Laurie Mills KSM Celebrated for Over 50 Years in Theatre

Laurie Mills KSM, a prominent figure in the east Auckland theatre community, has been awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for his extensive contributions to the performing arts. This recognition, announced in March 2023, highlights Mills’ dedication to theatre, a passion he has nurtured for over five decades.

Born in Upper Hutt in 1948, Mills’ journey in the performing arts began at a young age. He attended Oxford Crescent School and Heretaunga College, where the introduction of theatre and music as extracurricular activities sparked his interest. Mills reflects on this time, stating, “It was great timing for me,” marking the start of a lifelong commitment to the arts.

After leaving school, Mills embarked on a career with the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation, which was the country’s only radio and television provider at the time. His initial internship covered various aspects of broadcasting, but an opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom led him to leave the program early. Upon returning to New Zealand in 1972, he joined Air New Zealand as a finance clerk, where he spent the next 43 years in various roles, primarily in training and procedure documentation.

Mills describes his time at Air New Zealand as transformative, stating, “I was part of the migration from pens to massive dot-matrix printers to the electronic version we know today.” His work with the airline allowed him to travel extensively and play a part in significant industry advancements, such as the airline’s entry into the Star Alliance.

Impact on Local Theatre Scene

Theatre has always been Mills’ passion. His involvement with Howick Little Theatre (HLT) and the Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre has been particularly significant. He has directed approximately 40 productions and acted in many more, finding joy in the collaborative nature of theatre. “Theatre work is a great leveller,” he notes, highlighting how it unites people from diverse backgrounds.

Mills was humbled by the recognition he received through the New Year Honours. “It was very enriching to receive messages of congratulation from former students and others all over the world,” he shared. His colleagues and friends played a crucial role in nominating him for this honour, an effort he deeply appreciates.

When asked about his most memorable achievements, Mills recalls his role as The Common Man in *A Man For All Seasons* and his directorial work on *Dancing At Lughnasa*. “Each production has brought unique experiences and memories,” he adds, emphasizing the joy of mentoring young talent.

Vision for the Future of the Arts

Despite his achievements, Mills believes that the arts in New Zealand require greater support and recognition at the national level. He expresses concern over the diminishing focus on the arts, noting, “The halcyon days when the Prime Minister was also Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage are sadly over.” Mills urges for a renewed commitment to the arts, emphasizing that creative individuals are often adept managers of time and resources.

In his free time, Mills enjoys visiting Musick Point, a location he describes as a personal favorite. He appreciates the art deco architecture and the stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. Watching community theatre productions across Auckland is also a beloved pastime.

As Mills reflects on his journey, he remains grateful for the connections he has made through theatre. “As I’ve aged into my late 70s, I’m very grateful that theatre work keeps me in touch with our young people,” he concludes. With his extensive experience and unwavering passion, Mills continues to inspire the next generation of artists in New Zealand.