Intake for Sustainable Business Programme invited

Media release from Otago Polytechnic’s Centre for Sustainable Practice
8 June 2009

Next intake for Queenstown’s Sustainable Business Programme invited

Registrations are now open for the second intake of Queenstown’s Sustainable Business programme which will kick off with a three-hour workshop on 17 June.

Several “big hitters” have signed up for the next programme, including Lakes Property Services and Pinewood Lodge.

First intake businesses have found great value in the programme and encourage other businesses to get involved as soon as possible.

Mark Rose, the Chief Executive of The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments, described the process as “invaluable” to his team on a number of levels.

“Through this programme we have been able to identify ways in which we can operate more efficiently and sustainably. It has also enabled us to think more clearly as a team about where we want to position our business, what our long term goals are and has shown us that sustainable practice is intrinsically tied to the general wellbeing of our business and those that operate it.”

Longtime local Tim Barke, General Manager of Kiwi Discovery & Queenstown Rafting says it was rewarding to be part of a programme that encouraged and valued participant input as well as providing guidance.

“The Sustainable Business Programme has helped us focus on the areas of our businesses that can enhance our own sustainability as well as that of our community and environment.”

Skyline Gondola, Restaurant and Luge manager Blair Deasy encourages Queenstown businesses to get involved.

“I was quietly surprised at what we have achieved in such a short time. We set up the Skyline Green Committee over 18 months ago but it was hard for staff to make inroads while keeping up with their own day to day responsibilities. The Queenstown Sustainable Business Programme has helped us prioritise and manage our sustainable action lists and identified areas that can benefit greatly from change. It has also shown us that it’s about much more than recycling. It’s been positive all round for us.”

Sustainable Tourism Advisor Sharon Schindler says there are a few remaining places for the mid June intake.

“We have a maximum of 12 places available at heavily subsidised rates and expect these to fill quite quickly so I do recommend businesses interested in taking part in the late June intake get in touch as soon as possible.”

The fee structure for participating businesses starts at $150 plus GST for businesses with 1-2 full time employees and ranges to $1000 for those with more than 50 full time employees.

Registrations are now open for the third programme intake in October.

For more information visit www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz and click on the box “Central Otago – our Central Otago campus”.

ENDS

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