Idea Fair
Tara Iti's Unique Onboarding
How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?
This unique onboarding idea at Tara Iti Golf Club has significantly enhanced the club's operations by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our new employees. This approach ensures that all our staff including seasonal hires feel valued and integrated from the very start, which boosts their motivation and commitment to our Club. The personalised support, cultural connection through the Pōwhiri ceremony, and ongoing mentorship foster a strong sense of belonging and community at Tara Iti. This leads to higher employee satisfaction, better team cohesion, and ultimately, improved performance and service quality at the club. By making employees feel like part of a second home, Tara Iti strives to build a dedicated and engaged workforce that contributes positively to Tara Iti’s overall success.
How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?
Our unique onboarding approach has been implemented through a thoughtful and comprehensive programme that includes personalised pre-arrival support, a warm welcome at the airport, and integration into our country and club's culture, as well as a thorough orientation process, tailored training and a traditional Pōwhiri (Maori welcome ceremony). All new staff receive a personal introduction to the club's history and values from our General Manager, Matt Guzik, as well as welcome gift, ongoing mentorship, access to People and Culture support and feedback sessions.
Club members have reacted positively to this initiative, appreciating the enhanced service quality and the strong sense of community that our Tara Iti team fosters. Our programme's focus on cultural connection and a more personal touch has not only improved employee satisfaction but also enriched the overall club experience for members, making Tara Iti a more cohesive and welcoming club environment.

About the author
Matt Guzik