Hamilton’s event facilities appoint new international technical services manager in preparation for arena launch.

Sven Ladewig has been appointed as Technical Services Manager to lead Hamilton’s Event Facilities Technical Services Team and will oversee the management of production and technical aspects of all Hamilton City Council venues, including the new developed Claudelands (arena, conference, exhibition), Waikato Stadium, Seddon Park, Founders, the Meteor and Clarence Street Theatres.

Originally from Germany, Sven immigrated to New Zealand from San Francisco three years ago after he and his Kiwi partner gave birth of their first child and wanted to move closer to extended family.

Sven has significant experience in the international event and touring industry having worked as a Production Manager for San Francisco based promoter Bill Graham Presents / Live Nation and stage managing artists such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. In New Zealand he has been instrumental in reviving the staging department for Auckland based Oceania Audio and has worked as a Production Manager for various Australasian music promoters.

With this new appointment, the Technical Services Team has expanded to seven full time staff who are kept busy coordinating all the production aspects of the venues including equipment and venue management, specialist service provision of lighting, sound and rigging and ensuring the venues and events operate efficiently.

Sven joins an already well respected team within the industry - in particular Kelvin Ballard, who has been managing the team and providing the production services for the Hamilton City Theatres. Kelvin and Sven will work closely together to finalise and deliver the technical processes for Claudelands.

“The opening of Claudelands Arena in July will present some exciting opportunities and challenges for the Technical Services Team as they extend their services across all of our facilities. We are confident that with Sven and Kelvin on board we have a strong combination to guide the team” said Hamilton City Council Event Facilities Manager Mark Christie

More recruitment of key positions for the new complex will follow in the coming months.