New role created to attract events to Napier

One of New Zealand's most experienced festival directors is set to head a new role promoting Napier as an events destination.

Roger King, who helped establish and manage events such as WOMAD in New Plymouth and the Taranaki Arts Festival, will take up the reins of the newly-created role of Events Co-ordinator for Napier City Council.

Napier City Council Chief Executive Wayne Jack stated "we're thrilled to have Roger on board.

"His vast experience and understanding of events planning and management will be a huge asset as we look to attract more events to Napier and Hawke's Bay."

King has also initiated and directed arts festivals in Taupo and Tauranga.

Most recently he has been working with Auckland's Art Venture programme, the New Zealand Dance Company, Q Theatre and Wellington's Creative Capital Arts Trust providing them with programming and management advice. He is the current chairman of Chamber Music New Zealand and Creative Hawke's Bay.

Delighted with his new appointment, King stated "I'm thrilled to be joining Napier City's team and working with Hawke's Bay Tourism to attract a range of new events for the city."