Projects

www.wai-ariki.co.nz 

 

Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is a 7-year project that reflects the culture, history, and place of the local Ngati Whakaue people, developed collaboratively with the owners.

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Design Concepts

Karen began at the blank canvas stage of Wai Ariki , creating on e of the most unique wellness experiences in the world where the history of people, culture and location are recognised at every touch point creating the initial concepts for the Wellness journey and all experiences in the property. Working with Architects to bring the concept to build and subsequent opening in June 2023

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Business Planning

All project elements were managed, developed, or overseen by myself. I created the business plans, budgets, and forecasts and submitted grant applications that led to significant government funding. 

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Brand Creation

Collaboratively with the Ngati Whakaue leaders, I created the brand's essence. I created the concept, led the design, and selected suppliers for the pools, saunas, and all equipment & finishes.

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Guest Journey Mapping

Flow planned the guest journey and developed the user's experiences from all touch points to ensure the owners breif was delivered

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Pre-Open Strategy & Execution

Oversaw the implementation of operational systems and processes, staff recruitment, and training delivered in the pre-open stage.

www.hepburnbathhouse.com

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Initially the GM of Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, Karen was engaged by Belgravia Leisure in 2013 to turn the business around from poor performance.

 

Business Improvement

Through implementing critical operational processes, new products, and a focused sales and marketing strategy, she successfully increased revenue by approximately 350%, with net profit increasing by approximately 850%.

 

Strategic Development

Karen remained in the GM operational role with Belgravia until 2016, then moved to a strategic executive position within the company as the Tourism and Wellness division of the business grew from 1 property to 48 individual properties under her leadership.

 

Karen's strategic direction over Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa includes developing new products and experiences and adding 24 Luxury Accommodation Villas to the property.

Engaged in 2011 by Merlin Entertainments initially, then following the business sale in 2017, engaged by Vail Resorts to manage their Alpine Luxury Wellness Spa and Onsen Bathing properties until the sale of the property in 2021.

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Led the recruitment, developed products and experiences, and implemented marketing strategies to drive occupancy during the high country's green and white seasons.

Advising Moree Plains Council and Tourism on the redevelopment of the Artesian Hot Springs Spa and Wellness, which has a long history of Wellness bathing and is the main tourism driver to the town.

 

The property has unique oversupply and uncontrolled behaviours of water and a history of operational issues for this reason. New design and product will support the position of Moree in the Hot Springs tourism space.

Engaged to deliver the feasibility, business case, and initial design for Coonamble Shire Council of a Hot Springs and Eco-tourism property.

 

Grant applications were successful based on the document & council has received an initial $5M with further funds expected to develop the project.

Belgravia Pro (Bpro), the eco-tourism and holiday park division of Belgravia Leisure, growing to 48 locations in Australia and NZ over five years under Karen's strategic Leadership

 

Business Development

Created business plans and cases, proposals and tender budgets, and grant applications to grow the portfolio and obtain funding to improve managed facilities.

 

Strategic Oversight

Developed strategic goals for the division, such as guest journey mapping, and provided strategic direction at the division and property levels.  Added Pure Glamping concepts and experiences with wellness touch-points, significantly increasing the bottom line and market share.