The following positions are open for application
Senior Production Technician - Whakatū Nelson
VenueTech is seeking an experienced production technician to join our team.
This is a senior, hands-on role that balances excellent technical delivery with the ability to help coordinate, guide, and support crew to achieve calm, well-run outcomes.
This role suits someone who is comfortable owning shows end-to-end, from pre-production planning through to delivery, and who brings a calm, practical approach to working with artists, touring crew, venue hirers and fellow technicians.
The ideal candidate is equally comfortable stepping into lead operator roles and upholding the broader responsibilities of an excellent Venue Technician across lighting, sound, AV, and the practical realities of live performance.
The role
You will be a key operator within VenueTech’s delivery team, working principally at the Theatre Royal Whakatū and Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, alongside our involvement in regional festivals and standalone events.
The role includes:
- Acting as a Technical Operator or Venue Technician during performances and events
- Advancing shows and translating technical riders into practical venue plans
- Delivering confident live sound, lighting, and AV operation as required
- Coordinating or guiding crew during show delivery, changeovers, and technical calls
- Providing hands-on technical support across venue systems
- Hosting and supporting visiting artists and touring crew
- Maintaining custodianship of venue systems, spaces, and safe working practices
- Contributing to pre-production planning, documentation, and scheduling
- Supporting ongoing maintenance and technical upkeep
This is a senior role. You will be trusted to work independently, support others, and make sound technical and interpersonal decisions in live environments.
Experience with fly towers is beneficial but not essential.
About you
You will likely have:
- Proven ability to operate independently as a senior Venue Technician or production professional
- Experience guiding or coordinating crew in live performance environments
- Experience advancing shows and managing real-world constraints
- A clear understanding of safe working practices and venue etiquette
- A calm, steady presence who supports others, communicates clearly, and helps create well-run working environments
This role is well-suited to someone committed to building a long-term technical career in Whakatū Nelson.
Working at VenueTech
VenueTech provides technical management and production services for Whakatū Nelson’s leading performing arts venues and festivals, including the Theatre Royal Whakatū, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, Nelson Arts Festival, and the Adam Chamber Music Festival.
Our workload is varied, spanning from venue operations and maintenance to technical design and delivery across a wide range of performing arts genres.
We value clear communication, practical decision-making, respect for artists and crew, and well-prepared, no-drama delivery.
Work hours are event-driven and irregular, including evenings and weekends.
VenueTech embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
Employment details
- Permanent part-time with a minimum of 25 hours for a 90-day trial period, with a clear pathway toward full-time once fit, and operational alignment is established.
- Additional hours will be available based on event schedules, venue commitments, and seasonal festival periods.
- Senior operational rate reflecting experience, responsibility, and autonomy.
To apply
Please send a brief introduction outlining your experience and interest to:
jr@venuetech.nz
Applications remain open until the right candidate is found.
Casual Technical Crew - Whakatū Nelson
No fixed or guaranteed hours
Applications open year-round
VenueTech is seeking capable casual technicians to support delivery across the Theatre Royal, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, and regional festivals.
Work is event-driven and irregular. Calls are typically 3+ hours and most often occur in mornings or evenings across any day of the week. This role supports peak demand periods and general venue operations.
The role
Casual crew assist with:
- Loading and unloading equipment
- Rigging and de-rigging lighting, sound, staging, and AV systems
- Basic sound, lighting, and AV setup
- Assisting during technical rehearsals and performances
- Workshop preparation and equipment prep
- Cleaning and maintaining technical equipment and backstage areas
- General venue support and go-for tasks as required
- Maintaining safe, organised backstage and workshop environments
You will work under direction but are expected to remain attentive, practical, and professional at all times.
About you
You will ideally have:
- Prior experience in live events, theatre, music, or production environments
- A practical understanding of basic sound and lighting systems
- Physical capability to handle manual tasks safely
- A strong track record of reliability and punctuality
- Clear and timely communication
- Personal transport and a current driver's licence (strongly preferred)
This role suits people who are comfortable contributing when required and who take pride in practical, behind-the-scenes work.
Where appropriate, increased responsibility is offered to crew who demonstrate reliability and strong standards over time.
Other details
Engagement may be casual employment or contract for services (sole trader), depending on the applicant.
Starting rate is aligned with the Living Wage and increases with demonstrated capability and responsibility.
VenueTech values professionalism, inclusion, and respect across all areas of our work.
To apply, please send a CV and a brief introduction to:
About Us
VenueTech oversees the technical production and backstage operations for Whakatū Nelson's premier venues, festivals, and events, including The Theatre Royal, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts and Nelson's Fringe, Adam Chamber, Ceol Aneas Irish Music and Arts Festival.
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive backstage service to support the success of the performing arts. Whether to a venue, event, artist or technical crew; services that achieve technical excellence while fostering a supportive culture that ensures every stage—literal or figurative—shines.
Whakatū, Aotearoa
© 2026 VenueTech Ltd.