Grant
ROBERTSON
Arts, Culture and Heritage Spokesperson
4 July 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Campion made extraordinary contribution
The Labour Party is mourning the death of one of the founding fathers of the New Zealand theatre scene, Richard Campion.
“Richard was a pivotal figure in the development of theatre in New Zealand,” Labour’s Arts, Culture and Heritage
spokesperson Grant Robertson said.
“He founded the New Zealand Players, the first professional theatre company, and was involved in the establishment of
the National Youth Drama School.
“When he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004 it was a fitting recognition of a lifetime of
dedication and commitment to the arts.”
“Without people like Richard Campion, New Zealand would not have developed a sense of its own identity through the arts.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this time. They should know that Richard’s contribution was extraordinary and he
will be fondly remembered by those who knew and worked with him.”
ENDS