A new role supporting Whāingaroa Raglan’s tourism and events workforce is now underway, helping ensure local people can access meaningful employment opportunities as the sector continues to grow.
Tourism and Events Workforce Development Advisor Jami Dickson will work alongside the community, schools, iwi, and local businesses to identify workforce gaps and strengthen pathways for both rangatahi and adults to build skills and careers in tourism and events.
“The tourism and events sector already supports our local economy, and there’s a lot of potential to create jobs and open up new opportunities for our community,” Jami says.
As part of this mahi, Jami is keen to hear from the community:
• Business owners and employers – what employment opportunities do you offer? Are roles full-time, part-time, or seasonal?
• Students and adults seeking work – what are your interests, and what types of roles in the tourism and events sector would you like to pursue here in Raglan?
• Event organisers – what skill sets do you need that are currently hard to find within our local community?
“This is very much a community conversation. The more people who share their experiences and ideas, the better we can understand what’s needed and how to support local jobs,” she says. “By listening closely to our community, we can better understand where the gaps are and how to connect people with the skills employers are looking for.”
Jami brings a wealth of experience in workforce development and community engagement, having worked in similar roles at the Ministry of Social Development and, more recently, with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Her approach to mahi is guided by the values of inclusivity and sustainability, and grounded in collaboration, analysis, and practical solution-building.
“I’m proud to call Whāingaroa home and to contribute positively to this beautiful place and its people,” she says. “This role is about listening first, understanding what our community and employers need, and working together to create pathways that genuinely support people into meaningful work.”
Funded by Raglan Naturally, the role sits within the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation’s five-year Tourism and Events Plan and supports a long-term, community-led approach to sustainable growth.
The position sits alongside the wider Tourism and Events Vision, led by the community and currently out for consultation. Through this work, the WRDMO aims to identify workforce gaps, strengthen local employment pathways, and build long-term industry resilience.
“I’d love to hear from anyone who wants to be part of the conversation,” Jami says.
Get in touch with Jami at jami@raglanihub.nz
Shaping A Stronger Workforce in Raglan
Running a business in Whāingaroa isn’t like anywhere else. We’re creative, communitydriven, and we make things work with what we’ve got. But finding the right people – and keeping them – is getting tougher.
In collaboration with the Raglan Business Chamber and Takitini Waikato District Council Economic Development, the WRDMO is hosting an event for the business industry to provide an opportunity for our community to come together share what’s really going on, and help build practical, homegrown solutions that support us all.
Event Details
Thursday 12th February from 4.30pm
Chris Meek Studeo Gallery, 21 Cross Street, Raglan
All local businesses welcome — hospo, retail, accommodation, adventure tourism, events, creatives, and everyone in between.
Why You’ll Want to Be There
Have a real say in how Raglan grows its workforce
Make sure the support coming down the line actually fits our town
Connect with other locals facing the same challenges
Influence a strategy built with Raglan, not for Raglan
Your voice genuinely matters here.
What We’ll Chat About
Roles and skills that are hardest to find
What’s stopping locals from stepping into your sector
Where new jobs or training could grow
What support would make hiring easier
See you there!
