Finalists announced for New Zealand venue management awards

The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) has announced the finalists in its fifth 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 49 performing arts centres, 35 event centres/arenas, 11 outdoor stadia and eight 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.”

Awards Finalists 2017

HPA Excellence in Host Responsibility Award
Eden Park, Auckland
Spark Arena, Auckland
St James Theatre, Wellington
Q Theatre, Auckland
Energy Events Centre, Rotorua

EVANZ Associate Member Award
Reliance Risk
Red Badge

Ticketmaster Large Venue of the Year (over 5000 seats)
Claudelands, Hamilton
Eden Park, Auckland
Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

NW Group Medium Venue of the Year (1001 - 4999 seats)
ILT Stadium, Southland
Opera House, Wellington
The Civic Theatre, Auckland
TSB Hub, Hawera

Eventfinda Small Venue of the Year (under 1000 seats)
Q Theatre Auckland
Shed 6 Wellington
TSB Showplace New Plymouth

Ticketek Venue Executive of the Year 
James Wilson, Q Theatre
Guy Ngata, Eden Park

Simpson Grierson Operations Manager of the Year 
Blair Christiansen, Eden Park
Claire Toko, H3 Group Hamilton
Emily Wotton, Auckland Stadiums
Scott Attenborough, Taupo Venues

Priava Rising Star of the Year Award 
David Sims, Carterton Events Centre
Savina Kim, Auckland Stadiums
Stacey Donaldson, Auckland Live

EVANZ Contribution to Industry Award - Announced on the night

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

The Awards will be presented during EVANZ 2017 Annual Conference - being held at Wellington’s Shed 6 from Monday 20th to Wednesday 22nd November 2017.

With a membership of 120 venues, including 58 theatres, 39 event centres, 12 outdoor stadia and 11 convention centres, EVANZ is the professional organisation which represents the venue industry in New Zealand.

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

Image: Wellington’s Shed 6.

3rd October 2017 - REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR 2017 EVANZ CONFERENCE 

20th August 2017 - AUCKLAND’S Q THEATRE UNVEILS VENUE-WIDE BI-LINGUAL SIGNAGE

8th December 2016 - HAMILTON’S H3 GROUP SECURES TWO TOP NATIONAL VENUE INDUSTRY AWARDS 

17th September 2016 - 2016 EVANZ CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT CLAUDELANDS IN HAMILTON

31st March 2016 - STRONG SUPPORT FOR WELLINGTON CONVENTION CENTRE AND MOVIE MUSEUM

6th June 2015 - NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS EVENTS INDUSTRY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

10th March 2015 - CINZ FLAGS NEW ZEALAND’S GROWING CONVENTION CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE

2nd December 2015 - TRUSTS ARENA NAMED NEW ZEALAND’S SUPREME VENUE OF THE YEAR