This week the Chronicle had a chat with Amanda Graham, Project Manager for Go Raglan, the new organisation that will be managing the new Raglan iHub.
Tell us about the recent changes at what was previously known as the local iSite.
Raglan i-SITE was closed at the end of June 2020. And now we’re going to have an iHub.
What is the vision for the new set up?
A working group (including representatives from Raglan Museum, Raglan Community Board, Raglan Naturally, Ngāti Māhanga, Raglan Business Chamber, and the Waikato District Councillor for Raglan) was formed, determined to keep an Information Hub (iHub) and Raglan Museum open.
The group launched Go Raglan (the Whaingaroa-Raglan Destination Management Organisation Inc – WRDMO) to be the organisation responsible for managing and operating the vacated space going forward.
Go Raglan’s vision is to create an iHub connecting visitors with our community, a knowledge hub for the local community, and to ensure a range of experiences to showcase our people, our landscape, our stories, and our place. Our activity will be aligned with the Raglan Naturally Community Plan.
Who now runs and manages the new information hub?
The iHub has been kept open since the end of June 2020 by Museum volunteers. Go Raglan signed a lease agreement with Council just before Christmas and from the beginning of February Go Raglan will take over running the ihub. Go Raglan is currently in the process of applying for funding for staff and overheads, and the iHub will continue to be supported by a fabulous team of volunteers.
What can we expect in the coming months in terms of services?
Over the next couple of months, you can expect to see the iHub being redecorated, a retail store selling Raglan products established, increased and refreshed promotion of Raglan attractions, activity operators, accommodation providers, hospitality and other visitor service providers. The space will also provide an information hub for the Raglan Community. Raglan Business Chamber and Raglan Local Energy will be based there one day a week.
Do you have a new name and branding?
The Branding is in the last stages of being finalised so you can expect to see our visual identity soon.
With thanks to the following for their support to date: Raglan Business Chamber, Raglan Community Board, Raglan Lions, Suz Carter and Vaughan Fergusson.
If you are interested in membership, becoming a volunteer, providing funding, or receiving our newsletter, please contact Amanda Graham, Project Manager Go Raglan, amanda@goraglan.com, 0274 823 707.
