FAQ

General Hire FAQ

WHAT HAPPENS IF GEAR THAT WE HAVE HIRED GETS DAMAGED, BROKEN OR LOST?

Once your goods have been returned our team will process the items, clean and polish glassware etc and then take a record of what is missing and broken. We will then send an invoice off to you following your event with the correct charges on whatever it is that was broken or never returned.

WHAT IF MY EVENT I AM PLANNING NEEDS TO BE POSTPONED OR CANCELLED BUT I HAVE PAID A DEPOSIT?

We understand that sometimes the call needs to be made to either postpone or cancel due to unexpected circumstances. The deposit that we ask for is non-refundable as a great deal of work goes on behind the scenes to get your enquiries filled, quotes sent through our software programmes. Our policy for non-refundable deposits is also important as it may affect other bookings being turned down due to your hire items being secured. However, we will consider refunds under special circumstances. Please see our COVID policy.

CAN I PICK UP AND RETURN THE ITEMS MYSELF TO SAVE ME COSTS?

Some of our bigger items we do require to do the delivering and collecting ourselves for numereous reasons which include ensuring that our gear is transported the correct way to prevent any damage or breakages. Ask our friendly team if you have any queries around what you can and can't collect and return yourself.

DO WE HAVE TO WASH GLASSWARE, PLATES AND CUTLERY BEFORE RETURNING BACK TO YOU?

No way, this is the bonus of hiring all your catering needs through us. There doesn't have to be any arguing about who is going to wash up at the end of your event, a simple rinse to get rid of any food or stickyness is all we ask.

DO WE HAVE TO WASH LINEN BEFORE RETURNING BACK TO YOU?

PLEASE NO. Again, included in your hire costs is all the laundry/drycleaning costs for the linen to be sorted. Please keep in mind what you put onto your linen as stains happen and although our laundry firm can work magic, some damages will need to be charged for. Linen will be sent out with instructions so make sure you take the time to read these.

CAN I STILL ADD TO AND AMEND MY ORDER ONCE I HAVE CONFIRMED AND PAID A DEPOSIT?

Definitley! We suggest you get your quote confirmed as soon as you are happy with the items you have on it to prevent you from missing out. If you have accepted the quote and paid your deposit but you have realised you have missed soemthing or need to adjust some numbers, not a problem at all, just give us a call or flick us an e-mail and our team will happily help.

Balloonology FAQ

WHERE DOES THE LATEX USED IN BALLOONS COME FROM?

Where does the latex used in balloons come from? Latex balloons are produced from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Hevea brasilliensis. The rubber tree originated in the tropical forests of South America and was taken to Europe from Brazil. It is now grown on plantations in many tropical countries. The latex is collected in cups, as it drips from harmless cuts in the bark. The process is much like that used to collect maple syrup. The use of latex balloons and other products, such as surgical gloves, make rubber trees economically valuable, which discourages people from cutting them down.

ARE LATEX BALLOONS BIODEGRADABLE?

Latex is a 100 percent natural substance that breaks down both in sunlight and water. The degradation process begins almost immediately. Oxidation, the "frosting" that makes latex balloons look as if they are losing their colour, is one of the first signs of the process. Exposure to sunlight quickens the process, but natural micro-organisms attack natural rubber even in the dark.Research shows that under similar environmental conditions, latex balloons will biodegrade at about the same rate as a leaf from an oak tree. The actual total degradation time will vary depending on the precise conditions.

WHAT HAPPENS TO BALLOONS THAT FLY AWAY

Often latex balloons are released either on purpose or accidentally. Research shows that most of these latex balloons - the ones that are well-tied and have no structural flaws - rise to an altitude of about 8 kms, where they freeze, breaking into spaghetti-like pieces that scatter as they return to earth. While we do know that animals occasionally eat these soft slivers of rubber, the evidence indicates that pieces ultimately pass through the digestive system without harming the animal. Here at Festival Hire we do not encourage the release of balloons, however, if we are aware the balloons are purchased with the intention to release we will offer a cotton, biodegradable string to replace the curling ribbon. Then the balloons are as eco friendly as possible.

WHAT ABOUT BALLOON LITTER?

Balloons are not a significant littler problem. Although there are very little records of statistics for balloon litter in NZ, during a USA national beach clean-up in the late 2010s, volunteers collected more than 614,433 bottles and cans, but found fewer than 3,000 balloon pieces. These pieces - collected over more than 4,600 miles of shoreline - would fit inside four trash bags. Festival Hire encourage consumers to dispose of balloons - like all products - properly. We have a disposable bin located in our showroom which we encourage clients to return old balloons and we will dispose of for you. We support putting weights on all helium-filled balloons to keep them from floating away accidentally.

*Some information supplied in our FAQ's has been sourced with approval from Batavian Rubber - c/- Prestige Balloons.

HOW LONG DOES HELIUM LAST?

This is a very popular question that we get asked a lot. A latex balloon filled with helium will not last as long as a foil balloon filled with helium would. The reasoning behind this is that latex balloons are porous and the helium slowly escapes out of them. Handy Tips: Helium likes being warm BUT not too hot! Try to keep away from direct sunlight as this could make the helium expand, resulting in bursting the balloon. Cold environments could make the helium shrink causing the balloon to deflate. Try to keep your creations in a controlled environment. Don't leave in a hot car for a long period of time. Once the balloons leave our care it is out of our control. Floating time: Following the above tips your balloons should last approx: Latex non hi float - 8 1/2 hours. Latex with hi float - 18-36hrs+. Foil - 36hrs+

Weddings FAQ’

WHERE TO START?

It is your special day, so it is important to get it right. So, dont panic, you are in safe hands. The team at Festival Hire are experts when it comes to your wedding day. No matter the budget, the location, themes or ideas, we can help you from start to finish with all your hire needs as well as help with a few tricks and tips along the way. If you are finding the whole process a tad overwhelming then book an appointment with Shelley or the sales team and they can help you walk through your options and get you sorted. We are here to help take that stress away and make this experience exciting and... romantic!!!

DEPOSITS & CONFIRMATION

We will work with you to create a quote which we will email through to you for you to review. Once you are happy to continue you will need to make a 50% non-refundable deposit. This will then mean that the items on your quote are locked in and are all yours. You can then continue to work with us on your booking. We understand numbers can change and allow wriggle room for this up to 7 days before your hire. Please check our T&C's for more details on our cancellation policy.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING GETS BROKEN DURING OUR HIRE?

It's ok, accidents happen. Take time to read our terms and conditions which are sent by email with your quotes. You can find a copy of these on this site under "About us - Terms of Hire" These can help save you in extra costs or fees. These also cover the charges when replacing broken items. It is important to make the team aware of any faults or breakages so we can quickly fix before the items go to the next hire.

CAN I VIEW ITEMS IN PERSON BEFORE OUR HIRE?

You sure can! We encourage this as it helps clients be able to visualise how they will look in your setup. While most of our small items are located in our showroom, we may need to arrange some of our larger items i.e. bars, tables etc to be brought around from our storage location. We suggest to book at time with the showroom team then we can have everything ready for you. We can even have a table for you to do a trial setup and trial how it will look.

ARE DEPOSITS REFUNDABLE?

The deposit is non-refundable. A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes to get your enquiries filled, quotes sent through our software programmes. Our policy for non-refundable deposits is also important as it may affect other bookings being turned down due to your hire items being secured. However, we will consider refunds under special circumstances. Please see our COVID policy.

WHAT ARE YOUR TERMS AROUND COVID LEVELS

We have updated our hire terms and conditions to help with the unknown COVID brings when planning such an important event in the near future. If your event is required to be cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 Government Alert Levels directly impacting your numbers of your event you will be entitled to a refund or transfer of funds to a new chosen date. We are in this together and will work with you to help make your event magical and special no matter what may jump up along the planning way.

Marquees FAQ

WHY HIRE A MARQUEE WITH FESTIVAL HIRE?

Our marquees are all from a world leading NZ company. This means they are made to better withstand our unique climate, safer in winds and visually look great set up in our regions amazing landscape. We are proud members of HIANZ (Hire Industry Association of NZ) Our teams are supervised by trained and accredited installers... You wont find any "cowboys" here!

WHAT MAKES UP THE COST IN A MARQUEE HIRE?

Our marquees are the best of the best. We are accredited APEX installers, which we have to apply for and our team are run by accredited and trained APEX installers. Our marquees are structures, not "TENTS", these sit under the NZ Building Act and each have a engineers structure report. Each marquee will take a min of 1hr to load onto our truck or trailer, then a min of 1hr to install with at least 2 to 3 staff members. They then take approx. min of 1hr to pack down. Once returned to our location they are all handwashed, dried (can take up to 2 days) then packed away for the next hirer. We clean our marquees with specialty cleaner each use to make sure they look amazing, clean and up to our high standards.

WHY HIRE A MARQUEE FROM YOU WHEN WE COULD PURCHASE ONE FROM A CHAIN STORE?

Ohhh we have so many reasons to list why we could make a whole new website out of it. But simply, you are hiring a far superior product, a product that will not fly away to your neighbours in the Wairarapa wind, looks clean, and best of all, you dont have to install or packdown! When you want a professional result, hire a professional to do it. Dont be a Karen...

WHAT DO WE NEED TO CONSIDER FOR MARQUEE LOCATION?

Your area will need good vehicle access, a flat surface, reliable shelter from the Wairarapa wind i.e. trees, buildings etc and be free from underground obstructions for the marquee pegs. We may need to do a site visit.

DO WE REQUIRE A MARQUEE COUNCIL PERMIT?

As part of the New Zealand building act, all structures/marquees larger than 100sqm require a council permit. Each council have different requirements and prices. Within the Wairarapa premit costs range between $185 - $320. Festival Hire have created documents to help each client with this and has streamlined the process to take any added stress this process may add. Talk to the team today if you would like help with the permit process.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCESS?

We will work with you to create a quote which we will email through to you for you to review. Once you are happy to continue you will need to make a 25% deposit. This will then mean that the items on your quote are locked in and are all yours. You can then continue to work with us on your booking. We understand numbers can change and allow wriggle room for this up to 7 days before your hire. The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to your delivery date. Any outstanding items added at last minute or breakages will be charged following your event and due within 7 days. Please check our T&C's for more details on our cancellation policy.

WHEN WOULD YOU INSTALL & PACKDOWN?

We aim to set up at least two days prior to your event. This allows our team a day to set up, then a day to work your magic which will then allow you a chance to relax and enjoy your event. Following your event we aim for the next working day. Some dates book up fast so we may need to look at weekend packdowns but we will work with you around the best option.

WHAT IS A APEX QUALIFIED MARQUEE INSTALLER?

Our marquee crew are lead by a APEX qualified leader. This means we follow the best practice guidelines for marquees, leaving you with the confidence that we have got all the health and safety covered.

CAN WE DRY HIRE A MARQUEE AND PUT IT UP OURSELVES?

Our business can NOT allow clients to install & packdown our marquees. All installers need to be managed by a APEX accredited and qualified installer. This is to ensure they are installed following the industries best practice guidelines. We need to do this to ensure the safety of our staff and your guests, insurance requirements and to make sure our marquees stay in such condition.

CAN WE USE OUR OWN MAIN LIGHTING IN YOUR MARQUEE?

Due to health and safety regulations we are not able to allow clients to install their own main lighting options such as fairy lights, festoon lights etc. This is due to test and tagging regulations and methods used to attach such items to our marquee equipment. If you have particular items you want installed talk to the team and we can arrange this as long as they pass our tag and testing practices and covered under our insurance requirements.