MAR 2015

EventsUpdateeditorial@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 event — contact info@nzaep.co.nz for details

HeAltH & SAfety legiSlAtion cHAngeS — See page 3

MAjoR eventS MAnAgeMent Act updAte — See page 4

cHRiStcHuRcH looking good foR 2015 — See page 9

Page 2Events Update, March 2015

As mentioned in the February Events Update, NZAEP is collating data to reveal the impact on the events industry if the recommendations from the Ministerial Forum are implemented.

We’re emailing this separately

to all members to collate for the Ministers of Health and Justice to present to Cabinet in June. (Note: Sport NZ is collating information on sports events whilst NZAEP focuses on music, cultural and non-sporting events)

The survey seeks to establish:

• the number and types of Music, Cultural and Non-Sporting events and activities that would be impacted,

• the value of alcohol sponsorship to these events (cash, in-kind or pourage),

• the value of alcohol advertising to the events industry sector,

• the likely response to implementation ( eg: loss/scale down of event or activities; limit attendance of under 18s),

• the practicality of limiting attendance by minors to events and activities sponsored by the alcohol industry.

If you haven’t received your survey and would be able to help us, please email Vicki Watson on Vicki@nzaep.co.nz

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As many will remember over the festive season, traditional media and social media were rife with coverage – and disturbing video – of the riot at the BW festival campground near the Rhythm and Vines New Year event in Gisborne.

It was a disappointing example of the way the actions of a few can affect an event experience for the majority of participants.

R&V organisers commented from the get-go that the majority of the 7,000 revelers were not interested in causing trouble and were acting responsibly, and the chaos according to police, ‘was well-planned and coordinated by a core group of festival-goers intent on causing trouble’.

Giving some perspective on such events – particularly when something does go awry - is one way NZAEP can support its members as well as ensure the continuing success of such events.

Part of being an event organiser, particularly of large-scale events, is dealing with these occurrences, constantly reviewing security as well as health and safety, and working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

What needs to be commended is that the R&V organisers immediately outlined their commitment to work with police and liquor licensing authorities to stop the same thing happening again. They took action, reviewed what went wrong – agreeing that

safety and security of all festival-goers is paramount – and immediately began working with authorities to put new policies in place to ensure that.

We know that as event professionals many of you already have detailed health and safety in place for your events but, even so, as we hit March of 2015, maybe now is a good time to relook at those plans. Given the Health and Safety Reform Bill has been introduced to Parliament, new laws pending will also effect what and how you set up your event plans.

NZAEP members can access the Great Guidelines section on our website, including the link to NZME’s Resource Bank, and check out the Health & Safety Networking Seminar to update members of new legislation that will come about this year.

For further information visit www.nzaep.co.nz/resources/ and login to the member only area for ‘Great Guidelines’. Also email Lisa Dempsey on info@nzaep.co.nz to register for the FREE to MEMBERS Health & Safety Update seminar. See page 3.

Membership Survey for Alcohol Advertising and Sponsorship Review

Timely Health & Safety Update

FROM THE CEO

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Page 3Events Update, March 2015

Networking Seminars – Health & Safety Update

Linked In NZAEP Group

Certification Programme

Rotorua: Thursday 26th March, 9.30-11.00am, Registrations from 9.00am, Skellerup Room, Energy Events Centre, Queen’s Drive. (Any attendees then wishing to watch Crankworx starting at 11.30am should visit www.crankworx.com/rotorua for further information)

Auckland: Tuesday 21st April, 4.30 – 6.00pm, Registrations from 4.00pm, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, Level 20, Lumley Centre, 88 Shortland St.

Christchurch: Thursday 23rd April, 9.00 -10.30am, Registrations from 8.30am, Function Room, Level 1, Christchurch City Council, 53 Hereford St.

The Health and Safety Reform Bill has been introduced to Parliament, representing a major change to New Zealand’s health and safety system. The Bill is part of ‘Working Safer: aimed at reducing New Zealand’s workplace injury and death toll by 25 per cent by 2020.

So what are the key changes? How will this new legislation, due to come into law on 1 April, impact your organisation of events? What new responsibilities are you now liable for?

This seminar, including a Q&A section, is presented by Aaron Lloyd, Partner at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. Aaron has significant administrative and public law experience and specialises in advising clients in the government sector, and the private sector with respect to their interaction with government. He has

worked with a number of high profile sports events and organisations.

We also have Worksafe New Zealand presenting to ensure a balanced view of changes with examples of what new information you’ll need to consider.

NOTE: Due to restrictions on numbers, a maximum of two people per organisation can register.

RSVP: Lisa Dempsey, email: rsvp@nzaep.co.nz indicating ‘Rotorua’, ‘Auckland’ or ‘Christchurch’ and your name and organisation (maximum 2 people). FREE to Members, $35.00 inc GST for Non-Members.

Cancellations: 24 hours’ notice for cancellations must be given to avoid a fee of $25.00

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Over 150 members have already signed up to the Linked In exclusive NZAEP Group. Visit www.linkedin.com/groups/nzaep-6934807 to get involved.●

Open to all practicing events professionals, the CFEE programme is considered the global benchmark for events professionals. Places in the 2015 Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE) programme are limited and we suggest members enrol early to avoid disappointment.

After a successful rollout in 2013, New Zealand now has six CFEE graduates, to join over 200 graduates worldwide, with another 20 currently engaged in the NZ programme. These graduates are recognised as professionals who are dedicated to

best practice, continuing professional development and delivering excellence.

Previously, candidates wishing to complete this programme have been required to attend core curriculum courses in the USA. However, as a result of NZAEP’s partnership with IFEA, members are now able to complete the entire programme in New Zealand.

The curriculum is coordinated with the annual Eventing the Future conference. Classroom subjects are held in the days immediately prior to the conference and elective components are able to be

completed as part of attending the conference, making the programme time and cost-efficient for students.

NZAEP selected the programme for its reputation and standing, relevant content, accessible coursework and appropriate level of time and cost investment.

Email Lisa Dempsey, Association Administrator,on info@nzaep.co.nz for any further information or visit www.nzaep.co.nz/enable/#CFEE for enrolment details.●

(CFEE) – 2015 Enrolments now open

Page 4Events Update, March 2015

Dispelling the urban myths - the Major Events Management ActIn recent months there has been a lot of conversation around what opportunities and protections the Major Events Management Act 2007 (MEMA) provides. New Zealand Major Events (NZME) at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment coordinates the MEMA application process. With so many great events on the horizon for New Zealand in the near future, we thought now would be a good time to clear up these urban myths.

What does the MEMA do?

The MEMA protects the rights of event organisers and official sponsors of a declared ‘major event’ to benefit from their investment in a major event. It does this by preventing parties that are not official sponsors from advertising or otherwise promoting their goods and services, in a manner that suggests they are official sponsors or somehow associated with the major event.

The legislation can apply to any ‘major event’ that meets the criteria in the Act. Additionally,

the event should also align with the Act’s policy intent in that the MEMA was introduced to provide protections for one-off internationally significant major events where protection from ambush marketing is a requirement for the award of hosting rights.

The MEMA is not intended for annual or regular events that New Zealand hosts as of right nor should the Act be overused. Given the protections provided for in the Act restrict, to a certain extent, freedom of speech and business activity, the threshold for declaring an event a ‘major event’ is set high.

What is a clean zone and ambush marketing?

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 have both been declared major events under the MEMA. Both events have also had clean zones declared. ‘Clean’ meaning that on the day of each match, the specified clean zone areas, which are normally around the event venue, must be free of unauthorised advertising.

The MEMA is also particularly useful when it comes to providing protections for the event against large scale ambush marketing stunts that gain national or even international media coverage. With broadcasting rights to some major international sporting events now exceeding well over one billion viewers, the Cricket World Cup being one of those with an expected broadcast audience of 2.5 billion, ambush marketing opportunities can be very tempting for companies not associated with the event.

How do you apply for ‘major event’ status?

If you are considering applying for ‘major event’ status for your event, there are a number of things to take into consideration before heading down that path. First, this is not a quick or necessarily easy process to go through. ‘Major event’ declaration is a legislative process and can take up to six months to complete. The NZME team can assist you

through the process however; it is the Governor General, on the recommendation of the Minister for Economic Development, who can declare an event to be a ‘major event’ under the Act.

Declaring an event a ‘major event’ is not the miracle cure for accessing Major Events Development Fund investment – these two processes are not connected. In addition, major event status under the Act should not be sought simply as a means to recognise the scale, importance or economic impact of an event. An event could deliver fantastic benefits to its local or national community but may still not meet the criteria thresholds required of it in the MEMA. For more information click here or contact the NZME team. ●

Devorah Blumberg, Manager, New Zealand Major Events

RWC 2015 ReminderVenues and Event Managers wanting special liquor licenses to serve out of hours (given the Northern Hemisphere is hosting this year’s tournament) should make contact with their local councils now.

Some will no doubt experience some backlog, so find out early what’s required.

See the NZAEP website, member only section, for all the contact information for local councils regarding permit and licence requirements, as well as stand-out council websites that provide helpful guides even for those outside their region. http://nzaep.co.nz/great-guidelines/

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Where can I get great Guidelines?

Resource Bank

Page 5Events Update, March 2015

Do you know your NZAEP Board?1. What have been your major areas of focus as Chair of NZAEP over the last three years?

Since I joined the Board I have been very focused on the Association becoming a sustainable entity with a membership that truly represents the industry and the resources to be able to deliver benefits to those members.

2. What do you get excited about when thinking about the New Zealand events industry?

I think the New Zealand events industry is coming of age. When I started Verve all those years ago there were many cowboys in the industry – everyone thought they could manage an event and run it even without any experience. Now, after significant Government investment in bringing major events to New Zealand and the maturity of our home-grown events, we have been able to develop and attract skilled event professionals.

3. What’s one of the biggest issues for the industry this year?

Unfortunately now that we

are becoming an industry we have become a target for the legislators and authorities. I used to complain that marquee permits were based on hospitality premises’ regulations – using that calculation we would have needed hundreds of toilets for one dinner! It’s great we’ve achieved recognition that events have their own requirement but as a result, we seem to be a target. The focus on alcohol both with control and legislation will be our biggest challenge in the near future – I believe a better solution is for education, and the authorities, to work alongside event managers to improve the outcome.

4. What major event, that New Zealand has hosted, has been your favourite and why?

I attended the last Winter Games on the observer programme – that was a great experience. Also the World Rowing Champs as a VIP – not the usual role I have at an event!

5. What community or regional event that you’ve attended has been a stand-out in your opinion?

Unfortunately attending events is a bit of a busman’s

holiday so I don’t go to many. However, I attended the Leadfoot Festival in Hahei recently – it’s people like Rod Millen getting out there and taking the initiative and risk to see his dreams come true.

6. Who in the New Zealand events industry, is a star performer and why?

I’m not sure it’s my place to judge – let’s leave that for the NZAEP awards!

7. If you could have anyone in the world to MC at an event, who would it be?

Tina Fey or Stephen Fry

8. If you could give anybody starting out in events some advice, what would it be?

The number of people I have heard say, “I want to be an event manager,” could fill many pages. Firstly they need to analyse why – if it’s just, “I’m good at organising,” or, “I ran my school ball and had a ball!” they need to know it’s not all to-do lists and fun. A successful event manager needs passion and the drive to deliver a project with sometimes punishing timelines. My recommendation would be for

them to volunteer at as many events as possible and really get a feel for them first.

9. What event, that you have managed, has been your stand-out favourite and why?

I was very fortunate to be a key part of many of Wellington’s iconic events setting the template for their ongoing success. We now work throughout New Zealand and have a comprehensive portfolio of events from public events to business events. However, if I had to pick one - being involved in creating and delivering the first real red carpet movie premiere – The Lord of the Rings, was very special.

10. Why do you think anybody involved in events should join NZAEP?

At a macro level, the industry is very new and we need to band together to give us a voice and the ability to leverage opportunities. It is also important to continue to develop as professionals and NZAEP offers fantastic networking and professional development opportunities.

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Terri Van Schooten, Chair (Director of Verve, The Event Agency)

With nearly 650 members, and more joining around the country every month, NZAEP is establishing local touch points for members - Regional Representatives, who will assist us on the ground.

Over the next few issues of Events Update, we’ll introduce our Regional Reps and find out what’s happening. Whether you’re keen to meet up with other members, attend networking seminars or our

annual seminar series, get some advice or inspiration – our Regional Reps can connect you to NZAEP’s services.

NZAEP REGIoNAL REPS

Page 6Events Update, March 2015

New Zealand launches Business Events MoU with ChinaNew Zealand is set to launch a facilitated visa process for Chinese business events visitors after a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) came into effect on 2 March 2015.

Signed by Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), Immigration New Zealand and 12 business events travel agents in Shanghai in January, the MoU for Lodgement of Business Events Visa Applications is expected to spur strong growth in Chinese business event visitors to New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Asia David Craig says, “The aim of this MoU is to make conference and incentive trips more accessible to Chinese business travellers.

“New Zealand offers world class facilities and activities and should be considered a leading choice for Chinese business events.”

International business

events are a key part of the organisation’s strategy to help drive higher value visitors to New Zealand. Over the last 18 months, Tourism New Zealand’s work in this sector has secured 2,631 business events travellers, representing over NZD $19 million in economic value to New Zealand.

The programme will be launched in East and Northern China once the first group of 20 business events travel specialists qualify. The China MoU follows on from a similar process launched in India last November, which saw visitors travelling for recognised business events benefit from faster visa processing times and reduced paperwork requirements. Since 2013, the New Zealand Government has invested in upgrading and expanding business events facilities in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown with the goal of accommodating over 7,000 business events visitors by 2018.

Since the MOU came into effect, applicants applying for visas through designated business events travel agencies can receive the following benefits:

• regardless of where the applicant lives, applications will be able to be submitted by the travel agent at their closest visa application centre

• a dedicated Immigration New Zealand point of contact will be appointed to handle all queries concerning business events visa applications

• the documents required for visa applications will be greatly streamlined through business events partner agents

• after all applications are signed, and all necessary documents are submitted, the processing time for business events visas will only be three working days.

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Source: Tourism New Zealand website, 17 February 2015

SOURCE New Zealand Launches Business Events MoU with China. (17 February, 2015). Tourism New Zealand.

NZ Major Events Resource BankThe Resource Bank on www.med.govt.nz/majorevents/resource-bank/major-events-resource-bank has a wealth of knowledge that many event managers will find useful.

NZAEP has just been contracted to review the content and layout over the next few months to assess what’s missing and what can be added as good guidelines for best practice. If you’ve

accessed the Resource Bank recently to gain some insight and see anything that you’d like added, please let us know.

The review will include assessing whether new modules could be added in the future and whether layout changes are required to aid the customer find what is needed more quickly. ●

CFEE Programme – Case StudyAs part of the final assessment for graduating, participants in the CFEE programme must submit real life case studies demonstrating how the curriculum courses were applied in the actual performance of their jobs.

We received an excellent case study involving a health and safety issue at the annual Dwali Festival in Auckland. It shows a well presented,

insightful consideration of what could be a huge safety challenge, and how a solution was worked through and implemented.

Its author, Eric Ngan, Event Producer at ATEED is now a graduate of the CFEE programme.

Visit: CFEE Course Information, number 8, Assessment www.nzaep.co.nz/certification ●

volunteernet.org.nz

NeedVolunteers for your

Event?

volunteernet.org.nz

Photo / www.dreamstime.com

Page 7Events Update, March 2015

America’s Cup: Team NZ funds hang on Cup event decision

The fate of Team New Zealand’s bid for Government funding is expected to be revealed this week after an announcement on another crucial piece of their campaign puzzle.

Prime Minister John Key gave a strong indication over the weekend the Government would greenlight funding for Team NZ, provided Auckland secured hosting rights for the America’s Cup qualifying series in early 2017. The deadline for the America’s Cup Events Authority to publish the pre-regatta schedule in the lead-up to the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda passes today, although there is no word on when an announcement will be made.

Key told Newstalk ZB if the qualifying series was awarded to Auckland, it would make the event “a much better proposition from the taxpayer’s point of view”, with all five challengers and defender Oracle Team USA expected to base themselves in New Zealand over the 2016-2017 summer. “If [Team NZ] host what is effectively

Source: New Zealand Herald, 16 February 2015

Photo / Brett Phibbs

the Louis Vuitton challenger series, or a decent part of that in Auckland, that’s going to bring in teams for a long period of time, that’s going to bring in worldwide television audiences, it’s going to showcase Auckland,” he said.

“There’ll always be people that will say ‘oh, we’re a bit over it, it’s big boys’ toys and billionaires and their court cases’. But on the other side of the coin I think people will see the value that comes from hosting the challenger series.” Late last year, Auckland looked odds-on to secure the qualifying series, with America’s Cup commercial commissioner Harvey Schiller announcing the organisers were working with Team NZ on a bid to host a “major event or events”.

But the organisers’ enthusiasm was not shared by some of the challengers, with the European teams raising concerns over the added costs of moving their operations to New Zealand for up to three months.

The time lost shipping their boats to Auckland and then on

to Bermuda was also a sticking point with the challengers.

It is understood America’s Cup bosses have agreed to impose a three-month stand-down period where competitors are not allowed to touch their boats to offset the handicap the European teams face.

Team NZ has encountered another late hurdle in their bid, with Sydney reportedly putting together a strong proposal to host the qualifying series. The Sydney consortium, led by high-profile events promoter Tony Cochrane, is understood to have offered a more compelling financial package for America’s Cup organisers, but it’s thought they may have left their run too late.

America’s Cup: Team NZ funds hang on Cup event decision (16 February, 2015). New Zealand Herald.

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volunteernet.org.nz

Register your Event on

Source: The Dominion Post, 17 February 2015

Four Hours of Car-Free Cycling Attracts HordesBike enthusiasts took full advantage recently of their ultimate dream - a car-free road. In Wellington, 2500 cyclists, rollerbladers and walkers attended Ciclovia, a worldwide event which closes city roads to cars and opens them up to people.On Miramar peninsula, Massey Rd from Shelly Bay to Scorching Bay was closed from 1pm to 5pm. Families were especially targeted, with organisers handing out treasure hunt maps to keep kids entertained on the ride. Seatoun mum Claire Graeme saw Ciclovia as a great opportunity to take her six-year-old son Stanley Conn on his bike. “He’s still learning to ride on the roads. It’s lovely not having stinky cars around.” Stanley preferred the terrain. “The best thing is going on the flat,” he said. The local Frocks on Bikes chapter was one of the biggest groups to hit the road, with more than 100 riding from Freyberg Pool to Scorching Bay, where they finished with a picnic and raffle. With encouragement from a friend, Francesca Askew, 25, “wobbled” through her first bike ride in years. The chance to put on a nice frock won her over, she said. “It’s nice to just dress up and get out there, really. It was wonderful to just ride along and not worry about the cars.” ●

Page 8Events Update, March 2015

2014 A Record Year for Auckland International Tourism

Auckland has reached a significant milestone, welcoming more than two million international arrivals in a 12 month period for the first time ever to help boost the visitor economy.

The latest results from Statistics New Zealand show international arrivals to Auckland for year end December 2014 were 2,029,568, which is an increase of five percent on the previous year.

A steady December month capped off the exceptional year, with international arrivals

Source: ATEED website, 4 February 2015

Photo / www.dreamstime.com

up 1.6 percent on December 2013.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says this is an excellent milestone for Auckland.

“This record-breaking result supports Auckland’s positioning as a great destination with unique attractions and experiences that have helped earn our city international recognition as a leading tourism destination,” says Mr O’Riley.

The annual growth was largely attributed to a 14 percent

increase in arrivals from China, a 11.6 percent increase from Germany, and a 10.4 percent increase in arrivals from the United States of America.

Auckland has also seen consistent accommodation occupancy rates over the past five years, with international guest nights rising 4.5 percent to just over three million.

The overall occupancy rate for Auckland hotels was 82 percent for the year ended December 2014.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says these exceptional results

come hot-on-the-heels of a huge weekend with the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, and amidst a non-stop summer of major events which is driving visitation to the region.

“We expect this summer to be the biggest on record for events in Auckland.

We’re on track to reach one million events-related visitor nights since the launch of ATEED’s Major Events Strategy three years ago,” says Mr Brown.

“This helps to demonstrate the continued success of both the Auckland Visitor Plan and the Auckland Major Events Strategy to grow the visitor economy.”

ATEED – on behalf of Auckland Council – aims to double the contribution from the visitor economy, growing it from $4.8 billion in 2012 to $7.2 billion annually in 2021.

Source: 2014 A Record Year for Auckland International Tourism (4 February, 2015). Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

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NZAEP provides updates to members about any upcoming role or career opportunity.

Check our member-only section on the website to get more information, and to keep up to date on growth and changes afoot.

Membership rates to advertise a career opportunity are $165.00 plus GST. Email Lisa Dempsey on info@nzaep.co.nz

NEW CAREER oPPoRTUNITIESLike us on

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Page 9Events Update, March 2015

2015 ‘Looking Good’ for ChristchurchStadium rock bands, international cricket and a giant celebration of New Zealand’s Maori culture are among a score of exciting events Christchurch will host this year.

The 2015 events calendar kicked off with the annual World Buskers Festival in January and was followed soon after by the opening ceremony for Cricket World Cup on February 12.

Sports fans can also look forward to the FIFA under-20 World Cup in May and June and the return of the New Zealand Women’s Open at Clearwater Golf Club, while music lovers rocked out to the Foo Fighters in February and Ed Sheeran in April.

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter said the biennial Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival – returning to Christchurch in March for the first time since 1986 – would be the event to stretch the city’s accommodation providers the most.

“It’s 30,000 people descending onto Christchurch and the bulk of them are not from here.”

The Cricket World Cup would not put any strain on accommodation providers, he said, but was a huge event for Christchurch to be involved in as about a fifth of the world’s population watched the tournament.

“Hagley Oval is just the most stunning facility. I think it’s going to get a real big tick from the international media.”

Hunter said 2015 was “looking pretty good” for Christchurch, with visitor numbers continuing to climb following Canterbury’s devastating earthquakes.

“We’re probably going to have the best year we’ve had in a long time.” Bruce Garrett, the Tourism Industry Association’s Canterbury hotels sector chairman, said bookings for the rest of summer were “strong and looking positive”. Christchurch had about 5100 commercial beds available – still down on the 7000 available before the quakes – but a further 400 were expected to come online in the next few months as new hotels opened.

Christchurch Airport said its passenger numbers were on the up again following the quakes. Visiting airlines were

Source: The Press, January 2015

Photo / www.fotolia.com

expected to add an extra 650,000 seats over the next two years, with 7.5 million seats available in the 12 months to June 2015 – up nearly 10 per cent on the June 2013 year.

Chief executive Malcolm Johns said the airport would be part of a major three-year tourism campaign starting in Australia next month. He was confident the $3m campaign would lure many more Australian visitors to our shores, something which was “critical to the recovery and growth” of the airport and the country

Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield said the number of conferences being held in Christchurch – particularly by Australian companies – was “on the upwards swing”, but the city would not get back to pre-quake hosting numbers until the new convention centre was built. “We desperately need it. It’s a catalyst for hotel investment.”

Source: 2015 ‘Looking Good’ for Christchurch (January, 2015). The Press ●

New Members to NZAEPWelcome to the following new members who have joined us over Christmas and the New Year.

We look forward to welcoming you to the next networking seminars and conference. ●

• Auckland Art Fair

• Changing Minds

• Cuba Creative

• D & J Collins Enterprises

• Gameplan NZ Ltd

• Mahons Amusements

• New Zealand Recreation Association• New Zealand Trade & Enterprise• Novotel Tainui Hamilton• Parnell Partners Group Limited• Petone Working Mens Club

July 22, Wellington

For further info

Page 10Events Update, March 2015

The Middle Earth LegacySource: Excerpts from Herald on Sunday, 22 February 2015

New figures reveal the astonishing boost Tolkien fans have given to our economy, but how long can the lucrative movie off shoot continue, and should we turn our ambitions elsewhere? It is 12.30 on a Wednesday afternoon and the Green Dragon Inn is buzzing. Excited tourists from all over the world are supping mugs of “Southfarthing” ales and cider, custom-brewed for visitors to Hobbiton. They are at the end of a tour of their favourite movie set, near Matamata, Waikato, which includes a walk around the famous themed village with 44 picturesque Hobbit hole... … The six Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films have become one of the most successful franchises ever, netting billions of dollars for Warner Brothers. Cinemagoers have been rushing to see the third Hobbit film, The Battle of the Five Armies, since its release at the turn of the year, which is good news for New Zealand. Since the Lord of the Rings films were launched in 2001, there has been a massive increase in visitor arrivals. In

2000, New Zealand had 1.78 million visitors. By 2013 this had increased to 2.71 million. Since the first Hobbit movie was released three years ago, arrivals have surged to 2.83 million annually and could reach 3 million by the end of 2015. New figures reveal the latest instalment of “Tolkien-mania” has been boosting the Kiwi economy and attracting record numbers of overseas visitors. Recent surveys show 14 per cent of tourists say the Hobbit films influenced their decision to come here and 22 per cent of international travellers had some form of Hobbitexperience .

Kirdan Lees, from the NZ Institute of Economic Research, believes the film phenomenon now accounts for a direct annual spend from overseas tourists of up to $400 million. “I would estimate about a third of the recent tourism growth is down to the effects of Middle Earth marketing around the world,” he says. “There are now more than 300,000 visitors a year to Hobbiton and that indicates Photo / Michael Craig

a huge percentage know the films were made in New Zealand and are connecting with them.” Growth in visitors from the US alone was up by 9.5 percent last year and is still rising, Lees says. More Americans are choosing to come to New Zealand over traditional destinations like the Caribbean and Asia…. …In December, Tourism NZ and Air New Zealand paid to transport a slice of Hobbiton to London for the premiere of The Battle of the Five Armies. An entrance to a Hobbit hole was recreated inside Claridge’s hotel where more than 100

media interviews with the cast were conducted… …”We have invested a lot to ensure people see the films and connect them with New Zealand,” says Kevin Bowler, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand. “The movie franchise has had an enormous impact on visitor numbers and spending. This is a billion-dollar sector and it would be silly not to capitalise on it.”…

Click here for the full article

Source: The Middle Earth Legacy (22 February, 2015). Herald on Sunday. ●

July 22-23, WellingtonFor further info

Booking an Event? Need to know what else is on?Quality event calendars are essential to the Event Manager’s toolkit to make sure any future event you’re working on does not clash with another event which could threaten the participation of your target audience.

Whether a national, regional or community event, the NZAEP website, member-only access, has links to all the best event calendars maintained around the country.

Visit www.nzaep.co.nz/resources/#guidelines If you’ve forgotten your member login, please email Lisa on info@nzaep.co.nz

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Page 11Events Update, March 2015

Reusable Cup ‘Changes the Game’ for Festivals

Are you ready to conduct a year’s worth of work across two productive days?

Source: Element Magazine, NZ Herald, 4 February 2015

Photo / Globelets and Splore

When Ryan Everton’s French girlfriend asked him why Kiwi festivals didn’t provide reusable cups, Everton decided he would start producing them himself. They had them in France, his girlfriend told him, so why did New Zealand which was “such a green country” still provide one-use cups to festival-goers?

Three years on and Everton’s Christchurch based company, Value Road, is producing 70,000 reusable polypropylene ‘Globelets’ a year. In 2014, eco-conscious arts and music weekend Splore was the first New Zealand festival to use the Globelet. Recently named one of the world’s 36 greenest festivals, the move saw Splore reduce its 55,000 recyclable one-use cups to 11,000 reusable cups as a result. Everton said the aim of the Globelet to reduce

waste but also to incentivise and “engage people so they start thinking about their environmental footprint”. Festival-goers pay $2 for the cup when they buy their first drink and then are able to reuse it at any other drink station at the festival. If they return it at the end of the event they get their $2 back and it is then reused - although Everton said many people like to keep the festival branded-cup as a souvenir. “I didn’t really know how they would go when I started but it has become its own little brand in itself,” he said. “It’s amazing that a cup can create such a difference - It’s such a small thing. But it changes the game.” Taranaki Festival Womad would be using the cups for the first time this year too, Everton said. ●

Come along as our guest to MEETINGS 2015 and you will be amazed at what New Zealand has to offer. Meet with over 180 quality exhibitors, from 18 regions

and compile a year’s worth of research in just two days!

Take up our exclusive offer to attend FREE as a Hosted Buyer and experience complimentary, world class return air travel, fine accommodation within our Host City, Auckland and

tickets to attend our popular social events.

For those that are stretched for time and cannot commit to the fully hosted programme, we are more than happy to offer a One Day appointment diary on either Wednesday 10 or Thursday 11 June.

Auckland based buyers are welcome to apply as either a one or two day Hosted Buyer.

Visit the website for further information. Applications are now open and spaces are filling fast- Click here to apply today! ●

WOMAD NZ CEO Suzanne Porter says “WOMAD NZ has a strong commitment to a Zero Waste policy. We have a goal this year of diverting 80% of waste from landfill and the introduction of globelets will assist us in reaching this target. We have also been offsetting our carbon by buying carbon credits so we are a carbon neutral festival as well.” WOMAD takes place 13-15 March in Taranaki.

What activities or practices have you established in recent years to address the issue of waste and to make your events more sustainable? Have you found your customers/audiences demanding it and appreciating the efforts being made? What savings have you made in the time you’ve implemented them? Let us know so we can share your stories as a learning tool and challenge for other Event Managers. Email: Lisa Dempsey, info@nzaep.co.nz

WoMAD

IS YoUR EvENT SUSTAINABLE?

Page 12Events Update, March 2015

Sustainable Backyards Month Goes Bay-wide2015 is the 10th anniversary of the Bay of Plenty region’s Sustainable Backyards. To celebrate, the community-based environment centre Envirohub BOP has taken the event calendar Bay-wide with more than 70 events in the region – from Katikati, Tauranga and Te Puke to Rotorua and Whakatane.

The aim is to highlight and support the community organisations, businesses and inspired individuals who are committed to sustainability,

restoring the environment and building strong resilient communities.

The month launched with Envirofest, a family friendly Festival at Mt Drury, Mount Maunganui. The diverse programme featured everything from the practical aspects of worm farming, solar power, dune restoration, food rescue and community gardens to caring for injured wildlife, investigating carbon options for the city, divestment from fossil fuels and much more.

Throughout the rest of March, there’ll be workshops, talks, open days, working bees, walks, picnics, festivals, neighbourhood get-togethers and more.

Another popular feature is the Sustainable Home & Garden

Trail, which gives the public a chance to visit private eco-homes, as well as, community gardens throughout the Bay.

You can find the full programme at www.envirohub.org.nz ●

Photo / www.dreamstime.com

Source: Rotorua Daily Post, 14 February 2015

Source: Four Hours of Car-free Cycling Attracts Hordes (17 February 2015). The Dominion Post Huge Number of Cyclists Ride the Runway (14 February, 2015). Rotorua Daily Post

Photo / Cameron Burnell, Fairfax NZ

Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Huge Number of Cyclists Ride the RunwayHundreds of cyclists of all ages and abilities took part in a rare opportunity to bike down the runway of the Rotorua Airport recently.

The Ride the Runway, a family event for the general public, and the Flying Kilo, a 1km straight line drag race for professional riders, were the first evening events for the recent Rotorua Bike Festival.

The events offered riders the chance to ride on the runway of the city’s airport, a rare treat for members of the public, including Connor Hooper, who celebrated his fifth birthday by attending the unusual event.

Mum Lara Hopper said Connor was excited to Ride the Runway.

Among the participants was Rotorua born and raised Olympic cyclist Sam Bewley, 27.

“It is a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be. It is going to be fun, it’s a unique experience and has brought the crowds. Everyone wants to do something different.

“I have done the kilo before but I have never done this on a runway. I think it’s going to be awesome, every year it gets larger and larger. “Eventually we want to get everybody on bikes, and not just for a week.”

“It is way bigger than any of us thought it was going to be. I am blown away. It has affirmed really that Rotorua loves bikes. ●

Page 13Events Update, March 2015

Photo / www.dreamstime.com

Pop-Up Transforms Event Business

Like The Transformers’ Optimus Prime, a new Wairarapa business is more than meets the eye. But instead of “robots in disguise”, the novel hospitality venture offers functions in the vines.

Based at Borthwick Vineyard in the Gladstone wine-growing district east of Carterton, “The Nation” is a 30-tonne truck which ingeniously unfolds in one day into an elegant, hi-tech functions venue as big as a house, complete with an eight-metre bar, covered seating for 200 and a roof-top patio.

“My children think it’s really cool because it’s this big Transformer,” said Paddy Borthwick, who co-owns The Nation with professional events manager Liz Pollock.

The pair bought the venue, based around an 18-wheel Mitsubishi Fuso truck, last year and it arrived at Borthwick’s Dakins Rd property just before Christmas.

Pollock said it was unique in New Zealand and lent itself to distinct business plans. Firstly it would fill a market gap in Wairarapa’s wine scene. Currently, a lack of large-scale, vineyard-based venues in

the region’s northern wine areas meant visitors looking for a “wine experience” while staying at its biggest hotel, Masterton’s Copthorne, usually had to be bussed south to Martinborough. Secondly, its scenic base would be ideal for on-site private functions and corporate events, Pollock said.

“You’re in the middle of a working vineyard, the hills, the views, you see the process and the artisanal element. It’s an extra dimension.”

Next, it will be available for events in Wairarapa and Wellington, Pollock said. “It could do a wedding at Riversdale beach, then a VIP event at Toast Martinborough or [Gladstone’s autumn] Harvest Festival, then host a pop-up tasting of Wairarapa wines in Wellington.”

Finally, it will be available to hit the road nationwide for events needing a bit of “wow factor”, such as corporate hospitality, product demonstrations, training and customer service.

The Nation has a colourful history. Custom-built by Hamilton’s Wade Group for Te Papa nine years ago, it toured the country with the Treaty of Waitangi, before a bar was

Source: Excerpts from The Dominion Post, 23 February 2015. Click here for the full article.

added to turn it into a mobile functions centre. Later it spent two years filling the gap left by Christchurch’s Carlton Hotel, demolished following the 2011 earthquake.

On the market again, it caught Borthwick’s eye and the deal was clinched when former Wings Over Wairarapa airshow organiser Pollock brought her 20-plus years of events management to the table.

The Nation turned heads under previous management at high-profile events such as Mystery Creek field days, the Golf Open at The Hills in Arrowtown and the Taupo Grand Prix, and the new owners plan to continue in that vein.

“Audi used it at Hampton Downs [race track] to do driver training and they put it right in the middle of the course . . . anywhere you can drive a truck you can use it.” Hydraulic rams let it sit level even on sloping ground. The bar can be removed for a conference break-out room, day seminar or product launch in a factory, while the pair hope the winery base will create income potential even during seasonal lulls in event bookings.

To spread the hire cost, which includes transport and installation, Pollock will work with event organisers to land other bookings in their region or en route.

It’s also about brand-building for Borthwick, looking to expand into the national market after focusing mostly on exports over the last decade.

“The exciting thing for us is that if the truck is going somewhere, it can take our wine. It’s a kind of mobile cellar door.”

Pollock said the venue’s intermittent presence in Gladstone would not be an obstacle. “Ironically I think that will be commercially beneficial - instead of a hole it will leave a sense of anticipation.”

Following Christchurch’s quakes, the “pop-up” venue concept had been found to actually add value, she said. “It inspires urgency - you can’t say, oh we’ll go next week, because it might not be there . . . it calls for immediate action.”

Joking about owning half a nation, Pollock sees enjoyment as a key to business success.

“You can’t do anything in hospitality if it doesn’t have an element of fun.”

The pair won’t reveal what they paid for Wairarapa’s Transformer but say it cost more than a million dollars to build.

Pricing will vary and be comparable with what it would cost to hire a large, top-end marquee and kit it out with all The Nation’s gear, from furniture and generators to a commercial-standard bar.

The plan is to be booked full-time each summer at least and profitable as a standalone venture by 2017. The Nation makes its public debut at Gladstone’s Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival on March 7.

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