After first gaining notice for their efforts in going green in 2003, when they became the world's first holiday park to become environmentally Green Globe benchmarked, owners Erna and Tonnie Spijkerbosch have continued to implement "green" strategies within their holiday park, which has seen them again recognised globally.
They were recently chosen as a finalist in New Zealand's Green Ribbon Awards, and achieved their ninth benchmark status for international certification programme Earthcheck.
They have also entered the Skal Sustainable Development in Tourism Awards .
The Skal awards recognise eco-initiatives and responsible tourism. Skal is the largest organisation of travel and tourism professionals in the world.
"We've always been committed to effective green initiatives here at the park, and to be recognised at the Skal awards would truly put Creeksyde and Queenstown on the sustainable tourism map," Mrs Spijkerbosch said.
The awards will be judged on criteria including contribution to the conservation of nature, environmental considerations, community involvement, benefits and innovation.
Mrs Spijkerbosch spoke recently at the Green Ribbon Awards ceremony in Wellington,where the couple were recognised for their outstanding work educating guests, staff and their community about how to reduce waste. The Spijkerboschs said they were "delighted" with the acknowledgement.
"We've always worked hard to make education a key aspect of our environmental initiatives.
"We have a waste-recycling centre where guests are encouraged to sort their waste and to think about purchasing habits to reduce what might go to landfill," Mrs Spijkerbosch said.
To gain the Green Ribbon awards, the team at Creeksyde carried out non-chemical cleaning, environmentally friendly lawn fertilising, high-level recycling and worm composting.
Other actions included reusing recyclable materials at the park, which has resulted in interesting features such as decorative barbecue areas, kitchen floors and benches.
- Written by John McKenzie.
