Our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub Team works hard year-round to curate meaningful visitor experiences. From running the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub and gift shop to updating our website and social media, the team wears many hats! They're also responsible for planning and managing events in the park—whether it's a concert at the Band Rotunda, an art workshop, a guided walk, our seasonal exhibitions in our education centre or a historical celebration. But what does it really take to bring these events to life? Let's take a behind-the-scenes look at how our team transforms ideas into unforgettable experiences in the park.

Meet the team

Huia Lodge is the park's information centre, open seven days a week, 361 days a year! (link to Huia lodge page). Our team is the go-to hub for all park-related inquiries. They work together to create events that engage visitors of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.Some events are small, like an intimate workshop at Huia Lodge. In contrast, others are large-scale, spanning different areas of the park. Whether it's celebrating our rich history, showcasing native wildlife or farm animals, or bringing people together through art and music, our goal is always the same: to create experiences that inspire and connect. We also collaborate with a growing network of artists, cultural groups, experts and community facilitators. If you're passionate about sharing in the park, we'd love to hear from you!

Planning and programming

The team programs their events seasonally, releasing schedules a month in advance—spring events in August, summer in November, and so on.Event planning starts long before the first sign of a crowd. From brainstorming ideas to finalising logistics, each event goes through careful preparation to ensure it runs smoothly. 

This includes:

• Selecting diverse events that cater to different audiences

• Securing facilitators, performers, and experts

• Coordinating with other park teams for logistics

• Creating an event handbook—a crucial document containing site maps, equipment lists, safety plans, and more

How does everything run like clockwork? That event handbook is our secret weapon! It ensures that everyone, from staff to facilitators, knows precisely what needs to happen, when, and where.

The weeks before: the final countdown

As the event approaches, the team shifts into high gear! It's all hands-on deck as we triple-check everything—equipment, signage, and even the unpredictable Auckland weather.

Preparation includes:

• Organising and testing equipment

• Conducting safety checks on the event site

• Finalising staff roles and responsibilities

• Briefing additional park staff who lend a hand on the big daySometimes, last-minute surprises keep us on our toes—like unexpected rain showers, artist illness or spelling mistakes on signage. But with teamwork (and a few backup plans), we're always ready to adapt! 

Event day: showtime

The big day starts early. Before most visitors have even had their morning coffee, our team is already in action—loading up vehicles, setting up gazebos, installing signage, and getting everything in place.Once the site is ready, it's showtime! Visitors arrive, and the team is busy:

• Greeting guests and answering questions

• Assisting facilitators and performers

• Managing crowd flow and accessibility

• Posting live updates on social media

• Handling first aid and on-the-spot problem-solving

No two events are ever the same, which makes the day both exciting and unpredictable. One moment, we're helping a child find their lost hat; the next, we're filming a live performance. After the final applause, the work isn't over yet. The team packs up, loads the vehicles, and returns to Huia Lodge, making sure everything is stored away for next time. 

After the event: wrapping up

The next step? Reliving the magic! We share photos and videos on social media, giving visitors a chance to see (and share) their favourite moments. These images also go into our event archives—so 100 years from now, people can see what events in 2025 looked like! Behind the scenes, the team completes event paperwork, including debriefs and feedback forms. What went well? What could be improved? We gather insights from staff, facilitators, and attendees to make every event better than the last. 

Your turn: what do you want to see?

We love hearing from our visitors! Is there an event you'd love to see in the park? A workshop, concert, or guided walk you've been dreaming of?Let us know! You can contact us via our email address (info@cornwallpark.co.nz), phone (09 630 8485), or coming by Huia Lodge (open daily 10am - 4pm) to have a chat!