Destination Queenstown (DQ) and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) are supporting Queenstown Lakes businesses with our journey to a regenerative future. Explore the business support resources below to help with adopting sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.
Five starting steps to becoming a sustainable business
Regardless of your business size, following sustainable business practices is no longer a 'nice to have'. To be competitive in New Zealand and overseas, sustainability needs to be a priority. Being a sustainable business will appeal to your customers, investors and retailers. Start with myNZTE's five simple steps.
The benefits of implementing sustainable business practices
A Sustainable Business Strategy is a plan that aligns long-term business success with positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes. It ensures that a business creates value not just for shareholders, but also for people and the planet. Thinkstep has produced a handy webpage and "Need to Know" PDF available here.
Akiaki's courses are designed to help you understand the principles of sustainable tourism and how you can take practical steps within your own business. Akiaki offers ten courses including:
E Whano, e Whanake - Empowerment through Culture and Identity
The courses are based around the commitments of the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment and take 1-2 hours to complete. They include a mix of reading materials, case studies, videos and interactive materials. In addition, we provide you with a template to create your own Sustainability Action Plan as you work through the programme.
Go here to learn more about Akiaki's courses and fees.
Free ClimateWise Climate Adaptation Course to identify and manage climate-related risk
ClimateWise is a free course that helps small and medium-sized businesses identify and manage climate-related risks — such as extreme weather, supply chain disruptions and insurance challenges. This is a learn-at-your-own-pace course with 7 easy-to-read modules on adaptation planning. You can access it here.
Apply for NZ sustainability certifications
Navigate and elevate your business with NZ's Leading Sustainability Certification from Sustainability Business Network.
10 topics for SMEs to start sustainability reporting
Centre For Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua, have created a resource to support SMEs in starting their sustainability reporting in their business.
Climate-related disclosures explained
Climate-related disclosures are reports that organisations produce to show how climate change impacts their operations — and how their activities impact the climate. They aim to give investors, stakeholders, and the public a clearer view of climate-related risks, opportunities, and strategies. Thinkstep has produced a handy webpage and "Need to Know" PDF available here.
Nature-related disclosures explained
Nature-related disclosures are reports that help organisations understand and communicate how they both depend on and impact the natural environment — including biodiversity, ecosystems, water, soil, and air. They aim to improve transparency for investors, regulators, and other stakeholders. Thinkstep has produced a handy webpage and "Need to Know" PDF available here.
Green finance explained
Green finance refers to financial products and investments that support environmental sustainability and climate goals. It includes funding for projects or businesses that reduce emissions, protect natural ecosystems, or improve environmental outcomes. Thinkstep has produced a handy webpage and "Need to Know" PDF available here.
