healthcare
Senior New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Sue Paterson was a legend in the dance and arts sector in New Zealand from her beginnings as the manager of Limbs Dance Company to her taking the reins at the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company and more recently at the New Zealand Festival where, as the Executive Director, she has built the festival into an event that bought more than $100 million into Wellington last year.
She was inspirational with positivity, enthusiasm and brilliance as an arts manager creating enormous impact in leading New Zealand arts organisations, producing astonishing financial turnarounds, audience growth and clever programming with great ideas and a great understanding and experience of touring New Zealand, successfully delivering four New Zealand Festivals, five Jazz Festivals, four Lexus Song Quests and the exceptionally successful Edinburgh Tattoo.
Sue had belief in the arts and was patient, creating better lives for those who participate and witness great art a true taonga of the arts, a passionate woman of influence and a proud New Zealander.
Unfortunately Sue passed away not long after receiving her Award.
