Kaewa Tours driving the road to a sustainable operation

This process emphasised that the consumer buying decision is often based on strong environmental values. We knew we needed to do the work in this space and were always environmentally conscious when travelling as individuals.

Kaewa Tours is a family-owned company established in 2020 with the purpose of creating lasting memories through private tours for the discerning traveller. Set up by Waikanae locals Tom Collier and his partner Jill Burns, the duo has always loved hosting people.

When sitting down to talk to the pair about the sustainability of their business operation, it’s easy to see that they are passionate about this topic.

Initially it was the process of getting Kaewa Tours Qualmark registered that got Tom thinking about business sustainability. The process of Qualmarking a business means a tourism operator must meet a variety of criteria to gain the accreditation.

“This process emphasised that the consumer buying decision is often based on strong environmental values. We knew we needed to do the work in this space and were always environmentally conscious when travelling as individuals. I found this work very mentally stimulating” says Tom.

In 2021, the opportunity arose for Kaewa Tours to participate in the inaugural Wellington Sustainable Tourism Programme. Set up by Tourism Industry Aotearoa and WellingtonNZ, the programme is designed to support Wellington businesses in their sustainability journey.

On hearing of the programme, Tom jumped at the chance to be involved.

“I was blessed to deal with Tourism Industry Aotearoa and WellingtonNZ as a tour operator; they provided an incredible amount of support. We were one of 12 businesses to participate in a kick-start program developed by CreativeHQ. Designed to support Wellington hospitality and tourism businesses and operators to develop sustainability action plans; the programme supports Wellington City Councils' climate action plan ‘Te Atakura - First to Zero’ target to become carbon neutral by 2050. 

Tom says the 3-month programme was well facilitated, and they gained access to incredible one-on-one coaching and mentoring from the Sustainability Champions at Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

It was through this learning that Tom developed a business sustainability plan for Kaewa Tours.

When you read the plan which is openly available to view on the Kaewa Tours website you will see the Ekos accredited Carbon Friendly certificate. This certificate shows their offset carbon emissions and future goals.

These offsets contribute to the growth and protection of numerous forests in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, as well as helping to deliver climate resilience, waterways protection, erosion control, biodiversity conservation and community economic development.

Other areas covered in the plan include eliminating waste, reusable coffee cups, plant-based plastic water bottles, sustainable procurement policies, environmentally friendly customer gifts and community support. The community support pillar of their sustainability plan sees $10 for every tour booked with Kaewa Tours donated to the Kāpiti Kindness Trust.

Tom and Jill encourage other business owners to explore more sustainable operations.

“It is our responsibility to do everything we can, however small, to make this place better. We live up to our Tiaki Promise – to care for the land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.”

“It is interesting to see your carbon footprint and the result. Measuring your carbon footprint can be a time-consuming process and could require financial investment. However, it is worth it to guarantee you are meeting consumer values and doing your bit for future generations.”

Kaewa Tours biggest goal in sustainability in the coming financial year is updating the tour vehicle from a 100% petrol model to a hybrid-petrol model. A hybrid is required as an electric vehicle will not go the distances and areas they need when conducting the tours. They are balancing tour experience and sustainability. The hybrid model is the middle ground that will still reduce the operation's current footprint.

Tom shares the biggest cost to their business in undergoing sustainability:

“The time we have invested, it took dedication and commitment. Focusing our time on how we could do better. But the reward and sense of achievement is totally worth it. The vehicle capital expense will be a financial investment, but it's been in our plan, and we have been preparing.”

For those who are hesitant to get on board, Tom says, “Just start…….it's as simple as that. Before we started the programme, we didn’t know what we didn’t know, and we found out there was an awful lot we didn’t know. Be open to expanding your knowledge and be willing to invest a good chunk of time. All you need is a simple framework. The future will likely see this area of business become more legislated, but we should all be proactively trying to make positive changes ourselves first.”

If you are looking for unique private experiences for yourself and friends, then connect with Kaewa Tours. Tom will be your very own private guide ensuring lasting memories from your day out. Plus, you can rest assured that the memories you create are treading lightly on the special places you visit.

Kaewa Tours sustainability policy can be found at: www.kaewatours.co.nz/sustainability-environmental-policy