Our story
About us
The road to entrepreneurship is often a treacherous one filled with unexpected detours, roadblocks and dead ends. There are lots of sleepless nights, plans that don’t work out, funding that doesn’t come through and customers (ticket purchasers) that never materialize! It can be so challenging to launch a business that it may make you wonder why anyone willingly sets out on such a path. For The Macpherson’s, launching STETSON PRODUCTIONS in 1972 was the start of an unknown journey to which Tricia & Stewart have given their all – and are so very grateful for all the support, care and friendships made along the way.
Meet
Stewart & tricia
Stetson’s early days were very much a case of learning ‘on the job’, but it didn’t take too long to develop into a professional business. Both Stewart and Tricia have a single goal – to always have the best show on the stage at every performance – which entails looking after a tour in great detail. Their satisfaction comes from stimulated and appreciative audiences … and a happy touring company.
They have toured hundreds of Artists (see HISTORY) – many have made return visits to New Zealand. Stewart’s contact and working relationship with overseas Managements & Agents is an integral part of Stetson.
Stetson’s reputation has travelled afar, so overseas tours are a specialty – Australia, Japan, Korea, Europe, Asia, Hawaii. Being involved with local Producers has been a source of interest and excitement as well as working in another culture. There have been many, many, happy and memorable tours. These trips have been stalled by Covid-19!!!!
Stewart and Tricia have different skills. They enjoy working together – and have proven they make a strong team. In the main, all concerts and theatrical productions Stewart & Tricia have been to see before making any commitment to produce or present it themselves.
On a personal note Tricia and Stewart have for over 40 years been based on farmland in Waikanae, just north of Wellington on the Kapiti Coast. They have recently subdivided their land and built on one of the 12 sections in STETSON ESTATE.
Their sons Ande & Scott were raised on the land. Both now are parents themselves and when not touring, the Macphersons are likely to be in the UK (notwithstanding Covid-19 interruption!) mixing business with pleasure – catching up with their 5 very special grandchildren. Scott & Susie (with Jessica & Max) live in Edinburgh – Ande & Claire (with Archie, Toby and Darcy) – live in Worsley, Manchester, UK.
Photos of both families talking advantage of the outdoors during Covid-19 …. And Susie, Scott, Jess and Max (with his Hurrricane’s mask!!) masked up in Edinburgh.
About
Stewart macpherson
Stewart’s working career started as the ‘boy’ in a bank, which he found very boring. After some truck driving he became a trainee school teacher, during which time he was selected to be the host of the first ever pop music show on the infancy of television broadcasting in New Zealand, in a show called “In The Groove” based on the BBC show, “Juke Box Jury”. With a taste of showbiz, it wasn’t long before his career moved on into radio and television not only in New Zealand, but also Australia and the UK. There came a time when his involvement with music and broadcasting naturally evolved into concert promotion, and so the die was cast.
About
tricia macpherson
Tricia began her working life as an audio technician – firstly in radio in Wellington (1964) and then at DECCA Record’s recording studios, London. Tricia started working in the Stetson Production’s office in 1979. Her eye for detail, love of all things technical and interest in people meant that she found her niche in the touring side of Stetson. As a result she has been travelling New Zealand (and overseas) with Artists for many years – and values the network of friends and colleagues that she has built as a result. Since Tricia started touring, she has seen many changes – the biggest she says is going from working with pencil and paper and a calculator to now being tied to her Macintosh laptop, iphone and iPad.
About
Jenny Adlam
Jenny started with Stetson in February 2012 – she is now a well established and valued member of the Stetson team – Jenny makes financials fun!. An accountant (with a difference!), Jenny supports Tricia with all the financials (and many other things besides) – and is an expert when it comes to XERO web-based accounting. Jenny produces timely and accurate reports – crucial for offshore Managements, and for Stewart & Tricia when they are ‘on the road’ touring.
Jenny adds spice, laughter and sartorial splendour to the Waikanae office!! Go Jenny!
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The Stetson Group would like to acknowledge the following Partners for their continued support.
Tony Richardson – superb business input over 40 years as well as XERO support. Thanks Tony – we enjoy the friendship and care.
Thanks Peter and Loren. Your touring production values are special and appreciated. Thanks for that ‘extra mile’ each tour.
Thanks Greg – we’ve climbed many mountains over these last 42 years – been fun doing it with you guys. A special man.
Thanks Bill for your support and care with all our Apple products. Your keeping us ‘in touch’ as we move around on the tours and overseas is much appreciated.