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2026 New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards

Wild Apricot was proud to sponsor and style the NZ Virtual Assistant Awards 2026, transforming The Atrium into a warm and memorable setting for an evening celebrating the people who support businesses across Aotearoa.The venue’s brick-and-steel industrial character provided a striking backdrop. Our brief was to soften the space while creating a lush, elegant atmosphere with a touch of magic. Floating greenery canopies, cascading wisteria, glowing paper lanterns and washes of colour brought war...

Rotorua Girls and Boys High – Masquerade

A wonderful evening for the Rotorua Girls' High School and Rotorua Boys' High School Ball late last month With a Masquerade Ball theme, we had plenty of fun bringing a little mystery and magic to the occasion.We created a dramatic draped entrance with a long black carpet to make an impression from the moment students arrived. Inside, masked frames welcomed guests into an enchanting space filled with twinkling fairy lights and atmospheric details.The best part was hearing from the ball commi...

Tokyo Nights - Rotorua Lakes High School

Another school ball transformed into a whole new world! For Rotorua Lakes High School, the brief was Tokyo Night, and we had plenty of fun bringing it to life.Guests were welcomed through a bold themed entrance before stepping into a space filled with Japanese-inspired details. A beautiful real bloom tree created the perfect photo backdrop, while tables featured statement centrepieces with Japanese fans, umbrellas and playful Hello Kitty touches.And we didn’t stop at table level. Ornate umbrel...

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge-themed ball for Western Heights High School was an absolute blast last weekend! The room was transformed with moody drapes and vibrant images, creating a really fun atmosphere. We had the pleasure of designing a stunning entrance, a beautifully draped photo area, and some fantastic images displayed in lightboxes to really fill the space.Huge thanks to Western Heights High School for trusting us to help create another memorable event this year. We absolutely love the themes you c...

Behind the Scenes of Theming a School Ball

Everything you need to know, from someone who's done it hundreds of times. There's a moment that happens at every school ball that Jodie from Wild Apricot Creative Events never gets tired of. The room is finished. The last centrepiece is in place. The lighting is exactly right. And then the doors open."I love, love, love getting a sneak peek of the students walking in for their big night," she says. "They're nervous and excited, and it brings back all the memories when I did the same thing at 16...

Ronald McDonald House Charities Annual Ball Grand Millennium Auckland

What a night to remember! Wild Apricot was thrilled to once again partner with Ronald McDonald House for their spectacular annual Ball.Hosted at the stunning Millennium Grand in Auckland, this year’s Gatsby-inspired Gilded Age theme brought all the glamour of the roaring 1920s to life. Guests arrived to a dramatic black-carpet entrance, framed with luxe gold-and-black draping, custom plinths, and overflowing urns of orchids and roses. They were greeted by beautiful Gatsby models and the tunes ...

Y2K Tenure Dinner Party Novotel Tainui, Hamilton

Novotel Tainui in Hamilton recently hosted their staff Tenure Dinner, celebrating those who have reached 5, 10, 15, and 20 years with Accor.And what better way to mark the occasion than with a fun Y2K Party?!...

Wild Apricot and Showponi Bring Tropical Glamour to the MTF Finance Awards

In collaboration with Showponi, Wild Apricot had the privilege of designing and theming the prestigious MTF Finance Awards inance Awards, held at the stunning Trinity Wharf....

New Zealand Home Loans – Alice in Wonderland Gala Dinner

Pre-function and gala dinner set up for the NZHL team at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland. This event was spectacular to be part of.Lycra arches with vibrant up lighting guided guests through the pre-function area—a whimsical Mad Hatter’s domain. Bar leaners, a comfy armchair, a giant clock, a piano, and oversized cards and teacups set the perfect stage for a memorable evening and a place for the NZHL team to take photos.For the gala dinner event, we transformed the space with a mushro...

Wild Apricot Takes Flight with a Glamorous Airline Gala in Rotorua

Wild Apricot was thrilled to recently collaborate with a stellar lineup of esteemed clients: Helloworld, Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines for an unforgettable event series in beautiful Rotorua....

Western Heights High School Ball 2025 - Tangled Theme

When Western Heights High School reached out to us with a request for a theme based on one of our favorite kids' movies, we couldn’t wait to get started!They wanted a 'Tangled' themed School Ball, and we immediately thought of lush purple and white flowers, complemented by the charming purple bunting which we carefully painted on the all-important golden sun symbol to really set the scene.Creating an enchanted forest ambiance for the entranceway was a must, and we knew a magical, whimsical pho...

Rotorua Lakes High School Ball 2025 - Secret Garden Theme

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Te Arawa Arataua Māori Agribusiness Summit

For the Te Arawa Arataua Māori Agribusiness Summit, our design vision was to reflect the event’s powerful themes of agriculture, trade, climate change, and innovation. Every detail was chosen to honour these kaupapa while creating a setting that felt both purposeful and inspiring....

Te Ara Whakamua - Accelerating Action through courage, connection and change

The goal for this event was to create an atmosphere of refined elegance that quietly commanded attention. The venue Tauranga Club, with its breathtaking views set the stage, so our focus was on enhancing, not overwhelming the natural beauty of the space while ensuring the presence of the speakers truly resonated....

John Paul College Ball 2025 - Starry Night Theme

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John Paul College Ball - Starry Night

The entrance welcomed students with a lovely snowy, tree-lined walkway topped with shimmering stars above, setting a magical tone right from the start.The centerpieces were beautifully crafted by the student ball committee, featuring snowy tree branches and Wild Apricots charming fishbowl vases filled with stones, pine cones and branches, and a dusting of snow — everything looked so enchanting!The photo backdrops were a wonderful team effort, blending our draping and decorations with the ball ...

NZHL Bridgerton – What an Event!

After a few busy days of conferencing, it was so fantastic to see the New Zealand Home Loans team go all out and really make their final night special.With Bridgerton as the theme, everyone got creative, and it was such a fun idea to run with!The Wild Apricot team had an absolute blast coming up with ideas for this event.From the charming carriage at the entrance and the walk-through wisteria archways, to the glamorous photo backdrop with a cozy chaise lounge, everything was done with such elega...

The Greatest Show – Annual Awards Dinner at Cordis Auckland

In collaboration with The Production CompanyWild Apricot was entrusted with bringing a touch of circus magic to life for a client’s annual awards dinner and we delivered The Greatest Show in spectacular style....

Champagne On The Shore – Event Themeing for Purpose

We were honoured to be invited to bring this year’s Champagne On The Shore fundraising event to life with a bespoke theming experience that matched the elegance and impact of the cause it supports. A grand entrance, bright floral arrangements, champagne wall and elegant décor - every detail was crafted to reflect celebration, community, and care.This beautiful evening was about more than just aesthetics—it was about creating a space where generosity could shine. Each thoughtful st...

Rotorua Lakes Highs - Great Gatsby School Ball

What better way to kick off a new school year than with an unforgettable night of glamour, sparkle, and old-school charm? Rotorua Lakes High School’s 2025 school ball did just that—with a Great Gatsby theme that transported students straight into the elegance and excitement of the Roaring Twenties.Even if you didn’t come dressed in fringe and pinstripes, the theming and styling alone made it feel like you were stepping into a scene from The Great Gatsby. From the moment guests arrived, the...

Avis Budget Group-Dr. Seuss Gala Dinner

This Dr. Seuss night was a bright and bustling evening. Avis Budget Group enjoyed bright colours and individually themed tables for their annual conference dinner held at the Distinction Rotorua. The guests loved it, it’s such a fun theme that everyone can relate to!...

Treewalk Dinner Redwood Forest Rotorua

What an experience setting up full catering, wine service and dinner, 10 metres in the air! The Rotorua Redwood Tree Walk was a truly next level venue for this 18 seated private dinner....

James Bond Gala Dinner

Skyline Rotorua staff enjoyed a night of martini’s and class for their James Bond themed dinner, held at the Millenium Hotel Rotorua. White draping above the pool glowed in our UV lights for a stunning effect....

Gatsby Ball

Before our unfortunate Covid-19 Lockdown for 2021, we were lucky enough to put on this amazing event! An incredible Gatsby Ball for the students at John Paul College Rotorua. A night to remember to say the least!...

Willy Wonka School Ball

Western Heights Highschool students in Rotorua enjoyed a night of sweet treats and fun for their Willy Wonka themed school ball, held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre....