Last night, the Sydney resident proposed to his girlfriend of eight months, Annelle Paemaa, also of Sydney, at Millbrook Resort, following about two months' planning - which was celebrated immediately after she said ''yes'', with fireworks on the golf course, a first for Millbrook and a first for Li'l Flick Fireworks owner Bill Falcone.
Mr Ing, an electrician, said he had known Ms Paemaa, a software project manager, for about five years before the couple began dating.
Mr Ing designed the ring and organised the event via countless emails with Millbrook chief concierge Francisco Freire and Mr Falcone.
Staff at the couple's hotel smuggled out Mr Ing's suit, shirt and the all-important ring box on Monday, with Millbrook staff storing them at the resort.
Mr Ing, on his first visit to Queenstown, said he planned a spa treatment to relax his fiancee - and calm his nerves - but he left to finalise details, including hand signals to communicate with Mr Freire.
Mr Falcone, disguised as a landscaper, set up the fireworks in front of the Millhouse while an unsuspecting Ms Paemaa dined. Mr Ing went to the restroom, returning in his suit, and then got down on one knee.
After a stunned Ms Paemaa said ''yes'', another hand signal was given and her personal fireworks display was begun.
''It's surreal, really,'' she said. The ring was perfect.
''It's not going anywhere.''
