Employment & Economy
Introduction
An overall declining job market since 2006 has reduced employment opportunities and narrowed the spectrum of available jobs across the Ruapehu District, specifically in Taumarunui with the closure of the railyards, meat works and milk processing plant.
A nationwide trend towards centralisation of services and offshore manufacturing has also compounded this issue.
Key themes
- Seasonal work at minimal wage
- Loss of traditional rural jobs
- Difficulty in employing skilled people
- Youth unemployment
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.
