book coverActress who appeared on the stage as well as on television and in films in England, Australia and New Zealand. 

Arts Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson paid the tribute to her life and career on the occasion of her death

"Dame Pat Evison was one of our most well-known and well-loved actresses for her television roles in groundbreaking series, but she was also a pioneer in New Zealand theatre," Mr Finlayson said. "She was one of the first New Zealand theatre students to receive a scholarship to study overseas, at the Old Vic Theatre School in London."

"She was also an important part of television history in this country, acting in Pukemanu, the first continuing drama series ever produced in New Zealand.

Dame Pat acted in a number of early Downstage Theatre productionsn in Wellington. Her performance in the Samuel Beckett play Happy Days was described by director Bruce Mason as the "finest event in New Zealand Theatre".

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