Ms Haslett is just one week into her new job as Community Networks manager, replacing former manager Shirley Boyes.
The Otago University Physical Education School graduate has worked in community recreation, the corporate sector, as a self-employed operator and with charitable organisations.
She moved to Wanaka about three years ago from Arrowtown and still works as a fitness instructor.
While she has yet to familiarise herself with all aspects of her new role at the social services hub, she has already noticed the real effects of the recession on people who are seeking work.
"The economic downturn has increased demands on most organisations, particularly social services. However, I do believe opportunity exists for those who want to create it and this is likely to be a period of growth for Community Networks," she said.
The recession was very real but also "a chance to reassess and evaluate just how robust we really are as a community", she said.
Offering support was important because otherwise people would leave town, she said.
Community Networks' resilience to the recession is also being tested.
Board of trustees chairwoman Devon Hotop said the organisation, like many others, had been affected by Government retrenching and increased competition for funds and grants.
At the same time, increased demand was being placed on the food bank and more men were seeking support, Ms Hotop said.
Fewer visits were being paid by Work and Income New Zealand staff because of the costs involved, forcing unemployed people to travel to Queenstown to get benefit advice.
The reduction of government services also meant Community Networks' rental income had dropped.
However, a recent Lotteries Board grant had been very helpful and the New Life Church had also raised money for the trust, Ms Hotop said.
"We are coping. We haven't dropped any of our services. But we know it will be tighter before it gets better," she said.
