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The One Warkworth Business Association has seen a future in the Warkworth i-SITE, after becoming a part owner of it with Matakana Coast Tourism (MCT) on May 1.
A three-year grant from Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development came to an end for the tourism store in March and the permanent staff left.
Former Rodney councillor Penny Webster took over the role of MCT chair last year and saw an immediate need for collaboration over the i-SITE.
“I saw that One Warkworth was doing really well so I decided it would be a great idea to work together on the i-SITE, which will benefit both organisations,” Penny says.
Both Penny and One Warkworth manager Murray Chapman say that no radical changes will be made to the shop itself, but some subtle ones will be made to make it more financially viable.
“We will stock some more popular items that turn over revenue for the store, but make sure we keep the local goods as well,” Murray says.
“We are also looking at how we can change commission rates on bookings and have a One Warkworth database in store for people seeking, say, a plumber or accountant.”
He acknowledges there are challenges to face, but is positive about the move.
“Turning this around to at least break-even will be the up-front challenge we face. Part of making that happen is ensuring we have a good volunteer base.
“We’re confident that this is a great opportunity to promote local businesses and activities, though.”
Penny says without the collaboration, the i-SITE would have remained, but the services it offered may have changed.
Murray has relocated his office to the i-SITE building and will help fulltime staff member Asher McLanachan run the operation.
