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AlanSmythe

  • Writer
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Alan Smythe is the impresario behind long-running family concert Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. His diverse CV includes being founding editor of the London Review of Books, playing cello for the Paris Opera, and hosting TV talent quest The Big Time. Behind the scenes, he adapted short stories for pioneering drama series Winners & Losers and About Face, and worked with director Roger Donaldson on some of his earliest films — including co-directing a film with him about motorcycle racer Geoff Perry. In 2001 Smythe became the founding head of Auckland University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts. 

Screenography

Stadium Spectacular 2002
2002 Director Television
2000 Event Director Television
The Big Time
2000 - 2001 Presenter Series
Prime Living
1998 - 2001 Subject Series
Christmas in the Park
1997 - 2026 Event Director Series

Awards

2025 Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
For services to the community and philanthropy

“What they seemed to be looking for was a bridge between the university and the real world. In terms of audiences I have put together the biggest performing arts events in the country.”

Alan Smythe, on his appointment as head of Auckland University's School of Creative and Performing Arts (Scapa), The NZ Herald, 28 January 2001