Trenz: Business, conservation can work together

Business and conservation can work hand in hand - each enhancing the work of the other.

Department of Conservation staff at the Trenz tourism industry expo in Queenstown have spoken to The Daily Post about how tourism operators benefit from the fantastic environment created through conservation, while the awareness resulting from exposure to the environment through tourism activities boosts the support for conservation work.

Commercial business director David Wilks said some people struggle to understand the relationship between the two, but it is clearly illustrated through the efforts of small business such as Blue Duck Station through to large companies like Air New Zealand.

"Businesses are made up of people and those people also make up communities - it makes sense to work together.

"When people think about the environment they live, work and play in, they don't believe they have the ability to influence it."

But Wilks said businesses were increasingly wanting to be part of the conservation effort. For some it is because a healthy, natural environment is beneficial to their business or because it is something they believe in personally, while others are driven by consumer demand.

"People do appreciate a sustainable business and we want to work with businesses."

Air New Zealand is one business he identifies as recognising what a selling point New Zealand's natural environment is and giving something back.

"In partnership with us, they are investing in biodiversity projects and transport birds to new locations free of charge. It is great for them because it encourages people to travel around the country and it is good for us because they help us get more people out there recreating on conservation land."

Wilks also pointed to the work Mitre 10 was doing with takahe as an example of how businesses can express their Kiwi credentials by helping to protect parts of our natural heritage - even if there are no direct benefits to the business. Customers are able to get involved in the company's project and it builds a valuable relationship based on shared values.

Post Business also caught up with Whale Watch Kaikoura - a tourism operation often held up as an example of how interaction between people and the environment can benefit the community, the wildlife and the economy.

In 1987, the company started as a one-boat operation taking out 3000 passengers in its first year. Today it is a multi-million dollar business that takes more than 100,000 passengers on whale watching excursions each year.

Marketing and communications officer Lisa Bond said the small, coastal community was thriving today because of the entrepreneurship, dedication and leadership of the indigenous people of the area and the good use made of the natural resources available.

"It is no secret these resources have made Kaikoura a sought-after international destination.

"Kaikoura is testament to how a well-managed use of a natural resource and commitment to the protection of these treasures can transform a community in a positive way."