Board Chair’s Award honours Mark Laurent for outstanding achievements

The RNZFB Board Chair’s Award is presented each year to a blind, deafblind, or low vision client who has achieved at an exceptional level in any field.

The 2024 recipient was professional musician, songwriter, and poet Mark Laurent, recognised for his important contributions to New Zealand’s music scene.

Board Chair Clive Lansink announced the award at the Board’s AGM, explaining his choice:

“I had a good handful of strong nominations to think about, but I was moved to give the award to Mark, not just recognising his outstanding musical and artistic talent, but also his commitment to pursuing his craft with excellence and strong values over more than fifty years.”

With over 200 original songs to his name, Mark explores themes of faith and social connection. He tours nationwide, performing music imbued with authenticity and passion. Among his many creative ventures, Mark is also the author of the children’s book Rufus and the Rain, available in the Blind Low Vision NZ Library (Book Number 053156).

“I’ve written a lot of songs over the last few decades,” Mark says.

“They’re not necessarily Christian songs…But if you have some core beliefs in your life, they tend to sneak through, whether you want them to or not.”

The award was officially presented on 31 January 2025 at the Blind Low Vision NZ Parnell office. Mark’s accomplishments stand alongside a distinguished list of past winners, including Gene Gibson in 2023, Chris Orr in 2022, and Maria Stevens in 2021, all of whom exemplify talent, passion and hard work.

Since 1986, the Board Chair’s Award has shone a light on exceptional individuals who inspire others by showing what is possible.