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The executive general manager of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is moving on after 25 years in the role.
Graeme Abbot, who expects to finish his role in early 2025, joined the award-winning South Island attraction in 2000.
Since then, annual visitor numbers have increased by 80 per cent, turnover has risen from $3 million to $14 million, staff numbers have tripled and the complex has grown from 12 pools to 23.
Graeme, who was named Tourism Industry Champion in 2016, says he’s loved the role.
“It’s been a heck of a ride – sometimes literally! There have been so many highlights – opening new developments including The Spa, our aquatic thrill rides and new pools, smashing visitor number records and being part of the closeknit community of Hanmer Springs.
“I’ve seen our team work together to get through a number of challenges – including COVID and the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. They’re an amazing bunch of people and I know whoever gets this role can rely on their support and dedication to the complex and community.”
Chair of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa Management Committee Grant Lilly says Graeme has made a huge contribution to the business and its region.
“The complex is a major driver of tourism in Hanmer Springs and Hurunui. It has gone from strength to strength under Graeme’s leadership. Finding someone with his passion and commitment won’t be easy but we’ll work hard to do so.”
The Hurunui District Council owns the complex. Its CEO, Hamish Dobbie says they’re sad to see Graeme go.
“Graeme has played a huge role in our community. His humble leadership has delivered exceptional growth to the pools which are an important economic generator for Hanmer Springs and the Hurunui. The complex’s annual dividend of $1.5 million also provides a direct offset to rates across the whole district.”
When asked what he’s enjoyed most about the job, Graeme answers simply: “The people.”
“We have a highly skilled and dedicated team. It’s been an honour to work with them, growing the complex and the contribution it makes to the village and region. We now welcome more than half a million visitors to this place each year.”
While visitor numbers and revenue have grown under Graeme’s leadership, the amount of water the pools use has done the opposite.
“The complex is 10 per cent bigger than it was in 2012, but we use 25 per cent less water.
“That’s an annual saving of 132 million litres or 52 Olympic swimming pools! We’ve progressed some great sustainability projects – capturing the methane that comes out with our thermal water and using it to power the complex,” says Graeme.
Graeme says another highlight has been working alongside iwi.
“I’ve always connected with members of our local hapū Ngāti Kurī. They bring important perspective to our work and we’re now working on developing the Queen Mary Hospital site together – it’s been an honour to learn from and with them.”
Graeme says the role is a rare and special position.
“Where else can you lead one of New Zealand’s largest tourism attractions in a picturesque alpine village with just over 1000 residents? You’re surrounded by mountains and forests, get to lead a highly professional team and grow a business that makes a major contribution to its community. The job will be sought after and rightly so.”
