CODC is seeking candidates for a rakatahi - youth intern role for the Tourism Central Otago (TCO) Destination Advisory Board.

The advisory board was set up to provide support and guidance to the TCO team as they put the Central Otago Destination Management Plan into action. The youth internship is for a 12-month term (up to five meetings) and would ideally suit a student moving into Year 13 in 2024, TCO Head of Destination Anthony Longman said.

“Along with a genuine passion for Central Otago, TCO is looking for a young leader with an interest in developing their knowledge in destination management, community, tourism, product development and marketing.”

Tasked with managing Central Otago as a visitor destination, last year TCO released its Destination Management Plan, which is based on a 50-year vision for the region and built on what the community sees as important for their sense of place.

The destination management plan is strongly grounded in Central Otago’s ‘A World of Difference’ regional identity and the values of Kai Tahu.

“When visitors experience our world, sharing a moment with our people and our places, they become an extension of our community - loyal advocates and believers in our causes and our dreams for generations to come,” Mr Longmans said.

“We know this as whanaukataka - or kinship, and we believe that it is by creating this strong sense of connection and common purpose that tourism can make a lasting difference.”

Advisory board members were excited about the possibility of having a young person onboard to lend their perspective to this vision.

“This opportunity is open to all students who hail from Central Otago- including those that board at schools out of district,” Tamah Alley, Central Otago District Councillor and Destination Advisory Board member, said. “The ability to be part of such a high calibre board would be great exposure for any student interested in pursuing a business or tourism career beyond school.” 

Mark Frood, Destination Advisory Board chair said: “We are excited to have a rakatahi internship on the board. A diverse board adds different dynamics to our thinking and an opportunity to help develop tomorrow’s leaders.“

The internship is open until 6 February 2024. For more information and to apply to: https://www.codc.govt.nz/your-council/careers.

The Central Otago Destination Management Plan is available to read at https://centralotagonz.com/destination-management.