EventsUpdate OCTOBER 2016 NEW SEMINAR SERIES ANNOUNCD— See page 3
editorial@nzaep.co.nz — New Zealand Association of Event Professionals, c/o P O Box 3798, Auckland 1140 ISSN 1179-3678 — Subscription is a member exclusive benefit — contact info@nzaep.co.nz for details
ETF16 CONFERENCE WRAP UP— See page 4
TAUPO WINS EVENT CITY AWARD— See page 7
FROM THE CEO
New Seminar Series Announced! We’re so pleased to be launching into a new season of seminars for our members - following this week’s Suppliers Networking Seminar in Auckland will be our Strategic Planning Regional Seminar Series hitting Rotorua, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland over November and early December (see page 3 for details). This series is about the big picture thinking for your events – it is too easy to
get caught up in the ‘doing’ of event delivery and vision and strategy can be lost or stagnate – that’s if they were ever there at all! These are hands-on, half day seminars delivered by Craig Jones, founder of Visitor Solutions. Craig has extensive experience in strategic planning, need analysis, business optimisation and much more – he’s the guru of big picture thinking. The
seminars will utilise the new Strategic and Business Planning for Events module of the Major Events Resource Bank, so will also be a great introduction to this amazing resource for those not familiar with it. Thanks to the generous support of New Zealand Major Events, this session is only $25.00 per member. Please make sure you check out pages 9 & 10 for the first
of our Regional Rep updates – news snippets from our industry insiders around the country. Please make yourself known to your local Regional Rep, they are here to work with you and enhance your NZAEP membership with local touchpoint. I look forward to catching up with many of you at the upcoming seminars! Vicki Watson CEO, NZAEP
CONTACT
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We bring 360° analysis and 20/20 vision to every security, customer service or event management project. It’s a quality of thinking that sets P4G apart and protects you and your customers.
COVER: The restoration of the Issac Theatre Royal has proved a winner for the popular performance venue. See page 13 for the story.
Events Update, October 2016
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Rotorua – Wednesday, 16th November Christchurch – Tuesday, 29th November Wellington – Wednesday, 30th November Auckland – Friday, 2nd December
Regional Seminar Series: Strategic Planning for Events The seminar will utilise the new ‘Strategic and Business Planning for Events’ module that has just been completed for the Major Events Resource Bank. Are you planning for events with the same strategic thought process you would apply to a company or launching straight into preparations without considering the bigger picture and what you wish to occur in five years’ time? Feedback from our 2016 Judges of the New Zealand Event Awards indicated that many entries didn’t do strategic planning well enough. This seminar is hands on. You’ll receive practical templates and guidelines, checklists and examples and have time to consider your own event. What is your vision? What is your strategy for achieving that vision? What are your KPIs? How will you know you’ve succeeded if you don’t know where you should optimally be? The half day seminar is presented by Craig Jones, founder of Visitor Solutions. He has 20 years’ experience in the leisure, sport, recreation, community development, events, and tourism sectors. Craig has specialised in strategic planning, qualitative and quantitative research, needs analysis, feasibility analysis and business optimisation. Take action to improve the outcome of your event! Kristina Ryan, Senior Policy Advisor NZ Major Events, will also be attending and provide key information on latest developments and activity. $25.00 for members and $50.00 for non-members. VENUES: See www.nzaep.co.nz/seminars for further
details on each city’s venue and timing as well as to register.
Rotorua: Energy Events Centre, Wednesday 16th November, 10.00am – 2.00pm. Christchurch: City Council Building, Tuesday 29th November, 12.30-5.00pm Wellington: PWC, The Terrace, Wednesday 30th
November, 12.30-5.00pm
Auckland: MERW, Lumley Centre, 88 Shortland St, CBD, Friday, 2nd December, 8.30-1.00pm
TICKETS: Due to the generous sponsorship from NZ Major Events, tickets are heavily discounted. $25.00 for members and $50.00 for non-members (inc GST) Book online via www.nzaep.co.nz/seminars or email Wendy, info@nzaep.co.nz CANCELLATIONS: 24 hours’ notice for cancellations must be given to secure a refund.
2016 Conference Wrap-Up: “THANKS for another amazing conference. This was my 5th one and I’m sure they get better each year so thank you for all your hard work pulling it together. The content was amazing, the speakers were very influential and the networking opportunities were invaluable.” Haylee Mutch, Delegate 2016
EVENTING THE FUTURE 2016 in numbers: 246 Delegates, 33 Speakers, 5 Keynotes, 13 Exhibitors. If you missed the annual ETF conference in August, you missed some powerful messages! 246 delegates - a new conference record - came together at the Rendezvous Hotel in Auckland to be inspired, motivated and learn from the best in their fields. With an impressive lineup of speakers, on trend topics and a great mix of event industry professionals, it was two days of sharing, celebration and extreme networking. THREE KEYNOTES THAT MADE THEIR MARK ON DELEGATES International keynote from Indianapolis, Neelay Bhatt, Vice President PROS Consulting Inc. and a sought after TEDx talker, gave us a host of thought provoking messages and ideas all about creating that magical ‘Disney like’ event experience. With a career spanning across three continents, and an approach that focuses on innovation and partnerships, delegates left the session invigorated and charged with new ideas! Tech Guru Vaughn Davis, the founder of The Goat Farm advertising agency, and one of New Zealand’s best-known social media professionals, shared his dynamic vision and startling facts on the need for change to communications and how to remain relevant, be a step ahead of the game and
Events Update, October 2016
surf these waves of change. David Nottage, director of Torque Business and winner of Toastmasters international 2000 was a crowd favorite with his witty takes on delivering the perfect business or personal pitch. He had delegates in the palm of his hand, as he dished out gems in humorous fashion. We wish to acknowledge the contribution of all our national and international speakers who shared their knowledge and intellectual property with us so generously over the two days.
“Great event, speakers, food and yes I did pick up some good contacts. Thanks again.” Dane Botherway, Exhibition Hire
Awesome conference last week! This was my first ETF Conference & thoroughly enjoyed it. Made new friends, connections, & met some new people that I wouldn’t have met in my daily work life. Sam Malage, Senior conference & Events Co-coordinator
“Have come away inspired and reinvigorated as a result of connections with some people I’ve followed on Linkedin for a few years and your selection of speakers.” Michelle Stevens, National Events Manager
NEELAY BHATT, PROS CONSULTING One person in one minute can destroy a magical event experience. Look to deliver fabulous event experiences and how we treat people in a fully inclusive way.
Avoid “ we’ve always done it this way”. Avoid unfulfilled expectations. It’s okay to be “off task if it’s on mission”
The difference between ordinary & extraordinary is just a little extra. It’s the magical person-to-person experiences such as treating everyone like it’s their birthday everyday!
Continued on page 7
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STREAMS THAT PROVIDED TARGETED APPLICATION The two stream options “Business and Leadership” and “Event Design & Production” catered for the different experience levels and roles of delegates providing some focused tools and examples with panels, workshops and interactive discussions.
VAUGHN DAVIS, THE GOAT FARM Discovery is Broken - At a live event if you can convince people of the challenge to step outside their normal environment, you will have nailed it
A new idea is nothing more or less than two current ideas – moulded in different ways - the more diverse and mixed up the better.
Big is broken - It‘s a good time to be small. The tools available to small businesses are just as good as those deployed in big business. Embrace the agility of smallness.
Some overriding take homes from stream sessions included; • LEADERSHIP - Have the ‘right people in your team’ and understand people work because they enjoy it. If you look after yourself and your team then mistakes will be forgiven. • PLACE ACTIVATION - Careful crafting of elements including those that make events accessible builds and engages community. • PARTNERSHIPS - Still an important attribute for event growth. • DISRUPTIVE TECH - The billions of $’s going into virtual reality now will play a big part in events of the future. CELEBRATION OF 15 YEARS LET’S GET NETWORKING The Conference Networking Social Function was a welcome way to end day one coming with a special celebration of ETF’s 15th anniversary. Networking was the focus so after a few short speeches and acknowledgment of our long time supporters (4 individuals who had attended at least 13 of the 15 conferences), delegates enjoyed green screen technology, fabulous food and a glass of bubbles. LOOKING AHEAD TO 2017 – VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT SOON Our sincere thanks go to everyone that made the
Events Update, October 2016
commitment to join us at this year’s ETF conference and hope you enjoyed catching up with familiar faces, networking and making new acquaintances. We would like to thank our partners – particularly our major partners – Sport NZ, NZ Major Events and ATEED/Auckland City but also our supporting sponsors who contributed to the event success. See you all next year! – Announcement soon on the 2017 venue, we hope you put this in your diary early and help spread the word.
SURVEY WINNERS! Congratulations to the following members for winning $100 Vouchers for completing August’s Supplier survey:
Rebecca Martin Nicole Maher Amanda Till Jodine McIntyre Vanessa Fleming Thanks to all members who took the time to complete this survey.
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Official Suppliers Do you need help with your event planning and development? Whether you need assistance with event feasibility research, planning and development or conducting an analysis, our team at Visitor Solutions can help. Being specialists in this field we have been involved with some key major events. We are pleased to be an Official Supplier of the NZAEP and look forward to supporting its members and growing the event sector.
Contact our official supplier for Insurance, Marsh, to receive details of your membership only offer: stuart.hartley@mmc.com
Every day 195,000 PwC people in 157 countries work hard to build strong relationships with others and understand the issues and aspirations that drive them. Over and above our traditional service offerings, PwC New Zealand also has a strong industry focus, with multi-discipline teams dedicated to key industry groups in both global and national markets. For our clients, this means the best local knowledge combined with the broadest global experience. Our partners and staff are dedicated to solving the complex problems businesses are facing in today’s changing market place. Now, more than ever, we have the resources to meet these needs through our truly integrated global network. www.pwc.co.nz
Visit our website for all details on all our supplier members for AV/Technical, Business/Insurance/Legal, Entertainment, Equipment Hire, Security, Signage/Marketing, Staging/Stands/Setup
nzaep.co.nz/suppliers
Events Update, October 2016
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Introducing Your NZAEP Regional Reps: In the September Events Update we introduced the first eight of your Regional Reps, this month we are pleased to introduce three more! Selected for their local knowledge, connections and passion for the sector, your local rep will be co-ordinating networking sessions, feeding back local issues and stories to the Board and identifying and co-ordinating local speaker and seminar opportunities. More Regional Reps will be confirmed in the coming months. Make yourself known to your local rep! To view profiles of all 11 Regional Reps, please visit our website.
Jen Beatty - Canterbury Jennifer has recently joined the Christchurch City Council, managing the events team sponsorship portfolio. Prior to relocating back to New Zealand Jennifer worked at Sony Australia in Sydney in the role of Experiential and Sponsorship Specialist, driving brand awareness and leverage of campaigns within a plethora
Donna Buchanan - Auckland
Jen managed and the implementation of the Sony activations for FIFA World Cup live site in Sydney, The FIFA World Cup campaigns in 2010 and 2014, multiple beach and skate instalments with Billabong, including the Australian Open of Surfing and World Juniors.
Jennifer is passionate about the events industry in Christchurch and is looking forward to developing and bringing new events into the recovering city to reunite the community and provide confidence for international travellers to spend time in the city. Contact Jen: jennifer.beatty@ccc.govt.nz
in Events New Zealand, a monthly gathering bringing together like-minded women in the New Zealand events industry for networking and mentoring opportunities and a monthly tour of Auckland event venues (see page X for details of the October gathering).
Donna is passionate about the opportunities that come from a connected New Zealand events industry.
Martin Croft – Rotorua
Strategy for the city.
Major Events Manager for Rotorua Lakes Council, Martin joined the NZAEP Board as a co-opted member in 2015. Martin has been a key figure in the development of Rotorua as a major events destination, responsible for delivering on the on the Major Events
In his time with Council he has led and been involved with the following events: Rugby World Cup 2011; Rotorua GLO Festival; Rotorua Bike Festival and is currently part of the team developing the inaugural Rotorua mud festival.
Passionate about events and the positive difference they can make on a population, Martin is determined in his role with NZAEP to make a positive difference to the industry as a whole.
As the Aotea Square Account Manager at Auckland Live, Donna has her finger on the pulse of Auckland events, and with over 16 years’ experience of venue and large festival management she knows a few things about the industry. Donna founded Women
Events Update, October 2016
of retail and experiential environments.
Contact Donna: donna@womeninevents.co.nz
Contact Martin: Martin.Croft@rotorualc.nz
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Regional Updates WAIKATO
to-list opportunities.
Janette Douglas, Regional Rep for Cambridge Janette. Douglas@cyclingnewzealand. nz
Event planning: Help on planning an event in the Waipa region is available here: http://www.whatsonwaipa. co.nz/planning-an-event
Waikato/Waipa event resources: Event calendars: If you are looking to find out ‘What’s on or ‘What’s happening’ in the Waipa/Waikato region there are now two great platforms available: http://www. whatsonwaipa.co.nz/ and http://www.hamiltonwaikato. com/events/ both offer free-
WEST COAST Ashley Cassin, Regional Rep for the West Coast ashley@ leftcoastevents.co.nz New events calendar for the Coast: Finally, a comprehensive events calendar for the West Coast is now fully operational via www.westcoast.co.nz/events/. Operated by Tourism West Coast, it is now the go to location for all event listings on the Coast. New Brand for the West Coast: Having recently re branded itself as ‘Untamed natural
Funding: Hamilton City Council offer two types of event sponsorship: 1. Community event sponsorship - for funding up to $5,000; and 2. Event sponsorship – for funding from $5,000 to $100,000. Read more here
http://www.hamilton.govt. nz/our-city/cityevents/ eventfunding/Pages/default. aspx Waipa District Council offers three types of Funding: • District Promotion Fund. • Community Discretionary Fund • Creative Community Read more on each funding type here http://www. whatsonwaipa.co.nz/ planning-an-event
wilderness’, the West Coast is now spreading the message to the rest of the South Island with a 14 metre long moving billboard: www.westcoast. co.nz/news/moving-billboardcoasters-playground-awaits/ #CoastersPlaygroundAwaits Whitebait Festivals abound: The iconic West Coast white gold, whitebait, is being celebrated West Coast wide with four whitebait Festivals rapidly approaching. From the Whitebait Festival Karamea in the north to Whitebait Festival Haast in the south, with events also held in both Westport and Greymouth.
HAWKES BAY Kevin Murphy, Regional Rep for Hawke’s Bay kevinm@napier.govt.nz The Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival runs October 4 to 16. Kevin Murphy, Napier City Council’s Event Manager and NZAEP Regional Rep, says the festival organisers have compiled “an awesome programme” which gives Hawke’s Bay residents plenty
Events Update, October 2016
The latest from our team of NZAEP Regional Reps
of choice. “We know it’s going to be a thrilling couple of weeks, so our suggestion is to book early – the incredible reviews coming out around shows like The White Guitar mean tickets will be in hot demand. We are certainly looking forward to seeing this one ourselves – it will no doubt be one of this year’s festival highlights.” www.hbaf.co.nz
2016 Indo Pacific Trampoline & Tumbling Championships will be hosted at Napier’s Pettigrew Green Arena, 21 to 25 October. Returning to New Zealand for only the second time since the first Indo Pacific Championships were held in Australia in 1991, the event will be a spectacle of top Trampoline talent.
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“The WRAF members are confident the events being funded will add huge value to arts and culture in the region.” The full list of organisations the WRAF Joint Committee will support are: • Creative Capital Arts Trust: $100,000 for CubaDupa • Expressions: $40,000 for Catwalk to Cover Exhibition • Te Papa: $100,000 toward Matariki Festival WELLINGTON Penny Mitropoulos, Regional Rep for Wellington Eleven of the Wellington region’s top attractions and events will benefit from new funding after the latest meeting of the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund (WRAF). Members of the WRAF last month awarded the just over $1 million available to eleven of the region’s significant organisations and events. Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, who chairs the WRAF, said this year’s projects promised good returns to the region and strongly aligned to the more focused funding criteria developed after a comprehensive review of the fund’s economic and social benefits. Kapiti Mayor Ross Church, deputy chair of WRAF, said:
• NZ Festival: $100,000 toward Waka Awaken – 2018 opening ceremony • Tawata Productions: $95,000 toward Kia Mau Festival 2017 • The Whiteboard Ltd: $100,000 toward Open House 2017
NZ Festival Trust Board has just announced Meg Williams will succeed Sue Paterson as Festival Executive Director from Feb 2017. http://www. festival.co.nz/article/newexecutive-director-newzealand-festival/ Wellington to host All Whites’ World Cup qualifier: Wellington’s Westpac Stadium will host a New Zealand leg of the Fifa World Cup Intercontinental Playoff should the All Whites reach the final stage of qualification. The home leg will be staged in November 2017 against the fifth-ranked South American side.
First the All Whites will need to top the Oceania phase of qualifying. New Zealand Football announced today that the All Whites will play their OFC Round Three World Cup Qualifiers at QBE Stadium in Auckland and Westpac Stadium. New Zealand Football Chief Executive Andy Martin said choosing the venues was a tough decision. “There was considerable interest from stadiums around New Zealand to host the OFC Round Three Qualifiers, and the potential Intercontinental Playoff should the All Whites qualify, which are staged every four years.”
• Toi Maori: $100,000 toward Toi Maori Art Market 2016 • Wellington Lux Festival: $150,000 toward LUX Festival 2017 • Wellington Museums Trust: $100,000 toward Capital E Children’s Festival and Wellington regional tour 2017 • Wellington Regional Orchestra: $100,000 toward Orchestra Wellington 2017 community outreach • Wellington Zoo Trust: $70,000 toward Nature Connections 2017.
WHANGANUI & PALMERSTON NORTH Lyn Cheyne, Regional Rep for Whanganui & Palmerston North> Lyn.Cheyne@ whanganuiandpartners.nz Events Waste submissions called for: Palmerston North City Council is calling for submissions on a proposed new bylaw relating to Waste Management and Minimisation with particular interest in Waste
Events Update, October 2016
New Director for NZ Festival Trust:
The All Whites line up against Bahrain in 2009.
Management at events held on Council land or with Council funding. “The Council hasn’t identified specific provisions to include in the draft bylaw, but we are particularly interested to know whether there is community support for rules about waste management at events. If there is strong support from submitters on this matter, the Council may decide to include such rules in the final bylaw.”
PNCC Arts Strategy Review: Palmerston North City Council are also conducting a public survey as part of their Arts Strategy Review, if you hold arts events in this city, be sure to contribute: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ ArtsStrategyForum
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Opening of the new space Sixty6 Peterborough: Brett Anderson – CEO, The Christchurch Casino, and his team hosted the inaugural opening of Christchurch’s newest central city’s function and events venue Sixty6 Peterborough on Thursday, 08 September. This was a grand black tie affair! Arrival on the red carpet, met by burlesque dancers, the closed doors opened up to a plethora of themed spaces to get a real insight on how to bring this space to life. Guests could wander through different experiences, that included an Oyster bar ice sculpture, with Mumm champagne to
compliment of course! A Jim Beam Bourbon cocktail bar and a cosmopolitan cocktail bar with bottle-throwing bar tenders. And of course a photo booth! Sixty6 Peterborough is an adaptable event space with state of the art lighting which can be customised to bring any event to life – with just a little imagination. www.eventfinda.co.nz/venue/ bar-sixty6-christchurch or contact the events team as events@sixty6.nz – ph: 03 371 2445 The Piano, Canterbury’s $16.8m music venue has finally opened its doors in Christchurch.
The $16.8 million venue in the Gloucester St arts precinct was officially opened by Mayor Lianne Dalziel last month and features a concert hall, a foyer suitable for receptions, celebrations and lectures, and a wing with smaller spaces for rehearsals, teaching workshops and meetings. www.thepiano.nz/the-room/ Convene South 2017, an annual expo where the best of the South Island showcases its business events offering to event planners and organisers, took place at the Air Force Museum in Wigram on Tuesday, 06 September. Over 90 event exhibitors, 150+ qualified buyers registered and
1000+ scheduled appoints took part in this exhibition.
CANTERBURY Jen Beatty, Regional Rep for Canterbury Jennifer.beatty@ccc.govt.nz
Tourism organisations using phone tracking information to gather event data SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 29 September 2016 Tourism organisations are using data gathered by tracking cellphones to monitor crowd behaviour and other statistics. The Venture Taranaki Trust (VTT), Taranaki’s economic development agency, is one of 14 regional tourism organisations around the country that has begun using Qrious, a Spark-run compay that can track the position of a cellphone using cell towers, before it collates the data and sells it on. The organisations have been using the software on a trial basis since July 1. Spark communications partner Sam Durbin said Qrious - which was started in 2014 by what was then know as Telecom, as a “standalone” business - was a huge help for organisations looking for data. “Qrious Voyager pulls together data from a range of sources, including publicly available data sets like the Census, and combines it with anonymised and aggregated network information from Spark’s mobile network.
Events Update, October 2016
“The insights help them [operators] to tailor and optimise their marketing spends, identify areas that are working well and getting lots of visitors as well as others that might need a bit of a boost. While presenting at the Stratford District Council meeting last month VTT chief executive Stuart Trundle joked and said: “we will actually be able to track your mobile phone as you move up and down the aisles of the super market.” “It’s getting quite scary the level of detail we’ll be able to bring you,” he said. However, later Trundle said VTT would only get the aggregate data and were not able to track individual people. “It doesn’t aggregate down to an individual level but it does allow us when we have a major event to link that additional spend while those events are on,” he said. “It’s basically a mix of taking the data from your mobile phone and linking into the cellphone tower and then linking that in with the retail data sets from spend on both eftpos, debit and credit cards.”
Trundle said he couldn’t comment on the privacy implications of using data gathered from mobile phones and said it was up to Spark to ensure there were no legal implications. However, Durbin said the Qrious tourism product, didn’t provide any insights into the location of people within the region, and was not able to see exact location information about a specific device or customer. “We take our customers’ security and privacy extremely seriously, and we take steps to anonymise and aggregate the network information that Qrious uses to create their insight.” The information gathered would be compared to the 75 per cent of retail spending data VTT already has access to through BNZ and Paymark. It currently collates and releases the data in annual and quarterly reports, broken down by the three districts in Taranaki. That information is provided to business and other organisations to help them identify trends and plan for
future business growth. The data would also allow VTT to keep track of visitors who stay with friends and relatives, which accounts for nearly twice as many tourists as those who stay in a hotel or motel. Trundle said VTT used to conduct a monthly phone survey to gather the information about the visitors, but would now be able to use the cellphone data to collect that information. However, communications manager Antony Rhodes said he wasn’t sure how that aspect of the data was gathered and if it tracked where each individual spent the night.
The information from the phones will be collated together with the retail spending through eftpos, debit and credit cards to give an overall picture of spending in the Taranaki region. CREDIT: ANDY JACKSON/Fairfax NZ
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Taupō District wins international event award The Taupo District’s reputation as New Zealand’s events capital has been further cemented after Taupo was named as a 2016 International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) World Festival and Event City. The award recognises cities that provide an environment conducive to successful festivals and events and was presented to the Taupo District at the 2016 IFEA conference held in Tucson, Arizona last night. This is the second time the district has claimed an award, previously taking out the honour in 2010. Taupo District Council chief executive Gareth Green said the whole community can be proud of the recognition. “This award isn’t just great news for our events team and the organisers behind all of our events. It’s also recognition for the thousands of local volunteers who give up time every year to make our events so successful. “The Taupo District boasts
The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is among the city’s iconic annual events. CREDIT: Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge a friendly, supportive and professional environment for the 125,000 people that participate in events in our region each year, and we are proud of our reputation that keeps these visitors coming back. This award will help boost that reputation even further.”
WELCOME TO NZAEP’S NEW MEMBERS! Centium Software Dynamic Works Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Rugby League World Cup 2017 Megan Baker-Smith
Events Update, October 2016
The successful application was submitted with support from the organisers of a number of our large annual events, including IRONMAN New Zealand, Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, Taupo Summer Concert, the Great Lake Relay and Wanderlust Great Lake Taupo.
The judging panel commended the Taupo District for receiving the award twice, saying partnerships between council and event partners has helped the district build a successful model that breaks new ground and sets a strong example for other towns and cities internationally.
WOMEN IN EVENTS NEW ZEALAND A monthly gathering in Auckland, for like-minded women in the events industry. NEXT GATHERING: Women in Events’ 1st Birthday Celebration Degree Gastrobar, 204 Quay Street, Viaduct, Auckland Thursday 27th October from 5:30pm – 8pm. Please email donna@womeninevents.co.nz if you would like to attend.
www.facebook.com/womenineventsNZ Instagram @women.in.events.nz www.womeninevents.co.nz
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NZ Festival draws a crowd of 300,000 to events in Wellington SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 4 October 2016
this year’s festival has been released.
Approximately 300,000 people made the most of this year’s New Zealand Festival, coming from far and wide to attend ticketed and free events.
It shows the $12 million investment into the festival and $8m put into the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo led to a total economic impact in Wellington of $106m.
The summary investment impact report for investors for
Le Grand Continental dress rehearsal at Civic Square. The dance was choreographed by Sylvain Emard. CREDIT: MONIQUE FORD / FAIRFAX NZ
Growth in ticket sales and attendance across the festival was up 46 per cent on 2014. The organisation and running of the festival also provided the equivalent of 842 full-time jobs in the capital city for the year. Highlights of the 2016 festival included the Le Grand Continental Dance, which saw 150 amateur dancers take over Civic Square on the festival’s opening night, and For the Birds, a walk through art experience of light, sound and music.
coming from outside of the region, and filling up the city’s hotels and motels. BY THE NUMBERS: • 95,000 tickets issued • Overall attendance of approximately 300,000 • 205,000 people attended free events • 842 full-time equivalent jobs created • 395 ticketed performances • 1153 artists involved, from 25 countries • 88,784 people attended events from Wellington, with 19,461 coming from the rest of the country, and 781 from overseas
Free events also drew in the crowds from across the Wellington region and beyond, with the Contact Festival Playground attracting more than 50,000 people.
• 30,375 Wellingtonians went to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an event that attracted 53,601 people from across the country, and 479 from overseas.
By far the most successful event on this year’s programme was the military tattoo, which 84,500 people went to, the majority, 53,601
• Twenty-three per cent of festival goers were firsttimers, and 46 per cent of audiences bought three or more tickets.
Mount Maunganui’s New Year’s Eve party comes to an end SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 4 October 2016 Tauranga City Council has decided the New Year’s Eve tradition on Mount Main Beach will end. The decision was made last Tuesday, with the council opting instead for a youthfocused event at ASB Arena. This comes after increased concern around public safety at the council-organised events over the past three years. Council said the event did not provide a safe environment for residents and visitors and has become financially unsustainable.
Events Update, October 2016
Mayor Stuart Crosby previously said last year in particular there were a number of serious and sexual assaults. After the 2015/16 celebration, the council decided to explore some alternatives along with the police and St John.
needs to start now for 2016/17. Council will invest in safety measures such as traffic management, lighting of dark areas and the beach,
fencing of vulnerable areas, security to support NZ Police and other emergency services and will not invest in entertainment at Mount Maunganui Main Beach on New Year’s Eve.
It has not yet been decided how New Year’s Eve in Tauranga will look in the future. All strategic decisions will be based on building a safe environment for our visitors and residents on a busy night in the city, council said. This will be assessed and determined over time, however, the new approach
The council was worried that increasing incidents of assaults at the Mount Maunganui party could lead to a fatality. CREDIT: Ross Setford
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The Isaac Theatre Royal wins at the Champion Canterbury Awards Source: Excerpts from Stuff. co.nz, 22 September 2016 Heritage and technology have taken top honours in this year’s Champion Canterbury Business Awards. The Isaac Theatre Royal and ARANZ Medical received The Press supreme awards announced at a gala dinner at the Horncastle Arena last month. More than 1100 people attended the event, where 15 awards were presented and a special commendation was given to ANZCO chairman Sir Graeme Harrison for his contribution to agribusiness. The Isaac Theatre Royal won the retail/hospitality small enterprise award, and received The Press champion supreme small enterprise award.
CAPTION: The restoration of the Isaac Theatre Royal has proved a winner for the popular performance venue. CREDIT: Joseph Johnson Champion Canterbury director Leeann Watson said the judges were impressed with the passion and business acumen behind the theatre. It attracted 100,000 patrons in the 12 months following its reopening and hosts 300
performance days annually. Champion Canterbury chairman Peter Townsend said the 145 entries in the 14th awards showcased the region’s incredible talent and presented a real challenge for the expert panel of 35 judges.
Linked In NZAEP Group
Over 250 members have already signed up to the Linked In exclusive NZAEP Group. Visit www.linkedin. com/groups nzaep-6934807 to get involved.
CAREERS CORNER We’ve recently advertised the following roles:
Michelle & Mark Rawstron +64 21 358 577 +64 9 270 9555 therockfactory@gmail.com www.therockfactory.net Event Production Sound Systems . Staging AV . Lighting . Backline Hire . Installation . Recording
Events Update, October 2016
• Events Manager, Wine Marlborough • Conference and Functions Coordinator, H3 • Team Leader Event Delivery (Civic), Auckland Council • Event Organiser, Auckland Council • Sales Executive, Waikato Home and Garden Show • Event Manager, Auckland Stadiums • Events Coordinator, NZTE • Events Management and Marketing Coach, VSA • Director - Business Development and Marketing, H3 • Events Manager (Contract), NZTE • Manager Major Events Business Development, ATEED • Manager Event Design and Development, ATEED • Partnerships Development Specialist, Hutt City Council
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New Zealand Event Audit Program set to hit the World Stage SOURCE: SafetySet Release, 13 September 2016. A New Zealand event specific audit programme presented at the International Festivals and Event Association’s Annual Convention in Tucson Arizona in September, has received a positive response and will be released into the North American market January 2017. Safetyset Consulting, a Taupo based company, was invited to present a two stage process designed to assess all eventspecific operational systems together with health and safety compliance and risk mitigation. The programme, released in New Zealand 12 months ago, has received good uptake from events, national sporting
bodies and Councils. Safetyset Consulting’s Principal Warwick Hall says “It’s quite an honour to be asked to present at this level and an exciting time for us readying for our launch over there. “Events can find an independent set of eyes quite a soul bearing exercise, however it is this independence that gives the process robustness and provides integrity in the final outcome. The process has been designed to be not too onerous and should be viewed as an opportunity.” There are two stages to SafetySet’s audit process, Stage One is a paper audit; the event completes a questionnaire and provides
supporting evidence in respect of all answers. Any areas that require further work are discussed and options provided. Upon meeting the requirements, the event is issued a letter of confirmation from a certified event auditor. “This is as far as most events go, certainly the smaller ones. Larger events also commit to Stage Two, an onsite confirmation that all paper systems are being implemented operationally” Hall says the benefits of conducting an external audit go far beyond an event benchmarking its risk mechanisms and safety systems, there are far reaching benefits to sponsors and host regions also.
“As we know securing sponsorship is a highly competitive business with no sponsor wanting to risk reputation aligning product or services with bad publicity. “From the sponsor’s perspective having an external audit conducted gives added assurance their reputation is in safe hands. For the event, having an audit form part of a sponsorship proposal demonstrates a proactive commitment to excellence, a nice edge to take into any negotiation” Host regions are benefiting also; the adage ‘You are only as good as your last event’ is pivotal in attracting high quality events, generating economic benefit and positive media grab. Councils are increasingly viewing an external audit as a base requirement in the event application process. For more information, contact warwick@safetysc.com
Currently Seeking Volunteers volunteernet.org.nz HackerNest Auckland Tech Socials, Auckland, On-going from 24 October - Volunteer event organiser required, great opportunity for an event management student!
NZ Sculpture on Shore 2016, Auckland, 10-20 November
Port of Tauranga Half, Mount Maunganui 7 January 2016 Calling all course marshals for this key event role.
Lifewise Rotorua “Big Sleep Out”, Rotorua, 20-21 October
Rockin Ribs Fest, Ashburton 19 & 20 November 2016 Seeking a volunteer coordinator, great experience for students or graduates!
Events Update, October 2016
3rd NZ Beard & Moustache Competition, Auckland, 29 October Special Olympics Trans Tasman Tournament 2016, Hamilton, 25 & 26 November
New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival, New Plymouth, 26th November World Shearing & Woolhandling Championships 2017, Invercargill ,Thursday, 9th February, 2017 to Saturday, 11th February, 2017 Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival 2017, Auckland, 20-22 January Auckland Lantern Festival 2017, Auckland, 9-12 February
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WOW: There’s nothing else like it in the world be taken to the next level.” When Moncrieff asked the duo to take the reins for 2015, they didn’t hesitate. After all, why would they pass up the chance to oversee the biggest show in New Zealand? They’ve always relished a challenge, so went to see a production.
Flow Of Creation, Kirsten Fletcher, United Kingdom. World of WearableArt Ltd. CREDIT: NZ Herald SOURCE: NZ Herald, 24 September 2016. Let’s start with some numbers: a 28-year-old Event - yes, it deserves a capital E - involving 350 cast, crew and 163 garments made by 133 designers competing for a share of $165,000 of prize money and attracting an audience of 58,000 during three weeks in Wellington, which will reap about $30 million, thanks to the internationally recognised design competition. The World of WearableArt Awards Show (WOW) is New Zealand’s largest and most technically challenging theatrical production and, after the show, the winning garments are displayed at the World of WearableArt and Classic Car Museum in Nelson to be seen by a further 40,000 people. In addition, WOW’s first international travelling exhibition is showcasing 32 award-winning garments around the world and is currently in the United States. No pressure, then, for the people who put together the show. You could easily get that impression when you talk to Inside Out Productions’ Mike Mizrahi. Two weeks out from WOW, which opened this week, he sounded relaxed, jovial and excited; if he was feeling a
Events Update, October 2016
tad overwrought about having the weight of a world on his shoulders, he didn’t let on. Then again, he and partner Marie Adams have staged some of the most spectacular theatrical productions for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Louis Vuitton, David Jones, and the Rugby World Cup. But even Mizrahi acknowledges they had little idea of the scale of WOW before they signed up two years ago to devise and produce the 2015 and 2016 shows. They’d seen WOW years before in Nelson, where it started in 1987 to promote the Williams Higgins Gallery, a small art space in the rural hinterland run by painter and sculptor Suzie Moncrieff. That first show was seen by about 200 spectators, but Moncrieff kept developing it. By 2005, she was on her way to becoming Dame Suzie Moncrieff, WOW had won major tourism awards and the show was so big, it moved to Wellington. “When we first saw it, we thought it was crazy and rather fabulous and when we heard it had moved to Wellington, we were sad for Nelson,” Mizrahi muses, “but then we went, saw one in Wellington and could understand why it needed to
“And I was gobsmacked! I had no idea how truly magnificent it had become. It is world class and I am not just saying that,” Mizrahi says. “I had never seen anything like it, anywhere in the world and we’ve lived our entire adult lives - spent every penny we’ve earned - travelling and working around the world, just drinking in arts and culture and being part of that world. “WOW is not fashion, it’s not theatre, it’s not cirque; it crosses all those boundaries and yet remains something that ordinary people - who wouldn’t normally go to, say, the opera or theatre - flock to and absolutely love.” Mizrahi acknowledges a certain amount of trepidation when approaching last year’s show; he and Adams did not want to upstage the garments. Inspired by New York-based fine art photographers Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, they created a sepia-toned and slightly mournful world where, among scenes of abandonment and devastation, strange magic seemed to be afoot. “We called them up and said, ‘we want to bring your images to life’ and they were very enthusiastic; in fact, they ended up being guest jurors and, you know what, they couldn’t believe how fabulous WOW was, either.” Having tread cautiously last year, Mizrahi and Adams have opted for a totally
different approach this year. They’re working with artist Reuben Paterson, noted for colourful creations in glitter and diamond dust, as well as choreographer Ross McCormack and musicians Don McGlashan, Annie Crummer, Anika Moa and SJD. Kiwi film star Jemaine Clement also performs in this year’s show as the voice of the animatronic tiger created by Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop. The competition’s seven categories - the worlds of WOW - have set the template for this year’s show. He says it’s humorous, sexy, sassy and fun. “It couldn’t be more different to last year!”
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