Other News

This part of the website contains other noteworthy news about the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc and its members, that is not specifically event / Showcase night focused.

Benny Awards Winners 2023

The black-tie event was held at Tote on Ascot on Sunday 8th October 2023. The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2023 Benny Awards.

Agnew Award for Excellence: Gary Brown

Castaways Resorts Top Group Award: Abba Heaven

Fullers Entertainment Award: Stewart & Tricia McPherson – Stetson Productions

Gary Daverne Classical Music Award: Shan Liu

International Achievement Award: Kaylee Bell

Lou Clauson Top Variety Artist Award: Pip Milford-Hughes

NZ Entertainment Academy Top Musician Award: Dan Cosgrove

Pacific Entertainment Top Female Artist Award: Vanessa Abernethy

Pat McMinn Rising Star Award: Tayla Alexander

Patron’s Award: Nick Jones

Pub Charity Top Male Artist Award: Nic Kyle

Rielly Comedy Award: Tom Sainsbury

Showcase Entertainment Award: Mark Taipari

Benny Award: Jodi Vaughan

VAC Scrolls of Honour:

Joy Adams

Geraldine Brophy

Josh Cesan

Aly Cook

Murray Lindsay

Mike McCarthy

Danny Phillips

Presidents Medallion: Merv Thomas, Bernie Allen, Guy Cater.

President’s Distinction Award: Bob Campbell Dennis Harvard

Photos from the night can be found on our VAC Photo Gallery page. Photos by Steve Bone Photography.