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.
