Jamie Mackay has been awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to broadcasting and the rural community in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Mackay was referred to in the notes as a pioneer of rural radio with his New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) program The Country celebrating its 30th anniversary last month.

The Country with Jamie Mackay

It was also noted that in Mackay’s role as rural New Zealand’s voice to mainstream media, whenever he would MC regional events he would donate all his fees to charities. He is an advocate for mental health and wellbeing support and initiatives too. Hundreds turned out for a special 30-year anniversary event in Southland.

Michael Boggs, CEO of NZME said:

“This is such a well-deserved honour for Jamie. He has created a tight knit community through The Country, growing it from something he started on his farm in Riversdale 30 years ago to what it is now as New Zealand’s flagship agricultural show. Jamie plays a hugely important role in connecting with our rural communities and has given so much more of himself through other activities and events too. We’re absolutely thrilled to see him celebrated in the King’s Birthday Honours today.”

Rowena Duncum, NZME Commercial Lead – Rural and previous Executive Producer for The Country, said:

“Having worked alongside Jamie for the past eight years, including six as his producer, I know just how much he values the opportunity to give voice to rural matters every day. But this goes beyond just ‘doing his job.’ From normalising the conversation around rural mental health and advocating for the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme as its ambassador, through to holding politicians and leaders to account, for more than 30 years, Jamie has kept rural New Zealand at the heart of everything he does. I’m delighted he has been honoured today – it is so very well deserved.”

The Country with Jamie Mackay broadcasts across NZME radio stations including Newstalk ZB, GOLD SPORT, Hokonui and on iHeartRadio.