Paul Ellis (left) and David Hartnell (right) Music producer Paul Ellis and gossip columnist David Hartnell have been awarded Queen's Birthday honours for their work in the entertainment industry. The men are among 169 people who have been included in the annual list of New Zealanders who have made an impact in their fields or communities. Ellis has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the music industry, which he has worked in for more than 25 years. The pinnacle of his career was working for Sony and ATV Music in New York, after which he returned home and judged first New Zealand Idol and then New Zealand's Got Talent. The music lover, who is among the gay New Zealanders who have been unceremoniously outed in Sunday newspapers, recently co-organised the Band Together Concert for Canterbury, which was New Zealand's largest outdoor concert. Hartnell, who is also being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, has recently released his memoir which tell of his career as a gossip columnist. After representing New Zealand as a roller skater he became a make-up artist, which gave him access to celebrities and their stories. He has since written regular columns and compiled his annual best and worst dressed list. In 1996 Hartnell was one of the presenters of Express Report, which is described in the honours list as being "an alternative lifestyle television show". It was in fact New Zealand's first dedicated gay TV programme. Hartnell says for the first time in his life he is totally gobsmacked. "Who said you couldn't make a living at gossiping let alone be honoured for it. I'm completely humbled and honoured by becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entertainment." Hartnell lives in Auckland with his partner Somboon Khansuk.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 6th June 2011 - 6:00am