Two key positions announced

Significant growth in visitor numbers has seen a review of overall facility management at the Queenstown Events Centre, with two key management positions announced this week.




“The Events Centre Trust are delighted to announce the appointment of Roger Coleman as Events Centre chief executive and Cameron Sheppard as general manager of the Aquatic Centre,” events centre trust chairman Jeff Turner said.


The new management structure included current events centre general manager, Ian Paterson, who along with Cameron, would now report to the new chief executive.


“We are now getting around 130,000 visitors to the events centre per year, not including special events. This is only going to grow when the Aquatic Centre opens next year,” Mr Turner said.


“The appointment of a chief executive reflects the need to manage that growth and concentrate on business development so we can provide the best possible facilities to the community,” he said.


New chief executive Roger Coleman holds a bachelor of Physical Education with an extensive background in venue/facilities management.


“Over the past five years Roger has been the CEO for Pettigrew Creen Arena in Hawkes Bay. In this capacity Roger has lead this facility from being an empty shell, to one of the top performing events centre’s in New Zealand,” Mr Turner said. “Through strong and innovative management he has lead his team to achieve these extraordinary results.”



New general manager Aquatic Centre Cameron Sheppard also holds a Bachelor of Physical Education and will join the events centre from Dunedin City Council, where he has been working as the Assistant Manager for the Aquatic Services Department.


“Cam, as he prefers to be called, has spent most of his career in or around the water and is very passionate and excited about the opportunity with the Queenstown Aquatic Centre,” Mr Turner said. “His proven management and leadership skills will be key to the successful operation of our new and exciting facility.”


In the meantime, it was business as usual at the event centre. The new structure meant current staff could continue to provide a high standard of facilities and services to the community, well into the future.


“We particularly want to acknowledge the fantastic results achieved by our events centre general manager Ian Paterson and all of the events centre staff. Under Ian’s stewardship we have secured international cricket, super 14 rugby and many other successful sporting and cultural events,” Mr Turner said.


There were many exciting events coming soon at the events centre. Upcoming events included a community Christmas event on December 15, the Blackcaps versus Bangladesh on December 31, the Golden Oldies World Cricket Festival in March 08 and a super 14 rugby match in Easter 08.