Waikato Times: Veteran Hamilton events manager to lead team at Waikato Regional Theatre

Originally published in Waikato Times, Monday 10 March 2025.

By Mike Mather.

Michael Gilling will be the events manager at the Waikato Regional Theatre, while Sarah Graham has been appointed as bookings manager.

The new venue manager at the Waikato Regional Theatre has plenty of experience of managing events for Hamilton crowds to call on in his new job.

Michael Gilling is currently has the title of “event delivery manager” at H3 Group, the division of Hamilton City Council responsible for the running of FMG Stadium Waikato, Seddon Park, Globox Arena, Claudelands Conference & Exhibition Centre and The Grandstand.

He is also formerly the event manager at Claudelands Arena from its opening in 2011 until early 2022, and prior to that the resident “theatre tech” at the now-demolished Founders Theatre for 19 years, from 1992.

Other roles he has held over the years include pre-match co-ordinator for the Waikato Rugby Union, managing pre-game entertainment for both Chiefs, Waikato rugby and All Blacks test matches at Rugby Park (later FMG Stadium Waikato); and as a director and producer at Smashed Productions, an educational show about drink-driving that toured New Zealand schools and prisons.

Gilling’s appointment was announced in a post on LinkedIn on Thursday by international entertainment titan Live Nation.

“Michael looks forward to establishing the Waikato Regional Theatre as a premier destination for world-class performances and community engagement,” the announcement states.

The 1300-seat Waikato Regional Theatre is set to transform Hamilton when it opens later this year. Image: Christel Yardley / WAIKATO TIMES.

“His vision is to create a vibrant cultural hub that attracts top-tier talent while fostering a strong connection with the Waikato community.”

Live Nation, based in Los Angeles, will manage the day-to-day running of the theatre.

Set to open in late 2025 and operate in partnership with Waikato Regional Property Trust, this 1300-capacity venue is tipped to drive the Waikato's economy by bringing top-tier local and international talent to the stage in Hamilton.

Also announced on Thursday was the appointment of Sarah Graham as bookings manager.

A seasoned performing arts programmer, she is presently employed in the role of arts “place and partners specialist” at the Auckland Council.

She has also previously been the deputy chief executive & programme director at Q Theatre.