About Us
Style-makers. Experience shapers. Redefining event hire with a design-led, editorial approach.
OUR STORY
The Little Hire Company has been shaping standout events across Christchurch and beyond since 2011.
What started as a boutique hire business has evolved into the South Island’s only full-service creative studio—offering premium event hire, florals, signage, stationery, and complete setup and packdown support.
We combine a deep understanding of design with a background in marketing and event execution, meaning we don’t just focus on aesthetics—we craft seamless experiences that feel elevated, intentional, and entirely true to your vision.
From the big-picture guest flow to the small, jaw-dropping details - we bring cohesion, clarity, and a touch of boldness to every event.
OUR PEOPLE
CORE TEAM
TOM
Managing Director
Badly explain your job
I look after the warehouse, the accounts, and everyone’s bad decisions. I tell people where things go, when they go, and why they should’ve done it yesterday.
Most exotic place you’ve been to?
Villa Park—where the vibes are immaculate and the accents are thick.
What’s your karaoke song?
“Wonderwall” - Oasis
Because it’s not a karaoke night until someone belts our their unresolved feelings.
HELEN
Head Floral Designer
Badly explain your job at LHC
I make pretty things with pretty flowers.
Favourite chip flavour?
Prawn cocktail. Tell me where to buy them here - this is a formal plea.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Flight! Less traffic, fewer emissions, more dramatic flower deliveries.
What’s something you would dis-invent? Donald Trump. Can I say that?! Too late.
What’s your signature dance move?
An extremely average side-step.
FALLON
Creative Director
Badly explain your job
I make things look effortless by having 473 mental breakdowns behind a floral arrangement.
Most exotic place you’ve been to?
Colombia or Bolivia. Not your average postcard spots, but proof that the best stories come with no Wi-Fi and questionable transport choices.
Some of the best decisions I never planned.
What’s your signature dance move?
A little number I like to call the “geriatric swing-bounce”—equal parts awkward and iconic.
NADINE
Sales + Marketing Support
Badly explain your job
What’s your karaoke song?
CIARA
Event + Logistics Coordinator
Badly explain your job
I answer 47 emails a day, create detailed run sheets no one reads, and provide emotional support —sometimes all before 10am.
Favourite chip flavour? Salt and Vinegar. Sharp, punchy, and not for the faint of palate—just like a good pack-in briefing.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Eat pasta in Italy, a croissant in France & churros in Spain
ZOE
Chief Happiness Officer
What’s your background?
I was adopted from Dogwatch and immediately promoted myself to CHO. My qualifications? Irresistible charm, excellent vibes, and a strong paw in workplace morale.
Badly explain your job at LHC:
I distract staff, attend meetings uninvited, and provide unsolicited emotional support.
What’s the highlight of your week?
Our laundry deliveries. I hear that delivery van and suddenly I’m faster than a courier with a tight deadline.
What’s your signature dance move?
The “Door Dash” - equal parts ballet, panic, and pure athleticism. Bonus points if you weren’t fast enough to stop me.
EVENT TEAM
Our Event Team are the behind-the-scenes legends who bring everything to life. From early morning deliveries to late-night packdowns, they support our core team with seamless logistics, smooth setups, and everything in between.
OUR CLIENTS
2018
Moved into our first warehouse, offices and showroom space on Cranford St, Papanui.
2019
Expanded into premium furniture hire and imported our first container.
2024
Added clipframe marquees to our marquee offerings - expanding our ability to service our event and wedding clients.
2017
Hired our first permanent employee and our first company vehicle - a modest van (which we still have + looking well used)
2023
Moved into our current building - a much larger two storey office and warehouse space in Sydenham (back where it all began)!
2022
Bought a stretch tent business which was absorbed into The Little Hire Company - expanding into marquees.
Purchased our second truck and ute.
2021
Purchased our first box truck.
OUR HISTORY
It all begun in a spare room in Sydenham.
Starting with only a few pieces and some big ideas.
Over the past decade, we’ve listened, learned, and grown alongside our clients—expanding from small hire into premium furniture, marquees and beyond. It’s been a transformative journey shaped by intuition, grit, and a deep belief that events should feel as good as they look.
2011
Oh Buttercup Events started, focusing on small hire for weddings and events - all from a spare bedroom.
2015
Rebranded to The Little Hire Company and started importing small hire products from overseas.
KIND WORDS
OUR REPUTATION
OUR VALUES
At The Little Hire Company, we exist to design unforgettable spaces that bring people together—beautifully, intentionally, and without the chaos.
We’re here to take the stress out of events and inject them with style, meaning, and ease. From the first hire item to the final candle, our mission is to create moments that feel as good as they look—and leave a lasting impression long after the packdown.
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Sincerity
We lead with honesty, own our mistakes, and show up as real humans—flaws, quirks, and all. The relationships we build are based on trust, clarity, and mutual respect. No fluff. No façade. Just genuine connection, every step of the way.
Intentional
Everything we do has a reason behind it—from the colour of the napkin to the way the guest flows through a space. We don’t just make things pretty—we make them matter. We work with thoughtfulness, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.
Quality
We care deeply about doing great work. That means constantly levelling up, staying curious, and never settling for “good enough.” We aim for excellence—creatively, operationally, and in the little things most people wouldn’t even notice (but we do).
Teamwork
We’ve got each other. When one of us is under pressure, we all jump in—no questions, no ego. We celebrate wins (big and small), ask “how can I help?” often, and hold space for one another to grow, show up, and do work we’re proud of.
Our Process
Let’s Connect
Questions? We’ve got the answers…-
Absolutely! We're based in Christchurch and travel across the South Island for events. If you're in Queenstown, Wanaka, Marlborough, Kaikōura or beyond, just ask.
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For smaller hire items—yes, you’re welcome to collect those yourself.
When it comes to our larger furniture pieces though, we take care of delivery and pickup. These items are a little more delicate (and a lot more awkward to move), so our team handles them to ensure they arrive safe.
It’s all part of the seamless experience.
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We’re open by consultation only (no pop-ins, sorry friends!).
Because we’re often off-site styling events or loading up trucks for the weekend’s magic, we want to make sure you get our full attention when you visit.
Book a consult through our website and one of our team will walk you through our pieces, chat through your event, and offer expert suggestions tailored to your style.
Think: less aimless browsing, more “Pinterest board with a plan.”
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We’re not just a hire company - we’re a full-service event studio that blends premium products with personal, thoughtful support.
From styling and signage to florals, furniture and coordination, we offer multiple services under one roof - if you want them. And nothing you don’t.
Our hire pieces are carefully curated (we’re big on form and function), but it’s the experience we’re most proud of. We care deeply about how our clients feel while working with us, and we’re constantly refining our process to make sure you feel clear, confident, and completely supported from the very first email.
Fewer moving parts. Higher standards. A seamless experience, start to finish.
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Not at all. Our services are designed to work seamlessly together, but you’re free to book only what you need - whether it’s styling, coordination, florals, signage, or hire. You stay in control; we simply make it easier.
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Yes! If your event has tricky logistics, multiple zones, or you’re not sure how best to lay things out, we can meet onsite to scope it all out and recommend the best styling and hire solutions.
This is an on-site consultation and follows a similar process, so you can book this with us (travel may apply).