Burners – meet your Services Facilitator 2iC, Raccoon Daddy.
What does the Services Facilitator 2iC role involve?
Services Department is made up of the “frontline” teams that transition participants from the Default World to the Paddock: Ticketing, Gate, Greeters, Parking and Traffic. My main goal is to support our Facilitator, ensuring our Team Leads have the support and resources they need to pull off the amazing work they do.
How do you spend your time when you are not doing things related to Kiwiburn?
I work the 9-5 as a Design Engineer in the HVAC industry, and otherwise have something of a peaceful hermit life. Hanging out with my dog (Spud, girl, Huntaway x Whippet), occasionally heading into town for a gig, always thinking about the next long weekend road trip, massive Spotify junkie.
Being involved with Kiwiburn can take a lot of energy. How do you re-energise?
At the moment, Kiwiburn is where I’m getting my energy from! The love I get back from the Paddock, seeing all the weird and wonderful creations people bring, and of course the Burns themselves all power my drive and fill my spoons. I have a lot of job satisfaction at work, helping Spud live her best life also helps keep mine ticking along nicely. On the rare occasions when that’s not enough, then a nice whiskey and a good heavy metal playlist usually sorts out any lingering issues.
Do you have a favourite Burn outfit?
You’ll likely find me skulking around in a raccoon onesie, at least when the sun goes down.
What skills have you learned by being involved with Kiwiburn?
It’s definitely helping with my interpersonal skills. As alluded to above, I’m an introvert, but being involved in Services with large volunteer teams has helped me break that shell a bit more. Also, dealing with volunteers with different time availability etc. is helpful to reinforce the Virtue of Patience.
What has been your favourite moment at a Burn?
Oof, I have to pick just one? Aside from finding my people at The Homestead Camp and watching Digger Daddy take on Structural Integrity, I’ll have to say being accepted into my previous role of Parking Co-Lead. Quick backstory: I first heard about this Kiwiburn thing many years ago through some flatmates that were into fire and flow, but life and skepticism kept me away, until I went through something of a transition in 2023 and found myself with the means, motive, and opportunity to make it happen. Knowing tickets are limited and I have a significant lack of creative skill, I looked for a volunteer opportunity, found a role I could slide into and shot my shot, in spite of the fact that I had never been to a Burn before. Here I am, two Burns later, looking after not just the Parking team, but the whole Services department!
What are you most excited about for Kiwiburn 2026?
I’ve heard the Event Theme is pretty choice, I’m excited to see what the Paddock provides. Love your Burn!
