New Zealand urges visitors to act responsibly in the country

Under the banner of Tiaki – Care for New Zealand, the collaborative project between government and the tourism industry has launched the Tiaki Promise, which encourages visitors to follow a pledge that sees them “Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace”.

It also suggests they pledge to “travel safely, showing care and consideration for all” and “respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind”.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced the initiative in Wellington with the hope that: “Together, we can protect the things that make New Zealand special and help ensure they last for future generations.

“New Zealanders have a unique connection to our home, and we have a collective duty to care for our country. Tiaki - Care for New Zealand is about helping everyone, including our visitors, feel that same sense of guardianship.”

The word Tiaki means “to care for people and place” in New Zealand’s native language Te Reo Maori.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Stephen England-Hall claimed “everyone has a responsibility to care for New Zealand”.

“New Zealand is known for its warm welcome to guests and the Tiaki Promise builds on that by inviting the world to stand alongside us, so our home can be enjoyed for future generations of Kiwis and visitors,” England-Hall said.

“It reminds people to travel responsibly as they enjoy what our country has to offer, making it clear what behaviours are expected, from putting rubbish in the bin to driving safely and showing care and consideration for all.”

Tiaki – Care for New Zealand is a collaboration between Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, Local Government New Zealand, New Zealand Maori Tourism, Tourism Holdings Ltd and Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Air New Zealand chief executive officer Christopher Luxon said: “As well as enlisting the support of our visitors to care for our environment, we want them to travel around New Zealand safely and have a fantastic experience.”

The Tiaki Promise will be promoted widely by all participating organisations and amongst the New Zealand tourism industry.

Information will initially be available in English, Te Reo Maori, German and Chinese, with more languages to follow.

A Tiaki Promise video will be shown on Air New Zealand’s international services and will also be made available to other international carriers to New Zealand.