Mike Chunn Explained

Jonathan Michael Chunn (born 8 June 1952 in London) is a former member of the New Zealand bands Split Enz[1] and Citizen Band. He performed alongside his brother Geoff Chunn in both bands. His musical performing career was cut short due to agoraphobia.

Chunn spent eleven years as Director of New Zealand operations for the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), retiring from the role at the end of October 2003. He was CEO of Play It Strange Trust until November 2023, which encourages teenagers to try songwriting, and which he founded in April 2004.[2]

He has published several books, including the Split Enz biography Stranger Than Fiction.

In the 2002 Queen's Birthday and Golden Jubilee Honours, Chunn was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to music.[3] He was promoted to Companion of the same order in the 2015 New Year Honours, for services to music and mental health awareness.[4]

Chunn has been involved in numerous endeavours, including founding the Play it Strange Trust.

In 2016, he was presented with a Scroll of Honour from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand for services to New Zealand entertainment.[5]

Books

Notes and References

  1. News: Twelve Questions: Mike Chunn. 27 March 2014. The New Zealand Herald. 21 July 2019.
  2. News: Musician Mike Chunn's Favourite Things. Burton. Sophie. 7 December 2014. The New Zealand Herald. 21 July 2019.
  3. Web site: Queen's Birthday and Golden Jubilee honours list 2002 . 3 June 2002 . Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet . 25 June 2020.
  4. Web site: New Year honours list 2015 . 31 December 2014 . Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet . 14 January 2018.
  5. Web site: Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc, 2016 Awards. 13 May 2013 .