Shaw thing
In pride of place on the wall of Andrew Shaw’s study is a framed medal and citation for Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, ONZM. Awarded in 2001 for services to broadcasting, the medal is one of the few things, other than his family and dog Lily, that Shaw says he would save if his elegant Auckland home caught fire. On close inspection, the ONZM is not Shaw’s; the honour was awarded to his friend Peter Sinclair, host of programmes ranging from Happen Inn to Mastermind. Sinclair already had a ton of life and work experience under his belt when he offered Shaw, then 22, advice that led to his own enduring career in television.
Although Shaw has yet to receive a royal gong, he will be recognised by his peers later this month with the Television Legend Award, an honour he gently mocks. “It could be ‘hello, you’re a cockroach, but we’ll call you a legend’.”
Shaw talked to the at the home he has shared for 30 years with his wife, Karen Sims. Their four children are adults who have long flown the coop.
