Priority One’s first Teachers’ Day Out, organised by Vocational Coordinator Dan Bromley, was a great success and provided educators from five Western Bay of Plenty schools with an in-depth look at the career pathways in the region’s thriving hospitality and tourism industries. This initiative, themed “Desk to destination”, aims to strengthen the connection between classrooms and businesses, by immersing teachers in the day-to-day operations of local employers.

The day began at Waimarino Adventure Park, where Operations Manager Royce Morgan shared the history of the park. Established in 1975 by Barry Anderson with just a shack and a few kayaks, Waimarino has grown into a key adventure tourism destination in the Bay of Plenty. The park offers a range of roles across its operations, with entry-level positions, such as adventure park assistants and tour guides, requiring no prior experience. On-site training focuses on safety, customer service, and skill development, and the park provides tailored in-house certifications to help staff upskill and advance into leadership roles.

Beyond its adventure activities, Waimarino also operates an Education Trust, running before- and after-school programs for children in kayaking, paddleboarding, and outdoor skills. The park collaborates with QRC for internships and promotes polytechnic training as a vital pathway into outdoor adventure careers. Recruitment for seasonal roles starts as early as June, ensuring the park attracts motivated talent to support its operations. Josh encourages students to apply very early, by August, its too late.

The second stop was JNP Aviation, where CEO Josh Payne offered insights into the aviation industry. With operations spanning twelve New Zealand airports, JP Aviation employs over 100 staff in roles such as baggage handling and aircraft marshalling. Recognising the need for structured career pathways, Josh collaborated with Tertiary Provider Manager Alice Jones in 2021 to launch a series of educational programmes that include several certifications and qualifications, such as ground operations and marshalling.

A standout feature of JNP Aviation’s initiatives is its immersive, practical training. Success stories include employees progressing from ground crew roles to pilot training, with seven staff currently on track to become pilots. The company recently acquired a decommissioned aircraft, which serves as a unique training facility and also a practice site for the Tauranga Airport Rescue Fire Service. The plane is being branded to reflect both Josh Payne’s Pacific and Māori heritage, celebrating the cultural diversity of its workforce and learners. During the visit, teachers witnessed a fire safety demonstration from the Airport Rescue Fire Service team, using their state of the art fire truck and showing the techniques used to extinguish a fuselage fire—an unforgettable highlight of the day.

The day concluded at Trinity Wharf Hotel; a privately owned property set along Tauranga’s picturesque harbour. Owned by Jeff and Shelley Payne, the hotel features 123 rooms built on three piers extending over the water, offering guests breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The group was introduced to the hotel’s daily operations by General Manager Miriam Hauke, who outlined its focus on both corporate and leisure markets.

Trinity Wharf’s team is predominantly young, international, and female, working across various departments such as housekeeping, reservations, and event coordination. The hotel encourages career growth through internal promotions, with staff often advancing from entry-level roles in areas like restaurant service to leadership positions. Formal training in tourism and hotel management further supports this progression, equipping staff to excel in customer-focused roles. The group was given a demonstration of the hotel’s new innovative app-based room entry system, which enhances guest convenience by replacing traditional key cards with smartphone access.

Our teachers stepped out of their comfort zones and into the world of fine dining, splitting into two lively teams to face off in a high-stakes high tea setup showdown. Under the enthusiastic guidance of Trinity Wharf’s restaurant maestro, Jacob, the educators raced to arrange the perfect table settings—delicately balancing teacups, arranging napkins, and ensuring spoons and forks were symmetrically aligned. The room buzzed with laughter, along with a touch of competitive banter, as Jacob made a few corrections to one teams table!

The Teachers’ Day Out offered a valuable opportunity for educators to gain firsthand insights into the diverse career opportunities available to their students in the Western Bay of Plenty. By connecting schools with local businesses, these events act as a catalyst for our school staff to understand and further support students onto the pathways they need to have rewarding careers and thrive in our local industries.