EventsUpdate APRIL 2017
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
NZAEP PROPOSES NAME CHANGE — See page 3
ETF17’S SECOND KEYNOTE ANNOUNCED— See page 5
CHRISTCHURCH’S NEW CONVENTION CENTRE DESIGN— See page 7
FROM THE CHAIR
New Zealand Event Awards 2017 criteria live We are excited to announce the 2017 New Zealand Event Awards criteria are now live on our website. Those considering an entry please begin reviewing these categories and start your preparation in advance of entries opening 1 June. This year we have introduced five new sponsorship categories which will recognise and give weighting to this integral sector of the industry.
Proposed Association name change Members will have seen the notice of our Special General Meeting circulated last week inviting members to vote on the proposed name change for the Association to the ‘New Zealand Events Association’ or ‘NZEA’. The name change is proposed to better and more simply
reflect the breadth of the industry we represent. It is important to state that, should it be approved, the name change does not signal an extensive re-branding exercise. The current NZAEP brand will simply be altered to reflect the shorter acronym of NZEA and the change will be rolled out progressively as collateral and communication channels are updated. Costs of the name change will be
minimal, however the Board feel the change makes sense and is worthwhile for the benefits to the Association’s standing and recognition. We hope to see many members in attendance at this Special General Meeting. Andy Scotland Chair, NZAEP Board.
CCC’s Major Events team joins new Christchurch NZ entity Christchurch City Council’s Major Events team is joining ChristchurchNZ, the new entity charged with driving economic growth by attracting the visitors, talent, business and investment the city needs to succeed. Major Events is joining Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism (CCT) and Canterbury Development Corporation, including International Education (CDC), in the new entity, which comes into being on 1 July 2017. Staff from the different organisations will all be
moving into ChristchurchNZ and will be located together in the CBD by August. Establishment of ChristchurchNZ follows international best practice for combining tourism and major events promotion with international education and other economic development activities. Current email and phone contacts with the Major Events team will remain the same.
Cover Image: Rotorua’s Muptopia Mud and Music Festival - see page 8
Events Update, April 2017
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Notice of Special General Meeting of the New Zealand Association of Event Professionals (NZAEP)
Proposed name change
Date: Tuesday 2 May, 2017
The NZAEP Board is proposing the Association’s name be changed to the New Zealand Events Association (NZEA).
Time: 12.00pm to 12.30pm
In the 12 years since the Association was formed, our industry and our membership has grown exponentially. At 1100 members upwards, the Association represents the everincreasing breadth of the New Zealand events industry. We champion all aspects of events; their economic outcomes and social benefits, and the people who work and volunteer in and around this unique industry in New Zealand. We need a name that states who we are and what we stand for. Clearly and simply. The New Zealand Events Association.
Venue: MinterEllisonRuddWatts Level 20, 88 Shortland Street Auckland CBD Agenda: • Welcome from NZAEP • Apologies • Confirmation of quorum • Proposed name change of the Association from: New Zealand Association of Event Professionals (NZAEP) to New Zealand Events
Association (NZEA)
Click here to register your attendance.
All members are invited to attend this Special General Meeting to vote on the proposed name change:
Events Update, April 2017
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Applications Open: 1 June to 31 July 2017 • • • • • • • •
Event Professional of the Year Emerging Event Professional of the Year Best Community Event Best Regional Event Best National Event Best International Event Best Industry Supplier for an Event New Zealand’s Favourite Event
NEW FOR 2017: • Best Business Event • Event Sponsorship Professional of the Year • Best Community Event Sponsorship • Best Arts or Cultural Event Sponsorship • Best Sports Event Sponsorship
Qualifying Period: 1 March 2016 to 31 March 2017 Visit www.nzaep.co.nz/awards for further information.
Announcing New Programme Additions Event Guru ‘Julius Solaris’ Is Second Confirmed International Keynote
NZAEP Facebook Page
2nd - 3rd August, TSB Showplace, New Plymouth Julius is an international keynote speaker on event technology trends and social media for events. His annual presentation “10 Event Trends” has been a SlideShare popular presentation of the month for 4 years in a row Julius has also been named the most influential individual in the event industry in 2016 and one of the 25 most influential individuals in the Meeting Industry in 2015 by Successful Meetings Magazine. He is the editor of Event Manager Blog started in 2007 and is now the number one blog worldwide for event professionals, covering topics such as event planning, social media for events, event technology, event trends and event inspiration. In a world increasingly reliant on social media to promote and be heard, we are excited to glimpse what the future may look like.
See what over 480 of your colleagues are liking! Like our Facebook page HERE. Julius Solaris COOL, WONDERFUL and WACKY EVENTS ON THE PROGRAMME SHOWCASED
THE LONG ARM of the LAW and EVENTS IN THE SPIRIT OF NZ LIQUOR LICENSING LAWS
To keep the creative juices running and looking at what international event trends are being delivered in NZ, we will showcase our non-traditional ‘out there and different’ events.
Addressing one of the large challenges for the events sector, this combined panel workshop will address how to achieve safe yet affordable event delivery within the spirit and regulatory requirements of the NZ Liquor Licensing Laws. Some of our iconic events have been struggling with this issue over the last few years as the rules change.
On the list are tattoo and barber antics, an earth friendly festival, Americana, dog and owner racing, events that make a big splash, and more. Delivery will be by short sharp visual bites. There is magic in these events, from the germ of the ideas that got them started to the passion of their devoted attendees who show up in greater numbers each year.
There are many lessons we can learn from our peers about how to cope with increasingly active policing of alcohol rules at events. The topic will seek a consensus and clarity about the issues, our collective views will be recorded and provide a coherent voice for our perspective at a national level. Registrations are open Get online at www. eventingthefuture.co.nz for the early bird rate! Discounts for NZAEP Members or for three or more delegates from the same organisation. The annual conference is a valuable opportunity to get new information and network with leading professionals operating in your space. Put these dates in your diary now!
Events Update, April 2017
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Craft Brewer Scoops Major Event Sponsorship SOURCE: Excerpts from WorldMastersGames2017. co.nz, 23 March 2017 Good George Brewing has been announced as the official beer of World Masters Games 2017, the first time a craft brewery has held this level of sponsorship for the massive event. Given Good George’s relative size to the brewing super powers that usually supply events of this scale the partnership is seen as a huge coup for the Hamilton based brewer. Good George CEO Race Louden believes the Good George brand and the World Masters Games are a great fit. “The games are all about having a go, enjoying the spirit of competition but having a bit of fun and celebrating
afterwards.” WMG2017 Chief Executive Jennah Wootten adds, “World Masters Games 2017 is bringing thousands of visitors to New Zealand to experience our world-famous country and culture. To showcase Aotearoa, we’ve been keen to partner with local brands and companies that do things in a uniquely Kiwi way. “We love the fact that Good George have had the idea of producing a World Masters Games 2017 commemorative can and hope all those who visit the Entertainment Hub will take time to visit them and taste some world class beer from down under.”
their own of tour the brewery and enjoy some Waikato hospitality. Louden believes the brewer’s event team and experience in running big festivals was also a contributing factor in winning the WMG2017 official beer status. “We are strong believers in taking our brewery to the people and we’re really excited about being able to do that at the World Masters Games 2017 Entertainment Hub on Queen’s Wharf in April.” Good George will be heavily
involved outside of just supplying the product. “We’re not just going to sit on the sidelines and clap and hand over a few beers at the end,” Louden says. “We’re going to make some noise and make sure everyone hears about it.” There are plans for commemorative cans for the event and a series of events at Good George bars around the country. “We reckon anyone can write a cheque to sponsor events but the real test is how well it is received and how we can support the event to be a success” says Louden.
Production at the brewery has gone into overdrive in the lead up to the event and the athletes will be invited to take
Good George CEO Race Louden toasting the partnership with World Masters Games 2017 ambassador Nathan Twaddle CREDIT: World Masters Games 2017
Reputation is everything. Protect yours. Event Safe Audit is the only specialist event safety program endorsed by the International Festivals and Events Association. We examine your Safety Management Systems to determine consistency with HSWA2015 and ISO standards. Displaying the ESA Seal of excellence sets you apart, giving confidence to sponsors, host regions and participants. Our auditors are internationally certified event professionals - we understand your business and speak your language.
www.eventsafeaudit.com Events Update, April 2017
CAREERS CORNER We’ve recently advertised the following roles:
• Experienced Conference Manager, Conference Innovators (CI) • Fundraising Events Manager, Oxfam • Event Facilitator, Tauranga City Council NZAEP members receive email notifications of career opportunities as they are listed on our website. If you would like to advertise your vacancy, request for proposals, tender or sponsorship opportunity to our 1,100+ membership base, please email info@nzaep.co.nz
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Regional Updates Phoebe Zwarts said the hotel was “delighted” to bring additional business event capacity to central Christchurch. “We’re offering four spaces specifically designed to ensure the success of any client’s business function, with the flexibility to accommodate a range of events from smaller meetings through to large-scale presentations.” She said. Christchurch: Jen Beatty, Regional Rep for Christchurch Beatty Jennifer.Beatty@ccc.govt.nz Robots, virtual reality and living on Mars - Christchurch Techweek’17 Virtual reality gaming, robotics, earthquake safety engineering and how people can live on Mars – these are just a taste of the creative and technology-driven events on offer during Techweek’17 in Christchurch.
Located on the first floor of the landmark hotel there are three separate boardrooms featuring views of the Victoria Square parkland, and a larger premium meeting space. The Golden Fleece room seats up to 150 theatre or cocktail style, or 90 banquet style, and includes dual projection screens and built-in audio. The Ellis, Gartner and Oram rooms cater for 10 to 14 guests boardroom style.
The latest from our team of NZAEP Regional Reps Groups can combine two or all three of the rooms for a medium-sized space filled with natural light. The brand new rooms and meeting spaces offering the latest technology are online now for bookings from August 1 2017, and Ms Zwarts said they would be “a great step forward” for the regenerating city. Other spaces within the hotel available for event bookings include Café 1851 on the ground-floor, the stunning 80seat Market Place Restaurant or even the cosy first-floor hotel library. Christchurch’s pockets of awesome captured in new online resource Christchurch’s pockets of awesome - the city’s trending places to meet, eat, drink, and experience - are now featured in a new online resource at
Techweek’17 events will be running from 6 to 14 May around New Zealand. Christchurch, with its concentration of innovation and entrepreneurial businesses, is offering a programme of events that will inspire and impress.
pocketsofawesome.co.nz Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism (CCT) launched the Pockets of Awesome campaign in 2013 to give Christchurch residents the latest information on what to see and do around their everchanging city. CCT Marketing Manager, Angela Gordon says Pockets of Awesome has now evolved into a major resource for Christchurch. “Knowledgeable locals are Christchurch’s best advocates. Because tourism makes such an important contribution to our economy, we are encouraging and education more locals to become experts and pass on their insider knowledge to visitors through Pockets of Awesome.” Currently more than 15,000 local people are subscribed to the Pockets of Awesome newsletter sent out fortnightly. Information about events, new places and old favourites are updated to inboxes every second Thursday. “Our city has changed so much in the last six years, and it continues to change almost daily, and now we are capturing this in one hub,” she says. “A picture says a thousand words, and Pockets of Awesome features new images, some of which are crowd-sourced from residents and visitors.
To view more events and to register visit www.techweek. co.nz Crowne Plaza Christchurch launches event and conference spaces
“We want the website to inspire people to get out into their city and rediscover the little pockets of awesome they didn’t know existed.”
The new Crowne Plaza Christchurch is setting itself up for business success – with the launch of four modern and versatile event and conferencing spaces. The eagerly-awaited property is now open for bookings and will be the largest upscale hotel in the Christchurch CBD with 204 rooms. Crowne Meetings Manager
Events Update, April 2017
The Crowne Plaza Christchurch features flexible meeting and event spaces and is now open for bookings from 1 August.
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delivered by the City Events team is pivotal in Wellington’s social life and creative scene. Meridian Gardens Magic 2017 was the most diverse yet – the January event showcased Wellington as a world-leading city of contemporary culture by increasing the high quality art content, while still appealing to both niche and general audiences. Wellington: Penny Mitropoulos Penny.Mitropoulos@dia.govt.nz Meridian Gardens Magic 2017 and Kids Magic in the Dell 2017 Meridian Gardens Magic is the jewel in Wellington City Council’s annual Summer City festival of free outdoor events. This long established and much loved concert series
To celebrate Chinese New Year, The Aroha String Quartet performed a sublime concert of Chinese music from folk and traditional through to a challenging contemporary work by Tan Dun. An LED wall was added to feature video art by Jon He and new commissioned works by Ed Davis. MJF Lighting continued to add new creative features
Arena with mud sports, mud pools, mud obstacle courses, a mud run, and a mud zone built specifically for the kids. Festival director Scott Rice said Mudtopia would have something for everyone, with the mud stage hosting an “epic line-up” of entertainment on Saturday, December 2.
Rotorua: Martin Croft, Regional Rep and NZAEP Board member for Rotorua Martin.Croft@rotorualc.nz Rotorua’s Mudtopia mud and music festival: Details revealed SOURCE: NZ Herald.co.nz, 28 March 2017 The southern hemisphere’s first mud and music festival, Mudtopia, was officially launched last month. To be held at Rotorua’s Arawa Park Racecourse from December 1-3, the threeday festival will boast a Mud
Events Update, April 2017
Mudtopia will include an interactive display telling the story of mud in Rotorua, a licensed mud bar for over-18s and a high profile international artist. “When you’re not in the mud or on the dance floor, you can check out the interactive spa and wellness expo, snap away in the photo booths or delight in delicious food experiences,” he said. Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said the concept of hosting a mud festival had gained traction in recent years due to a growing relationship with its sister event in Boryeong City, South Korea.
to their annual spectacular lighting display throughout the nearby garden, including incorporating an exhibit of student light-based artworks from Massey University. As an unexpected addition, surprise guest musicians performed after some of the concerts amongst the light display. This allowed a new up-close, more intimate, live arts encounter. To also highlight Wellington as Capital of Culture, the art content and personalised experiences were increased in the annual Kids Magic event. Previously held in The Soundshell, this daytime event was moved to The Dell within the Botanic Garden. The event went beyond simply an entertaining concert and usual kids activities to a fully-
fledged cultural experience. Deirdre Tarrant Dance Studio and Orchestra Wellington performed a full scale tutu ballet and other pieces. The second half of the event saw the dancers and musicians perform in small groups along an arts trail – showcasing a nearby sculpture walk. This intimate art experience was a hit with families who delighted in the interaction with performers while discovering many of the permanent public artworks in the Botanic Garden. The Wellington City Council events team has already started planning to develop this series further in 2018 - to include even more of the best and boldest arts and cultural experiences NZ has on offer.
“Part of Rotorua Lakes Council’s economic development vision for Rotorua is to become a spa and wellness destination, based on its unique geothermal and mud properties,” Mrs Chadwick said.
next five years.
“Mudtopia will really put Rotorua on the map for our unique spa and wellness attributes, as well as cement our position as one of the leading events destinations in the country.”
Council major events coordinator, Jason Cameron, said over time the event was forecast to attract a significant number of domestic and international attendees, which would generate strong economic returns for both Rotorua and New Zealand.
Mudtopia is owned by the Rotorua Lakes Council, and has secured New Zealand Major Events funding for the
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment announced, last June, that $1.5 million would be invested in the new festival through its Major Events Development Fund.
For more information visit www.mudtopia.com
Rotorua’s Mudtopia festival will include a Mud Arena, with giant pools of liquid mud. CREDIT: Photo/Supplied Page 8
Rescuers disappointed Sundaise Festival organisers didn’t cancel Waihi event SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 13 March 2017
to flooding and road closures last week.
Questions are being raised as to why Sundaise Festival organisers did not cancel the event, despite repeated severe weather warnings from MetService and the local council.
Hauraki District Council chief executive Langley Cavers said he was disappointed that organisers had not cancelled the event despite plenty of warning.
However, organisers will not foot the bill for the rescue of hundreds of people, some of whom waded to safety through chest-deep floodwaters. About 1000 festivalgoers were evacuated just after midnight on Friday from Dickey Flat campground, 6km southwest of Waihi. The Waitawheta River borders the campground. The New Zealand Defence Force, Civil Defence, the Hauraki District Council and emergency services assisted with the evacuation that night and in the retrieval of vehicles the next day. The Coromandel and Hauraki districts battled wild weather for the past week, which led
“I think it was disappointing that this did go ahead ... given the location is adjacent to the river.” Cavers is asking event organisers to err on the side of caution if ever faced with a similar situation. Cavers said there is no mechanism in place to chase organisers for expenses. “We’re not seeking to recover the costs ... Civil Defence is there to respond to the community’s needs.” Waihi Fire Chief Murray Stevens echoed the sentiments expressed by Cavers, saying the location and warnings should have been enough reason to cancel. “I would have thought there were enough weather
Over 2000+ volunteers ready and waiting... volunteernet.org.nz Events Update, April 2017
warnings going on. Most of that could have been avoided,” he said. “It’s a real dangerous situation to be anywhere near a river in those conditions, especially at night, when it’s dark. You could lose somebody in two seconds.” Stevens said that while all emergency services were at the event evacuating punters, it was lucky no other crisis in the district cropped up.
The New Zealand Defence Force sent 13 personnel and two Unimogs, a multipurpose all-wheel drive truck to assist, on Saturday. Musician Karl Austin said on Saturday that the event should have been cancelled. “I ended up walking through water up to [my chest], holding on to the fence trying to get my way through. It was a bit of chaos,” he said.
Comment from Marsh: Event cancellation policies can save the day Subject to the terms and conditions, an event cancellation policy would reimburse an event organiser for the net loss following the “necessary” cancellation, abandonment, disruption or rescheduling of an event which is the direct cause of an insured peril. The recent example in Waihi highlights the need to include adverse weather within an event cancellation policy as this extends the cover to include extreme weather conditions which either occur on the day of the event or prior to the event taking place, and which the event organiser deems to pose a serious threat to the safety of those attending or prevents the event organiser from setting up the event. In all cases, the burden of proof is always on the event organiser to prove that the loss results from adverse weather. However in this example, it was pretty clear.
A robust event cancellation policy can be put in place to cover the full gross revenue of an event or simply the costs and expenses. Even though there may not be a contractual or legal obligation to refund tickets, these costs can be included within the insured limit and would cover any moral obligations and limit any reputational damage. Any proven additional costs paid to avoid or limit a loss would also be covered subject to these costs not exceeding the amount of loss that has been avoided. Using the Waihi event as an example, in order to avoid a cancellation, the organisers may have had to move the event away from the river therefore incurring additional costs i.e labour, hire of indoor venue etc. These would have been covered under the policy if proven to avoid a loss.
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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
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Events Update, April 2017
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NEWS BRIEFS Thesis explores council funding of community events Joany Grima, a senior lecturer in event management at Wellington Institute of Technology – WelTec, explores the approaches to investment in the staging of community events, supporting strategies and availability of event management resources by two neighbouring New Zealand local council authorities in her 2016 thesis A tale of two cities: Local government, community events and social capital building. The full thesis is available at: www.localgovernmentmag. co.nz/technical-briefings/ social-capital-building/ Defibrillator free to Marlborough Events SOURCE: Excerpts from Stuff.co.nz, 5 April 2017 The parents of a girl
Events Update, April 2017
whose life was saved by an emergency defibrillator, Allan and Janet Udy, have helped raise vital funds for a portable AED (Automated Emergency Defibrillator) which can be loaned out to event organisers. The pair hope the potentially life-saving machine will be used at events where emergency services may not be on hand. It doesn’t matter what size or type of event you’re organising, the AED will be available to all, says Allan.
Organiser App that is part of the EventsAIR platform. The EventsAIR Organizer App, which is accessible to an event organising team as an Apple or Android app, has a revolutionary feature – the ability to operate the app in offline mode. Event organisers can choose which data they wish to save locally, allowing them to perform dozens of onsite tasks even if they lose Internet connectivity.
Organisers can manage their run sheets tasks, track agendas, look up attendee details, scan attendees into functions and sessions, check attendees into an event, send out alerts and messages and more, all from their tablet or smart devices. Eliminating the need to print out hundreds of sheets of paper has been a huge benefit to organisers.
Further information can be found at: www.golden.co.nz/#aed EventsAIR Organiser App introduces Offline Mode Centium Software, publisher of the event management platform EventsAIR, last month announced the release of a major enhancement to the
R&V Credit: Gisborne Herald
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Members’ Marketplace Eventbrite is the world’s leading event technology platform. The company has processed $8B in gross ticket sales since inception and powers millions of events on behalf of organisers each
year. Hundreds of thousands of organisers use Eventbrite to boost ticket sales, promote and manage events, handle onsite operations, and analyse results across multiple sales channels. In
New Zealand, Eventbrite provides event technology for a number of iconic events, including Rhythm and Vines Festival, and Homegrown.
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Currently Seeking Volunteers volunteernet.org.nz World Junior Squash Championships 2017, 19th July, 2017 to 29th July, 2017 An amazing opportunity to be involved in this huge Bay of Plenty event. A host of volunteer roles available offering amazing sports event experience – perfect for event management students. DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017, 23 June to 9 July, 2017 City Ambassadors are required to assist with wayfinding, city and games information. Be the face of Auckland and enhance the international visitor experience of this event!
Events Update, April 2017
Hutt City Crazyman, 7 May 2017, Wellington One of NZ’s longest running multisport events, based around the iconic outdoor elements of Wellington’s Hutt City. The Crazyman requires around 40 volunteers on race day. Roles vary from marshalling to course set up to car parking to admin. Experience helps but not essential. Fun times with fun people and mostly outdoors.
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Putting a lid on it: Bins in disguise at CubaDupa By Joany Grima, WelTec CubaDupa festival organisers continued their commitment to minimising waste at the annual street festival in Wellington last month, building on efforts from 2016. As well as installing recycling stations staffed by Sustainability Trust’s “Waste Warriors” at the event, permanent bins were covered up in creative CupaDupa style. With an audience of 100,000, and limited control measures to prevent waste coming onto the site, managing and minimising waste is a challenge for CubaDupa. Adding to the complexity is the council stipulation delegating responsibility of all waste management to festival organisers during the event. WelTec waste minimisation researchers Joany Grima and Leanne Nicholas, were pleased to see permanent bins converted to exhibition plinths at CubaDupa, where artworks created from recycled materials were on display. “Permanent street bins can undermine the effectiveness of waste minimisation measures applied at festivals – street festivals in particular,”
Convention Centre design gives Christchurch the edge
says Joany. “Using bins as small stages for artworks is something we have advocated for as part of our research into waste minimisation practices at festivals in New Zealand. It’s great to see this being implemented by CubaDupa – an example of research and practice working together to send positive waste minimisation messages.” The research conducted by Joany and Leanne has found councils offer limited or no guidance to festival organisers about waste minimisation. “Festival organisers learn how to “do” waste minimisation from observing other events, collaborating with colleagues, and attending workshops specific to addressing diverting waste produced at events from landfill, such as those run by the Sustainable Business Network,” says Leanne. The next stage of Joany and Leanne’s research will investigate the facilitators and barriers of waste minimisation at festivals from the perspectives of festival organisers, including CupaDupa. Findings are expected to be released in the second half of the year.
SOURCE: Media Release, 5 April 2017 The Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau (CCCB) is welcoming designs for the new Christchurch Convention Centre, scheduled for completion in late 2019. CCCB Manager, Caroline Blanchfield says the striking design, set in a stunning central location, will give Christchurch a distinct edge. “The Christchurch Convention Centre is going to be the facility we always wanted, designed for both locals and visitors, attracting new and exciting public exhibitions, business meetings and gala functions to large multi-day conventions,” she says. “Its setting on the city’s waterfront overlooking Victoria Square and with links to Cathedral Square makes it distinctive and welcoming for everyone. It is something we can be proud of.
Artwork disguise permanent street bins at CupaDUpa CREDIT: Hanna Meates
Events Update, April 2017
“Our city’s links to the heart of the South Island, and cultural and heritage stories from Ngai Tuahuriri/Ngai Tahu are woven through every aspect of the design.”
Christchurch dropped to two per cent of the New Zealand market share for large multiday conventions in 2011, and since then has been stalled at nine per cent. Prior to the earthquakes, Christchurch held 24 per cent of the market. “The new convention centre will give us the capacity to reach that level again. Right now, we have few options for CBD venues catering for 500 plus with multiple breakout spaces,” she says. International convention delegates spend twice as much as other international visitors, often extend their visit to the rest of the South Island, and are likely to return for holidays in the future. “The downstream benefits of having this convention centre are all the linkages that hosting international conferences have, such as building profile for our tertiary institutions, and profiling our city and region. Having strong tertiary and research institutions encourages more students, more students need jobs, which in turn gives us a vibrant city core.”
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