World of WearableArt head rigger Nic Balkum remembered after death at TSB Arena

World of WearableArt’s head rigger Nic Balkum has been remembered as someone who made "a lot of friends everywhere he went".

World of WearableArt’s head rigger has been remembered as a “mentor and close friend” after his death at Wellington’s TSB Arena.

On Friday morning, emergency services were called to the Wellington waterfront after a World of WearableArt (Wow) staffer experienced an “apparent medical event”.

The Friday night performance and Saturday matinee of GLO! were cancelled after his death.

The crew member has been named as Nic Balkum, who had been Wow’s head rigger for 12 years.

“His mahi, skills and guidance were key in creating the incredible audience experience and nurturing a high-performing crew,” a spokesperson for the art event said.

“As a tight-knit team, we and the whole arts and events community mourn the loss of a mentor and close friend.”