The NZAEP is a voluntary organisation incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 on 12 September 2005 with the purpose of being the industry association for event professionals in New Zealand. The NZAEP was formed in response to industry demand for a recognised body to represent the burgeoning events industry in New Zealand.

 

NZAEP’s founding principle is to bring professionals together to focus on the industry as a whole and to act as a voice for that industry and its members. This acknowledged the need for the Association and the need for education to ensure the highest standards of event delivery.

 

The NZAEP Board was appointed as part of the initial set up of the Association. The current Board is made up of influential figures in the event landscape that are practitioners with credibility and respect in the industry.

 

NZAEP has experienced considerable growth in its short history and has achieved milestones including reaching close to 200 members, development of an educational and networking resource, annual industry conference, recognised event industry awards and a member administration service.

 

Rae Finlay Managing Director, Tenth Dot Management Ltd Rae Finlay founded Tenth Dot Management in 2001. The company specialises in event management, marketing, fundraising and sponsorship. Major contracts include the Royal New Zealand Show and Canterbury A&P Show. Prior to establishing Tenth Dot Management Rae’s experience included CEO of Turning Point 2000 for the Christchurch City Council and Event Manager for the Queenstown Winter Festival.

Arthur Klap Director of Sports Impact Ltd Arthur has an extensive background in event management and has organised more than 500 events over 30 years. These include international events such as the ITU Triathlon World Championships in 1994 and 2003, the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2006, the ISF Snowboard Junior World Championships 2002, the ITU Aquathlon World Championships 2003 and the WMRA World Mountain Running Trophy 2005. He has also organised other events as varied as the Wellington Wind Festival, outdoor concerts and underground skateboard tours. Arthur is currently organising the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games in Otago.

Aaron Joy Games Manager, New Zealand Masters Games Aaron currently works for the Dunedin City Council, employed as Games Manager for the New Zealand Masters Games. Notable sports events Aaron has worked on are: World Paralympics Swimming Championships, World Wheelchair Championships, New Zealand Wheelchair Tennis Open, FINA World Masters Swimming Championships, World Fire-fighters Games, and the New Zealand Masters Games.

Karen Watkins Sponsorship & Events Marketing Executive, Hamilton City Council Karen has a strong background in events organisation and delivery. Karen is responsible for the management of Hamilton’s event sponsorships, marketing support for sponsored events, a leading role in the development and securing of key icon and world class events, emerging new events and the upskilling of city event organisers.

Rachael Dacy Group Manager City Events, Auckland City Council Rachael hails from Melbourne where she coordinated the City of Melbourne’s $30 million-plus contribution to the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In her new role as Group Manager City Events for Auckland City, Rachael leads a team who attracts, deliver, sponsor and/or facilitate over 1500 events across Auckland annually. She has a Master of Sport Business and has experience in event sponsorship, strategic event planning and project management. Rachael is also a former Australian pole-vaulting champion; she placed fifth in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Thomas Mayo CEO, World Rowing Champs 2010 Tom comes from a competitive Athletics background and competed for Great Britain at major Championships over 1500m. Tom moved to New Zealand four years ago and took on a role as Chief Operations Officer for Triathlon NZ and helped them cope and build on the ‘Hamish Carter’ era of success. Tom now looks after the organisation of the 2010 World Rowing Champs to be held in Karapiro.

Co-opted Board Members:

Anne Hindson Company Director, SGL Group NZ Ltd Anne has a strong background in recreation and tourism planning and management, having been involved in a large number of projects in New Zealand as well as several overseas projects. Anne is able to draw on over twenty years of experience in the recreation, events and sport industries as a practitioner to bring to her consultancy work. Anne has a Master of Commerce & Management and her event experience includes Project Manager for APEC Science Ministers Meeting & Associated Events: Regional Manager for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, World Junior Touch Nationals, National Touch Championships, and numerous conferences and events including the establishment of the ETF conferences.

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