Visit Ruapehu To Manage Isites Following Successful Trail
Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators.
Following a successful eight-month trial, Visit Ruapehu will take full responsibility for operating the Taumarunui and Ohakune i-SITEs from the beginning of July.
This change is a major step forward that is improving the visitor experience by bringing together destination marketing and on-the-ground visitor services into one streamlined approach.
Executive Manager Community and Economic Development, Pauline Welch, said that bringing the management of the isites under Visit Ruapehu aligns with Council's strategic direction and core values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), as outlined in the region's destination management plan, Tahia Ko Puanga.
'This integration creates a seamless visitor journey – from online trip planning to in-person support. It reduces duplication, lifts service quality, and opens new possibilities such as automated bookings through the Visit Ruapehu website,' she said.
Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators.
'It is allowing us to maximise the use of our staff's specialist tourism skills to deliver consistent, high-quality service that reflects our region's values and aspirations.'
All existing i-SITE staff have been offered new roles with Visit Ruapehu, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of knowledge and service for both visitors and locals.
The change marks a new chapter in Ruapehu's tourism journey – creating smarter, more connected, and community-aligned services to support a thriving and sustainable visitor economy.
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Visit Ruapehu To Manage Isites Following Successful Trail
Press Release – Ruapehu District Council Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators. Following a successful eight-month trial, Visit Ruapehu will take full responsibility for operating the Taumarunui and Ohakune i-SITEs from the beginning of July. This change is a major step forward that is improving the visitor experience by bringing together destination marketing and on-the-ground visitor services into one streamlined approach. Executive Manager Community and Economic Development, Pauline Welch, said that bringing the management of the isites under Visit Ruapehu aligns with Council's strategic direction and core values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), as outlined in the region's destination management plan, Tahia Ko Puanga. 'This integration creates a seamless visitor journey – from online trip planning to in-person support. It reduces duplication, lifts service quality, and opens new possibilities such as automated bookings through the Visit Ruapehu website,' she said. Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators. 'It is allowing us to maximise the use of our staff's specialist tourism skills to deliver consistent, high-quality service that reflects our region's values and aspirations.' All existing i-SITE staff have been offered new roles with Visit Ruapehu, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of knowledge and service for both visitors and locals. The change marks a new chapter in Ruapehu's tourism journey – creating smarter, more connected, and community-aligned services to support a thriving and sustainable visitor economy.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Scoop
Visit Ruapehu To Manage Isites Following Successful Trail
Following a successful eight-month trial, Visit Ruapehu will take full responsibility for operating the Taumarunui and Ohakune i-SITEs from the beginning of July. This change is a major step forward that is improving the visitor experience by bringing together destination marketing and on-the-ground visitor services into one streamlined approach. Executive Manager Community and Economic Development, Pauline Welch, said that bringing the management of the isites under Visit Ruapehu aligns with Council's strategic direction and core values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), as outlined in the region's destination management plan, Tahia Ko Puanga. 'This integration creates a seamless visitor journey - from online trip planning to in-person support. It reduces duplication, lifts service quality, and opens new possibilities such as automated bookings through the Visit Ruapehu website,' she said. Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators. 'It is allowing us to maximise the use of our staff's specialist tourism skills to deliver consistent, high-quality service that reflects our region's values and aspirations.' All existing i-SITE staff have been offered new roles with Visit Ruapehu, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of knowledge and service for both visitors and locals. The change marks a new chapter in Ruapehu's tourism journey - creating smarter, more connected, and community-aligned services to support a thriving and sustainable visitor economy.
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Council Fund Recognised At National Local Government Awards
Ruapehu District Council's 'Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives Fund' has received a Highly Commended citation at the 2025 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards. The Awards celebrate programmes that demonstrate professional excellence and innovation in local government management. Chief Executive Clive Manley said Council staff were proud to see the Fund recognised by their sector peers as a leading approach to local placemaking. 'Empowering Communities, Enhancing Lives' was developed to enable Community Boards to take a leading role in local placemaking within their rohe,' he said. 'The $500,000 contestable fund was made possible through the previous Labour Government's Better Off package, designed to support councils with the transition of water services to new entities while investing in community wellbeing. Community Boards used the Fund to back projects that supported Ruapehu's environmental, social, cultural, and economic wellbeing - aligned with Council's goals for sustainable development and inclusive governance,' said Manley. Executive Manager Community Development Pauline Welch said Council received over $2.5 million in applications - five times the amount available. 'Choosing what to fund was the hardest part. We received 34 applications and were able to support 15 projects,' she said. 'These included stream restoration, new playgrounds, trail upgrades, predator control, upgrades to a kōhanga and community halls, local events, equine learning programmes, assisted learning swimming lessons, funding for community art centre operations, the bronze Kaimanawa horse statue in Waiouru, and seed funding for the Raetihi Temepara restoration. Together, these projects delivered environmental improvements, upgraded community facilities, promoted inclusive learning and recreation, celebrated local culture, and strengthened community connections across the district. Council was pleased to be able to support some of the many hardworking, volunteer-based community groups and organisations that often struggle to access funding. The success of the Fund shows just how far a relatively small investment can go when made available to those with a passion for their communities. While this was a one-off fund, Council encourages any community group with a placemaking project to apply to the annual Community Development and Pride of Place Fund,' she said.
