EVANZ announces finalists for 2018 Industry Awards

The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) has announced the finalists in its sixth annual industry awards following the completion of judging.

Launched in 2013, the awards recognise and reward the success of venues while also acknowledging the contribution of individuals in great leadership, operational management success and identifying the stars of the future.

A statement introducing the Awards explains “venues provide spaces for diverse audiences to be thrilled, informed and entertained.

“These awards shine the spotlight on those talented individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes across New Zealand.

“These spaces, which include performing arts centres, event centres/arenas, outdoor stadia and convention centres, allow arts practitioners to push boundaries, sports teams to excel in their field, businesses and educators to develop and grow.

“These are the venues New Zealander’s want to be in, and the ones promoters want to book.”

The nine highly sought after awards are made up of three sections, Venue, People and Excellence, with three accolades per section, with the Supreme Awards for the top scoring venue or person in their respective sections.

Winners of the Awards will be announced at the EVANZ Awards Dinner on Tuesday 27th November at Auckland's Eden Park.

The finalists are:

HPA Excellence in Host Responsibility  
Eden Park, Auckland
Montana Group (in partnership with H3), Hamilton
Hannah Playhouse, Wellington

EVANZ Best Industry Supplier
Platform 4 Group
Sidekicker
Red Badge

Ticketek Venue Executive of the Year 
Nick Sautner, Eden Park
Jason Wade, Clarence St Theatre
Nelita Byrne, New Plymouth Event Venues

Simpson Grierson Operations Manager of the Year 
Blair Christiansen, Eden Park
Chynna Phelan, Eden Park
Ben Slatter, H3 Group

Ungerboeck Rising Star of the Year Award 
Mark Mekalick, Trafalgar Centre & Trafalgar Park
Megan Bloomfield, Napier Venues
Stacey Donaldson, Auckland Live

Eventfinda Large Venue of the Year (over 5,000 seats)
FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Spark Arena, Auckland

Sidekicker Medium Venue of the Year (1,001 - 4,999 seats)
Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua

Ticketmaster Small Venue of the Year (under 1,000 seats)
Carterton Events Centre, Carterton
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland
Q Theatre, Auckland

EVANZ Contribution to Industry Award - Announced on the night

Vidcom Supreme Venue of the Year Award (highest scoring nomination across the 3 venue awards - large, medium and small) - announced on the night.

EVANZ Supreme Venue Person of the Year Award (highest scoring nomination across the 3 people awards) - announced on the night.

Click here for more information on the Awards.

For more information click here to view details of the 2018 EVANZ Conference in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Auckland's Eden Park is hosting the 2018 the EVANZ Awards Dinner.