For Hillcrest High School alumnus Michael Gilling, the foundations of a successful career in events and venue management were laid long before he realised it.
Like many students, Michael arrived at Hillcrest unsure of exactly where his interests would take him. It was during his Sixth Form years that he began to discover a passion for drama and music, finding enjoyment in the creativity, collaboration, and energy that comes from bringing people together through performance.
Some of Michael’s most memorable experiences at Hillcrest were spent in and around the Morrison Theatre. Through involvement in school productions, SCAT Choir, and music, he gained his first insight into the world behind the curtain, learning how lighting, sound, staging, and teamwork combine to create memorable experiences for audiences. While he may not have recognised it at the time, these early opportunities were quietly shaping the career path he would later follow.
Reflecting on his time at Hillcrest, Michael credits a number of staff members who encouraged students to embrace opportunities and explore their interests.
“Teachers such as Brett Chibnall, Linda Arthur, David Sidwell, Sue Radford, and Gladys O’Brian were incredibly supportive,” Michael says. “They trusted students with real responsibility and created an environment where creativity and curiosity were encouraged.”
After leaving Hillcrest, Michael went on to produce and direct Smashed, a nationwide education and theatre programme that toured secondary schools, prisons, and regional theatres throughout New Zealand. The experience sparked a long and successful career in live events and venue management.
He later joined Hamilton City Council as Fifty Fest Events Coordinator, overseeing major community events including New Year’s Eve celebrations in Garden Place and Midnight Magic. From there, he moved into roles with Founders Theatre and H3 Group, managing event delivery across some of the Waikato’s largest venues, including FMG Stadium Waikato, Seddon Park, and Claudelands Event Centre.
Today, Michael is part of the team at Live Nation, helping bring the new BNZ Theatre to life. His role contributes to creating a venue that will host world-class performances while inspiring future generations of artists, audiences, and creatives.
Looking back, Michael sees Hillcrest as the place where it all began.
“The encouragement from teachers, the opportunities to perform and create, and the freedom to explore new interests helped me discover the industry I love,” he reflects.
His journey is a fitting example of Hillcrest High School’s motto, Circumspice – Look around you. Sometimes, the opportunities that shape a future are closer than we think.
