Mickie's Journey with Clean Vibes

Introduction

We're excited to announce our recent expansion New Zealand! As we bring our award-winning sustainable cleaning and waste management solutions to this vibrant market, we’re thrilled to introduce Mickie, our very first New Zealand-based team member. With an extensive background in the events industry, Mickie is perfectly positioned to drive our growth. His passion for creating memorable, well-managed events and his deep commitment to sustainability underscore everything we do at Clean Vibes.

In this blog post, you’ll get to know Mickie through an in-depth Q&A where he shares his journey from Australia to New Zealand, his experiences with waste management at major events, and his vision for our future in this new territory.

Mickie's Q&A

Could you start by telling me a little about your background?

“I’ve been involved in events for a long time. In fact, I recently found a document from 2012 about my first Festival in Newcastle (I’m originally from Newcastle, Australia). Before that, I worked on red carpet movie events; one of my former partners was in that business, and that’s how I initially got into events. Even earlier, I was a music promoter in Newcastle during the early days of Australian hip hop—I was 22 at the time. I’d put on hip hop gigs while also working in community radio and the music business.

I consider myself part of the second generation of Australian hip hop, where the older generation had set the stage and a younger, hungry crew started making their mark. That was my first step into events, and from there, I moved to Sydney, studied for a diploma in events management, and volunteered at festivals. I kept saying “yes” to every opportunity, learned new skills, and soon people were hiring me regularly. For a long time, I even lived in my van to support my lifestyle as I worked on festivals and events on a contract basis. When I wasn’t working, I’d store my belongings and take advantage of every opportunity, often catching waves up and down the coast. It was a pretty good lifestyle back then.”

What kind of experience have you had in event, cleaning and waste management?

“Over the past two decades, I’ve worn many hats in the events industry. Starting as a music promoter, I eventually moved into event logistics and site supervision, working with organisations like the City of Sydney and Placemaking New South Wales."

What drew you to join Clean Vibes, especially as the first employee in New Zealand?

“I’ve been connected with Clean Vibes since my days in Australia, working closely with the founder Andrew MacArthur, and the team on various festivals. When I mentioned I was moving to New Zealand for personal reason, and the opportunity arose to help expand Clean Vibes into New Zealand, it felt like a natural next step. I was excited by their strong reputation for sustainable practices and waste management excellence. Moreover, the chance to take on a leadership role, empowering a local team and forging new relationships with councils and event organisers, was something I couldn’t pass up."

As the first employee at Clean Vibes New Zealand, can you share what your role entails?

“As the first employee at Clean Vibes New Zealand, my role is to expand our presence in New Zealand by actively securing more gigs and building relationships within the local events industry. I focus primarily on key regions like Auckland and Northland, where I identify and target opportunities by breaking down the area by location and by season. For instance, I analyse which events are scheduled in Auckland during specific months, October, to build a well-planned event itinerary that avoids overbooking.

I enjoy creating these opportunities rather than just waiting for them to arise. While I’m naturally energetic and always on the go, I’ve learned to adapt to the more relaxed pace here compared to Sydney.”

Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to as Clean Vibes expands to New Zealand?

“I’m really excited about a few things. First, I look forward to building a strong, empowered local team. I believe in giving people the space to make decisions and learn from their experiences rather than micromanaging them. I’m already working on forging relationships with local councils to broaden our event portfolio, which is incredibly motivating.”

In your opinion, what is it about Clean Vibes’ focus on sustainability that really sets us apart from other cleaning companies?

“Events generate so much waste in the back, it’s pretty crazy! I think you know that Andrew, Nicole, and the entire Clean Vibes crew are an ace in the hole because they're always thinking, "What's next? How can we do that better?" I feel that Andrew's main drive is to be the leader in the industry on sustainability and reducing waste at events. I've worked at many events and seen a tremendous amount of waste. For example, while cans have always been recycled, there are items like cream containers, and Andrew was saying, "Oh, I can recycle that," and so on.

In Sydney, while I worked with various waste management contractors for events at City of Sydney Events, none put in the same effort as Clean Vibes. Clean Vibes makes a difference, they're consistently chosen for the biggest gigs because they're proactive; you never have to chase them down. As a client supervisor, that's one less thing to worry about. While other companies I work with, where doing the job, Clean Vibes benefits from a strong team structure, that also makes the difference. It's not a surprise they won the Australia Business Awards, there is a reason for that!”

Looking back on your past experiences, how do they compare to what you’re seeing here at Clean Vibes? What really stands out to you?

“What immediately struck me was the difference in culture and appreciation. In many of my past roles, positive feedback was rare, but at Clean Vibes, and particularly at events like One Love, I was genuinely blown away by how grateful everyone was. The team’s camaraderie and willingness to support one another create an environment where everyone feels like they’re part of something special. It’s a refreshing change from the more controlled, micromanaged settings I’d experienced before, and it’s this sense of empowerment and genuine care that truly sets Clean Vibes apart."

Are there any key lessons or takeaways from your previous work that you’re eager to implement with Clean Vibes in New Zealand?

“Absolutely. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of empowering team members. In my previous leadership role in New South Wales, I discovered that giving people autonomy, not hovering over every decision—builds confidence and leads to better outcomes. I plan to bring this hands-off, trust-based approach to the Clean Vibes team here in New Zealand, ensuring that everyone feels supported and capable of making impactful decisions."

How would you describe your perspective on waste management and cleaning services at venues and music festivals, particularly when it comes to sustainability?

“For me, effective waste management goes far beyond just tidying up; it’s about enhancing the entire event experience. A courteous, hardworking cleaning crew can turn what might seem like a mundane task into an integral part of a sustainable, memorable event. Clean Vibes exemplifies this philosophy by combining robust logistical skills with a relentless drive to reduce waste and recycle more than anyone else in the industry. It’s this holistic approach that not only keeps venues spotless but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the event."

Reflecting on your participation at the Auckland and Tauranga events, what were some of the highlights and challenges you experienced, if any?

“At the One Love event, one of the biggest highlights was the genuine appreciation we received from everyone, clients, the council, vendors, and festival-goers alike were quick to compliment our work. I remember one moment in particular: a woman, who initially seemed a bit standoffish, gradually warmed up to us throughout the event. By the end, she was practically chatting and laughing with the crew. Moments like that really showed the impact of our efforts on site.

In terms of challenges, since it was our first time working at that particular venue, we didn’t know exactly what to expect. Andrew, the Clean Vibes founder, had already met with the council and understood their KPIs, so we had to adapt quickly and establish a working routine on the fly. Once we found our rhythm, everything flowed smoothly, and there were no major issues. It also helped that Andrew and Nicole were there! Seeing the owners actively involved, even cleaning alongside the crew, set a fantastic example for everyone.“

From your work at events in Auckland and Tauranga, could you share any specific examples that highlight Clean Vibes' sustainable approach in action?

“One great example was how Clean Vibes identified and recycled items that most waste management providers wouldn’t think twice about. I remember Andrew, explaining that if we can recycle something unconventional, then we’re really pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable waste management. It was a clear demonstration of our forward-thinking mentality, always asking, “How can we do that better?”.“

I’ve heard you have a creative side, including starting your own agency. What type of event or venue would be a dream project for you to film or shoot, and why?

“My dream would be to own and run my own festival.

Right now, I’m managing a festival on an avocado farm. It is a non for profit Music Festival supporting mental health, and that's pretty cool. I am in contact with the local council to pitch some ideas for some festivals.”

Conclusion

Mickie’s insights not only highlight his impressive journey, from his roots in the Australian events scene to his pivotal role with Clean Vibes in New Zealand, but also underscore our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Drawing on years of hands-on experience and a relentless drive to innovate, Clean Vibes is ready to deliver exceptional cleaning and waste management services to venues and events across New Zealand. With our proven expertise from Australia and a growing, dedicated team on the ground, we are set to bring sustainable practices in every event we serve.

For event organisers and business owners looking for a partner who brings reliability, efficiency, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, Clean Vibes is here to help.