Splash Planet recognises the benefits of inclusion

With October being World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Hastings District Council, situated in Hawke's Bay, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is spotlighting the benefits of inclusion and having a diverse workforce.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are important to Hastings District Council, which as an employer knows that it’s important to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of their community.

Council has shared that a staff member, who works at their water theme park, Splash Planet, highlights the value of having a workplace that’s open to embracing different people to strengthen their understanding of others around us.

Hamish Gilbert (pictured below left) came to Splash Planet through Council’s Mahi for Youth programme, after he visited the Pop-up shop in the city centre in 2020.

The Mahi for Youth team asked him what he wanted to do and saw an opportunity for him at Splash Planet where he first became a Park Host in December 2020.

Glibert quickly became a valued member of the team for his contribution, and when the season ended, the team was able to find a part-time role for him through the winter months as well.

Advising that he’s really liking a job that gives him independence and offers lots of variety, he explains “I help with cleaning up, trimming trees and other jobs during the winter, and in summer I help with the public, with the mini-golf and barbecues, picking up rubbish and interacting with the other staff.

“My favourite part of the job is the variety, and having this job means I get to go to work and enjoy myself, I’m not a home, and I can take transport on my own to get to work independently.”

Splash Planet Manager Peran Hutchings says the benefits go both ways, adding “I’ve seen the benefits of having Hamish here for staff - they enjoy his energy and enthusiasm.

“Knowing we can help another member of our community is really rewarding - having this kind of inclusion is very important to Council.”

While Hastings District Council made the tough decision not to open Splash for the 2021 summer season because the health risk associated with COVID-19 was considered too high, they are excited to be opening for the 2022/2023 summer season on 14th November.

Splash Planet has five waterslides with accompanying indoor and outdoor pools. It also boasts bumper boats, go carts, jungle jeeps, Fantasyland Express train, kayaks, mini putt, numerous static play structures and Tiny Town.

Images: Splash Planet (top) and Hamish Gilbert and Splash Planet Manager Peran Hutchings (below, credit: Hastings District Council)