NZEA Events Update - October 2017

EventsUpdate OCTOBER 2017

editorial@nzea.co ­— New Zealand Events Association, C/- PO Box 24018, Auckland 1345 ISSN 1179-3678

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 NEW ZEALAND EVENTS AWARDS WINNERS! — See page 3

FAST-TRACK LAW FOR AMERCIA’S CUP — See page 6

HUTT’S HIGHLIGHT CARNIVAL BRINGS IN THE CROWDS— See page 8

What a celebration!

This month’s update has to be all about our incredible winners of the 2017 New Zealand Event Awards. We’ve said it many times, but this year’s winners really did stand out from an exceptional field of entrants and we congratulate them all on their achievements. Our Gala Evening event was a night to remember and this edition features images of all our winners from the night.

There are many people to thank when it comes to events and programmes such as these. First and foremost, thank you to everyone who put forward an entry – it is no mean feat to put your work

up for scrutiny, nor to put in the hard work to complete the actual entry - on top of the enormous task of delivering the event or sponsorship for which you are entering!

Our judging panel were extraordinary this year and we offer our sincere thanks again to the nine individuals who gave freely of their time and expertise to judge the large number of entries in this years’ awards.

We have a good level of media coverage of our finalists and winners. Apart from the bragging rights of being judged among the best of our industry, a significant reason

to enter the Awards is the opportunity for increased profile that comes with being announced a finalist and ultimately, a winner.

A snapshot of published content is available here.

And the Gala Evening itself would not have been possible without the support of our Category Sponsors: New Zealand Major Events, Creative New Zealand, Eventfinda, H3, Marsh Insurance, and Celebrity Speakers. Thanks again for your support from early on in the process. We’d also like to offer our thanks to our In-Kind Suppliers SKYCITY Convention Centre, Big Picture, Oceania Lighting, Staging Connections, V3, Eventbrite, and Event

Solutions, along with beverage sponsors Asahi, Leefield Station and Villa Maria.

And finally an enormous thank you to everyone who attended the Gala Evening, those who attended as finalists and supporters and those who took the opportunity for corporate hosting and to celebrate with your teams. Your support made the night a real celebration.

We look forward to kicking off the 2018 New Zealand Event Awards in the first quarter of next year.

Ségolène de Fontenay General Manager, NZEA

Cover Image: NZEA Chair, Andy Scotland, and MC, Antonia Prebble open the 2017 New Zealand Event Awards Gala Evening.

Events Update, October 2017

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Congratulations to our 2017 Winners!

Association (NZEA). Chair Andy Scotland said the programme celebrates boundaries pushed, benchmarks set and innovations achieved in hosting events countrywide.

It’s been a bumper year for events in New Zealand. That’s apparent in the calibre of the winners of the 2017 New Zealand Awards, announced this month at a glittering gala event held at SKYCITY. Not only did this year’s Awards submissions cover the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff, but the introduction of new categories and an exceptionally high standard of entrants has made the work of judges difficult.

That’s according to the organiser of the Awards, the New Zealand Events

“Events make a significant contribution to the economy, enhance New Zealand’s cultural status and provide locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to expand horizons and enjoy themselves,” she added.

“I’d like to congratulate the winners on their achievement, having emerged from a stronger field than ever to demonstrate excellence and the world class standards that local events are achieving.”

This year, five new categories are introduced to further

Best Community Event of the Year 2017 Waitangi Tuwharetoa Ki Pukawa Festival 2017

celebrate and recognise the companies, personalities and contributors to the events industry. Reflecting the essential role of sponsors and sponsorship professionals, four are for these events industry players; a fifth category showcases the providers and creators of Business to Business events.

Scotland thanked the distinguished panel of independent judges for taking on a challenging task.

“We drew a similar amount of entries as 2016, however felt that the standards were raised once again, making the shortlisting even harder this year. The judges have done an exceptional in identifying our winners from many impressive entries.”

the approval after close scrutiny by the judging panel, which comprised: Stephen Wainwright, CEO of Creative New Zealand, James McGlinn, Eventfinda CEO, Hetty van Hale, Communications Manager at Infinity Investment Group, Callum Mallett, GM GM Operations at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Mandy Deans, Event Manager at Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow, Michael Boggs, NZME CEO, Norm Thompson, ATEED Deputy Chair, Karl Budge, Tournament and Commercial Director at Tennis Auckland, and Mike Keech, Sponsorship and Licensing Manager at WelTec and Whitireia New Zealand.

The winners had to win

Best Regional Event of the Year 2017 Pop-up Globe Auckland

Thank you to our sponsors:

Events Update, October 2017

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Best National Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by New Zealand Major Events WOMAD New Zealand 2017

Best International Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by New Zealand Major Events 2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships

Best Business Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by Celebrity Speakers Pinot Noir New Zealand 2017

Best Industry Supplier for an Event 2017 sponsored by Marsh Insurance - ILT Stadium Southland for the 2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships

Best CSR or Community Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017 Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Watersports Programme

Best Arts or Cultural Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017 sponsored by Creative New Zealand ASB for Auckland Lantern Festival

Thank you to our sponsors:

Events Update, October 2017

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Best Sports Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017 Barfoot & Thompson for World Masters Games 2017

Emerging Event Professional of the Year 2017 sponsored by Eventfinda Tim Day (NZ Trail Runs)

Event Sponsorship Professional of the Year 2017 Mike Wootton (ASB)

Event Professional of the Year 2017 sponsored by H3 Jennah Wootten

New Zealand’s Favourite Event of the Year 2017, public vote hosted by Eventfinda Repco Beach Hop 2017

Inspired?

Start planning your 2018 entry now!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Events Update, October 2017

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Fast-track law to clear course for America’s Cup SOURCE: NZ Herald.co.nz, 22 October 2017

creating special legislation for the event.

Special legislation is likely to be pushed through to ensure Auckland can host the America’s Cup.

“A business as usual approach to construction is unlikely to deliver the infrastructure on time,” Goff wrote.

Documents obtained by the Herald on Sunday under the Official Information Act reveal the Auckland Council raised concerns with the previous government over the condensed timeline to deliver infrastructure for the event.

“Advice provided to me indicates that the best possible mechanism for delivering the America’s Cup infrastructure [redacted] would have to be in the form of enabling legislation ... should the government consider enabling special legislation, I would be interested in exploring the best options with you.”

With the first syndicates expected to set up camp in Auckland in mid-2019, construction on the team bases needs to start by the middle of next year. Council officials say that to meet event timeframes the planning process will have to be accelerated.

In a letter to then-minister for economic development Simon Bridges, Auckland mayor Phil Goff raised the possibility of

It will now be up to the incoming Labour-led Government to consider.

Emirates Team New Zealand last month publicly outlined their plans for the 36th America’s Cup, which is slated to run from January to March, 2021.

Team NZ boss Grant Dalton was forced to include a “drop dead date” of August 31, 2018 in the America’s Cup protocol to confirm Auckland as host of the next event. CREDIT: PHOTOSPORT. One of the key details missing was the absence of a confirmed host city. Team NZ boss Grant Dalton was forced to include Italy as a contingency option should Auckland be unable to meet the infrastructure needs for the event. The new Cup protocol included a “drop dead” date of

August 31, 2018 to determine whether Auckland can host the event.

Auckland Council and waterfront agencies are doing studies on a number of sites for housing the team bases and an event village for the 2021 regatta.

Currently Seeking Volunteers volunteernet.org.nz Pascoes New Zealand Tennis Championships 8-9 December 2017 - Auckland An exciting opportunity to watch NZ’s top players vying for the National title and a place in the ASB Classic (Men’s & Women’s field). Tennis New Zealand is in need of volunteers for the ticketing booth as well as car parking, ushering, score board operator, music jockey, and general attendee assistance.

Maia Health Foundation at NZ Cup and Show Week 2017 17th November, 2017, Christchurch

volunteernet.org.nz/event/pascoes-new-zealandtennis-championships

New Zealand Flower & Garden Show 29th November, 2017 to 3rd December, 2017 - Auckland This November, Auckland will play host to the first North Island-based international flower and garden show since the Ellerslie Flower Show was moved to Christchurch in 2008. 70,000 visitors, one hundred horticultural displays and 200 industry exhibitors are expected. Be part of the action! volunteernet.org.nz/event/nz-flower-garden-show

Events Update, October 2017

Maia Health Foundation is raising $5.2m for two incredible health projects that will impact the lives of many South Islanders. Are you keen, willing and able to be a Maia volunteer during NZ Cup & Show Week 2017? Volunteer now! volunteernet.org.nz/event/m%C4%81iahealth-foundation-nz-cup-and-showweek-2017

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Hamilton Sevens tickets sold out, more than 40 per cent from outside city SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 26 October 2017 Hamilton Sevens tickets have all sold out.

Crowds will fill 23,600 seats at FMG Stadium Waikato from February 3-4 for the New Zealand leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The Waikato city is set to host the tournament for the first time after it moved from Wellington due to low ticket sales.

The tournament was always on track to sell out, with twothirds of tickets sold during pre-sale.

37 South managing director Dallas Fisher said he was proud of Hamilton for backing the event and for the rest of New Zealand for jumping behind it.

“It’s no secret the tournament struggled over the last couple of years, but the move to Hamilton has clearly revitalised what remains a premier global Sevens event, and we can’t wait for kick-off in 100 days time.”

There will also be a family area and a R18 party area, fenced off for ticketers to enjoy during the two-day competition. As well as an opportunity to watch players prepare for their games in the “warm-up zone”.

More than 40 per cent of ticket sales have been from outside of Hamilton, meaning the city will benefit with an influx of visitors over the weekend.

Fisher said they were confident when Hamilton got the event that they would do a good job.

He added the local economy - tourism, accommodation, retail, hospitality and transport services will set to benefit.

“Right now our focus is on delivering and putting on the most fun people have ever had.

There’s lots of stuff happening, so we’re getting down to the detail and planning,” he said.

“It is a huge operation and we should be proud it is happening in our city alongside the huge economic windfall it promises to bring.”

All Black Eric Rush said it was time for a change in scenery for the New Zealand leg of the tournament.

He has tickets to tournament and said it’s great Hamilton is close to Auckland, so he can drive down.

“Wellington was awesome back in the day when I played.

Tickets sold out in five, ten, minutes and it was brilliant.

“But it needed a change, to get that vibe back, it was time. We needed to put our best foot forward and Hamilton has clearly accepted that already.”

He believes the players will love the new location and atmosphere.

“As long as that stadium’s full, they’re [players] going to love it.

As a player, you want to play in front of a big crowd,” he said.

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“We’re one of the top rugby countries in the world and Waikato is a known rugby region. We need to have a good tournament.”

Former NZ Sevens player and See what over 520 of your colleagues are liking! Like our Facebook page HERE.

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37 South managing director Dallas Fisher said he was proud of Hamilton for backing the event and for the rest of New Zealand for jumping behind it. CREDIT: STUFF

Events Update, October 2017

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Hutt’s HighLight organiser ‘gobsmacked’ by size of the crowd SOURCE: Stuff.co.nz, 27 October 2017 What do you do when you plan for 30,000 people and more than 120,000 turn up?

That was the situation faced

by Hutt City Council events manager Carla Steed over Labour Weekend.

The inaugural HighLight Carnival featured 20 light installations and a number of aerial performers.

Steed planned for 30,000 visitors but monitors recording cellphones told a different story.

“We had 88,000 individual hits from cellphones. That is one-off hits, there were no double ups.

I think 120,000 is conservative because lots of kids don’t have mobiles. It is a mind blowing figure. I was gobsmacked.”

Once Steed realised the numbers were so high she made a number of changes to ensure safety.

Between six and eight police

were on site for the last three nights and St Johns put in extra staff.

She also called in a lot more volunteers and hired extra security staff. Extra food trucks were also called in.

The feedback she got was that people were concerned about safety and being separated from friends or family in the dark.

“If it had got dangerous, I would have shut it down. There was never a point where the event staff thought it was dangerous.”

Her main priority was reconnecting lost children with their parents. “All the children were reunited with their parents incredibly quickly.”

Despite the challenges, Steed said it was a huge success.

“The feedback so far has been really positive. Being a free event in the community made it accessible to all and the diverse line up provided something for everyone. We feel

A performer entertains the crowd during Lower Hutt’s HighLight Carnival, which attracted more than 120,000 visitors over four nights. CREDIT: Mark Tantrum HighLight has put Lower Hutt on the map.”

Planning has already started for next year when, as well as closing off nearby roads, she plans to make it easier to move around.

The council’s $24 million events centre will be open and incorporating it in to the festival will create extra space.

She believed it would become an iconic regional attraction and numbers next year were likely to be even higher.

The event partnered with Alzheimer’s Wellington to raise

money and awareness for the charity and spokesperson Anne Schumacher was pleased with how it went.

“We particularly enjoyed seeing the visitors interacting with and learning from Affinity, the light installation that was created to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and that shared stories of New Zealanders who have been affected by the illness.”

The carnival featured a nightly fireworks display, on the roof of the War Memorial Library, which could be viewed across the region.

A Jewel for Auckland’s City Centre Auckland Mayor Phil Goff joined Waitemata Local Board Chair Pippa Coom in September to open the newly refurbished Ellen Melville Centre and upgraded Freyberg Square on High Street in Central Auckland.

The opening followed a 12-month redevelopment to support the central city’s growing resident population.

Mayor Phil Goff praised the development as superb: “We have created in Freyberg Place one of the best public open spaces in the CBD. It refurbishes and preserves the heritage of the building and creates a space where pedestrians, not vehicles, come

Events Update, October 2017

first. It’s a place where people will be drawn to relax and enjoy.”

“With more than 200,000 people working and studying downtown and 45,000 living here, we need more worldclass public spaces and facilities like this,” he said.

The Ellen Melville Centre is one of Auckland’s most iconic heritage buildings. Built in 1962, the centre was originally proposed by Ellen Melville, New Zealand’s first woman councillor, as a hall for use by women’s societies and a memorial to the pioneer women of the province.

The square is named after Lord Bernard Freyberg who

served as Governor-General of New Zealand from 1946-1952 and whose statue has been relocated back to the site after being removed for the redesign.

Development Programme Office and supported by the Waitemata Local Board and the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board.

Local Board Chair Pippa Coom states, “We are proud to have made this project a priority in 2012. We now have over 45,000 residents who will be able to enjoy the centre as a community hub.

The total project budget of $11 million was funded through the Waitemata Local Board and City Centre Targeted Rate. The key consultants were Isthmus Group, Stevens Lawson Architects, MPM Projects and JFC Limited contractors working with Corbel Construction and the artists were John Reynolds, Lisa Reihana and Graham Tipene. The building artwork is fully funded through the regional public art budget.

“We are also proud to honour the legacy of Ellen Melville by officially renaming the hall after her, and by naming each of the centre’s five rooms after significant New Zealand women.”

The project was led

by Auckland Council’s

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