Time to put the plan into action.
In an effort to strengthen the tourism workforce and its people’s livelihoods, the Better Work Action Plan was launched by new tourism minister Peeni Henare yesterday, on his first trip to Queenstown in the role.
The plan consisted of six tirohanga hou (new outlooks) and 14 more specific initiatives, including improving cultural competency and developing a new tourism qualification.
The standout step, though, was an accreditation scheme allowing employers to prove their worth, setting a standard and attracting more workers.
It’s been developed by the Better Work Leadership Group, including co-chairs Grainne Troute, John Crocker and Heather Kirkham, who all attended yesterday, and supported by Auckland University of Technology research.
Mr Henare said it would "improve conditions so that tourism is a job of choice that is fulfilling and desirable".
It’s the first phase of the Tourism Industry Plan, which would be used to "transform" the sector, including a focus on better pay, work-life balance and job conditions, the minister said.
Mr Williamson said it was the largest survey of its kind in the sector.
He revealed 19% of those leaving the industry did so because of bad working conditions, and 18% of the 900 total respondents said they worked too many hours.
Despite the focus on improving wages, the minister acknowledged some employees were doing well.
In response to Arrowtown economist Benje Patterson’s findings the average wage growth in Queenstown last year was 9%, compared with a national 6.4%, and with some local hospo employers paying about $30 an hour to keep staff, Mr Henare laid praise.
"There are some awesome employers out there, and they’ve taken the initiative to make sure their workers and people are appreciated and paid appropriately ... but we also know there are places where that isn’t the case.
"This plan gives us the ability to have consistency and a clearer approach to how we might make sure those who work in the tourism sector are valued."
After the launch at the Sudima Hotel yesterday, Mr Henare took a ride on the Shotover Jet, just one operator of the many in Queenstown he hoped will benefit from the new initiatives.
