CANIWI Lodge and Chalets Lake Rotorangi has gained a Qualmark Enviro Silver Award, recognising its high standards in environmental practices.
To earn New Zealand tourism's official environmental award, Caniwi Lodge had to show effectiveness in energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation, with community activities and conservation initiatives also considered under
Qualmark's environmental criteria.
Owners Jean and Maureen Gauvin are thrilled with their award, which recognises their ongoing committment to sustainable environmental practises.
"We are the first accommodation busienss in Taranaki to achieve this award and are hopeful other businesses will strive to achieve the same success,' says Jean.
"It helps to promote our region as a serious eco tourism destination which we see as increasingly important to the discerning traveller.
"We have been monitoring our vehicle fuel consumption and combining our weekly trips to town with shopping, the recycling depot, and other business to maximise fuel efficiency and minimize our consumption. Our luxurious chalets are energy efficient aand we are noticing that our guests are also interested in our initiatives. These include tree planting and riparian protection to promote water quality whilst also enhancing bird life".
Accommodation, activities and transport businesses carrying the Qualmark logo have been independently assessed to meet tough quality standards and environmental criteria - earning New Zealand tourism's official quality mark.
Qualmark is jointly owned by Tourism New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association. The programme is run as an industry service, on a not-for-profit basis.
