Rangatira Investments Annual Report 2021 - Report - Page 18
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“Capital expenditure will add new and refurbished experiences.
Zealand economy and wider society. A large part of that is
A $1.5 million refurbishment of the Log Flume ride is the first
working with a young and diverse team who are developing
of the infrastructure upgrades taking place over the next 18
skills that will serve them well throughout their careers
months. A new interactive attraction will open in October, with
wherever that may take them. Many of our staff go on to train
further ride developments planned over the next two years. Also
as teachers, Police, Finance, Marketing and a wide range of
coming is the new Rainbow Fun Factory, a mesmerising sweet
other professions. But importantly, at Rainbow’s End, we create
shop,” Karen says.
magical memories for our guests.”
Being wholly-owned by Rangatira provides significant benefits
The best advice that Karen has received is to ‘be your best self
according to Karen. “The Park’s team are proud to be part of the
- every day’, something she tries to do both at work and after
Rangatira portfolio, with its focus on New Zealand. Being New
hours.
Zealand owned is important to them, as is contributing to the
local economy.
Outside work, Karen and her husband who is an Emergency
Medical Technician with St John live in Riverhead and are kept
“We see a strong alignment between our values. Rangatira
busy with their family. Weekends are spent on the sidelines
is a long-term investor, committed to making the business
either supporting or coaching their teens who are involved in
sustainable. As an infrastructure company, it is important to
soccer, rugby, Waka Ama, volleyball and basketball.
have a shareholder like Rangatira with a strong balance sheet
and a board with strong management experience.”
Karen is also actively involved in the community serving as Chair
of the Board of Trustees at Riverhead School, as a member of
“Rainbow’s End is in good shape and has a bright future and
the Parent-Teacher Association at Kaipara College and as a
that’s due in no small part to having a supportive shareholder,”
Board member of Business Manukau.
Karen says.
“My greatest satisfaction in this role comes from building a
In summary, Karen is passionate about working with people to
build thriving businesses and communities.
solid business we can be proud of that contributes to the New
Investment Date: 2013
Since 1982 New Zealand’s premier theme park
has been delighting family and friends with the
100%
OW NE R S HI P
biggest and best rides in town. It started with
a set of bumper boats and a big dream down
the end of the Southern Motorway. Thirty-seven years later
Rainbows End has built over 20 rides and attractions and is still
chasing the rainbow with plenty more to come.
In 2019 Rainbow Playlab was opened, offering a gaming and
entertainment centre for tech-savvy guests including virtual
reality, e-sports, escape rooms, and more. This was followed by
in July 2020 by the opening of Spectra, the largest 7D ride in the
Southern Hemisphere!
During 2020, Rainbows End was unable to open during the
Level 3 and Level 4 lockdowns and was restricted in its ability
to operate during Level 2. Nonetheless, the business traded
strongly through the important summer holiday period and
remains proud to be one of Auckland’s favourite places to
escape from the everyday and experience magical moments
with loved ones, creating special memories and traditions.