High Country Farmer to Get Feet Wet
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has a new Marketing Manager – someone with a wealth of tourism sector experience
who’s preparing to bring the attraction deeper into the digital age.
Sandra Dangen and her partner have been managing Glenhope Station, which is 20 minutes north of Hanmer Springs, since
May 2013.
“I am super excited. This is my dream job. I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world and can confidently say
that Hanmer Springs is in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The village and the pools have so much potential
and I’m looking forward to adding to their already amazing success,” says Sandra.
Before returning to New Zealand in May last year, Sandra lived in Perth where she worked for the Australian Hotels
Association. She has also worked for Coca Cola, Fox Sport and was most recently doing contract work for Tourism New
Zealand.
She has a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, sponsorship and project management; and is passionate about digital
technology.
“There is enormous opportunity there. One of the things we’re looking at is how we can use digital technology – like
smart phones – to enable people to purchase their tickets and enter the pools without queuing. It’s cutting edge stuff
and we’ll be at the forefront,” says Sandra.
The pools’ general manager Graeme Abbot says the organisation is lucky to have secured her.
“Sandra’s experience will be a huge asset to the pools…even better, she’s local so she knows Hanmer and the surrounding
area well and she loves the place. It would be hard to find a better advocate for the village,” says Graeme.
When she’s not working Sandra is a keen tramper, netballer and is, of course, kept busy on Glenhope station looking
after its 400 cows and 350 deer.
“I love getting into the great outdoors and keeping fit and healthy but I also love restaurants and a cheeky wine every
now and then. So this area, with its stunning landscapes and incredible wineries, is practically made for me,” concludes
Sandra.
ends