Cian Parker – General Manager
Cian is an award-winning performer, writer and producer, bringing both a creative and strategic perspective. She was the recipient of the Ngā Manu Pīrere Award at the 2019 Te Waka Toi Awards. In 2019, Cian premiered “Sorry for Your Loss”, which later led to producing and touring her projects both locally and internationally, along with winning the ‘New Playwright Award’ at the Wellington Theatre Awards in 2021. That same year, she received The Springboard Award from the Arts Foundation (2021), recognizing her innovative potential within the arts industry. Cian has worked as a Company Producer for Equal Voices Arts, managing operations of an innovation grant from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, a project to champion accessible arts experiences for all. Additionally, Parker has guest lectured in theatre studies at University of Waikato and local colleges, as well as produced works in a range of festivals and venues across Aotearoa and overseas.
Guy Coker – Technical and Operations Manager
Guy always loves a good bit of problem solving. With many years of industry experience, he’s always up for a challenge. Since the age of 8 he has been playing guitar along with other instruments including bass and drums. Playing in a couple of bands was his gateway into the industry. At a very young age Guy began working with companies such as Drury Lane & ACLX. Once Guy was old enough, he got a casual technician role at H3 and began taking on more freelance work. This has included working as a Stage Manager/Backline Tech for bands like Katchafire, Kora and Sons of Zion. After working on a multitude of different events be it in a Pub, Theatre, Festival or Stadium he was hooked. When Guy saw the opportunity to join the awesome team at the Meteor in 2017 he jumped at the chance. He loves working with everyone who comes into the space. Whether it be a community, corporate, or professional event Guy is always ready to make it happen.
Karena Hall – Operations Coordinator
Karena loves all things creative. She loves to immerse herself through creative projects and help bring them to life. Having worked at Disney World, as an Attractions Host, and at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki as the Visitor Experience Manager, Karena comes with a wealth of knowledge in working with local, national and international artists. In these previous roles, she worked to create outstanding experiences for manuhiri from all over the motu and the globe.
Karena comes with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Classical Studies from Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. When Karena is not facilitating arts experiences for the public, she is often found enjoying live music, spending time with whānau and trying new food.
James Smith – Technician
James gets called a Swiss-army knife of a person often, and it’s a claim not without merit. Having been around the community since birth, James has learnt and developed skills in a range of theatrical capacities. After attaining a Master of Arts with First Class Honours in Theatre Studies at the University of Waikato, James has worked as: an nationally and internationally touring ASM, the Creative Director of their company Infinite Monkey with whom they took their one-person show to Wellington in 2022, and countless other technical, production, and performing roles around the local theatre community.
They began volunteering here at The Meteor in 2018, and soon became everyone’s favourite, and a popular face among many attendees of the venue, officially joining the team in 2022
Emma Curphey – Marketing Assistant
Emma is no stranger to the theatre scene. Growing up in Russia, she heavily studied Russian literature and poetry, including performing in school productions of “The Stone Guest”, “The Tale of the Golden Cockerel” among other Russian classics. She also studied and performed traditional Indian dance Bharatanatyam for 6 years. Since moving to New Zealand in 2020, Emma graduated from Waikato University with Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Marketing. She also had the privilege of being a part of the events team for the 2024 “Balloons over Waikato” before joining our team.
When not at work, Emma enjoys a cheeky evening cuddled up with Netflix (at this point, they should just sponsor her). She is also a plants parent, Nespresso coffee enthusiast and bookworm. Emma is excited to be a part of the Aotearoa theatre scene by helping upcoming productions promote their shows at our venue.