Sustainability at Waimangu
Waimangu have made a commitment to look after this unique and special part of New Zealand.
Since the original guides of the Pink and White Terraces on Lake Rotomahana, looking after our special place has been an integral part of welcoming visitors to the area.
Waimangu and Rotomahana are the only examples of a New Zealand native forest that is naturally regenerating from complete devastation. Because we can pin-point its creation to an exact time and event, it has been possible to exactly measure and record the re-establishment of the new Waimangu ecosystem since its birth.
The diverse environment at Waimangu supports a huge array of life. Native plants flourish here attracting both native and introduced wildlife.
Due to this worldwide significance, the whole lake and valley have been protected from development or change brought by man, since its genesis at 05.30 am on 10 June 1886.
Our Sustainability Commitment
As Kaitiaki, our commitment to this place runs deep. We have always been dedicated to protecting the land and caring for the environment.
Proudly a Toitū Carbon Zero Organisation
Through the Toitū Envirocare programme, we can now measure the success of our sustainability efforts throughout the business, gaining a more accurate idea around where we can continue to improve our sustainability practices. The programme is externally audited through Toitū. This involved measuring a base year in 18-19, implementing changes, and then evaluating the first year of measurement for certification in 19-20.
After a two year journey, we were awarded Toitū Carbon Zero certification ISO in July 2020. We have made a commitment to a further 5% improvement in emissions by 2025, with annual targets and an action plan.
Working in Partnership
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is proud to be a supporter of the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) New Zealand Sustainability Commitment, a founding member of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter and to adhere to the Qualmark assessment system to ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of New Zealand Tourism businesses. As a concession holder operating on crown land, we also have a close relationship with the Department of Conservation (DoC) with the joint aim of looking after this special piece of the world.
TIAKI Promise
Tiaki means to care for people and places.
New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
Nau Mai, Haere Mai Ki Aotearoa
Welcome to New Zealand.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. A Sustainable Development Plan has been in place since 1995 and an Environmental Audit and Strategy commissioned in 1998. Waimangu were founding members of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter, and our General Manager is a Board member on the charter today.
Building on these solid foundations, Waimangu has continued to work on sustainability initiatives.
Solar Power
In 2018, we installed solar panels at the visitor centre. These panels power the water we use in the café and help us reduce our carbon footprint.
Recycling
We have introduced recycling centres throughout the valley and actively encourage our guests to help us reduce waste going into landfill.
Food Waste
We are working towards zero food waste from the café at our visitor centre.
Staff Transport
To reduce our impact on the environment, we offer our staff bus transport from Rotorua to Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Roadside Clean-up
Inspired by Plastic-Free July, Waimangu staff have picked up 10 bags of litter from Waimangu Road, and that’s just the beginning.
Patiti Island
We are working with the Department of Conservation on the environmental restoration of Patiti Island on Lake Rotomahana. Our goal is to provide a safe island haven for endangered New Zealand birds and insects.
Predator Control
New Zealand evolved with no land mammals, a safe haven for its native birdlife. Since the human introduction of predators such as rats and possums, our wildlife has been threatened. Waimangu has been involved in the control of these introduced predators since 2000, an essential part of our commitment to look after this unique native environment to share with our guests.
