Capital C: Concerts & Events began its journey in 1991 and has grown into one of New Zealand’s most enduring event companies, producing and managing some of the nation’s most ambitious and successful entertainment experiences.
Unlike traditional promoters, Capital C quickly carved out a niche by delivering a wide variety of projects—ranging from global concert tours and theatrical productions to cultural festivals, sports events, exhibitions, and corporate showcases.
Our work spans genres and generations—from Elton John and Bon Jovi concerts to Diana’s Dresses for Humanity and the Anne Frank exhibition, from Rock2Wgtn to the Go Dutch Cultural Festival. Whether working independently or in partnership, we bring together creative vision, logistical excellence, and a “can-do” attitude to every project.
While many promoters have come and gone, Capital C has remained a constant through its adaptability, hands-on delivery, and emphasis on quality. The company operates as the Entertainment Division of Knot Art (NZ) Ltd, now expanding into consultancy services in tourism, conference planning, and immersive, experience-driven events.
With a ‘one-stop-shop’ ethos, Capital C continues to lead in creative production, sponsorship, media, venue management, and tour logistics—building enduring relationships with clients, councils, corporates, and communities.
In the early 1990s, Capital C: Concerts, Conferences & Events launched with a single mission: to bring top-tier entertainment to New Zealand without compromise.
We didn’t follow the rules. We didn’t rely on big teams or flashy headquarters. Instead, we focused on results, partnerships, and experiences that make a difference.
Over more than three decades, Capital C has played a direct role in shaping New Zealand’s entertainment landscape. Here are some samples of our experiences:
Music Concerts & Tours:
• Elton John (six shows, 2006–2015) including sell-outs in Wellington, Dunedin, New Plymouth, and Auckland
• Rock2Wgtn (2008) featuring KISS, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Poison, Lordi, and Whitesnake – 57,000 attendees
• Bon Jovi (2008, Christchurch – 31,000 attendees)
• The Moody Blues, Vienna Boys Choir, Little River Band, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Sol3mio, 2Cellos, WOMAD and many more.
• Classic tours: Herman’s Hermits, The Searchers, The Ten Tenors, Leo Sayer, Scottish Dragoon Guards.
Exhibitions & Cultural Events:
• Anne Frank – A History for Today (over 100,000 visitors)
• Dresses for Humanity: The Diana Exhibition – exclusive Southern Hemisphere engagement
• Flora! Flora! (2002 & 2003), The Great Disney Toy Exhibition, City of Lights Project, Bloom 2000
• Go Dutch Festival (1997) – 316,000 attendees
• February Fiesta, Spring Break, Great Charity Clog Race
• Winner Best of Show – Auckland Boat Show
Theatre & Comedy:
• Royal Variety Concert with Prince Charles and Princess Diana (via Kerridge Odeon)
• Bolshoi Ballet (via Kerridge Odeon)
• TV2 LAUGH! Convoy Tours, Dave Allen, Peter Powers Hypno Shows, Barbara Windsor tour, Bananas in Pyjamas.
Sports & Adventure:
• 500cc World Superbike Series, World Offshore Powerboat Championships
• X-cess International Paintball Tournament
• Pro-Am Boxing: Lords & Ladies of the Ring, Danish Gymnastics Team Tour
• Creation of the Rink – full-scale outdoor ice skating experience in downtown Wellington
Corporate Activations & Events:
• Large-scale corporate conferences (TagWars, Salesbusters, Top Gun, Rocky)
• Complete war reenactments with tanks, pyrotechnics, and helicopters for clients like Imperial Tobacco, Turners Auctions and Master Plumbers Association.
• Venue and brand marketing for Historic Places Trust, KO Bowling, Pakatoa Island Resort, Spaceworld Game Centres, Brunswick International.
• Consultancy for Forsyth Barr Stadium.
“Looking back on over 30 years of producing major events, it’s been a journey defined by bold ideas, unforgettable moments, and lasting impact.
From Elton John to exhibitions that stirred national reflection, every project pushed boundaries. That collision of innovation, imagination, experience, and excellence continues to drive everything I do.”
Phil Sprey is the visionary behind Capital C. A career spanning more than 30 years in the entertainment, leisure, and tourism industries has positioned him as one of New Zealand’s most experienced and innovative event professionals.
Phil is a RNZAF veteran, a London City & Guilds Chef and was DJ/Co-Owner of Moby Dicks Disco, Wellington. In the early 1970’s he started his career with the Kerridge Odeon Corporation —then the country’s largest entertainment company— from cinema manager to head of PR, Marketing and Advertising then rising to Divisional General Manager, Phil oversaw 65 cinemas, national booking agencies, and large-scale theatrical productions. He played a key role in modernising the NZ tenpin bowling industry, launched international sports distribution operations, and led the promotion of high-profile resorts like Auckland’s Pakatoa Island. Then adding roles as General Manager- International of Madison Corporation, Madison Marine and Director of Tambro Engineering.
Under his own company, Capital C, Phil has managed concerts for international legends such as Elton John, Bon Jovi, and a host of other global music stars, and spearheaded cultural landmarks like the Anne Frank and Diana Dresses exhibitions. His background combines showbiz savvy with military-grade logistics—from helicopter-staged product launches to building ice rinks in the centre of Wellington. For four years he also hosted his own weekly radio show on NewsTalkZB Wellington.
Phil’s network spans governments, global artists, and grassroots charities. He chaired the Worlds of Wellington Trust, a charitable foundation that delivered major community events and raised significant funds for causes including Child Cancer, the Heart Foundation, Blind Foundation, and the NZ AIDS Foundation.
He frequently speaks on event funding, sponsorship strategy, and community engagement, and was a founding member of Events Wellington and an original board member of Enterprise Miramar Peninsula (EMP). Capital C was a Wellington Gold Award Finalist.
What sets Phil apart is his ability to blend commercial vision with cultural sensitivity—creating events that not only entertain but resonate with audiences. With a hands-on style, deep industry relationships, and an uncompromising standard for quality, he continues to act as Principal for Capital C as a uniquely independent force in New Zealand’s events industry.
Capital C: Concerts is the entertainment division of Knot Art (NZ) Ltd, which relaunched as a consultancy dedicated to tourism, major events, conferences, and integrated experience design. Together, we offer a 360-degree approach to creating vibrant, human-centred events that connect cultures, audiences, and industries.