Customer service superstars needed to run the Durie Hill elevator

Published on 26 March 2021

If you are passionate about Whanganui’s heritage and have great customer service the Whanganui District Council is looking for you.

Requests for proposals to operate the Durie Hill elevator open today, Friday, 26 March 2021.

Whanganui District Council’s group manager customer experience, Marianne Cavanagh, says this is a rare opportunity to be part of Whanganui’s leading attraction.

“We’re not necessarily looking for traditional contractors, but for people who are passionate about Whanganui and have a genuine interest in the heritage of the Durie Hill elevator.

“If you are good operators who can manage customer-facing service and back-of-house administration, we really want to hear from you,” says Marianne Cavanagh.
 
The contractors are not responsible for maintaining the elevator. However, they are encouraged to be part of the promotion of the elevator and to suggest new ideas for adding value to the visitor experience.

The existing contract to operate the elevator is due to expire soon.

The current contractors have been operating the Durie Hill elevator for the past 40 years. They are four members of one family – Raewyn Tangaroa, Char Ross, Zena Mabbott and Ramon Mabbott.

Whanganui District Council’s operations team leader of venues and events, Jo Jonas, says the council is very grateful to the family for their years of service.

“They have been dedicated to the Durie Hill elevator for a long time, and this is the end of an era,” says Jo Jonas.

The 102-year-old elevator, which welcomes more than 35,000 customers every year, has been closed since February for maintenance and the construction of a new entranceway.

Project manager Lynda Hocquard says the project is making good progress.

“We plan to have the elevator up and running again at the beginning of May.”

For more information and to submit a proposal, please email Lana Treen, senior procurement officer, at lana.treen@whanganui.govt.nz. Proposals close on Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 4.00pm.