Christmas in Raglan: The iHUB at the Heart of a Giving Community

As Christmas approaches, Raglan once again takes on that familiar summertime rhythm. The streets are lively, surfboards lean against shop fronts, and the smell of coffee and sunscreen drifts through town. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a season filled with energy, generosity, and connection — values that sit right at the heart of the Raglan iHUB . 

Tucked near the centre of town, the Raglan iHUB has become a friendly first stop for many who arrive in the region — and a quiet constant for those who call Raglan home. Run by a dedicated team of volunteers, the iHUB serves as both an information point and a welcoming space where people can discover what’s happening across the community, from local markets and music events to walks, tours and creative workshops. 

During the busy holiday period, the volunteers who staff the iHUB see it all: road-trippers stopping for directions, families planning beach days, visitors searching for local gifts, and residents promoting their small businesses or upcoming events. Every interaction adds another thread to the fabric of Raglan’s connected community. 

The lead-up to Christmas is one of the most rewarding times of year to be involved. “There’s a real sense of excitement in town,” volunteers say. “Visitors are curious, locals are busy getting ready for the holidays, and everyone’s in that spirit of sharing what they love about Raglan. It’s wonderful to be able to point people toward local places and experiences — it keeps the community thriving.” 

The iHUB ’s local knowledge goes well beyond brochures and maps. Volunteers often share personal insights: where to find the best swim at high tide, which café has live music, or which market stalls feature Raglan-made crafts and goods. It’s this genuine connection that gives the iHUB its warmth — a distinctly human touch in a world that can sometimes feel overly digital. 

For local businesses, the iHUB ’s presence is invaluable. By guiding visitors toward independent retailers, eateries, and accommodation providers, it helps ensure that holiday spending stays within the community. Many shop owners say they notice a real difference when travellers drop in after a chat with the volunteers. “People come in already knowing about us,” one retailer notes. “They’ve heard we’re local and handmade — and that often starts with a conversation at the iHUB .” 

That ripple effect extends through the season. Whether it’s promoting the Raglan New Year’s Eve Parade, pointing families to the markets, or encouraging people to explore the town’s walking tracks and beaches respectfully, the iHUB ’s volunteers play a quiet but essential role in shaping the visitor experience — and in supporting the town’s economy. 

The iHUB stands as a reminder that community spirit is built through small acts of service. Each volunteer shift, each smile, each piece of advice given freely — all help make the season brighter. 

The team hopes that as people enjoy their summer holidays, they’ll also take a moment to appreciate the collective effort that keeps Raglan welcoming and well-informed. The volunteers do it because they love the place. They love meeting people and being part of something that gives back. 

So, this Christmas, whether you’re a visitor discovering Raglan for the first time or a long-time local soaking up another golden summer, make a stop at the iHUB . You’ll find more than just information — you’ll find a snapshot of the community spirit that makes this seaside town so special. 

If you are a local business in town providing a service for the community and to visitors and are keen to collaborate, connect and support the iHUB; we would love to hear from you. Our website has several advertising packages available at a super reasonable price starting from $1 per week.   

Get in touch with the team or find us at www.raglanihub.nz to find out how you can get involved and support your local community iHUB. 

The iHUB operates seven days a week from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and closed for Christmas day. From all of us at the iHUB we wish everyone a safe and festive holiday season.