New i-SITE manager passionate about the region

Motueka i-SITE manager Cheyenne Roché with her “wonderful” team of Adele Lockwood, Tracy Watson and Kylie Greer.

Cheyenne Roché began working at Motueka’s i-SITE nearly three years ago as a sales consultant and within seven months was promoted to team supervisor. Just in the last couple of weeks she secured the role of manager, after acting as the interim manager since October.

“I really enjoy the whole community side of it and being able to help people have a great time and have fun. It’s really satisfying and just awesome,” says Cheyenne.

Originally from France, she arrived in New Zealand four years ago and “fell in love and decided to stay and make it home”.

With a degree in tourism and undertaking a variety of jobs post-student she says the jobs always leant toward customer service.

Despite the lack of tourists with border closures still in place due to Covid19, Cheyenne says the team at the i-SITE is committed to “promoting the region and supporting the community vibe”.

“This place is really all about pulling people together, we’re not purely about tourism. Anything the community want to communicate with us is welcome.”

While walk-in enquiries have decreased Cheyenne says they’re still busy, albeit in different ways.

“We’re receiving a lot of enquiries via email. Normally at this time of year we’d have a que out the door but now we just have a que of emails.”

With the region proving popular with Kiwi holiday-makers, Cheyenne says many accommodation providers are already fully booked for December and January.

“What we’re noticing though is Kiwis tend to look at self-guided activities.

They’re finding out what’s in the area rather than booking activities.”

While no staff members have lost their jobs at the i-SITE, no more have been added to the team and usually at this time of year there’d be four manning the counter whereas now there’s just one.

“It’s a massive change in that respect.”

With all the activities at her fingertips, Cheyenne says she’s most impressed by the area’s eco-tourism taking place and her most memorable activity to date has been skydiving.

“I also really liked the Maruia River Retreat, it’s a lovely peaceful part of the region.”

The “passionate” team of Cheyenne, Tracy, Adele and Kylie say they’re all about supporting the community through these unprecedented times.