Nelita Byrne

Nelita Byrne brings more than 20 years of experience across venue management, major events, performing arts, commercial operations, and organisational leadership. As Chief Operating Officer at DUCO Events Group, she oversees the strategic, and operational delivery of the company’s portfolio of sports, entertainment, and live event properties, helping drive growth while delivering exceptional outcomes for audiences, partners, and stakeholders.

Prior to joining DUCO Events Group, Nelita led the Venues and Events division at Tauranga City Council and held senior leadership roles with New Plymouth District Council and Taranaki Arts Festival Trust. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in securing, planning, and delivering major international sporting events, concerts, festivals, performing arts tours, and community celebrations. Her experience spans the strategic, commercial, and operational management of stadiums, arenas, theatres, conference venues, and major event portfolios, working alongside sporting bodies, promoters, artists, government agencies, and industry partners to deliver world-class experiences.

A respected leader within the industry, Nelita is a graduate of the Venue Management School and Leadership Institute, a long-standing instructor with the Venue Management School, former President of Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ), and recipient of the 2018 EVANZ Venue Executive Award.

Passionate about the power of live experiences to bring people together, Nelita is driven by creating events and experiences that connect communities, inspire participation, showcase talent, and leave lasting memories. Her leadership philosophy centres on balancing commercial success with community outcomes, ensuring events and venues deliver meaningful social, cultural, and economic impact. She is equally committed to developing high-performing teams, empowering future leaders, and fostering a culture where people can grow, contribute, and achieve their full potential.