Kia ora, I’m Cam Rowe, Head of Production at Mauri Productions. My role is all about bringing creative visions to life, and overseeing the technical and logistical sides of our events, from the first concept to the final broadcast. A typical day can involve coordinating crew and gear, managing production schedules, liaising with clients, operating cameras, mixing audio, or directing and producing live shows. No two days are ever the same, and that constant variety is what keeps the mahi exciting.

I decided to pursue the New Zealand Certificate in Entertainment and Event Operations (Level 3) with Te Mahi Ako to formalise the skills I’d gained through years of hands-on experience. I wanted to deepen my understanding of industry best practice and continue developing as a professional. The qualification offered a structured, practical way to do that, and Te Mahi Ako’s approach aligned naturally with the kaupapa and values of Mauri Productions.

The learning journey gave me a broader perspective on health and safety, production workflows, and communication. It refined the way I lead crews and manage events under pressure, boosted my confidence in decision-making, and validated the skills I’d already built through experience.

Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of events that each offered something unique. One standout was a live wrestling broadcast, where I directed multiple camera angles to capture every dramatic moment and crowd reaction. The energy in the arena was electric. Another highlight was a basketball broadcast, where I operated one of the main cameras. The game’s fast pace demanded intense focus and timing, and being part of the team that brought the action to viewers live was a real buzz. At the other end of the spectrum, I’ve also worked on an orchestra concert, which called for a slower, more deliberate approach — capturing the emotion of the music, the movements of the conductor, and the overall atmosphere. Each event reminded me how diverse, creative, and rewarding this mahi can be.

Earning the qualification has opened new doors. It’s made it easier to connect with other professionals and organisations that value formal training and has helped me mentor junior crew members more effectively by blending practical experience with theoretical understanding. It’s also strengthened my leadership and made Mauri Productions more competitive in the industry.

What keeps me passionate about the entertainment and events world is the energy of live experiences and the shared excitement of creating something memorable for others. I love the teamwork, the challenge, and the creativity it takes to bring a vision to life. Every gig is an opportunity to learn, grow, and push creative boundaries.

Looking ahead, Mauri Productions has some exciting kaupapa on the horizon. We’re expanding our production services, collaborating with more indigenous artists and events, and developing training pathways within the business to support emerging talent. Our focus is on continuing to grow while staying true to our values and community roots.

For anyone considering the Entertainment and Event Operations qualification, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s practical, relevant, and designed for people already working in the industry. Whether you’re starting out or looking to upskill, it gives you a strong foundation to build on, and recognises the experience you already bring to the table.