Hotel wins award for sustainability

An independent Queenstown hotel has won a global award for sustainable tourism.

Skal International, a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, presented the award to The Rees Hotel Queenstown at its world congress in Mombasa, Kenya, on Friday.

The international awards, in their 17th year, highlight and acknowledge those leading in sustainable practices and environmental preservation in the tourism sector.

The Rees, an independent property, won best urban accommodation — a category which attracted 10 entries from six countries, including the only other New Zealand entrant, Queenstown Holiday Parks and Motels Creeksyde.

It was the first time a New Zealand entrant had won the award, which was judged on tangible, measurable benefits to the environment, climate change mitigation, natural and native animal preservation/conservation, carbon offsetting, waste management, culture preservation, local employment socio-economic benefits and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The Rees Hotel chief executive Mark Rose said it was "a real pinnacle" to have been recognised.

"This is the big one for us as it highlights our incredibly strong green mind-set, backed by a collective commitment with our company-wide stewardship programme that spans from our board to across our entire team to be conscious about our impact on both our environment and community.

"We reward critical thinking that reduces our carbon footprint and as a result we’ve minimised waste, developed efficiency strategies and responsible initiatives with the intention to be the best corporate citizen within the broader community in which we live — New Zealand’s most popular tourism destination."

Initiatives have included switching to environmentally-friendly toilet paper, made from bamboo and sugar cane, and using Forest & Bird amenities, including exfoliators made from avocado kernel, of which 5% of the total spend goes back to the organisation.  The hotel supports kea conservation by selling soft toy keas and has raised $1700 to date, and last year it introduced "Bees at The Rees".

Hives were established on a vacant site beside the hotel and the honey made is being used within the hotel and is available for guests to buy.

Earlier this month the Otago Daily Times reported New Zealand investment firm Pioneer Capital had become the majority shareholder in The Rees Management Ltd, which exclusively manages the Frankton Rd property.

Pioneer purchased shares from Lifeguard Ltd, a company associated with Ian and Paul Singleton, and Fernmade Ltd, associated with Geoffrey Burns, while shareholding for remaining TRML directors Mr Rose and Bruce Davidson had also been diluted, taking Pioneer’s interest to about 80% of the management company.

The Singletons and Mr Burns were replaced on the board of directors by Pioneer Capital investment manager Shane Shepherd, its managing director Randall Barratt and independent director Mike Pohio, of Hamilton.

Mr Davidson became board chairman and Mr Rose continued in his role as chief executive.

The shareholding change would also result in expansion — The Rees Hotel Queenstown is to become the "centrepiece" of a chain of about five boutique hotels across New Zealand.