Case Studies

Case Studies

Snowplanet - Powering snow with the sun

October 2026

Running an indoor snow resort uses a lot of power, and electricity is one of Snowplanet's biggest costs. To tackle it, the team partnered with Sunergise to build a solar farm under a power purchase agreement, so there was no large upfront outlay. The project had practical hurdles along the way, from an unsuitable roof to resource consent delays. The results so far are clear: about 30% of the site's electricity now comes from solar, with an estimated 13% saving on power bills.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Guided Moa Hunter Tour Southern Enclosure (1)

Case Studies

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - Creating a new pathway for investment in nature

October 2026

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has partnered with Ekos to create Aotearoa New Zealand’s first verified biodiversity credits, establishing a new way for organisations to invest in nature. The Nature Credits programme generated more than $200,000 in its first 12 months, providing additional funding for the sanctuary’s long-term work to protect native species, restore habitats and sustain conservation across 3,363 hectares.

Toyota CEO Tatsuya Ishikawa Ezi Car RentalPalmerston North Branch Manager Deon Hoeksema Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith

Case Studies

Ezi Car Rental – Driving a new era of hydrogen-powered travel

October 2026

Ezi Car Rental is giving business travellers the opportunity to experience hydrogen-powered travel through New Zealand’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle rental pilot. Working with Toyota New Zealand and Hiringa Energy, the company has introduced three Toyota Mirai vehicles at Palmerston North Airport, creating a practical way to test emerging technology, complete business journeys with zero tailpipe emissions, and gather insights into customer demand and day-to-day operations.

Case Studies

Ōkārito Kayaks - From invasive gorse to community action

September 2026

Ōkārito Kayaks is showing how a small tourism business can turn a difficult local conservation challenge into a shared purpose. Through GorseBusters, the business has brought together volunteers, residents and supporting organisations to control invasive gorse around Ōkārito Lagoon. Six years on, the initiative has transformed the lagoon shoreline while building lasting connections and pride among the people involved.

Case Studies

Ōmārama TOP10 Holiday Park - Turning hands-on waste sorting into meaningful impact

September 2026

By keeping recyclable materials out of landfill, Ōmārama TOP10 Holiday Park has saved close to $9,000 in waste disposal costs while diverting approximately 60 tonnes of waste from landfill. Through a hands-on approach to waste sorting and resource recovery, owners Natalie and Erwin Beiboer are showing how practical action can reduce emissions, cut costs, and turn everyday kaitiakitanga into measurable results.

Case Studies

Ahipara Travel - Empowering staff to support their communities

August 2026

Ahipara Travel is demonstrating how a simple employee-led giving programme can strengthen both communities and workplace culture. By providing each staff member with funding to support a cause they care about, the business is helping community organisations across Aotearoa while building staff pride, connection and engagement. This case study explores how a practical, people-centred approach is creating positive impact beyond the workplace.

Case Studies

EcoZip Adventures – Conservation Without Boundaries

August 2026

EcoZip Adventures is showing that conservation doesn't have to stop at the business boundary. Through its support of the Kororā Monitoring & Research Project on Banks Peninsula, EcoZip is helping protect one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most significant Kororā (Little Blue Penguin) populations, demonstrating how tourism businesses can contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes wherever the need is greatest.

Case Studies

Kiwi Park - Making conservation education accessible

July 2026

Kiwi Park Queenstown is helping the next generation connect with conservation through complimentary visits for local schools and kindergartens. By combining up-close wildlife encounters with storytelling about threatened species, predator control and breed-to-release programmes, the family-owned nature reserve is inspiring young people to understand, value and care for Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural environment.

Case Studies

Huka Falls River Cruise - Restoring nature at Aratiatia Scenic Reserve

July 2026

Since 2001, Huka Falls River Cruise has been taking practical action to restore and enhance the Aratiatia Scenic Reserve. What began as a small predator trapping programme has grown into a long-term commitment to improving the local environment, supporting biodiversity, and creating a better experience for visitors and the wider community.

Case Studies

Sails Ashore – Energy Savings Make Good Business Sense on Rakiura Stewart Island

June 2026

Running a tourism business on Stewart Island means dealing with high energy costs and unreliable diesel-generated power. For Sails Ashore, investing in solar and energy management systems was a practical decision to improve resilience and reduce operating costs. The result has been significant fuel savings, greater energy independence, and a better experience for guests—showing how sustainability can deliver clear business benefits.

Case Studies

Kauri Coast TOP 10 Holiday Park - Bringing Sustainability to Life through a Nature Trail

May 2026

When guests asked about the local environment, the team saw an opportunity: to create a way for guests to explore, learn, and connect more deeply with the environment at their own pace. This vision sparked the development of a Nature Trail and a series of educational storyboards.

Case Studies

Mt Hutt Ski Area - Carving a Path to Sustainability

April 2026

High on the Canterbury Plains, Mt Hutt is more than a ski field—it’s a community committed to reducing its environmental footprint while delivering world-class snow experiences.

Case Studies

eRide Waiheke - Transforming Visitor Transport

April 2026

How do we welcome visitors without adding to congestion and carbon emissions? For eRide Waiheke, a locally owned micro-business, the answer was to replace rental cars and tour vans with premium e-bike experiences.

Case Studies

Pōhatu Penguins - Protecting Penguins through Tourism

March 2026

Pōhatu Penguins was not created to maximise visitor numbers or chase growth. It was created to control human impact and support these Little Penguins.

Case Studies

Tahuna Beach Holiday Park - Composting for a Greener Future

Febuary 2026

Composting can feel daunting for accommodation providers, especially when the process isn’t fully understood

Case Studies

Christchurch Casino - Electrifying the Heart of the Operation

Febuary 2026

Christchurch Casino fully electrified all gas fuelled appliances in its three commercial kitchens and laundry. What began as a sustainability initiative quickly became a commercially sensible investment,

Case Studies

Franz Josef Glacier Guides - Regeneration through Collaboration

January 2026

When Franz Josef Glacier Guides (FJGG) looked at the future of their business, one thing was clear: the wellbeing of their operation is inseparable from the wellbeing of the place they call home.