The Brief
NW Group were proud to deliver full-service production for this prestigious event, providing end-to-end technical solutions including audio, lighting, video, rigging, and content production. From managing complex multimedia integration for the pōwhiri to supporting live musical transitions across a technically intricate stage layout, our team worked closely with all stakeholders to create a seamless, emotionally resonant experience.
This year’s event, held at Spark Arena in Auckland, reached new heights, attracting a record-breaking audience of over 1,300 attendees for the Gala Dinner—making it the largest technology sector awards function in the country. The evening featured high-profile recognition of industry excellence and drew senior government representation, with Minister Judith Collins—Attorney General and Minister for Digitising Government—in attendance.
Solution
NW Group’s primary goal was to deliver a high-end, flawless production that would exceed client and guest expectations. The focus was on creating an immersive, memorable technical experience that showcased continual year-on-year progression, maximised the venue’s potential, and elevated the Awards’ reputation among a highly discerning technology sector audience.
The event highlight was the introduction of a 360-degree panoramic projection screen, a New Zealand first. At 200m in circumference and 7m high, it delivered 1,400sqm of continuous projection space at 28,000 x 1080 pixels, powered by 14 projectors. The result was an immersive environment enveloping the audience.
Another major innovation was our reimagined pōwhiri. Previously, we used pre-recorded iwi content edited by our studio. This year, in collaboration with producer Loren Taylor and Ngāti Whātua, we invited iwi elders into our Auckland studio for a full day of custom filming.
Captured in traditional dress against a green screen, their presence and mana were digitally superimposed across the 360-degree screen during the live performance, creating the powerful visual of elders surrounding and watching over young performers.
This collaborative, respectful, and technically sophisticated approach reinforced NW Group’s commitment to innovation—not just for spectacle, but to meaningfully enhance storytelling, merging cultural integrity with cutting-edge production.
Outcome
With multiple partners, a high-profile guest list, cultural storytelling, and live performance elements, the 2024 Hi-Tech Awards demanded a production partner with creativity, agility, and excellence. NW Group was honoured to help bring this flagship event to life.
One of the most challenging and unique elements of this year’s production was the decision to capture the scale of the event using a drone inside Spark Arena. Flying a drone in an indoor, live-event environment presents significant complexities—from safety and operational logistics to regulatory approvals and technical precision.
We determined early on that an aerial perspective would be the most effective way to showcase the scale of the 360-degree projection setup and the overall production environment. To ensure safety, we flew the drone during rehearsals, not during the live event. However, even in this controlled setting, there were extensive requirements we needed to meet, including developing a full risk mitigation plan.
This process demanded detailed planning, communication, and cross-organisational cooperation—far beyond what’s typically required for event documentation or content capture. Despite the complexity, we were able to execute the drone shoot successfully and safely, producing a dynamic highlights reel for the client that beautifully showcased the scale, layout, and energy of the event.
This reflects our team's commitment to pushing creative boundaries while prioritising safety, professionalism, and outcome-driven service.
NW Group were successful in providing flawless technical delivery, strong audience engagement, and praise for the authentic integration of cultural elements.