Waimangu Volcanic Valley appoints new general manager
Coming from the sweeping views atop Mount Ngongotaha to the untouched geothermal vista of Waimangu Volcanic Valley,
Rotorua local David Blackmore, has been welcomed on board as the company’s new general manager.
The appointment follows the sale of Waimangu earlier this year to a partnership between Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi,
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority and Te Puia l New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Mr Blackmore has been Skyline Rotorua’s sales and marketing manager for over eight years, and says he is looking forward
to the new opportunity and being able to build on the visionary work undertaken at Waimangu in the past.
“As a unique geothermal and eco-tourism attraction, Waimangu’s history and legacy lends itself to plenty of rich
experiences and stories. I’m looking forward making my own contribution to its next phase of development and taking it
forward to a new level.”
Waimangu is the world’s youngest geothermal system and was created following the Tarawera eruption in 1886 – the same
eruption that killed more than 150 people and destroyed what was known as the eighth wonder of the world, the Pink and
White Terraces.
Mr Blackmore says the link to the Pink and White Terraces was a contributing factor in taking on the job.
“There are very few places on the planet where you can work in and around what was the eighth wonder of the world.”
Waimangu Volcanic Valley chairman, Alan Skipwith says after three months in the business, the partnership now has a
clearer understanding of the operation and where it may go in the future.
“The existing team has been fantastic and has helped us easily transition into the business. We’re pleased to welcome
David on board as general manager to lead the team into the busy summer season.
“His experience and credibility in the tourism industry and the extensive relationships which he has nurtured during
this time, will play a pivotal role. There is potential to not only grow the business in a sustainable way, but to grow
everyone here as well.”
Mr Skipwith says the partnership is working on identifying iwi stories to weave into the existing Waimangu operation,
and are talking with nearby tourism operators to ensure their stories are consistent.
“We don’t want to overload people with too much information, but we do want to enhance the existing experience and our
rich Māori history will play an important role in delivering that.”
ENDS