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OUR SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION

Caring for Nature/Kaitiakitanga

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  • We've planted around 500 trees, plants, or shrubs planted over the past 14 years, and cultivate native plants from our land or nearby from cuttings or seed.

  • Approximately 5 acres of wilding pines have been cleared from our property (manually, by hand-pulling, or with tools like loppers and chainsaws). 

  • We remove other pest plants like briar rose and lupins. 

  • No herbicides or pesticides are used as these may negatively impact upon other plants and animals.

  • We share our knowledge with guests about why certain trees or plants are pests.

  • We've installed rabbit-proof fencing around the entire property. 

  • Hundreds of pest animals have been removed: rabbits, stoats, possums, rats, mice, hedgehogs, and feral cats.

  • We use firewood either harvested from our property or sourced locally. 

  • Food and greenwaste is composted then used to nourish plants and trees.

  • Rocks and soil from building sites on the property have been used in landscaping and plantings.

  • Rainwater and hot tub water is diverted to plant and tree zones. 

Caring for our Guests/Manaakitanga

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  • Looking after our guests starts from the moment you book with us! We provide everything from local tips to advice on driving conditions on the day of arrival.  

  • Understanding the cultural backgrounds and needs of our guests is not only a key part of our host responsibility, but is also an enjoyable experience. Learning about other people is a great way to broaden your own horizons!  

  • The culture, heritage, and history of the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Region is very important to us. We own many books on the region, are always learning more about our region and its people, and pass these stories on to our guests. 

  • We follow the principles of the Tiaki Promise.

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Waste Reduction

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  • We recommend longer stays to our guests, so they can really get to know the region. This also reduces energy consumption as we're turning over the accommodation every few days, rather than every day. 

  • We buy EcoStore products in bulk to reduce plastic.

  • Almost everything is recycled and food scraps/green waste are composted. 

  • We manage our own laundry, washing on cold and line-drying to save energy.

  • Single-use items like toiletries aren't rather provided, rather, we supply bulk handsoap, bodywash, shampoo and conditioner in reusable containers.

  • We also provide kitchen supplies like tea and coffee in canisters rather than individual packets.

  • Wood for our logburners and hot tub is either harvested from our property or sourced locally.

  • We minimise our night lighting in accordance with DarkSky International’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting to prevent light pollution, protect our dark sky reserve and save energy.

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Our Community

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  • We're involved with Mackenzie Wilding Pine Trust and have held free propagation workshops for the community to share our knowledge about pest flora control and cultivation of native plants. 

  • We donate to local causes, for example, the Twizel Mistletoe Group to enhance the Twizel Christmas experience, and the Twizel Pink Ribbon Breakfast fundraising for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

  • We work with our Regional Tourism Organisation, Mackenzie Tourism, for opportunities to promote not only our business but the wider region as well. 

  • We volunteer in our community, for example, The Twizel Swim Club, Meridian Swim Ruataniwha, Create (the Mackenzie Book & Arts Festival), the Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend, Sport Twizel, and the Twizel Pink Ribbon Breakfast.

  • We're a member of Twizel Promotions, to support their work in facilitating the promotion and development of Twizel.

  • We regularly host international backpackers who stay with our family and help with plantings on the land, as well as pest plant removal. We learn more about people from all over the world, and they experience a slice of Kiwi family life, as well as learning about conservation in New Zealand.

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Economics​

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  • We shop local, and buy New Zealand made as much as possible, and choose socially and environmentally sustainable suppliers.

  • We buy good-quality items that last, rather than cheaper items that need to be replaced often.

  • Our guest guides include recommendations for local businesses.

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Our Easy Sustainability Tips!​

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