Balloons and Events

Absolutely appalled at the lack of professionalism displayed by this business - if I could give 0 stars I would! My business hired Balloons and Events to assist with the glitz and glamour of our office opening - a momentous occasion for a kaupapa Māori business, which was expanding despite two years of challenges due to COVID-19.Our event got delayed because of the August lockdown - not once did this company contact us regarding rescheduling, despite holding our $650 deposit. When a new time and date was eventually confirmed for February this year, I contacted the business owner (who is the main point of contact) asking to reschedule - we go the new time and date locked in. However the day of the event just showed me how out of their depth and uninterested in customer service, this business really is.The Director of Balloon and Events, Donna, was my main point of contact, and had asked me what time my staff and I would be on site the day of so they could come set up - they were advised 8:30am, and responded they would be there around that time. By 10:00am still no one has turned up and panic set in. I began texting and calling Donna to enquire about the set up. Our event was set for 2:00pm, with guests arriving from 1:30pm, so the window for set up was rapidly closing. No one from Balloons and Events answered my calls or text messages. I was left panicking and asked my kaimahi (staff) to come up with Plan B. Donna and her team finally arrived on-site around 11:15am and rather coming in to explain why they were late, they walked on site and just began setting up. I was so relieved at their presence I went and hugged Donna hello and said “oh thank god you’re here!” - the reason I was given for their lateness was that they had another event to set up that day, and we’re doing that. This was fair, so I responded “apologies you will have a lot a missed calls and text messages from me, as I was panicking!”However, this is not the worst of it. Just this week, four weeks after the event, I was talking with my kaimahi one afternoon and asked where two of the crystal glasses were that were on one of the little tables in our spare office. My staff informed me the events company had broken them when they were setting up. One of my staff said “when you had left they came to us asking for a dust pan and brush to clean up the glass they broke”. I was incredulous. I asked why no one had told me and one of my staff member said “I assumed the events company would have let you know themselves.” No they did not.As with everything, context is key. Aside from being real, high quality crystal, the glasses that Balloons and Events broke were taonga (heirlooms) passed down through my Māmā’s family. I cannot replace them. I am absolutely gutted, and moreover I am appalled Donna and her business do not have the mana and respect to own their mistakes.I have contacted Donna via text and email, seeking a suitable resolution for the damage they caused (even though the glasses are irreplaceable) and of course, in Balloons and Event style, I have heard nothing. It is a privilege to run a business, not a right, and after an absolute exhausting two years in the pandemic, small business owners should be doing everything they can to tautoko (support) one another. I would never conduct myself in such a manner, so intend to lodge a complaint with the Disputes Tribunal regarding my damaged property. After all, I take responsibility to call out the bad behaviour and ensure other small businesses do not have an experience like mine. I have attached the unanswered text messages for all to see. Donna, when you and your team inevitably read this, consider reaching out. I’d far rather a kōrero and some accountability than taking your pakihi to the Disputes Tribunal - the choice is yours. Ngā mihi

Very nice and friendly customer service. Had a variety of quality equipment for hire. Highly recommended for event planning :)