Zakary Liefting

Events and Props Coordinator, First Scene / Freelance Events Specialist
Graduate Diploma in Arts in Event Management

He has always loved the high-energy, fast-paced environments that come with building an event, says Zakary Liefting, who came to AUT to study a Graduate Diploma in Arts in Event Management.

“I started volunteering at events when I was 17 and knew straight away that's where I wanted to be. There’s something special about pouring everything into an experience that only lasts a moment. Before AUT, I was working in the trades. It gave me good skills but left me feeling unfulfilled. I only really felt alive in summer, picking up temp roles at festivals like Soundsplash, Dimension and Shipwrecked, or running my own small-scale events around South Auckland. When I saw AUT had an event management programme, I immediately reached out despite not meeting the standard entry requirements. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be accepted, so when that acceptance letter came through, I was over the moon. I still can’t believe it.”

He says his studies have truly changed the course of his life.

“When I first started, I was so far outside my comfort zone that I actually considered going back home. But I pushed through, and before long, my perspective had completely changed. I wanted to prove something, not just to myself, but to my peers, my family, and AUT, who had taken a chance on me. Along the way, I met many talented people and made genuine friends who helped me settle into uni life. I was proud to receive two leadership awards during my time at AUT, but my biggest achievement by far was completing the course with a GPA of 8.25. For someone who struggled in high school, these results confirmed I was on the right path.

“All our lecturers did an amazing job, but I can’t thank Dr Sandra Goh and Dr Richard Ajiee enough. Both were incredible role models for me during my time at AUT. Sandra’s continuous encouragement and support throughout the year were paramount to my academic success. I loved the hands-on projects. The planning and paperwork stages were fun, but getting to see our projects come to life was something else. Another highlight for me was the 7X sponsored photo lounge project. I was initially apprehensive about the sponsorship class, but in the end that's what led me to connect with one of my favourite companies in Auckland, First Scene. After the success of the collaboration, they reached out and offered me a job.”

Sociable and creative
After graduating from AUT in 2025, Zakary now splits his time between his role as an events and props coordinator for First Scene and freelance event work.

“I thrive in fast-paced environments, and love fixing things and solving problems. It’s a very sociable job and an amazing creative outlet. No two days are the same, but they’re all exciting. I like being able to switch between creative thinking, practical problem-solving and working with people.”

He says his time at AUT prepared him well for the event management career he has today.

“AUT helped me understand what areas I excelled in and what areas I needed to work on. The course took the experience I already had and shaped it into a more thoughtful, deliberate way of thinking. I still prefer to face problems head-on and figure things out as I go, but AUT taught me to take a step back and analyse the situation before tackling complex issues. I've become much more conscious of the reasoning behind my decisions.”

Advice for other students
Zakary’s advice for other students is simple: “You get back what you put in.”

“If you have a love for this field of work, give it everything you’ve got! No rules are written in stone – if you have a better way of doing something, do it. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. While you’re at AUT, get involved in as much as you can. You'll learn new things and meet new people. AUT has a very refreshing culture, so don't be afraid to express yourself. When it comes to assignments, don’t just focus on getting them finished. Take the time to re-read, rewrite and do some extra research. What is the point of passing if you didn't learn anything new in the process? Finally, you get back what you put in. Give it your all, your efforts will pay off!”

He also has some guidance related to a career in events.

“Adaptability is one of the most important skills in this career. Plans are great for getting everything in order, but life rarely abides by them. It's not enough to have a Plan B; you need to be able to adapt to the situation in a heartbeat. The events industry is constantly changing, and there’s always more to learn. You simply won't be able to do everything, everywhere, all at once. Your peers become your lifeline, so look after them, and put people on tasks they already enjoy and can excel at. Volunteering can be a great way to learn new skills. You'll often be recognised for your efforts and pulled in for bigger projects in the future. Also remember to use your personality – your individuality holds more power than you realise. Most importantly, stay calm under pressure! When things fall apart, it helps to keep a level head and focus on solutions rather than dwell on failures.”