How to Turn Your Events & Entertainment Skill Into a Business in NZ (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Launching your own events and entertainment business in New Zealand is a fantastic way to share your talent and creativity while earning an income. But the unique challenges of juggling bookings, client expectations, and event logistics mean it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide offers 10 practical, Kiwi-focused tips to help you attract local clients and grow your business with confidence and balance.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Understand the NZ Events Landscape
New Zealand’s event and entertainment scene is buzzing but seasonal, with peaks around school holidays, summer festivals, and local celebrations.
Weirdly enough, in smaller Kiwi communities like Dunedin or Rotorua, word-of-mouth and community trust can be more powerful than broad advertising.
Successful entertainers often plan their workload to balance busy peaks with quieter periods, ensuring steady income without burnout.
2. Define Your Entertainment Niche
Specialising in a particular entertainment style-music, magic, MCing, or children’s parties-helps you target and attract the right clients.
Some Auckland performers focus on cultural events celebrating Maori and Pacific heritage, drawing loyal local audiences.
Narrowing your focus also makes marketing clearer and easier to manage.
3. Set Up Business Foundations
Register your business with the right legal and tax structures, and understand any licensing needed specific to entertainment and events.
Joining associations like the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand can provide support and industry connections.
Starting as a sole trader is common, providing flexibility as you build your reputation and client base.
4. Create a Client-Friendly Online Profile
Develop a simple website or register on Yada to connect with local event planners and private clients without worrying about lead fees.
Yada’s internal chat and ratings system provide a safe, easy way to communicate and build trust with clients on mobile or desktop.
Think of Yada as your behind-the-scenes ally that helps you focus on your craft while the platform brings you work.
5. Advertise Through NZ Directories and Groups
Get listed on well-known New Zealand platforms like NoCowboys, Trade Me Services, and Localist for steady organic reach.
Participate in local Facebook groups and Neighbourly where event organisers seek entertainers and trusted recommendations.
Offering helpful advice and community engagement builds relationship pre-sales, growing your word-of-mouth referrals.
6. Collect and Display Testimonials
Follow up performances or events by requesting testimonials and permission to share client feedback and event photos.
A Christchurch MC saw booking requests jump after sharing genuine client reviews on her Yada profile and social channels.
Authentic social proof reassures potential clients unfamiliar with your work.
7. Set Clear, Competitive Pricing
Be upfront about your pricing, reflecting your experience, setup requirements, and the event’s scale.
With Yada’s fee-free model, you can offer fair prices while retaining more revenue compared to platforms with commission fees.
Special packages and discounts for repeat or referral business encourage client loyalty.
8. Manage Bookings and Admin Efficiently
Use digital tools to organise your schedule, preferably batching gigs close together to save travel time and energy.
Yada’s notification system and private chat help streamline client interaction, cutting down on emails and phone tag.
This approach helps maintain your energy and keeps your service professional and timely.
9. Build Local Networking Partnerships
Form connections with local event venues, caterers, photographers, and other suppliers to create referral pipelines and complementary packages.
In Wellington, entertainers often collaborate with event managers to offer all-in-one party solutions, simplifying clients’ planning.
Strong local networks make your business more resilient and increase opportunities for steady work.
10. Keep Growing and Engaging
Keep your skills sharp with workshops, and stay on top of trends in event entertainment and technology.
Share your learning journey, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and tips on social platforms or Yada to keep your audience interested and engaged.
Consider hosting community events or workshops to showcase your talents and connect with potential clients in person.