52 Breeze Magazine
Events Manager Theresa Murphy thrives on having multiple challenges on her plate
RNZYS Events Manager Theresa Murphy Story by Debra Douglas The new RNZYS Events Manager Theresa Murphy has her grandfather and member, Ian Johnson, to thank for an introduction to the hospitality experience offered at the club. “It was the atmosphere at a Squadron family Christmas Day lunch that impressed me and sparked my interest in working here,” said Theresa. “And my grandfather speaks highly of the place and takes a lot of pride in what the Squadron stands for.” Theresa started at the Squadron in May last year as maternity cover for the Events Co-ordinator position and then was in a secondment role for the Events Manager, before taking on her present permanent position in January. Previously she had worked at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, which describes itself as a “local brew and street eats champion”, and in a sales
role for Conferenz, now called Brightstar, a company specialising in organising conferences, expos and training courses. Theresa: “The Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen is similar to the Squadron in that it has several function areas and therefore lots of moving parts. In the sales role at Conferenz, I realised I wanted to look for something in that space again. “Being an Event Manager involves juggling a lot of things at one time. I think you need to be a person who thrives on that and enjoys the challenge. At the Squadron there is the added element of membership, plus more function spaces than I had worked in before. It involves a whole new level of juggling.” Theresa says she is a little disappointed that the red-light Covid restrictions on hospitality kicked in just as she started her new role, but she says the club is lucky to still have strong support from members and from companies
holding business planning meetings. “We are still able to do a lot. And I am feeling positive and confident about the future. We have some really cool member events coming up. Events that are not just food, not just beverage, but a whole experience. “We are fortunate to have the team we have. Because we go through some long days and nights together, you almost feel like we are a family.” Away from the Squadron, Theresa carries on the event management theme managing her own business, Event Flair, which provides dancers, musicians, entertainers and models for events. To relax, if you could call it that, she dances, ballroom and Latin American. Sailing is on her bucket list. “I’ve been Rum Racing, which I thoroughly enjoyed and am waiting the be asked out again. I am enthusiastic and willing to learn,” she says.
