Since arriving in Palmerston North in the 1970s, Susan McConachy has taught hundreds of locals to play the piano, encouraged people facing all kinds of obstacles to get involved in the arts, and helped to save the city's much-loved, historic Regent Theatre. Susan's a formidable fundraiser, spearheading a campaign that raised well over $1.7 million for the Regent on Broadway's extensive renovations as well as its prized Steinway grand piano. This dedicated arts advocate and educator is one of the region's 2021 Civic Award winners. Susan tells Lynn Freeman she still loves teaching the piano.