Tina Cross

Tina Cross ONZM is one of New Zealand's most accomplished and enduring singers and performers, with a career spanning more than 50 years across music, television and stage.

She first came to national prominence after winning the 1979 Pacific Song Contest with "Nothing But Dreams", launching a long and successful career in popular music.

Her voice became familiar to New Zealand audiences through her performance of the original theme for the iconic television drama Shortland Street, embedding her work into the country's cultural identity.

In the 1980s she achieved international success as the lead singer of the Australian synth-pop group Koo De Tah, best known for the hit single "Too Young for Promises", a major chart success in Australia and New Zealand.

She later joined fellow New Zealand performers Jackie Clarke and Suzanne Lynch to form the vocal group The Lady Killers, widely acclaimed for their live performances and distinctive vocal harmonies.

On stage she has starred in major musical theatre productions including Cats and Wicked, further demonstrating her versatility and longevity as a performer.

In recognition of her services to music, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2007.

Today Tina Cross is recognised as a respected and enduring figure in New Zealand entertainment, with a significant contribution to music, television and live performance.

Awards and honours: Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), 2007, for services to music; Benny Award, Variety Artists Club of New Zealand, 2014, for lifetime achievement in live entertainment; Johnny O'Keefe Encouragement Award (MO Awards, Australia) for live performance excellence; NEOA / Rising Star Award, 1978, for early career recognition.