MASTER OF CEREMONIES

“The induction function was an outstanding success, in so many ways a tribute to Bruce’s skilled MC’ing of the evening…If you are planning an event where you are anxious to make a good impression, I strongly recommend Bruce Hopkins as your Master of Ceremonies “-

Dr Phil Handcock, Otago University

Bruce Hopkins has been a professional MC for more than 15 years, and draws on a wealth of experiences which include 30 years in the entertainment and media industries.

Born a fourth generation Stewart Islander, Bruce has an impressively diverse resume that includes:

commercial crayfishing off the northern most shores of NZ
8 years fulltime professional dancing with Limbs Dance Company and the Sydney Dance Company
hosting talkback radio shows on NewsTalkZB and RadioLIVE
acting the featured role of ‘Gamling’ in two of Peter Jackson's, Lord Of The Rings trilogy of films, Two Towers and Return of the King
playing the coveted role of MacBeth on stage
MCing the annual client conference for award winning software development company, Advanced Professional Solutions, for 15 years
Eden Park ground announcer for the inaugural season of Super 12 rugby

Bruce has MC’d conferences, awards evenings and functions for companies and organizations such as:

Vodafone, Telecom, Goodman Fielder, Otago and Massey Universities, NetGuide Magazine, The World Dairy Summit,
NZ Golf

He is a committee member for the Auckland branch of the National Speakers Association of NZ and member of the Performers Committee for Actors Equity and was a founding trustee of the Watershed Theatre.

As well as being an MC, Bruce is a voice artist, an actor, and a coffee roaster, he enjoys surfing, playing incredibly average guitar, and spending as much time as he can with his family.

MCing the turning of the first sod to begin construction of Aucklands new
Q Theatre project, Dec 2009. Introduce the ASB Community Trusts Chair Jennifer Gill,
Mayor of Auckland City John Banks and Q Theatre Chair Andrew Kaisley

CLIENTS HAVE THEIR SAY:

Stuart Macklin
Managing Director - TIME convention

“Bruce Hopkins was one of the best MC’s we have ever had at the TIME convention, his room ran perfectly, ontime, humorous, and well received by all who attended.

Barbara Burt
Conference Co-ordinator

"The Conference Committee is totally satisfied with Bruce’s performance as MC in providing continuity with just the right touch of humour, and sensitivity in the circumstances (one of our Keynote speakers had died only weeks prior to the Conference)."

Shane Compton
Founder APS
Advanced Professional Services

“ While many factors contribute to our conferences’ success, Bruce’s efforts represent a significant part of a consistently positive outcome. His extensive stage and comedy experience means that he is able to inject a unique flavour to the event. While professional, Bruce has an ability to maintain a well balanced approach that delegates enjoy immensely….”

Mike Mizrahi
Inside Out Productions
“He is a pleasure to work with, has a great sense of humour and a dedication to the project, which is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Jenni Spooner
Marketing Manager
J.A. Russell Ltd
“We held a large function of 700 people at Eden Park…
We were very happy with Bruce's performance for that event…He responded well to our briefing about the event and came across as being well researched and understanding.”

Susanne Ritzenhoff
General Manager
Q Theatre
Bruce Mc’ed the event in a very professional and engaging manner. He made sure that the event run in a timely manner, being informative and humorous. Thanks to his presentation this event was a special and enjoyable celebration for everyone involved. I very much recommend Bruce as a MC and look forward to be able to engage him in the future.

24 June, 2010

Via email

In support of MC Bruce Hopkins

To whom it may concern,

Bruce was MC for one of Q Theatre’s high profile events in 2009. On 10th December 2009 approximately 40 supporters gathered alongside Q Theatre, Media, Funders, and Mayor John Banks in the official ceremony to mark the start of the construction of the theatre.

In his role as MC for this event Bruce realised the importance of the milestone being honoured, took the time to understand the desired outcome and ensured Q Theatre achieved it. His skills as an MC meant he introduced the notable speakers with charm, great insight and personal touch.

Bruce brought great professionalism to the ceremony without losing a sense of personality and guided the event with great ease.

It has been a joy working with Bruce and I can highly recommend him as an MC.

Best Regards,

Susanne Ritzenhoff
Q Theatre, General Manager

12 June, 2006

To Whom it may concern

Re: Bruce Hopkins

Otago’s School of Physical Education was founded in 1948 and as such is New Zealand’s
oldest academic institution in the area of Physical Education. The School has an international
reputation for excellence and has had a tremendous influence on New Zealand sport
leisure, physical education, exercise sciences and physical activity. As part of celebrations of
our sustained excellence, we launched a Wall of Fame in May 2006. To host the inaugural
Wall of Fame induction, we engaged kiwi movie and drama icon, Bruce Hopkins, a
celebrated graduate of the School.

The induction function was an outstanding success, in so many ways a tribute to Bruce’s
skilled MC’ing of the evening. Bruce expertly stitched together a very entertaining evening
that included six inductees who spanned a wide range of ages and cultures and an audience
of similar challenging diversity. Without any rehearsals we witnessed a seamless evening that held
everyone’s attention and achieved our aim of making it a memorable occasion.
Bruce is a man with a rich sense of humour and demonstrates great skill in using that gift to
add to the proceedings. As one elderly inductee commented “The induction ceremony was
excellent, well organised, simple and dignified’. We had many similar compliments, and my
organising committee was unanimous in attributing much of that success to Bruce’s
involvement.

If you are planning an event where you are anxious to make a good impression, I strongly
recommend retaining Bruce Hopkins as your Master of Ceremonies. Bruce is meticulous in
his research and preparation, he has the ability to ad-lib and connect intimately with the
people he is speaking with, and of course he presents a throughly professional image for
your function. This is an engaging guy who knows how to enthral a room and draw an
audience together - We highly recommend him.

Yours sincerely

Dr Phil Handcock

Convenor School of Physical Education Wall of Fame

School of Physical Education - Te Kura Mahi-a-korikori

PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Tel 64 3 479 8991 • Fax 64 3 479 8309 • Email physical-education@otago.ac.nz

http://physed.otago.ac.nz

D U N E D I N C H R I S T C H U R C HW E L L I N G T 0 NA U C K L A N D