The chief executive of Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML), Paul Doorn, has announced he is stepping down from his role overseeing Forsyth Barr Stadium, describing his departure as 'bittersweet'. Doorn confirmed the news yesterday, citing an upcoming 'exciting opportunity' that is yet to be announced. He will officially finish at the end of May.
His resignation comes at a critical time for Dunedin's events scene, with Christchurch’s new Te Kaha One New Zealand Stadium scheduled to open soon, introducing a significant competitor to the South Island market. Doorn, who was appointed to the role in October 2024 after a career in venue management in Australia, said he is leaving the stadium in an 'exciting, if challenging' position.
Dunedin City Holdings Ltd chairman Tim Loan said Doorn’s departure was a loss for the organisation. When asked what DVML would look for in a successor, Loan said they would be seeking 'someone like Paul Doorn,' adding, 'I have been very, very happy with the work that Paul has been doing.'
A challenging but exciting future
Despite the looming competition and what he termed 'headwinds' for the events industry, Doorn remains optimistic about the venue's future. 'I've always been very positive about what the pipeline's looking like,' he said, referring to the list of events the stadium is pursuing. He noted that DVML has 'some smart initiatives to overcome those challenges,' including a new partnership with Ticketek. The 10-year exclusive deal, covering both the stadium and the Dunedin Centre, is a strategic move to avoid going head-to-head with Ticketmaster, the partner for Christchurch's new venue.
One of the key initiatives Doorn championed is the installation of a 'curtain system' within the stadium. This flexible infrastructure will allow the venue to be scaled down for smaller crowds, making it a more viable option for a wider range of events. Councillor Steve Walker praised Doorn's contribution, stating the curtain system 'will very likely provide benefits in terms of increased events' and that the city 'should be grateful for his foresight.'
I thank him for all his mahi while at DVML, personally I think he'll be sorely missed. I have little doubt that any potential events that may be announced in the coming months will likely be down to his hard work.
Diversifying the stadium's offerings
A core part of Doorn’s strategy has been to reinforce the stadium’s identity as a truly multipurpose venue. 'Multipurpose' had to be the mantra, he explained, pointing to recent successes such as hosting monster trucks last year, which involved bringing in massive amounts of dirt to completely transform the arena. He also highlighted collaborations with local groups to help them build their own events within the stadium's unique environment.
A prime example was the recent Wild Dunedin festival, which drew more than 7,000 people through the gates for a community day. This focus on local engagement demonstrates the stadium's value beyond just hosting international music acts and sports games. The venue's versatility was also showcased at a recent event featuring local band Pearly* and musician Don McGlashan, which attracted a crowd of 1300.
Councillor Mandy Mayhem commented on the success of the smaller concert, noting how well it worked. 'I am sure [Don McGlashan] loved 1300 voices pitched back at him. It worked, I like it,' she said, hoping Doorn's successor would also possess enthusiasm and imagination. This move to accommodate more diverse and community-focused events aligns with the vibrant local arts scene, an area where organisations like the Dunedin Folk Club have been fostering talent for decades.
Leadership in a shifting landscape
Doorn's tenure has been defined by navigating a complex and evolving business environment. The impending opening of Te Kaha in Christchurch represents the most significant shift, creating new pressures on Dunedin to secure major tours, and similar challenges are being addressed to build new transport links, where airport rail link moves forward as builders shortlisted. However, Doorn believes Forsyth Barr Stadium has a distinct advantage. 'We get to see it week in and week out, the proximity of the seats to the playing field and the fact that it has a roof creates an atmosphere that no-one sees in other venues in Australia or New Zealand,' he said.
Developing strong leadership to navigate such commercial challenges is a key focus for the city's business community. Organisations like Business South run a Leadership Academy designed to equip professionals with the skills to lead their organisations. The programme features prominent Otago leaders such as Animation Research founder Sir Ian Taylor and University of Otago Vice-Chancellor Hon. Grant Robertson, fostering a new generation of leaders ready to tackle regional challenges.
While the last major concert at the stadium was P!nk in March 2024, Doorn hinted at positive developments on the horizon. He said he has long anticipated that new announcements would be made around June or July. 'So, the fact that I'm not here for that is great for the next person to hit the ground running,' he commented.
Financial future and legacy
The stadium's financial sustainability has been a recurring topic of debate. Just last month, Dunedin city councillors voted to increase annual funding for the venue by $1.25 million in 2026/27, with a further $1.25 million increase the following year. The decision was described by Cr Mickey Treadwell as 'a bitter pill to swallow,' but it came after a stark warning that maintaining the status quo could see the stadium's debt balloon from $85 million to $194 million by 2060.
This difficult financial reality underscores the importance of the CEO's role in securing a profitable and diverse event pipeline. Doorn leaves behind a legacy of proactive and strategic management in the face of considerable market pressures. His focus on versatility and community engagement has laid a foundation for his successor to build upon.
Mr Loan expressed his full confidence in Doorn's performance during his time as chief executive, making it clear the organisation was sad to see him go. City councillors also shared their praise, with Cr Walker thanking him for his 'mahi' (work). He is confident that Doorn's hard work behind the scenes will pay off for the city in the near future.
