Q&A SERIES // Otago Event Planning
Nathan White (third from left) from Otago Event Planning
This week we had the opportunity to catch up with Nathan White from Otago Event Planning. Nathan launched his company almost a year ago in December of 2019. His company develop and run events, the initial launch event is set to be ‘Ripe’, The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival. This event will be held on Otago Anniversary Weekend 2021.
Where did the idea for Otago Event Planning come from?
I run another business and have been looking for a second business for some time now. This idea developed in my head and I just couldn’t fault it, this region needs more top quality events as the people down here miss out a bit and it also gives domestic tourists more reason to come and see us.
How long did it take you to get from idea conception to launch?
I had the idea on my Christmas holidays last year, started working on it early 2021 and we officially announced the Wine festival on October 6th to great response.
How long have you lived in the region?
I initially moved to Queenstown briefly then Wanaka in 2010 after coming home from an OE and wanting to live somewhere amazing! I have come and gone a couple of times since then but started my first business, along with having first child (of 2) and getting married here in 2017
Why did you choose to start your business in the Queenstown Lakes?
The region is hanging out for some fun events, we have some awesome events which are focused towards athletes but I think the locals are also keen to have more festival types of event. We live in a destination region too, people really want to come here so putting some great events on will give them even more reason to come and spend money in our local businesses!
How has Covid-19 impacted your business?
Tricky question, on one side I think it has made my job a bit easier. QLDC are being very supportive as I think they really see the value in bringing more events to the region. Wineries have really got on board and are backing it as their marquee event as they are now looking primarily at domestic tourism for sales. Also all my local suppliers have been great with covid payment policies that include refunding money if I have to cancel due to covid. On the other hand, there is the ever-present threat that covid will reappear and force a lockdown which would mean attempting to postpone or worst case, cancel the event.
Any advice for others trying to navigate the startup world post Covid?
Obviously look at the risks involved with your certain industry but also weigh them up against the reward. There is a lot of opportunity to come out of this crazy situation we are witnessing. NZ is definitely one of the best places to be and the future is looking brighter all the time in my opinion. Make the most of the local community optimism and support and go for it!
Do you have any other business ventures on the go?
I run a successful electrical contracting business. Unfortunately 90% of my income came from one contract, this company was severely hit due to border restraints which effected their requirement to use my services. On the positive side, this gave me the extra time needed to focus on setting up the event business.
How are you using innovation and technology within your company?
I would say the best tech I am using is to do with proposal software, I have developed different proposals for potential vendors and sponsors. This software lets me store the clients and then I can see analytics on when they viewed the proposal, what pages they looked at and how long for. This assists me with knowing who and when to follow up leads.
Is the Queenstown Lakes a good location to be an entrepreneur?
Definitely! Obviously Queenstown is booming still with all the housing and 5 mile still expanding at a rapid rate. The surrounding towns like Wanaka and Cromwell are also following suit and with more people in town comes more opportunity to start a business resulting in profit.
Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome with this company?
Breaking into an industry I don’t have any contacts for. I have got there in the end and it took a lot of work but I feel like I took the right steps and now have industry contacting me instead of the other way around!
7 quickfire questions
Q: Name the last film you watched?
A: The Social Experiment
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world for 24 hours where would you go?
A: Considering the current pandemic scene…fiji sounds good!
Q: Cats or Dogs?
A: Dogs
Q: Name a food you could eat for a week straight?
A: Mac & Cheese
Q: Typing or pen and paper?
A: Typing
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone who ever walked the earth, who would it be?
A: David Attenborough
