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>         For immediate implementation:

1.1

> Ensure that the community continues to be kept informed about the Boulder Park activities, including sustainability initiatives and any planned future developments.

Inform members of the Hokianga Tourism Association (HTA) and the Horeke Community and District Ass about the plans and activities of the WB.

At meetings

R & F

Nil

Ongoing

This represents an ongoing process that is already underway.

1.4

> Continue to encourage and support the local community to participate in tourism.

To maintain the Hokianga Tourism website  

Permanently

F

Nil

Ongoing

We are webmaster of the Hokianga Tourism Association website www.hokiangatourism.org.nz because we saw the need of worldwide information about our area. It is our contribution to the welfare of the Hokianga Harbour and the HTA.

1.6

> Enhance existing community support, where possible, by engaging local providers of goods and services.

Continue to buy locally produced goods and services, where practicable, from medium, small and micro-enterprises.

All year round

R & F

NA

Ongoing

Limited scope currently exists, given that there are no shops in Horeke, and very few in the Hokianga. However, Wairere Boulders endeavours to support the local businesses as much as feasible.

2.1

> Share outcomes from the sustainable tourism pilot program, including key successes and ideas for enhancement of sustainability performance, with local SME’s.

By assisting other businesses on the road to sustainability.

When required

R & F

Unknown

Ongoing

In the process of getting assessed and evaluated by EN, MfE and URS, we learnt a lot about how sustainability is implemented in NZ, the triple bottom line (common sense for non academics) and the workings of the RTO.  We are happy to assist others on the path to an eco-friendly tourism structure.

2.3

> Continue to purchase NZ Environmental Choice labelled goods.

By checking Environmental Choice web-site for product listings, and checking the product labels.

When deciding to purchase a product

R & F

Minimal

Ongoing

We started doing this many years ago for our private purchases, and have applied the system also for the business. purchases.

2.9

> Maintain quality of water supply by replacing treatment filters on a regular basis.

By adhering to the recommended period of use mentioned on the labels.

When replacements are needed

R & F

$ 140.00

Ongoing, change Yearly

In our experience, it is more cost effective to exchange filters regularly than pay for an expensive water quality control. 

2.39

> Continue to safely dispose special waste (e.g. used oil, batteries, agrochemicals).

Participation in schemes for the safe management and disposal of special wastes.

When needed

R & F

Nil

Ongoing

We have been educated to do this already before we came to NZ, and have continued this procedure ever since.  We do it also for our private lives and the farm.

2.41

> Introduce paper roll in addition to towel, to upgrade hand cleaning facilities within the visitor’s toilets.

Drill a hole in a 4 x 2 and put a wooden rod in the hole.  Slide the roll over the rod.

Within 14 days

F & R

Minimal

1 hour personal time

Complete by 1.11.04

At the moment we operate with a towel that is replaced and washed as needed.  A small number of visitors would prefer a paper towel, and to accommodate that desire, we will add a paper roll and a basket for disposal.

2.42

> Prepare and display copies of finalised Northland Sustainable Tourism Charter, statements of Sustainability Action Plan and achievements within the InfoShed and website.

Display laminated or framed copies within the InfoShed, and extend WB website to include reference to sustainability commitments, initiatives and achievements.

Before the season starts

F

$ 10.00

3 hours personal time

Complete by 1.11.04

2.43

> Advise guests of the Ebex21®Tourism Calculator, which enables visitors to calculate their personal CO₂ travel footprint and offset all or part of that footprint by buying CO₂ credits, funding investment in native forest restoration projects.

Print and laminate the documents, staple them on the InfoShed wall.  Extend website.

Before the season starts

F

$ 10.00

3 hours personal time

Complete by 1.11.04

2.45

> Continue to work with the Media to promote Northland.

By offering guided tours through the valley to photographers, writers and filmmakers

Whenever requested

R & F

10 days personal time/year

Ongoing

We help to get writers and journalists informed about the Wairere Boulders, the local history and the history about Northland.  It is one of our contributions to the industry and the people involved.

3.3

> Build on existing initiatives to preserve the local history, in conjunction with elders from the local community.

By digitally recording the memories of old people in the area, and putting them online on our website.

Whenever possible

R & F

$ 500.00

Personal time

Ongoing

We have purchased a small voice recorder to visit people in the area to talk to them about their own past and the life they had.  Also we would like to record the history that was passed on to them to make sure all that knowledge is not lost for later generations.  Mostly these people think initially that it is not important to record their knowledge, but they can easily be convinced that it is.

4.2

> Continue to engage with key decision-makers, as and when appropriate, to progress key matters of concern to Wairere Boulders (e.g. these are perceived by Wairere Boulders to include roading, internet connection, telephone tolls).

To lobby for better roading, as and when deemed appropriate by Wairere Boulders.

Ongoing

R & F

A lot of personal energy, trips phone calls, dedication

Ongoing

WB considers that the biggest roadblock to sustainability in the Hokianga is the road itself. We have 30 % sealed roads in the FNDC compared to 60% as a national average. Most of the 30% of sealed roads are on the east coast, whereas we estimate that the west coast contains between 10% and 15% sealed roads.

To lobby for better internet connection, as and when deemed appropriate by Wairere Boulders.

Ongoing

R & F

A lot of personal energy, trips phone calls, dedication

Ongoing

WB considers that internet connections and speeds represent an impediment to efficient business performance.

To lobby for bigger toll free phone call areas, as and when deemed appropriate by Wairere Boulders.

Ongoing

R & F

A lot of personal energy, trips phone calls, dedication

Ongoing

WB considers that the toll free area which Wairere Boulders has access to reaches only a very small number of people and businesses. 

>>      For implementation over a medium term (6-12 month timeframe):

2.2

>> Enhance integration of environment into purchasing and supply decisions.

Build on existing initiatives to purchase and use products which contain recycled materials, as new sourcing decisions are made.

When opportunity occurs

F & R

To be confirmed

Cost minor  but unknown

Ongoing

We often use also materials from the land no cost, no pollution. For instance, maintaining our tracks with shingle out of our own river, using fallen Puriri for fencing materials, and decorations in the InfoShed.

2.7

>> Owner / Operator commitment to programme in two week holiday, to enhance well-being.

Forward planning, longer term, possible delegation of responsibilities.

Schedule holiday by December 2004.

F & R

Personal time

Ongoing

2.10

>> Select plants which require no fertilisers, spray.

When making landscaping decisions, we choose native plants that require less water, pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides.

Through winter

F & R

To be confirmed

Nil, we use plants out of our forest

Ongoing

Knowing the land and the soil, we use plants, like for instance nasturtiums that are low maintenance and resistant to herbicides used.  We do not use fertilisers and pesticides for our plants on all our land.  For sprays we only use a few litres of Glyphosate a year.

>>>  For implementation over the long term (e.g. initiated within a 12 month timeframe):

2.8

>>>  Seek to ensure that visitor numbers are monitored and retained at a sustainable level.

By monitoring the number of people using the park.

All year round

F & R

Mental Energy

Ongoing

OK

We have no idea yet how to restrict visitor numbers, if we are going to reach the sustainable visitor number.

2.34

>>>  Carefully monitor the septic system as visitor numbers increase, to ensure ongoing adequacy.

By observing the paddocks in the soaking area.  There are no humans in this perimeter.

Mainly during tourism season

F

None

A glimpse a day, ongoing

Date Action Plan and Statement of Intent Completed:      27 June 2004

Target Date for Completion of Proposed Actions:             Review 27 June 2004, many initiatives will be ongoing

Signed:  Rita, Felix

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