19 October 2021
Slatter “a natural fit” for H3 Director of Operations position

A familiar face is stepping up from within the ranks to take on H3’s Director of Operations role.
Ben Slatter, who has been part of the H3 team for the past eight years, has been promoted into the Director position following the resignation of Chad Hooker earlier this month.
Slatter first joined H3 as Business Support Manager in 2013 before working his way up to Venue Manager – Stadia in 2016. This position has seen him responsible for overseeing the operational management of FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park, and the impact event operations across all H3 venues.
In 2018 Slatter was recognised for his exceptional leadership and contribution to the events industry when he was named ‘Operational Manager of the Year’ by Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ). The award judges praised Slatter for his “cool and calm demeanour, strategic mind and passion for events”.
Slatter’s appointment to the H3 Director of Operations role comes following an internal recruitment process, with Sean Murray, Hamilton City Council’s General Manager of Venues, Tourism and Major Events, describing his appointment as “a natural fit”.
“Ben is a great asset to our business and eminently suited to this role,” says Murray.
“He has an unwavering passion for our venues and the events taking place there, has always demonstrated natural leadership qualities, and is highly regarded within our business and the wider events industry.
“His appointment to the Director of Operations role is the natural next step for Ben in his career and is a great success story for both him and for our business.”
Outgoing Director of Operations Chad Hooker is moving on from H3 after 11 years to take up the CEO position at Bay Venues in Tauranga. His final day at H3 will be 4 November.
H3 is a unit of Hamilton City Council responsible for the management of the city’s premier event venues – Claudelands, FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park.
Latest News

13 March 2025
Eventing the Future 2025 heads to Hamilton!
The New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) is thrilled to announce that their annual Eventing the Future Conference will take place at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton from 1–3 September 2025.

18 February 2025
Hamilton confirmed to host NRLW fixtures
A partnership between FMG Stadium Waikato and the One New Zealand Warriors has opened the way for the club to play three stand-alone NRLW matches in Hamilton this season.

04 February 2025
Australia and New Zealand set to reignite basketball rivalry in the inaugural Trans-Tasman Throwdown at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands
Basketball fans are in for an unforgettable showcase as the Trans-Tasman Throwdown makes its debut, pitting Australia against New Zealand in an electrifying series and reigniting one of sports fiercest rivalries.…