Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Notes

Since training at Auckland’s influential Theatre Corporate, New Zealand actor Jennifer Ward-Lealand has worked extensively in theatre, film and television for over 40 years. She has excelled in both dramatic and comedic roles, as well as numerous roles in musical theatre and cabaret. She is a fully qualified Intimacy Coordinator (Intimacy on Set, UK) and has worked on over 40 productions spanning TV drama, comedy, feature film, theatre and opera. Jennifer is in demand as a tutor of masterclasses for actors, singers and choirs. Jennifer was a founding board member of the Watershed Theatre and a co-founder of The Large Group and The Actors’ Program. She is currently President of Equity New Zealand, Patron of Q Theatre, Te Manu Tīoriori Trust and Theatre New Zealand, and serves as a trust board member of the Actors Benevolent Fund. She was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2007 "for serivices to theatrea and the community" and as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) "for services to film, theatre and television" in the 2019 New Year's Honours list. Jennifer has been a keen student of te reo Maori since 2008, and in 2017, she was gifted the name Te Atamira (The Stage) by Sir Timoti Karetu and Te Wharehuia Milroy. A W A R D S AND APPOINTMENTS 2020: Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2019: Women of Influence Award, Arts & Culture 2019: Award of Excellence: Actress Accolade Global Film Competition 2019: Best Actress (Feature) for Vermilion Los Angeles Film Awards 2019: Appointment as Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit "for services to film, theatre and television" 2018: SPADA/Data Book Industry Champion 2018: VAC Scroll of Honour Variety Artists Club of New Zealand