As Kiwis we grow up with a deep connection to the land and with that, a strong culture of guardianship. We’re able to access coastal, mountain and forest wilderness areas, and for many of us, these ‘adventures in nature’ forms the basis of our childhood and family experiences.
The Maori word ‘tiaki’ means ‘to care for people and place’. This duty of care is something that bonds us as a nation – we believe that if you look after the land, it will look after you and future generations.
The Tiaki Promise is a wonderful initiative to encourage visitors to New Zealand to commit to caring for our country the same way we do. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand – to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
How to care for New Zealand, in the context of your Active Adventures trip:
Be Prepared
Make sure you read your trip essentials, check your gear list and fill out your online booking information pages. And of course, if you ever have any questions, just get in touch with us!
Show Respect
Treat people the way you'd like to be treated. We're a friendly bunch down here and we pride ourselves on our Kiwi hospitality - so you'll feel at home with us. We find that this helps to encourage respectful behaviour all-round.
Protect Nature
This can be achieved in so many ways, and with sustainability it's all the little things that add up to make a difference. Here are a few tips, and of course these will become familiar to you as your explore with us:
- Be careful what you bring into the country - read the border control guidelines closely!
- Avoid single-use plastics and coffee cups
- Don't feed wildlife
- Stay on the trail
- Recycle!
- Compost your organic material wherever possible
- Use natural cleaning products
Keep NZ Clean
You (hopefully) wouldn't drop rubbish in your garden, so why would you drop it in the wilderness?
As a small group adventure operator down here, we know that our guests, for the large part, have always adopted this philosophy – it’s something that comes naturally to those of us who spend a great deal of time enjoying the outdoors. In the wider context of visitation to New Zealand this may not always be the case, so there are only positive outcomes that can come from raising awareness and education through the Tiaki Promise.
How you can share your #tiakipromise
View our Active Adventures New Zealand Environmental Vision