Mike Riversdale

NZRise , a determined Aotearoa New Zealand focused tech advocacy organisation, has long sought to raise up all of Kiwi tech organisations discussing "support local" issues with Ministers, connecting tech firms, and creating a space for all to raise their voices. The time has come to pass the baton as NZRise farewells everyone with an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration (and yes, I'm proud of those three -tions ;) With a free and open invite to all current and past NZRise members together with everyone of the Wellington tech community they would love to see you at the FREE evening on Wednesday 4th December, 5pm+ (let's also think of it as a free wellington tech Christmas party, you know you'll have fun and we all need that in these tough Wellington times) In a nutshell: What:  NZRise Farewell When:  Wednesday 4th December, 5pm+ Where:  Welsh Dragon Bar , Wellington Cost:  $0 Why:  To celebrate, reflect, and (re)connect with free drinks & nibbles

Two tickets needed for event to send aroha , thanks to Julian and everyone at Stuff / The Post that helped make it happen, most appreciated. Wellington-based business coach Mike Riversdale wants to bring some light to those who may be struggling with a special event - Aroha Wellington. The November 28 event at the Welsh Dragon Bar in central Wellington will feature comedy, live music, a podcast recording, prizes and even professional networking opportunities, with representatives from recruitment agencies and industry associations attending. To attend you need to buy two tickets, one for yourself and one for someone who may be struggling. “Struggling” has a broad definition in his books. It could be a colleague who was recently made redundant, a hospitality worker hunting for a job or just someone “you know needs a night out”. Comedians Ryan McGhee and Patch Lambert will be taking the two comedy slots. Former investment executives Kristen Lunman and Natalie Ferguson of Powrsuit, a glob

Sponsorship is almost a scary word these days, it's bloody tough financially out there for not just for individuals but also organisations or all sizes. Still, I have to ask for some small change as the Aroha Wellington event doesn't come free despite all the awesome people buying tickets to support it, THANK YOU! $500*, that's all the event will ever ask from you. 5 times I will ask and, hopefully, 5 times someone will agree. $500 will get you what? Visibility - in event, all media, on the socials Support Wellington - give and get support Connections - meet your next employee / client / job Visibility Before the event on Thursday 28th Nov you will be mentioned in all media, be that mainstream or social. Of course you will join the hall of fabulousness on the website and will can have your own page but if nothing else we will be linking to your online presence. At the event you can place as much advertising collateral as you like, have banners, cards, giveaways, leaflets

Thank you to all those that have already bought tickets . An extra special thank you to those that have used the event to 'pay it forward' even though they're not able to attend, how wonderful are you. Aroha Wellington is a weird event - not quite a Christmas do, certainly not a conference, and whilst there's entertainment it's not a gig. It is all of these plus more. Of course at its heart is the desire for at least 1/2 the attendees to show support to those struggling with these ongoing Wellington tough times. The fun and entertainment is a given - music, comedy, podcast recordings, and photo snaps for you to get silly with. But there is a serious side, and that's to share info, connections, and market insights, as well as survival hints & thrive-able tips. Are you any of these: Talking to the same people (friends & family) and getting the same, sympathetic no doubt, responses,  Living inside your head going over and over the situation,  Struggling t

The Aroha Wellington event is, "An evening of fun and support for those you know struggling with these tough Wellington times", and what better fun is there if not gathering around the piano and singing along to all your pub classics ... you will sing, "bah bah bah" when that song drifts into your ears. Or maybe you just want to tap your toes as you chat, heck even a wee dance if you want. To make sure you can do whatever you want we are lucky to have Jake Clarke along to play for us. Jake will be performing in two sessions on the night. And absolutely if you have a request then he is keen to hear it!

Come to an event, come and socialise, come so you can 'network' ... NO!!!! For some (dirty secret, almost everyone) the very idea of coming to a room with music, strangers, and the expectation of performing small talk is the very definition of hell. At the Aroha Wellington event we have consciously designed the event for everyone in mind, from the gregarious front of house-er to the quiet back engine keeper-upper. The further away from the 'stage' the less formal it will become, and, secret #2, behind the 'stage' will be a quiet area to just hang and not talk to anyone if that's what you want. Over the years Wellington has seen many many events, from the small works Christmas do to the large "let's get everyone we can in a place and see what happens". I have been involved in many of these and know that "giving it up large" is absolutely not everyone's cup of tea. To help, guide, and spread some tips and techniques for surviving