EVANZ announces finalists for 2019 Industry Awards

The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) has announced the finalists in its seventh 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.

All winners will be announced at the 2019 EVANZ Awards Dinner, Christchurch Town Hall on Tuesday 26th November.

EVANZ Awards Finalists 2019

HPA Excellence in Host Responsibility  
Eden Park, Auckland
Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata
Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Spotless Best Industry Supplier
Reliance Risk
Sidekicker
Red Badge

VMA Venue Executive of the Year 
Nick Sautner, Eden Park
Adam Reinsfield, Transport World
James Wilson, Baycourt Community and Arts Centre

Simpson Grierson Operational Manager of the Year 
Mike Swan, Spark Arena
Chynna Laughton, Eden Park
Melissa Williams, H3 Group

Ungerboeck Rising Star of the Year Award 
Kyle Evelyn, H3 Group
Matthew Bargent, VBase
Leah Parker, Trafalgar Centre and Trafalgar Park

Eventfinda Large Venue of the Year (over 5,000 seats)
Eden Park, Auckland
Claudelands, Hamilton

Pixel Medium Venue of the Year (1,001 to 4,999 seats)
Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
The Civic, Auckland
TSB Stadium, New Plymouth

Ticketmaster Small Venue of the Year (under 1,000 seats)
Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, Tauranga
Ashburton Trust Events Centre, Ashburton
Q Theatre, Auckland

EVANZ Contribution to Industry Award - Announced on the night
EVANZ 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.

For more information click here to view details of the 2019 EVANZ Conference in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Auckland’s Spark Arena was named Large Venue of the Year and Supreme Venue of the Year at the 2018 EVANZ awards.