A life of energy, fun and mayhem

PLANNING IS KEY: The life of an event manager can be chaotic if planning is not done thoroughly and in advance according to Peter Mooney. Photo/Warren Buckland

PM Event Management director Peter Mooney has played an adept role in this year's Party on the Parade that will see thousands of locals celebrate and welcome in the New Year tonight. Many couldn't begin to imagine the logistical nightmare such event planning would entail; Mr Mooney describing his role as similar to "sitting in the eye of a storm". Anneke Smith puts five questions to Mr Mooney.

1. What does your role at PM Event Management entail?

I am a director of the company as well as the chief event designer and organiser so I get very deeply involved in all aspects of the events we produce. That stretches from concept design, sponsorship, engaging the contractors necessary, completing Health and Safety requirements through to the paperwork required for liquor or traffic licences/plans/permits for the event.

2. What can people expect from this year's New Year's Eve celebrations at Party on the Parade?

Our New Year's Eve celebration promises to be one of the best. The Lady Killers, (Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross and Suzanne Lynch) are all outstanding New Zealand entertainers in their own right, and they know how to have fun on stage and with their audience. They cover all styles and genres, and always with a characteristic sound that their three voices together produce. I was lucky to see them perform just a month or two back and was really impressed with their repertoire and skill of presentation. Their version of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody is an absolute showstopper. It'll be one hell of a party!

3. What is the thing you most look forward to when organising an event?

Almost all of an event manager's work is done before the event so that he or she can then take an overview role when the event begins. If the work has been done well and all bases covered, the event manager can retreat to the background and take an overview role and deal with any "bush fires" that may crop up. It is during this time that I draw my most enjoyment - sitting quietly and watching the event unfold just as you have planned it.

4. What can people expect from the new year in terms of upcoming events?

I expect 2017 to be a great year for events. There is a rapid growth in concerts by visiting bands, and wineries and cathedrals are popular venues because of the ambience they provide. It'll be great to see the Mission Concert back, plus the Napier City Council has been working really hard to bring some cornerstone sporting events to the region with great success. Add in the Art Deco Festival, FAWC and many others and you can see that the events landscape in our region is booming.

5. What is your New Year's resolution?

My New Year's resolution is to make more time to spend with my children and three grandkids.