When we want to see a change in the world it should start at home...

Fiordland, Milford Sound, Stewart Island, and beyond...all locations that we have a deep connection to so it is of huge importance that we contribute to these locations and the people in these communities. We have an understanding that what we do today doesn't only affect us but the future generations. As a business operating in these areas, we highly value how fortunate we are to call this place home and to operate in these remote locations. 
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Sustainability is not just about doing less harm to the world. In our eyes, it is about doing more good. It is not a goal to get to but a way of thinking and being. What can we do today and in the future to take steps towards improving our knowledge, helping our community and preserving our environment? 

For us, our main focuses for sustainability are divided into these categories - community, environment and knowledge. 

Community: Contributing and supporting...

1. We are supporting charitable organisations and agencies in activities and projects. ​​A huge focus for us for this is helping children. We support the local Southern Stars Race Day Ramble, Heart Kids,  Southland Regional Autism, Going Bananas, and the 900 Degrees Child Safety Handbook. 
2. Supporting local sports clubs. In 2021 this was the Fiordland Squash Club and Fiordland Hockey Tournament. Where both Gaven and Jennie are involved with each of these sports. 
3. Being the main and naming sponsor for the Fiordland Big 3 Hunting competition that is held at Queens Birthday each year. Getting involved with the hunting community and supporting an epic adventure for the long weekend. Great for the kids too with activities to suit all. We love everything outdoors! 
4. Proud to be involved with both the Queenstown Milford Airport User Group and Te Anau Airport User Group. 
5. Support and shop local with business requirements as much as we can. Less online orders and more giving back to the community. 
6. We have always offered products with kiwis as well as international customers in mind. We get much enjoyment from sharing stories and showing kiwi's their own country. 
7. Collaborate with local artist who are experts in their fields. This is for videography and photography. 
8. Sponsarship of SIRECT - Stewart Island. You can see more about their projects here: https://www.sircet.org.nz/donate/sponsor-a-hectare/
9. Respect and understanding of each others cultures and always have a smile and an open mind. 

[ We are always looking for further ways to support the community. If you have an idea to put to us, please get in touch. ]

Environment: Showing care and consideration...

1. We support initiatives, such as pest control, which encourage restoration of native flora and fauna. 
2. Supporting the Fiordland Trails Trust who are experts at maintaining and building walkways and tracks here locally in Te Anau and Manapouri. We advise clients to make the most of these tracks while they are visiting.  
3. Supporting projects which have the purpose of enhancing, preserving or restoring the natural environment. A main focus for us with this is supporting the Department of Conservation and also the Tamatea Dusky Sound Project through Pure Salt. You can find further information on this project here: https://puresalt.co.nz/conservation . If you are visiting our base at the Te Anau Airport then you will be able to view some of the supporting artworks/photography on display in our waiting area. Also able to be viewed here: https://puresalt.co.nz/tamatea-art. You too can get involved and support this project by following the above link. 
4. Work closely with companies that also give back the our natural surroundings. One example is the Department of Conservation. We are fortunate to work with many of the experienced teams within this group including supporting the Kiwi, Kākāpō and Takahē teams. 
5. Encourage clients to share the approach of leaving no trace when out in remote locations. 
6. We minimise the waste resulting from our daily business operations and we encourage recyclying with our team and clients.
7. Online operating systems are used where possible to reduce our paperwork load. 

Knowledge: Building a stronger team...

1. We attend confrences and events relevant to our industy [online where possible]. This helps us with ideas and keeping up to date with industry knowledge so we can offer the best service possible. 
2. We regularly ask for client and staff feedback to ensure we are improving our services everyday to be the best we can be. This also helps us know what we offer is of value and where improvements can be made. 
3. Local knowledge and history is shared with clients through staff and experiences so they too feel connected to the locations we operate in. We enjoy sharing stories and learning from them. 
4. Our team often get to be involoved with projects while out in the field. From seeing the native wild birds being caught for checkups to helping with trap setting. They are keen to pitch in and learn. 
5. Sharing our industry knowledge of aviation and tourism with people keen to get into the industries. We support students who are part of Gateway or a work experience day. 

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What we are contributing now helps many but as we grow we are discovering, developing and learning to improve the services we offer as well as the impacts and conversations we have.