Musician Mahinarangi Tocker is one of many artists recognised for their contribution to New Zealand in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

"Sound and music has always been my favourite way to communicate. I love how music can create self-understanding and therefore lead to kinder communication with people who come into my life," said Tocker.Musician Mahinarangi Tocker is one of many artists recognised for their contribution to New Zealand in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

"Sound and music has always been my favourite way to communicate. I love how music can create self-understanding and therefore lead to kinder communication with people who come into my life," said Tocker.Tocker was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to music.

She featured in the first Like Minds, Like Mine TV ads and now works at the Mental Health Foundation to help to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

"Music making and word play is a huge part of my everyday life and the safest therapy for me to immerse myself in as a way to wear my experiences of mental distress. Music has helped me to keep my negative thoughts as just that, thoughts. It's a good feeling for me."

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements said Tocker's willingness to use her own experiences in a frank and honest way is exemplary.

"Her talents as an artist are matched by a passion for eliminating the discrimination often experienced by people with experience of mental illness."

She said it was important for people recovering from mental illness to find an approach that suits them including taking the time to do things that are important to you.

Tocker and other musicians and artists featured heavily in this year's list. See below for the list of creative New Zealanders honoured for their work.

THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT

P.C.N.Z.M. - Principal Companion

Dame Malvina Lorraine MAJOR, D.B.E., of Christchurch.
For services to opera.

D.C.N.Z.M. - Distinguished Companions

Mr Peter Graham SIDDELL, Q.S.O., of Auckland.
For services to art.

C.N.Z.M. - Companions

Mr Robin Langford KAY, of Wellington.
For services to art and military history.

O.N.Z.M. - Officers

Ms Judith Mildred deVisme FYFE, of Wellington.
For services to oral history and journalism.

Mrs Christine Mary HAINSTOCK, of Christchurch.
For services to the arts and the community.

Mr David Alexander McPHAIL, Q.S.M., of Christchurch.
For services to television and the theatre.

Mr Gordon Desmond MOLLER, of Auckland.
For services to architecture.

M.N.Z.M - Members

Ms Gillian Rosemary ANSELL, of Wellington.
For services to music.

Mr William (Bill) Franklin CULBERT, of London, United Kingdom.
For services to art, in particular sculpture.

Mr Stuart Forbes DEVENIE, of Auckland.
For services to entertainment.

Mr John Lockett DEVLIN, of Corrimal, New South Wales, Australia.
For services to entertainment.

Mr Stephen John STEHLIN, of Auckland.
For services to Pacific Island television broadcasting and the arts.

Ms Annah Rae STRETTON, of Morrinsville.
For services to business, fashion and the community.

Ms Mahinarangi TOCKER, of Waitakere.
For services to music.

Mr Raymond Frederick WOOLF, of Kaitaia.
For services to entertainment.

THE QUEEN'S SERVICE ORDER

Q.S.O. - Companions

Mr Lynn Ross BUBLITZ, J.P., of New Plymouth.
For services to local body affairs, arts, education and the community.

THE QUEEN'S SERVICE MEDAL -Q.S.M.

Mrs Margaret Mary BROWNSEY, of Tokoroa. For services to the arts, local body affairs and the community.

Mrs Pauline Mary HILL, J.P., of Napier. For services to music and the community.

Mrs Margaret Ann LAWLOR-BARTLETT, of North Shore. For services to art.

Mrs Putiputi Reremoana MACKEY, of Wellington. For services to Maori performing arts and Maori.

Mr Jack Basil REGISTER, of Palmerston North. For services to art and music.

Mrs Lenore Marion SUMPTER, of North Shore. For services to women and the arts.

11/01/08