Balloons over Waikato Team
The event team is made up of all Trustees of the Balloons over Waikato Charitable Trust, and appointed event management staff including a professional flight director (during the event). Members of the community who have appropriate special skills may be co-opted to the team as necessary.
THE TRUSTEES
John Makgill (Chairman): Businessman and Chairman of various committees and sporting bodies brings a wealth of business experience.
Phyllis Huitema: Phyllis is self employed in the public relations arena and holds a number of board positions and until recently was a co owner of Mystery Creek Wines.
Mark Duhig: ASB Regional Manager for the Central North Island. Mark brings a wealth of corporate knowledge.
Rob Hart: Solicitor with Tompkins Wake and ex Northern Districts and New Zealand Black Cap cricket representative.
Elizabeth Morine: Enthusiastic Member of the Waikato Hot Air Balloon Club for over 10 years. Co Owner of the Waikato Balloon Syndicate.
Craig Hobbs: Regional General Manager for the Radio Network, Central Region. Previous experience as CEO of not-for-profit organisations and on Governance Boards.
John Holderness: President of the Waikato Hot Air Balloon Club and enthusiatic balloonist.
THE EVENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Michele Connell (General Manager): Experienced in retail business, marketing and PR. Has owned and run two award winning businesses in the Waikato and has been General Manager of Event for 5 years.
Haley Wilkinson (Balloonist Liaison Officer)
THE VOLUNTEER TEAM
Katria Raffan - Health & Safety Officer
Taylor Connell - Website Manager
