Three years after opening on Rotorua’s lakefront, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is celebrating a workplace culture grounded in te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) with more than 80 percent of its team members identifying as Māori.

Owned by local iwi Ngāti Whakaue, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is focused on welcoming guests from around the world while creating meaningful, culturally grounded employment opportunities for locals, many of who are building long-term careers connected to culture, community and wellbeing.

Orban Waitaiki-Messenger is proud to be building a career with Wai Ariki, progressing from Lifeguard to Spa Attendant Supervisor since joining the team in 2023 before the venue had officially opened.

Pictured: Orban Waitaiki-Messenger, Spa Attendant Supervisor at Wai Ariki

Growing a career at Wai Ariki

Originally from Wellington, Orban moved to Rotorua with his partner and started as a Lifeguard during the venue’s pre-opening training period. Orban later progressed to Spa Attendant before being promoted to Spa Attendant Supervisor.

“Being part of a Māori-led business is what attracted me to the role and what has kept me here.

“There have been a lot of proud moments, but my proudest was being promoted to Supervisor. It was rewarding to have my hard work recognised, especially work that I took on through my own initiative,” Orban said.

A workplace built on belonging

Akatu Marsters, Guest Experience Manager at Wai Ariki, explained that the sense of belonging starts long before a new team member’s first day.

“From the very first interview, candidates learn about Wai Ariki and what it means to be part of a Ngāti Whakaue iwi (tribe) owned organisation,” said Akatu.

“That includes an honest conversation about the values that guide how we work, including manaakitanga (the practice of showing respect, generosity and care for others) and what those values look like in practice every day.”

For many applicants, a significant number whakapapa (trace their genealogy) to Māori and some directly to Ngāti Whakaue. For some people, the connection runs deeper than employment.

“When that connection exists, something shifts. There’s a natural desire to show up well, not just for yourself, but for your whānau (family), your hapū (sub-tribe) and your iwi (tribe).

“That natural sense of pride and responsibility is a big part of why people choose to stay,” added Akatu.

Culture woven into the environment

Wai Ariki is shaped by Ngāti Whakaue stories, traditions and values, drawing on pūrākau (traditional stories passed down through generations) that live on today, said Debbie Robertson, General Manager at Wai Ariki.

“From the architecture and artwork to guest experiences, cultural knowledge is embedded throughout the venue. For our kaimahi (staff) who whakapapa to the whenua (land), this creates an environment that reflects and celebrates their identity. For our wider Kaimahi (staff) Whanau (family), it provides an authentic opportunity to learn and connect with te ao Māori.

“It is important to remember that our culture was traditionally passed down through carving, artwork and waiata (song),” Debbie commented. 

The result is an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds are welcomed into the Ngāti Whakaue whānau and united by a shared purpose.

Learning and growth every day

Cultural learning and professional development are built into everyday life at Wai Ariki. Team members have access to online cultural learning through Lenny, Belgravia Leisure’s learning platform, which helps build confidence and knowledge in te ao Māori over time.

Guided walks and guest experiences are another avenue, with staff actively involved in sharing the stories of the people as part of their everyday work.

For Orban, one of the most rewarding aspects of working at Wai Ariki has been the opportunity to continually expand his skills.

“There is always something new to learn, whether that’s understanding equipment, solving problems or supporting the team. In the years ahead, I hope to continue expanding my kete (basket of knowledge) and becoming an even stronger leader,” he said.

Akatu added some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen naturally.

“At times, team members will gather together and sing waiata-ā-ringa (action songs) in the lobby – those unscheduled moments create a strong sense of connection and cultural confidence that carries through to the guest experience.”

Three years in, Wai Ariki’s success extends beyond welcoming guests to a world-class wellness destination. The venue’s strong connection to te ao Māori has created a workplace where people feel seen, can grow and are genuinely proud to be part of the community.

To learn more about Wai Ariki, visit the website.