Funding support for Air NZ Environment Trust

Media Release

3 March 2009

Avis and Budget announce funding support for Air New Zealand Environment Trust

Avis and Budget clients can now make a direct contribution to the Air New Zealand Environment Trust when they book their rental cars.

As well, the two rental car companies will each make a substantial donation to the Environment Trust.  

“Supporting the Trust appealed to us as it is working directly to restore New Zealand’s habitat which is an essential part of the New Zealand tourist experience,” says Kathryn O’Neil, Managing Director of Avis Car Rental, New Zealand.

“The tourism industry has an important role to play in fulfilling our nation’s marketing promise of 100% Pure New Zealand. Air New Zealand has shown it is keen to do so by showing it is an environmentally conscious airline and we believe we need to do the same.”

“Our corporate clients have increasingly feedback to us an interest in us being part of a nationwide environmental initiative.  We are delighted to not only be meeting their needs, but at the same time co-operating with our national carrier, “says Chris Destrieux, National Sales & Marketing Manager for Budget Rent a Car.

Customers will be able make their individual contributions to the Environment Trust when they book a rental vehicle through the Avis and Budget websites (www.avis.co.nz or www.budget.co.nz) and also through the Air New Zealand website (www.airnz.co.nz).

Chair of the Air New Zealand Environment Trust, the airline’s Deputy CEO Norm Thompson said the contribution arrangement with Avis and Budget was a great step forward for the Trust.

“We are delighted that Avis and Budget see the value in our environmental leadership and we hope that it will be the start of a long-lasting relationship where the companies can become actively involved in our projects,” he said.

Mr Thompson is hopeful the companies will encourage their staff to play a role in working on projects which help restore New Zealand’s environment.

Currently, the Air New Zealand Environment Trust is funding the reforestation of parts of Mangarara Station in Hawkes Bay and also Kids restore New Zealand which assists schools to become involved in large environmental initiatives in their community.

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