Changes to Tourism Waitaki staff roles
NINE new staffing roles planned at Tourism Waitaki will differ from what was originally proposed by the Waitaki District Council controlledorganisation.
Tourism Waitaki started consultation with staff about the restructuring, which involved the disestablishment of eight roles and the creation of nine new ones, earlier this month.
The restructure was announced as part of a plan to combat the organisation’s poor financial position and the need to adapt to changing technology in the tourism sector.
In a statement, Tourism Wai taki chairman Mike McElhinney said after consultation with staff, which was completed last week, the nature of the proposed new roles had changed.
‘‘In response to feedback, we have adjusted some of the nine new roles that were proposed. All the roles will have a new position description.
‘‘We need to ensure that the organisation’s structure is fit for purpose. We have to have the right resources for the changing technology with the skill base to promote the Waitaki district effectively and meet the growing demands of tourism.’’
Tourism Waitaki general manager Margaret Munro said those roles included the likes of graphic design and marketing, with a particular focus on social media.
‘‘We’ve got a lot of work in the digital design area, which is where selling tourism is starting to go, and also around the social media marketing area. There’s also the development of the tourism product and the delivery of it, which is becoming a
❛ We have to have the right resources
for the changing technology with the skill base to promote the Waitaki district effectively and meet the growing
demands of tourism
Tourism Waitaki chairman Mike McElhinney
little bit more highlevel with the trends and direction really. That’s what we’ve integrated into these positions.’’
The positions were expected to be advertised this week and open until early to midJanuary.
It was hoped the positions would be filled by early February, Mrs Munro said.
The proposal will not affect frontline staff at Victorianthemed tourism attraction Whitestone City, the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, the Oamaru iSite or the Omarama Information Centre.
Tourism Waitaki employs 34 staff at present.