Whangamata’s tourism information service on Port Road opened today under the management of the Whangamata Community Gardens Incorporated Society.
"It’s great to have the centre come back to the community and I know we can make a go of it," says Kay Baker, the Whangamata Community Gardens Incorporated Society chair.
"As we open, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have stepped up to come and help and a huge thank you to several people and businesses who have given us goods to help get it started on time," says Kay.
"Also, thank you to Council staff for all their help and expertise to get it up and running in such a short time."
The Council received five registrations of interest to run the information service long-term. The Whangamata Community Board expressed its preference that the purpose-built building where the service is situated, continue to be used, rather than exploring options of integrating the information service into an existing business off-site.
"The Community Board has come up with a community-led initiative, that has resulted in a successful outcome for all," says communications and economic development manager Laurna White.
"We also want to thank everyone who put in an Expression of Interest to manage the service, it’s wonderful to see such a commitment from so many groups around Whangamata to help out."
The Whangamata Community Board will review the levels of service and the funding model for the information service as part of its 2019-2020 Annual Plan work.
The Whangamata Information Centre will be open daily from 10am-3pm until December 2019. It will then open 10am-5pm until the end of January 2020 (or as required).
