Archway Motel
- Details
- Published Date
However, for the owners of the Archway Motel in Wanaka, working in unison with the local Southern Lakes community is a must.
Bridgit and Paul Parker bought the Archway Motel about five years ago and their backgrounds reflect different career paths, converging into a new venture in their favourite town, Wanaka. Both had been holidaying and working in the Otago region for many years and especially loved Wanaka for its "unspoilt, stunning landscapes, the relaxed feel, the all year around outdoor playground and its social and passionate people". They quickly found that harmonising their business with others in the area was the only way to go.
They believe the motel or accommodation business is more than just selling beds and counting dollars.
"We're all here to sell our own unique brands, personalities and stories, which inherently involves the whole local community," says Bridgit. "We relate our business strategy to a philosophy where we do not lose sight of the values underpinning a small community. We try to relate and combine small-community values and networking to a wider scale industry perspective. We're not just here for ourselves, our staff or our customers, but also support and work in concert with other motelliers, the local business community, our tourism industry and the wider environment.
We're mindful of taking that responsibility – positively and collectively."
Seasonal paradise
The Parkers were attracted to the Archway for a number of reasons, the initial one being the appeal of living in "a distinct seasonal paradise – full-time," says Paul. "But as most other residents and businesses here appreciate, it's very much a lifestyle decision and very few choose to move here expecting to make their fortune. There is also a local understanding that 'Wanaka changes people – people don't change Wanaka.' There's a lot of truth in this."
The Archway Motel has quite a history itself. For more than 40 years it has been expanded and developed by previous owners from initially only seven motel units. Family unit additions were made in the 1980s and six more private chalets were built in the mid-1990s. The total number of units now stands at 15. To find a property with sheltered land and spacious grounds of 0.8 hectare and the "perfect balance of flat and grassed areas with a woodland hillside behind," was another big attraction. A property of this scale, close to town and with huge room for development, made it an attractive proposition they found hard to go past.
Bridgit and Paul have been kept busy since day one with maintaining and upgrading the units, facilities and grounds. Their most recent achievement is the near completion of a hillside development. From more than 10 months of digging, clearing and pathway creation, there has emerged a fledgling nature walkway with new native plantings. But what Paul describes as "the real highlight" comes further up the hillside where two hand-made, sustainably sourced and "very efficient" wood-fired cedar hot tubs on fenced and gated decks have been installed. One tub is set in private woodland bush, the other near the hilltop with panoramic views.
Says Paul: "We've now created a reason for guests to explore and enjoy our hillside and experience wonderful views of the nearby reserve, golf course and surrounding mountains. Above all, the chemical-free, cedar-scented hot tub experience is a novelty offering – an upmarket form of relaxation and rejuvenation presented in a sustainable eco-friendly way."
Central to many of the Parkers' initiatives at Archway is preservation of the environment. "We're working steadily towards achieving an eco-friendly environment and supporting sustainable practices," says Bridgit. "We encourage everyone towards less waste, energy conservation, eco-friendly alternative products and less use of chemicals or pollutants – values shared by many Wanaka residents."
Strong community values
She says involvement of the whole community is very important: "There is amazing support within the local community, as well as some of the key tourism and industry players nationwide. However, it's up to each of us to involve ourselves, engage and listen to others to really make a difference. Just as the Christchurch earthquake has completely changed people's perspectives and priorities, we too can make our region a better place for all if we work together, pool our individual resources and re-invent ourselves to strengthen our businesses, community and region."
As an example of an industry support group, the local Wanaka Motel Association branch is available to advise and support, as well as provide networking and social opportunities for motel operators. The Parkers try to lead by example, and with Bridgit as the local MANZ president for the last three years, they have tried to encourage participation and engagement with the community. They have also emphasised the importance of adding value and creating a point of difference for each motel rather than resorting to devaluing their products and services through cut-price tactics and special rate signs. "We'd rather convey to visitors that 'Wanaka is open for business but is not on sale,'" said Bridgit says.
Both believe strongly in measuring the quality of life by what people give rather than get, and judging success by the richness of interactions with others. In this regard, the Parkers say the Wanaka region has "a "rich culture and a very big heart".
Are you interested in lifting your industry profile?
Email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
for further information
