|
Prices and Packages:
A great selection of accommodation and boating packages available
here>>
|
|
| |
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY...
How Kawau Lodge Cares for our Place in New Zealand |
|
At Kawau Lodge we endeavor to be as environmentally friendly as possible. To achieve this we have installed several eco-friendly processes but it is important to note that these systems require a little more care than the standard city utilities. Your help in maintaining these would be appreciated.
Fresh Water
Kawau Lodge is conserving water by installing devices in taps and shower heads to reduce water volume without compromising on quality; using water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers; recycling our waste water for reuse and by regulating garden watering by use of sensible planting practices. Our only supply of fresh water comes from the sky via our roof. We have substantial water storage facilities but still need to be conscious of the need to use our supplies carefully. We ask for your assistance by not running taps unnecessarily and just being conscious that our supply is not unlimited like a city supply.
To conserve energy, solar panels are used to heat the lodge water supply and further reduction is achieved by the use of low energy electrical appliances.
Waste Water
All our waste water is processed by our “Aerobic Digestion” process. This “biocycle system” treats all the effluent produced by the lodge to a level where it is then used for crop and tree irrigation. This environmentally friendly system cannot handle items like tampons, sanitary pads, napkins, contraceptives etc and is adversely affected by strong bleaches like Napisan etc. Please ensure only human waste and toilet paper is disposed of down the toilet and all other waste items are disposed of in the containers provided. Eco-friendly cleaning products are used exclusively at Kawau Lodge to eliminate the risk of phosphate pollution.
Waste
Kawau Lodge is reducing our waste by sorting non organic waste for recycling on-site and then all recyclable materials such as cans, bottles and plastics are taken to the recycling centre on the mainland. Organic waste is composted for subsequent use in the lodge gardens and paper and cardboard is mulched and also used throughout the garden. Please place any recyclable items in the rubbish bin by storeroom. We also try to reduce waste by not purchasing products with excessive packaging, by not using single-packaged portions and by buying quality products in bulk.
Energy
On Kawau Island we enjoy mains power but this can be subject to more frequent power cuts than the mainland due to falling branches or boaties anchoring over the supply cable. You will find a torch in your bedside drawer to use in the event of a power outage. We have a small backup generator in event of a lengthy power cut but also have gas for cooking, a wood fire for heating and supplies of candles on hand. Kawau Lodge is reducing our demand on energy by offering a towel and linen change agreement which ensures you’re helping the environment by reducing energy and water use; we buy local produce where possible to reduce transport emissions; we use solar lights to light our pathways and have installed motion sensor lighting.
Pollution
Kawau Lodge is reducing pollution of waterways/noise/air/light by using only biodegradable cleaning products; using only natural toiletry products; using natural air-freshening products instead of chemical ones; and sourcing materials from Fair Trade producers. Our lodge is a non-smoking area but you are free to smoke outside if you wish. Please make sure that all butts and matches are properly extinguished, as a fire on the island would be disastrous.
We have recently changed to ENJO cleaning equipment, brainchild of Austrian Johannes Engl who’s vision was to minimize the daily use of chemicals, make a positive contribution to reducing land and waste pollution and to produce better result with less effort. ENJO fibres clean in a mechanical rather than chemical way. The microscopically small fibres reach into the tiniest crevices that are visible only when you look at the surface under a microscope. The fibres trap and hold the dirt and bacteria, which are removed quickly and efficiently without the need to use chemicals.
Wise Purchasing/Conservation
Kawau Lodge is supportive of wildlife conservation and the regeneration of our native forest and flora. We have planted native trees and shrubs on our property in order to encourage bird life and reduce need for irrigation; in future we will ensure that all printed material and product are sustainably sourced where possible; we purchase locally which helps reduce carbon emissions; we offering our guests the opportunity to contribute to the Kiwi Green Regeneration Program.
Community
Kawau Lodge understands that we’re part of our local community and we co-operative and interact with our local community by participating in the Volunteer Fire Brigade and Civil Defence and partake in training exercises on a monthly basis. We are also involved in KIRRA - local residents and ratepayers association and belong to a community based group called the Pohutukawau Trust who’s aim is “To rehabilitate the native flora and fauna of Kawau Island” as well as the Kawau Island Kiwi Trust who’s aim is to help the kiwi on the island and are also “Friends of Mansion House”, which helps towards the upkeep of the historic house in Mansion House Bay.
Trees/ Birds
Kawau Lodge has a programme of actively planting native trees to encourage the re-establishment of native forest and the return of native bird species. To date, more than 200 native trees and plants have been planted. This is resulting in the return of native bird species which feed on the nectar of trees in flower and assist in the natural process of pollination of flowers and distribution of tree seeds. Native birds to be seen in the lodge trees include Tui, Fantails, Silver Eye, Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon), Grey Warbler, and Morepork (New Zealand's only native owl). There are also several species of water birds to be seen in the mudflats at low tide.
We have also joined Kiwi Green Limited, an organization dedicated to protecting our environment by initiating several initiatives, one of which is offering sponsorships in their Kiwi Green Regeneration Program. Each sponsorship will be used to clear ground, cut down non-indigenous trees and plant a native tree that you have selected, as well as shrubs to protect it. You can sponsor a native tree to help offset travel miles. If you enter this program, you will receive a certificate from Kiwi Green and the GPS position of the grove in which your tree is planted. (Refer to flyer in the back of this compendium).
|
|
|
Home | E-mail | Site Map
In recognition of our responsibility to the environment and to further
enhance the pleasure of your stay, we are endorsed as Kiwi Green
Certified, using only eco-friendly products in our cleaning. If
you're concerned about the impact of your travelling, we're also able to
offer the facility of offsetting your carbon footprint through Kiwi
Green Regeneration.
It is believed that the contents of this page are a full and fair
representation.
Interested parties, should however, make their own enquiries to satisfy
themselves on all aspects. All prices, rates & specifications are subject to change, and, or,
alteration by external influence. E&OE
©2006 Kawau Island Experience. (Kawaulodge.co.nz &
sailingholiday.co.nz).
|
|
