Coronet Perk

For New Zealand to ensure it has a tourism industry that people around the world want to visit, satisfy customer expectations and leave them wanting to come back again, it needs to have high quality tourism operators, products and services that are sustainable.  Being sustainable helps keep businesses and the whole industry well maintained and make sure they keep running long term.  One way to get this is to set high standards for tourism operators that they must meet in order to be sustainably certified.  “Qualmark, is the New Zealand tourism industry’s official quality assurance agency”, (Tourism New Zealand, 2016).

NZski take pride in making sure that all their major ski fields are environmentally sustainable, with Coronet Peak being one of them, saving a lot of their energy by using less technology, (Coronet Peak, 2016).  Coronet Peak Ski Resort opened up in 1947, and is located in Queenstown, New Zealand, a popular visitor destination.  Coronet Peak often has long ski seasons and is also known to have international ski races and be a training ground for many world class athletes, (Wikipedia, 2016)

Coronet Peak are Qualmark certified, having many sustainable factors in place that are environmentally friendly, which have allowed to continue operate from season to season.  Coronet Peak has the high Qualmark rating of Endorsed and has received a Gold Enviro Award, for the sustainable way the run their business.  Examples of these practices including the when they have new construction; the use of land in a way that fits into the natural environment; and in reducing their energy use and carbon emissions in the way they do their business. (Coronet Peak, 2016).

Coronet Peak also make use of recycled materials in the construction of new park features and buildings, including their storage solutions.  They have also constructed purpose built reservoirs with sustainability in mind to make use of natural resources, i.e. to capture rainfall to reuse the water, (Coronet Peak, 2016).

Coronet Peak make sustainable use of the land they operate on by planting native vegetation such as New Zealand Tussock, that preserves the environment and they remove noxious weeds and pests from their Recreation Reserve each summer.  Another way they use the land sustainably is by capturing snow melt through the season to reuse in snowmaking, (Coronet Peak, 2016).

Coronet Peak also uses their snowmaking machines to reduce the energy they use in a sustainable by a using a fully automated snowmaking system that enables them to reduce energy and water wastage.  They also divert more than 50% of their solid waste from landfill, and make use of recycling facilities in Queenstown, donating their coffee grounds to the Queenstown Harvest Community Gardens to be recycled into fertilizer/compost, (Coronet Peak, 2016).

Through all these examples and more, Coronet Peak is keeping their business environmentally sustainable and keeping their business running long term, and by doing this they have become an environmentally certified tourism operator with Qualmark, (Coronet Peak, 2016)

References

 

Coronet Peak. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.nzski.com/sustainable-slopes

Qualmark. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.qualmark.co.nz

(Tourism New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand Statement of Intent, 2015-2018, 2016).

Wikipedia. (2016). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronet_Peak

 

Earth and Sky

Earth and Sky

 

Earth and Sky is a tourism business which lets you experience the night sky at the University of Canterbury Mt John observatory or at the Cowan’s observatory in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Both have many programs for you to choose from. Earth and Sky are all about learning and sharing their passion of the universe and how science will get you to the stars. Earth and Sky are based in Tekapo and try to provide both education and fun for all those who like to learn about the stars and the earths place among the cosmos. They have the largest telescope in New Zealand and the most southern optical research facility.  Earth and Sky offer a range of tours which are available from daytime tours, family tours and full on 2 hour night time tours. There are also season tours (winter and summer) so you can see different scenes.

As a responsible tourism operator, Earth and Sky encourage its staff and customers to consider the Mackenzie Country environment and keep it sustained. The company believes in protecting the dark night sky and ensure future generations can enjoy it as much as the past. They invite people to support the initiatives and reduce the environmental impact of what people do. Earth and Sky have developed environmental plan that reduces the energy and usage on tours and in facilities. They also are reducing the light they emit at night and the waste that they generate. Because of Earth and Sky’s eco-tourism approach, they have been awarded the Enviro Award Gold Qualmark as they have exceeded the highest levels of environmental responsibility. They have also been awarded the Visitor Activity Qualmark.

 

Accreditation and Certification

A sustainably certified tourism operation is Coronet Peak, Coronet Peak demonstrates three examples of how the operation has used sustainable practices within its operations, these are quite broad and cover what Coronet Peak has achieved as a sustainable ski-field.

• Sustainable land use which includes the reservoirs and native vegetation.
• Construction which is related to the natural landform.
• New ways of reducing energy by limiting carbon emissions.

Qualmark has recognized Coronet Peak with the Enviro Gold award, which means Coronet Peak has exceeded the highest levels of environmental and social responsibilities and represents strong leadership and advocacy as a sustainable operation in New Zealand. (Sustainable Slopes, 2016).

The ski field continues to promote sustainable ways within there business but so far have achieved a lot as a seasonal business operation. They are still continuing to reach bigger goals of sustainable land use, appropriate sustainable land construction and new ways of reducing energy.

A few things that Coronet Peak have done over the years to show sustainable practices are:

Coronet Peak divert more than 50% of our solid waste from landfill, they use the recycling facilities in Queenstown, and donate our coffee grounds to the Queenstown Harvest Community Gardens to be recycled into fertilizer/compost.

Coronet Peak repurpose old materials to create park features and storage solutions.

But one of there main things they stand by is making snow from 95% recycled water. elsewhere. The snowmakers manage a fully automated snowmaking system, which enables us to reduce energy and water wastage. They also catch any snowmelt through the season and reuse it for snowmaking.

Coronet Peak saved approximately 10% of the building’s electricity usage over the 2013 season with the departments practicing a ‘switch it off’ campaign.

Since 2011, Coronet Peak has reduced fuel consumption by more than 60,000 litres by focusing on efficient operation of the  boilers and snow grooming fleet. They also minimize carbon emissions by back loading all garbage on freight truck’s ensuring that no load is wasted. (Sustainable Slopes, 2016)

Coronet Peak Ski Field is a leading company in the Queenstown Lakes Sustainable Business Programme with Tourism Industry Association which is something they stand by very proudly. (Sustainable Slopes, 2016)

Bibliography

Sustainable Slopes. (2016). Retrieved from NZ Ski: https://www.nzski.com/sustainable-slopes

Abby Zonneveld’s Accreditation and Certification

Bush and Beach is Auckland’s premier small group day tour sight seeing company. It is the winner of best small business in New Zealand. Qualmark who are an accredited quality assurance organisation in New Zealand have sustainably certified this business by giving it a Gold Enviro Award. Meaning that it has exceeded the highest level of environmental and social responsibilities. Representing strong leadership and advocacy within the industry (Qualmark, 2016). There are five tours included, the Wilderness Experience, Best of Both Worlds Tour, Coast and Rainforest Walk, Coromandel Day Tour and Great Barrier Island Day Tour (Bush and Beach, 2012a). Bush and Beach tend to market and promote honestly and accurately. This evidence is backed through the website of Tripadvisor (Bush and Beach, 2012b). Tripadvisor contains multiple reviews proposing how excellent this business is. Visitor ratings go from 290 people saying it is excellent, 33 very good, 6 average, 0 poor and 1 terrible (Tripadvisor New Zealand, 2016).

The certification has been met through a range of different eco principles they follow. The company contains many principles such as nature area focus, environmental sustainability practice, cultural respect, customer satisfaction and responsible marketing. However, three examples that stand out are interpretation, contribution to conservation and benefiting local communities. Bush and Beach believe it is extremely important to ensure they are a sustainable tourism business. Each tour within the business has been created to allow people to explore the natural beauty in a sustainable way, minimising any negative effects on the environment.

Visitors are able to explore the beauty of unique flora and fauna located in the Auckland region. Provide the opportunity to understand, appreciate and enjoy the environment. Guides within the business have a passion for the environment; therefore they acknowledge and respect cultures within the area. They are also very eager to share their knowledge and visions about conservation to visitors.

The next example is contribution to conservation. Bush and Beach show this successfully through contributing to natural areas, for example Art in the Park. This is to help limit the amount of pest within the rainforest; so native animals can continue to be protected within their environment. Not only that, they also sponsor noxious weed bins to reduce regeneration and spread in the local community. This enhances the development of native plants, maintains the destination making sure it is presentable and up to standards for visitors (Bush and Beach, 2012b).

Benefiting the local communities has also contributed to their success. Bush and Beach Tours and the Karekare community support each other when it comes to their activities and promoting them to the public. For over 30 years people have been able to enjoy Karekare’s natural beauty. Bush and Beach Managing Director Ben Thorton suggested that this would not have been completed without the support of the local surf club and school (Auckland.Scoop, 2015). Most years Bush and Beach Tours will get behind the Karekare beach race, helping out by donating prizes for fundraisers in order to support the local schools and the community (Bush and Beach, 2012b).

Bush and Beach Tours are definitely considered a highly recommended tourism destination by ensuring they are a sustainably certified tourism operator. Incorporating eco-principles into their business justifies why they were awarded the Enviro Gold Award and best small business in New Zealand (Qualmark, 2016).

Photo Retrieved from http://www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Enviro-Gold-Award.jpg

 References

Auckland.Scoop. (2015). Bush and Beach back Karekare Horse Race. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from http://auckland.scoop.co.nz/2015/01/bush-and-beach-back-karekare-horse-race/

Bush and Beach. (2012a) Auckland Sightseeing Day Tour – Bush and Beach. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from http://www.bushandbeach.co.nz/bush-and-beach-tours/

Bush and Beach. (2012b). Eco Principles. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from http://www.bushandbeach.co.nz/about/?page=87

Tripadvisor New Zealand. (2016). Bush and Beach. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g255106-d654073-Reviews-Bush_and_Beach-Auckland_North_Island.html

 Qualmark. (2016). Find Quality Experiences. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from http://www.qualmark.co.nz/quality_experiences.html

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak Ski Field                                                                               Claudia Aitken

Coronet peak is a commercial Ski Field, found just outside of Queenstown. Coronet Peak is one of NZ’s top Ski resorts, which host’s international skiers and winter sport events. Coronet Peak strives to maintain a sustainable ski field so there will be snow and a Ski field for future generations to come.
(Coronet peak, 2016)

One Sustainable feature present at Coronet Peak is the snow guns and fencing. The Ski field is transformed into a sustainable practice for the winter season, to ensure this NZSki undertakes a series of measures, examples are employing the best practice snow making, snow grooming and snow farming techniques prior to and throughout the season, by using mounted snow guns these increase productivity by 35%.

When Snow grooming takes place on Coronet peak, they make sure it is undertaken the most environmentally friendly way. Snow farming is where they capture the maximum amount of snow during a storm then move it to a high use area.
(Sustainable slopes, 2016)

 

A way of minimising effects of climate change to the ski field, Coronet peak are doing this by using less polluting technology and conserving energy, an example is since 2011 Coronet Peak has reduced their fuel consumption by 60,000 litres, by focusing on efficiently running their boilers.
(Sustainable slopes, 2016)

Minimising energy usage is another sustainable feature that Coronet Peak is upholding, they are doing this by encouraging guests and departments at the Ski lodge to ‘turn it off if you’re not using it’, over the 2013 winter season Coronet peak saved 10% of the building’s electricity usage. Another way of reducing energy and water wastage is through the automatic snowmaking systems, these machines catch any snow that falls throughout the season and is reused for making snow elsewhere.
(Sustainable slopes, 2016)

Coronet Peak is well on the way to becoming a fully sustainable ski field, by continuing work in conjunction with suppliers, local government, recycling, reuse and utilise resources in their daily operation

Qualmark has recognised Coronet peak with the Enviro award gold, showing it exceeds the highest level of environmental and social responsibilities.
(Sustainable
slopes, 2016)

 

 

References:

Sustainable slopes, Queenstown | Ski New Zealand. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.nzski.com/sustainable-slopes

Qualmark enviro logo gold – Google Search. (2016). Retrieved from           https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=qualmark+enviro+logo+gold

Bush and Beach

Bush and Beach is an eco-tour and sightseeing company that is based in the Auckland Region and North Island of New Zealand, they have won many awards including awards for sustainability. They have two awards from Qualmark including Best Small Tourism Business in New Zealand and the Gold Enviro Award. They have also won the Tourism Award at the Waitakere Business Awards five times. They have many tours including tours of Auckland’s coastal rainforest, The Hobbiton Movie Set, and the black sand beaches on the west coast, Coromandal Peninsula and Great Barrier Island. Bush and Beach base their company’s tours around the beautiful natural environment and because of that they practice sustainably, three practices they are involved in include getting rid of pests in the rainforest, sponsoring poisonous weed bins and benefiting the local community (About Us, 2012).

Bush and Beach have the Gold Enviro Award which means they have gone above and beyond the highest levels of environmental and social responsibilities, Enviro Awards are given to businesses that are recognised for sustainable tourism practices (Quality Experiences, 2016). Bush and Beach are also exceeding customer expectations which is shown through their five star rating on Trip Advisor, this shows that they are living up to the standards of the awards that they have earned (Trip Advisor, 2016).

Bush and Beach provide a nature focused experience for visitors and gives them the opportunity to experience nature up close. Bush and Beach sponsor Ark in the Park which is a partnership between Forest and Bird and the Auckland Council, they do this to contribute to conservation and help get rid of pests in the rainforest (Ark in the Park, 2016). Bush and Beach also sponsor poisonous weed bins within the local community in order to prevent weeds from spreading and growing back. This is sustainable because they are helping eliminate pests and weeds which is environmentally friendly.

They also benefit the local community by sponsoring events like the Karekare Beach Races which supports the local school and surf club, they also donate prizes to the local school and fundraise to support the local community (Eco Principles, 2012). This is sustainable because they are contributing to the local economy by sponsoring these events and are also fulfilling the needs of the local community. These are only three of the sustainable practices that Bush and Beach are involved in, they have many more practices which help the environment, culture and community that they operate in.

 

References

Ark in the Park. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.arkinthepark.org.nz/

Bush and Beach. (2012). About Us. Retrieved from http://bushandbeach-px.rtrk.co.nz/about/?page=86

Bush and Beach. (2012). Eco Principles. Retrieved from http://bushandbeach-px.rtrk.co.nz/about/?page=87

Trip Advisor. (2016). Bush and Beach. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g255106-d654073-Reviews-Bush_and_Beach-Auckland_North_Island.html

Qualmark. (2016). Quality Experiences. Retrieved from http://www.qualmark.co.nz/quality_experiences.html

Picture Retrieved from http://bushandbeach-px.rtrk.co.nz/about/?page=87

Accreditation and Certification

Accreditation and Certification

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is a very popular ski destination, visitors from all over the world come to experience their sustainable slopes. “NZSki is committed to caring for our planet and ensuring snow for future generations (Sustainable slopes, 2016) by implementing excellent environmental management practices.”

Coronet peak is a Qualmark sustainably certified tourism operation, a big practice is the snow grooming, snow making and the snow farming techniques. The snow guns use the same amount of water as any other gun type and gain productivity by 35% while using the same amount of water. Snow grooming is taken very seriously and in an environmentally sensitive way. Snow farming figures out the maximum amount of snow during all the storms so that they can move it to where it’s needed most like on the slopes that get the most sun. (Sustainable slopes, 2016)

Energy use is a very important practice at Coronet, all new developments have to reach a five star energy rating or they will not approve it. This will determine the success as an efficient tourist destination In the future. At Coronet Peak they encourage people to use less energy by having lists at each property of tips on saving energy. Raising strong awareness of energy use is a key principle of the Keep Winter Cool Programme. (Sustainable slopes, 2016)

The certification of sustainability has been met through climate change at the Coronet ski fields by using new, technologies that are less-polluting and save energy, this will encourage the ski field to exist for future generations. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) states that climate modelling shows the seasonal snow levels and that they are going to be reduced by the effects that climate change is having in the years coming. They have found that this loss might not be as bad as first anticipated and that even under intense climate scenario they should be able to continue to make snow. (Sustainable slopes, 2016)

 

Bibliography

Sustainable slopes. (2016). Retrieved from NZSki: https://www.nzski.com/sustainable-slopes

 

 

 

Coronet Peak Ski field -Queenstown

Coronet Peak is a commercial ski field located in Queenstown, New Zealand, on the southern slopes of the metre peak. (Wikipedia, 2016)

Qualmark has recognised Coronet Peak with the Enviro Award Gold, which means they exceed the highest levels of environmental and social responsibilities and have a strong leadership and advocacy. (NZ Ski Limited, 2016)

Coronet Peak is operated by NZSki and their sustainability visions are to:

• Provide exceptional recreational opportunities for guests and employees while having the highest care of protecting the environment and stewardship of the company.
• Work in conjunction with their suppliers and local government officials to conserve, recycle, reuse and utilise renewable resources in daily operations and plan.
• Focus on responsible future growth within the community to assure protection of their natural resources for future generations. (NZ Ski Limited, 2016)

Sustainable Slopes provides ski areas a structure on sustainability and enhanced environmental performances. NZ Ski’s main focuses at Coronet Peak are snow guns and fencing, energy usage and climate change factors. (NZ Ski Limited,2016)

NZSki provides sustainable practices in their ski field by employing the best practiced snowmaking, snow grooming and snow farming procedures prior and throughout the season. Winch cats are used where possible to ensure their snow grooming is commenced in an environmentally sensitive way.  Their snow tower mounted snow guns increase efficiency by 35% by using the same volume of water. They also use snow farming to maximum the amount of snow during storms especially on the Summit where it can be re-distributed to high-traffic areas.

All developments are run through NZSki Resort Management and the Board. The resort must follow a five-star energy rating or it will be not approved by their directive. Coronet Peak provides a list of energy saving tips to encourage customers to use less energy while visiting the resort. This will ensure the resort will stay an energy-efficient destination for tourists. (NZ Ski Limited, 2016)

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), climate modelling shows seasonal snow levels at New Zealand ski areas will be reduced by the effects of climate change in the approaching years. Coronet Peak has been using new, less-polluting technologies and conserving energy, so they can continue making snow, even under extreme climate change scenarios. This technology can ensure their ski fields at Coronet Peak are sustainable and will continue to exist for future generations to enjoy. (NZ Ski Limited, 2016)

Resources:

• Wikipedia, (2016) retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronet_Peak
• NZ Ski Limited (2016) retrieved from: https://www.nzski.com/sustainable-slopes
• New Zealand and Ski (n.d) photo retrieved from: http://www.newzealandski.co.nz/new-zealand/coronet-peak-ski-area/

   
   

4 Nature Tours

4 Nature Tours

4 Nature Tours is a Qualmark certified business that specialises in small personalised guided nature group tours around the Dunedin area including the Otago Harbour, coastline and beaches, and the captivating Eco-Sanctuary. Some of the tours they offer are, Wildlife, Dunedin City and Scenic Highlights Tour, Yellow Eyed Penguins and Moeraki Boulders Tour, Organ Pipes, Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Sea Caves and Wetlands Walking Tour and the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Scenic Coastline and Wetlands Strolling Tour as well as many others. 4 Nature Tours hold two Qualmark assurances, the gold environment award and the endorsed activity award as well as being Department of Conservation approved.

Sustainable practices and initiatives used by the business to meet their certifications include the majority of their full day nature tours being on foot, by doing this 4 Nature Tours are reducing their carbon footprint from vehicle travel. Additionally they only use 100% renewable energy on all of their sites, by doing this practice they are the protecting the environment and preserving scarce resources and saving energy, they also use power and water saving devices in their offices to help sustain these valuable resources. 4 Nature Tours also collect rain water, process all of their grey water on site and use eco-friendly cleaning products and in order to reduce possible contamination of their water ways . As well as planted over 120 native trees and bushes to help the surrounding environment on their sites and reduce, reuse and recycle all possible rubbish when possible to help reduce landfill waste. 4 Nature Tours also raise awareness of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna and the threats that it faces as well as teaching its customers practices they could use at home to sustain a healthy natural environment.

4 Nature Tours small group encounters with nature amongst Dunedin’s stunning scenery with their knowledgeable local guide. Combined with learning about the local environment and wildlife, 4 Nature Tours are committed to providing a genuine Eco tour (4 Nature Tours, 2016).

References

4 Nature Tours, (2016). Information. Retrieved from http://www.4nature.co.nz/information.html

Certified tourism operator emily

Black Cat Cruises

Black Cat Cruises is a sustainably certified tourism operator succeeding in Lyttleton and Akaroa New Zealand. Black Cat Cruises offers day and overnight cruises, snorkelling, kayaking and island walks in the Christchurch region (About Black Cat Cruises, n.d a). Black Cat Cruises has been awarded an Enviro Gold Award by Qualmark; an accredited quality assurance organisation of New Zealand. (Home, n.d)This represents that Black Cat Cruises has met Qualmark’s certification criteria through the adaptation of sustainable practises throughout their business.

The implementation of sustainable practises of 1985 saw Black Cat Cruises becoming New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator. Therefore establishing their values through focusing on respect for the environment, as it is essential to ensure their future (Black Cat Cruises, n.d b). Five key components of Qualmark’s Certification includes energy efficiency, waste management, water consumption, preservation and community these sustainable practises have been enforced throughout Black Cat Cruises, for that reason they have met Qualmark’s certification (Getting your Qualmark, n.d).

Although Black Cat Cruises operates eight vessels they have become more energy efficient through reducing the average age of their engines, regular vessel maintenance and commencing the latest technology combined with appropriate speeds to ensure efficient fuel and energy consumption (Black Cat and The Environment, n.d a). In attempt to reduce their carbon footprint Black Cat Cruises has tight waste management strategies which include minimal use of non-recyclable materials, recycling boarding passes and the use of eco-friendly paper when printing (Black Cat and The Environment, n.d b).

Black Cat Cruises focuses on their water consumption when operating mandatory staff training and water management programmes. For their success Black Cat Cruises requires the participation of their customers, this includes the use of dry suits and encouraging short showers (Black Cat and The Environment, n.d c). Black Cat Cruises follows the Marine Mammal Protection Act 1978 and the Marine Mammal Protections Regulations 1992 while facilitating the protection of Hector Dolphins and White Flipped Penguins. Their efforts safeguard the preservation of these mammals and the natural surrounding environment (Black Cat and The Environment, n.d d).

Not only do the sustainable practises enforced by Black Cat Cruises benefit the environment, it has also seen many positive impacts for the local community. Black Cat Cruises has provided resources to education and research programmes. A portion of each fare sold is given to community projects, donating over $70,000 annually. When accessible Black Cat Cruises utilises local products, employs local people but also sponsors the annual Sea Week Event and participating with Quail Island’s tree planting project (Black Cat and The Environment, n.d e).

Black Cat Cruises is undoubtedly a successful sustainably certified tourism operator. With the implementation of sustainable practises such as improving energy efficiency, adopting waste management strategies and restricting water consumption Black Cat Cruises has met Qualmark’s certification criteria. Black Cat Cruises is highly deserving of their Enviro Gold Award with their impressive preservation strategies, while also progressing the local community.

Emily Mathieson

References

About Black Cat Cruises. (n.d.). Retrieved 04 07, 16, from Blackcat: https://blackcat.co.nz/about-us

Black Cat and The Enviroment. (n.d.). Retrieved 04 07, 16, from https://blackcat.co.nz/about-us/black-cat-the-environment

Getting your qualmark. (n.d.). Retrieved 04 07, 2016, from Tourism New Zealand: http://www.tourismnewzealand.com/tools-for-your-business/qualmark/getting-your-qualmark/

Home. (n.d.). Retrieved 04 07, 16, from Qualmark: http://www.qualmark.co.nz/index.html