Kaikoura an example of sustainability for all
Tourism Minister Mark Burton is today congratulating Kaikoura for becoming the first town in the world to gain full
certification from Green Globe, the world’s only global tourism certification programme.
Kaikoura was benchmarked two years ago to measure its environmental and social performance. And today, after achieving
all its targets, it received Green Globe certification.
Mark Burton says it’s great to see Kiwis leading the world—again.
“The Kaikoura District Council has worked in partnership with local businesses and the community, and the result is
outstanding. Because of their commitment, Kaikoura now has the honour of becoming the first local authority in the world
to achieve Green Globe 21 certification. No other local authority in the world has played such an important role in the
certification of their community.
“Kaikoura is the embodiment of The New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010’s vision of a truly sustainable tourism market—one
that balances tourism’s obvious economic benefits with the care, protection, and wherever possible, the enhancement of
the natural and cultural environments of New Zealand. “Research shows that New Zealand’s target market—Interactive
Travellers—are looking for an authentic Kiwi experience. These guests tend to be well educated, travel internationally
on a regular basis, and quite often sport a relatively high level of discretionary income. They are as keen as we are to
interact with and protect the very environments and heritage that have drawn them here.
“Clearly, the Kaikoura community understands this. They have invested considerable time, energy, and planning, and they
will reap the benefits of responsible, sustainable tourism growth.
“I cannot congratulate them enough for this world-leading achievement, and I encourage other communities around New
Zealand to follow their lead.”
To earn Green Globe certification, Kaikoura adopted zero waste policies, looked at its CO2 emissions, and had to measure
its environmental performance against energy, water use, solid waste production, water quality, resource conservation,
greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, travel, tourism, and biodiversity.