Jetstar links with Heritage Estate

PARTNERSHIP: Jetstar New Zealand head Grant Kerr (left), chief executive Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, Enid Ratahi-Pryor, Ohope Beach Primary School pupil Tarquin Magner and Te Runanga o Ngati Awa deputy chairman and cultural adviser Pouroto Ngaropo. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Jetstar has launched a new environmental initiative to use carbon offsets from the Ngati Awa Heritage Estate near Ohope for its domestic operations in New Zealand.

Under an initial three-year agreement, Jetstar will be the sole purchaser of all carbon offsets from the Ngati Awa Heritage Estate, located on more than 800 hectares of coastal land.

The partnership with Ngati Awa is not related to any obligation Jetstar has under carbon pricing policy in any of the countries in which it operates.

Offsetting is a purely voluntary action to contribute to a low carbon future, with a cleaner atmosphere, better world and view for everyone.

A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for, or to offset an emission made elsewhere

Grant Kerr, Jetstar New Zealand head, said purchasing the carbon offsets would contribute to the airline's commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

"The Heritage Estate offers a unique blend of environmental, economic, social, biodiversity and cultural benefits to New Zealand."

Chief executive of Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, Enid Ratahi-Pryor said the relationship with Jetstar would enable the iwi to share its view of the world with others.

"Our view of the world is one that is filled with environmental consciousness, cultural integrity and the conservation and preservation of our lands for future generations."

Each year, Jetstar offsets all emissions associated with its business travel and vehicles operating on the ground.

The airline also has a fuel efficiency programme in place, targets to reduce electricity, waste and water consumption, and offers customers the ability to offset the emissions associated with their flight each time they book through its Fly Carbon Neutral Programme.