Employment & Economy
Introduction
People in most areas had job opportunities in primary and service sectors, except Ohura. Waiouru relied on NZDF and small businesses. Tourism was seasonal and diverse, but less valued than in 2020. Ski field issues worried some.
Key themes
- Primary and service sectors: main job sources in most areas
- Ohura: no job opportunities
- Waiouru: dependent on NZDF and small businesses
- Tourism: seasonal, diverse, less valued than in 2020
- Ski field issues: a concern for some
In this section
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Kakahi
Farming, fencing and shearing are the predominant employment opportunities available in Kakahi, unless people work in Taumarunui.
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National Park
The nature of work is changing in National Park. Where most work used to be primary industry based, it is now centered on tourism.
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Ohakune
Despite the availability of jobs, there are particular challenges for work seekers with the most readily available work being low paid or seasonal work.
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Ohura
Sheep and beef farming are the keystones of Ohura’s economy. A larger number of people in the area are self-employed running their own small businesses.
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Owhango
Agricultural contractors in the area are considered key employers. Tourism was seen as a growth industry with opportunities for employment.
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Raetihi
One of the biggest employment challenges in Raetihi is for business owners to find committed, reliable, semi-skilled or skilled staff.
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Taumarunui
The economy of Taumarunui was considered to be based in primary industry, though tourism was seen as increasingly important and was showing year-round opportunities for employment.
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Waiouru
The large majority of residents of Waiouru are employed by the New Zealand Defence Force and their contractors.
