Sustainability

The Olive Rabbit, Boutique Bed and Breakfast, is aware of the International Sustainable Developmental Goals and is focused on including these within the business. Additionally, The Tiaki Promise, a Tourism Programme to educate visitors on caring for NZ now and in the future, has been joined. The Olive Rabbit, Boutique Bed and Breakfast, has also signed the New Zealand Industry Association’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment, and is committed to reducing and off-setting carbon emissions

Energy: consuming & saving                

  • Energy conservation practices are encouraged of guests using in-room signage
  • Eco heaters are in each suite, driven by electricity, to help supplement the underfloor heating.
  • Some outside lighting operates on movement sensor
  • Low energy lights, left on overnight in guest wing
  • Outside lighting is low wattage
  • LED bulbs throughout the house where feasible
  • Underfloor heating in guest rooms is supplemented with eco-heaters
  • Part of the property is double glazed.
  • 150mm insulation in the roof
  • All pipes are fully lagged
  • Log fire only lit on cooler days
  • Non-essential fridges turned off in quieter months
  • Appliances are sourced based on energy and water efficiency

 Recycling / Reusing / Reduce / Rebuilding

  • Guest room waste is sorted and recycled accordingly
  • Weekly collection for all cardboard, plastic, aluminium, and glass for recycling
  • Kitchen waste is given to the Worm Farm; all garden waste is composted
  • All paper reused where possible
  • All magazines from guest rooms and public areas are given to local charities
  • All clothes, shoes, excess equipment is sent to the Hospice Shop for reusing
  • Guests given option to have towels changed
  • All toilets have twin flushes – short and long flushing
  • All towelling/cotton/personal washing are line dried where practicable
  • No excessive use of chemical cleaning products and water usage
  • Steam cleaner used for cleaning all hard floors with no chemicals
  • Building of structures may reuse materials from other constructions

Waste

  • Such recycling systems in place as – glass, cardboard, tins, aluminium, paper and plastic
  • Bulk ordering done in all departments to avoid excess packaging
  • Herbs are grown on site
  • Locally sourced mulch is used to improve soil of the gardens
  • Plastic is avoided where possible
  • Limited printing of emails, reservations and general paperwork
  • Single hand towels used in public bathrooms
  • Large garden waste is transported to a local Council Waste Depot for mulching
  • Kitchen scraps fed into the Worm Farm; worm ‘wee’ is fed to the garden
  • Eco friendly cleaning products used to a minimum
  • A trapping & baiting programme has begun on the property for vermin such as rats, stoats, and weasels, to ensure it is predator-free

Procurement & Providers

  • Visitor attraction leaflets are available for our guests from us
  • Floral displays for guests are supplied by us
  • We support and encourage guests to visit nearby suppliers who we use to support the local area and keep travel to a minimum
  • Arrange home deliveries of products via local suppliers where possible
  • Free range eggs bought locally
  • Vegetables and fruit from local producers where possible
  • All food is prepared following the basic Food Safety Rules
  • Ethically sourced resources are used where possible, including coffee
  • Muesli/granola is homemade
  • Work for local trades people is provided, thus contributing economically to the community
  • Local partners such as the local restaurants, activity providers, guides for both hiking and fishing are fostered to heighten visitor satisfaction.

E-Communication

  • We have an online booking system which removes the need for any paper and postal services, emails only are sent.