As the owners of Nicara Lakeside Lodge and Cottage located at Ngongotaha, Rotorua we have been environmentally aware for many years prior to opening the Lodge and Cottage in 2004.
We wanted to create two properties catering for different types of clientele, but with similar levels of sustainability awareness and allow the opportunity to relax and enjoy a quality experience of beautiful gardens and bountiful bird life in superb surroundings.
We fully acknowledge that any business does impact on the wider natural and social environment in which we live and we aim to continue creating a location where that impact is minimised as much as practically possible.
Some of our current actions are:
Continuously monitor energy consumption to identify any patterns of abnormal usage.
Electrical appliances are turned off when rooms not in use. No guest appliances are left on stand by.
Guests have the choice of heated towel rails (plus underfloor bathroom heating in the Lodge) to be turned on or remain off during their stay.
Laundry is complimentary and we consolidate loads to conserve water and power. Towels are washed at guest's request when left on the floor. Washing is line dried whenever possible. We ask cottage guests to do the same. The washing powder & softener used is biodegradable and contains no phosphates.
The Lodge is a new building so the maximum insulation has been fitted to roof areas, pipes, walls both interior & exterior and floors. Cottage has roof insulation. Both have a ventilation system; DVS in the cottage and HRV in the lodge. There is also a heat pump in the lodge to minimise the need for underfloor heating in winter.
There is sole use of biodegradable enviro friendly detergents and cleaning agents throughout. Our guest toiletries are made in New Zealand using natural oils, honey and essences. They are free from SLS and parabens.
At the Lodge water saving practice is in place – we use a front loading Eco washing machine at the Lodge and only operate the Dishdrawers and washing machines when full. The cottage is self contained.
All toilets are fitted with half flush options. Taps have restrictor valves in the lodge, the cottage is low pressure. Basins have plugs. Garden irrigation is timed to operate at night to reduce evaporation and used alternate nights.
We fully brief guests on arrival of our sustainability efforts and seek their co operation particularly in regard to recycling of their waste. This is taken regularly to the local recycle depot. All garden waste is disposed of at the local green waste transfer station & turned into compost. All bin liners are biogradable.
Full information appears in the guest compendium in each room and cottage.
We encourage guests to support our “Travellers Trees” campaign and reduce their own carbon footprints by buying a native which is then planted in their name by the Hamurana Springs Restoration Trust.
Our small staff consists of locals living within 5km of the Lodge. They are fully briefed on our policies and instructed to maintain them. They are encouraged to present our commitment to sustainability to guests, suppliers, contractors, agents and wholesalers. A register is kept of pest control.
Both properties are Qualmark assessed to their own high standards and requirements. We have delighted to have been awarded Enviro-Gold by Qualmark for the Lodge & Enviro-Silver for the Cottage. This assessment is carried out annually.
Wherever possible we employ local contractors and source much of our needs from local suppliers.
Free range eggs, local honey, home made goods help to reduce unnecessary packaging. With a small vegetable garden, some produce and fruits are grown on site. Wherever we are able, we buy in bulk to further reduce packaging. Local or New Zealand made environmentally produced goods are used where ever possible.
Our procedures are under constant review and new initiatives implemented on a regular basis. Our whole sustainability will be reviewed on an annual basis. This policy is available to all interest parties and will appear on our web site. We welcome any communication on constructive ways in which we can further improve upon our efforts.
We put considerable energy back into the Community - Heather teaches Bible in Schools and is a Church Elder. She has recently serviced as Treasurer of Progress Ngongotaha (community group), President of a local speaker/luncheon club, and secretary/treasurer of the local @home New Zealand. Mike is a Member of the Rotorua Tourism Board, a Trustee of the Rotorua Museum Centennial Trust, a New Zealand Business Mentor and also a Church Elder. Last year he resigned from the Executive of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce after serving 4 years, 2 as Vice President.
We are both totally committed to help reduce our impact on the environment in any way possible.
Signed as owners of Nicara Lakeside Lodge & Nicara Lakeside Cottage
H. P. (HEATHER) JOHNSON J M T (MIKE) JOHNSON
MSc (Hon), MNZITT LNZITT
March 2010