INSIDE AUCKLAND LIVE 

Find out more about life inside Auckland Live with regular nuggets of information and fun facts about our people, venues, shows, and live arts and entertainment. 
 

My Auckland Live Happy Place

Working long hours and with no two days ever the same, Adam Banaba loves the calm and quiet offered by the leafy courtyard at the front of the Herald Theatre. 

The sheltered spot is one of Adam’s favourite places to recharge after a busy shift as Auckland Live’s set-up and duty operations manager, where he oversees dozens of staff across multiple venues. 

Friday staff drinks or ‘staffies’ is another reason Adam is fond of the space. The weekly get-togethers see Auckland Unlimited teams gather around the courtyard’s tables and benches for a drink, a snack, and catch up with their colleagues.

“It’s the perfect place to take a breather and have some facetime with people you’ve been talking to on email all week, but haven’t seen in person,” says Adam.

“I really like to relax here, and find out how everyone’s day has been, what’s coming up next week, or what people have planned for the weekend,” he says. 

Adam says ‘staffies’ attracts all sorts from across the organisation. 

“On a Friday there’ll be people here from the front of house, backstage, the corporate offices, marketing – we’re from all walks of life, so the conversation’s always good!” 

He’ll also bring members of his own team to the event as a way of saying thank you for their work, or if they’re new, to introduce them to other staff. 

 “I love showing my appreciation for my colleagues; after many years at this place, I’d still be lost without them!”