Balloons over Waikato want an event superstar
Hamilton’s beloved balloon bonanza needs fresh blood to run the show.
This year is balloon stalwart Michele Connell’s last running the event after a 20-year stint at the helm.
Balloons over Waikato has been running for 25 years and most of that time Connell’s Classic Events company has been responsible for the week-long show.
The milestone kicked in as both a celebration and a realisation for Connell. She says it was the right time to bow out and let someone else take over.
The board of trustees behind the event were saddened by the news when they were told in December last year.
“We couldn't have asked for any more in a partner .... But I completely understand that after 20 years, Michele and her team are looking to do something different and they probably feel that it's time to pass onto somebody new,” said board chair of Balloons over Waikato Charitable Trust, Steve Gow.
The board is yet to find the right candidate, but are hoping to find one by July-August.
“There’s already some people that we’ve identified that could be potential delivery partners, so we will send that document [expression of interest] to them to see if they’re interested.
“As well as that we will advertise a little bit more widely.”
The qualities they look for in a new delivery partner include experience with large events, ability to deal with various partners and stakeholders, and a focus on safety and enjoyment for families.
Gow said they would prefer someone from the region, but for the right candidate, they are happy to consider someone out of town. What’s important is to keep the show running.
“We're 25 years old now, and we want to make sure that we're around for the next 25 years and beyond.”
Fresh ideas will be a bonus, but not the main criteria.
“It’s important for them [the public] to know that the event will be continuing in its same form in the future.
“We may look to evolve it if we come up with some new ideas or fresh approaches, but the event that they've known and have loved for many years is in good shape and will continue [to be].”
It’s not an easy task to run the award-winning show but Connell wants to reassure the new partner that there will be robust documentation, and she’s happy to help even after her contract ends in June.
After taking the the festival off her list Connell will continue local events such as Lugton’s Round the Bridges and the Motorhome and Caravan Show.
The rest of her free time will be spent on her new bach in Bay of Plenty.
“It's been a big part of my life obviously. I’d say I've really really enjoyed running the event, but I am going to enjoy not running it as well.”