World of WearableArt head rigger Nic Balkum remembered after death

Nicholas “Nic” Balkum, the head rigger for World of WearableArt, has died following a medical event at Wellington's TSB Arena. Emergency services were called to the venue at approximately 10.15am on Friday morning.

Balkum, who had worked with the organisation for 12 years, was described by colleagues as a “pillar of the entertainment community”. He was a co-founder of the production company YOOCrew and had moved to New Zealand from the United States in 2014.

Following the incident, the Friday night performance and Saturday afternoon matinee were cancelled. The show returned for its Saturday night performance after the team made adjustments.

WorkSafe has closed its file on the incident after it was confirmed to be a medical event. The coroner's office also confirmed it would not be opening an inquiry into the death.

How it developed

• Tue 29 Sep, 10:51amWorkSafe and the coroner's office have confirmed no further investigation into the death is required.

Where reports differ

• One report notes Balkum was a co-owner of YOOCrew based in Lower Hutt, while others describe him as a co-founder.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, NZ Herald and The Post.