Environmental Sustainability

Kaitiakitanga – Guardians of what makes New Zealand special

Kaitiakitanga is the Maori word for guardianship, protection and, preservation.  We as a business have an on-going commitment to the environment and sustainability in Hanmer Springs which is evident through our own ‘Save a Service Plant a Tree’ programme that supports the planting of trees in Hanmer Springs and we actively support and donate to community-based clubs, activities and sports groups.

Along with our statutory commitment to comply with relevant environmental, public, and occupational health and safety, hygiene and employment legislation, we strive to continually monitor and improve our environmental performance.  Alongside our environmental aspirations, we aim to be a good corporate citizen and employer.

Our Sustainability Strategy is underpinned by:

1) Our people – Our people are key to everything that we do. As such, we treat our staff fairly and with respect and value their diversity. We are committed to creating a workplace that makes people want to join, stay, and work to their full potential. Our people’s safety and well-being is a priority.

2) Our guests – We strive to exceed our guests expectations by delivering exceptional service in a modern, clean, and warm environment.

3) Our environment – We will help to protect the environment by better understanding, measuring, and reducing our environmental footprint. We look to cooperate with other members of the industry and our supply chain to foster better sustainability actions.

4) Our community – We recognise the environment, social, and economic needs of the communities we work in and endeavor to be a good neighbour.

Steps taken toward the execution of our Sustainability Strategy include:

• Implementation of tools to help the business better understand and monitor progress towards environmental goals
• Changing types of consumables to meet the environmental credentials
• Continually reviewing and monitoring site practices in terms of energy consumption
• Providing information for guests in the room compendiums to encourage their participation in our environmental efforts
• Operation of a recycling program for all items that can be recycled
• Cleaning using the ‘ENJO’ system. The environmental impacts from this system include reduced chemical usage and reduced chemical exposure to staff and guests
• Developing and operating our own ‘Save a Service Plant a Tree’ programme
• Caring for our staff by providing a safe and healthy working environment that supports individual development, team-working, positive work–life balance, and job satisfaction
• Ensuring that our staff are part of ongoing dialogue about our sustainability
• Employment of local staff where possible
• Use of local/NZ suppliers
• Gifting surplus items to local trusts & charities
• Sponsoring local community fundraisers & events

The St James Premium Accommodation supports local environmental programmes and in conjunction with the Te Tihi o Rauhea (Hanmer Springs Conservation Trust) as part of our sustainability efforts we invite those guests who are staying for more than one night to contribute to our ‘Save a Service Plant a Tree’ program.

What this means for our guests is that for every daily Room Service that a guest chooses not to have during their stay The St James will purchase one new tree which will be planted in Hanmer Springs by Te Tihi o Rauhea (Hanmer Springs Conservation Trust).

We encourage guests to recycle rubbish and have bins for this.

We use compostable rubbish bags which break down without creating micro-plastic rubbish.

Guests can also help reduce our power and gas usage by turning off lights, TV’s and heating when they are not required.