Cotswold Cottage
The littlest things can make a difference as demonstrated by Jacqui and Graeme who are continuing on their quest to receive a Qualmark Enviro accreditation at their next assessment. They reduce waste by buying in bulk where possible (minimise packaging) making their own bread (no packaging) and jam (recycled jars) and ‘thinking outside the square’ in a bid to continue reducing what is sent to landfill such as recycling polystyrene packaging by putting it in the bottom of large plant pots (good drainage for the pots, less potting mix needs to be used and the pots are lighter and therefore easier to move around!).
Recently they’ve upgraded their guest amenities to top of the range eco-friendly products and are currently working on the best way to continue supporting local community and conservation initiatives.
Kuaotunu Bay Lodge
Right from the start this lodge was built on the premise of sustainable business. Rain water is harvested and waste water is recycled through a sophisticated system that irrigates the surrounding gardens. Underfloor heating and hot water is provided via a boiler system that is fuelled by wood which is sustainably sourced from the property.
Eco-friendly cleaners and guest amenities are in use and waste is responsibly recycled including food scraps going to the neighbours chooks and pigs. Next on Lorraine and Bill’s list is to continue their native planting project and look at solar heating as another option for hot water heating during peak season.
Hot Water Beach Holiday Park
Only one year old, but this Holiday Park is already showing great promise in providing a sustainable environment for generations to relax in over the future centuries.
A lot of hard work has already gone into replacing 1000’s of pines with native trees over the past years to regenerate native bush and attract native birdlife. Visitors will clearly see the commitment to correct waste disposal and recycling at the park and are encouraged to participate in responsible tourism.
The local community is important to Sheree and Grant with Sheree being an active member of the local community board and Grant coaching rugby. They have plans for expanding their support of the local community as their business grows.
Manawa Ridge
Built on the principle of sustainability with mudbrick and strawbale construction and a multitude of recycled products including a staircase and all the window frames, this is a property built by Willem and Carla with plenty of passion about doing the right thing.
Meals served are largely sourced direct from the land around Manawa Ridge and hopefully it won’t be long before the energy is sourced from the wind and some bio-diesel (a work in progress!)
Marina Park Apartments
Managing a property with numerous individually owned apartments doesn’t make it easy to monitor and implement sustainable practices across the board, but Maureen and Paul have made some positive changes at Marina Park Apartments already.
Guest amenities are eco-friendly and cleaning and office products are continually reviewed to see how they can contribute more positively to the sustainable running of the complex. There is a strong focus on ensuring resources are not wasted and the entire team at Marina Park Apartments are actively involved in responsible tourism initiatives which include participating in a battery recycling program and revamping the apartment servicing agreement in relation to linen and towels without reducing the quality of service they provide.
Poet's Corner Lodge
 A Qualmark Enviro Silver accredited business for the past two years, Marg and John, had sustainability in mind when they build their guest lodge. Rainwater is harvested and filtered for use at the lodge and hot water solar heating is also in place.
Waste is minimised through bulk buying, recycling, composting and a worm farm. Water and energy is wisely managed by installing energy efficient lighting, efficient appliances and sustainable building (double glazed windows and wool insulation).
Conservation efforts undertaken by Marg and John include pest control of the Conservation land which surrounds their property, donating time and money in ensuring bait stations are monitored and maintained. They have also planted 100’s of native trees on their own section and will continue to extend this and invite guests to participate if they wish to offset their carbon footprint in some way.
Te Mata Lodge
Kathryn and Warwick understand how community is integral to sustainability and so they donate their time and efforts to a number of organisations with Kathryn being the Chairperson of the local school's Board of Trustrees and Warwick being a volunteer fire fighter, just to name a couple.
At Te Mata Lodge they are conscious about providing their guests with a comfortable and informative stay. They offer picnic baskets filled with local and homegrown produce and freshly baked bread and muffins (no packaging!) and invite visitors to take a walk around their grounds to learn about the native vegetation and birdlife with trail guides they provide.
Their action plan for 2010 includes completing a waste audit to see if they can be doing more in this respect and sourcing a printer who will produce further print marketing material for them using paper from a sustainable source and vegetable based inks.
The Heights B&B
The first accommodation providers in the region to receive Qualmark's prestigious Enviro Silver accreditation and one which Vicki and Phil have now held for two years running, meeting Qualmark's stringent requirements for a broad base of environmental initiatives across a wide range of areas. Their day to day operations range from changing their guest amenities to eco-friendly products, employing organic gardening techniques and participating in a native tree reforestation program, through to upgrading their spa pool to one which requires less energy and chemicals. A lot is also done behind the scenes, including measuring and monitoring energy, water, waste and fuel consumption.
Next on the agenda is an opportunity to build on their current contribution to both community and conservation efforts in their local area, with Phil spearheading an environmental initiative at the school where he teaches.
Waihi Beach Lodge
 Greg and Ali are keen on fishing and their location allows them to do this as and when they please, they respect this right and are supportive of fisheries initiatives around size and catch limits as these are part of ensuring they can continue to share this activity with their guests at Waihi Beach Lodge.
Waihi Beach Lodge is a recipient of a Qualmark Enviro Bronze which has been gained through a dedicated commitment to reducing waste, energy and water useage at the lodge. From double glazed windows and eco-friendly cleaning products through to on site composting and a goal to soon catch and use rainwater for their gardens, Greg and Ali's aim for 2010 is to continue on their Sustainable Tourism path and secure a Qualmark Enviro Silver.
Click here for information on Qualmark's Enviro Accreditation programme
For visitors to the region - Here are some questions you may want to ask Tourism Operators before making a booking:
What is your environmental policy?
What percentage of your employees are local citizens?
What sorts of policies have you implemented to reduce water consumption, conserve energy or recycle wastes?
Do you support any projects to benefit the local community?
Do you support conservation? How?
Have you won any eco-awards or achieved any formal accreditation as a result of your sustainable tourism efforts?
How do you educate visitors about local natural areas, wildlife, energy conservation, and local culture?
How do you monitor your sustainability practices? |
