Maui, Britz, Backpacker help keep NZ clean, green

Media release
5 October 2008

Maui, Britz and Backpacker help to keep NZ clean and green
Recycling facilities introduced at Auckland and Christchurch branches

Maui, Britz and Backpacker campervans is helping to keep New Zealand clean and green with the introduction of LoveNZ recycling facilities for customers to use at their key Auckland & Christchurch branches.

The announcement comes as recently released research by Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) showed that, according to international visitors, the biggest problems with New Zealand’s natural environment are litter – and the lack of recycling facilities.

Maui, Britz and Backpacker General Manager Marketing, Kate Meldrum, said the company had always encouraged recycling amongst its staff but had been inspired to up the ante after hearing about the Ministry for the Environment’s LoveNZ – Recycle with Care initiative.

“We view it as a fantastic way of assisting our customers with appropriate places to dispose their waste and help reinforce New Zealand’s clean and green image,”said Kate.

Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said it was fantastic to see the government’s initiative being picked up by individual tourism businesses.

“This is exactly what we were hoping for when we started the initiative. Without a commitment from business to sustainability, the needs of environmentally friendly tourists in New Zealand will not be met. It is good to see the tourism sector has committed to taking a leadership role in protecting and enhancing the environment.”

Recycling figures released last week by the Packaging Council showed that the amount of packaging recycled by New Zealanders increased 14.5% between 2005 and 2007.

“This research shows that Kiwis are clearly just as ardent users of recycling facilities as our international visitors. The introduction of recycling facilities at our Auckland and Christchurch branches means both our domestic and international travellers can continue to do their part for the environment even when they’re away from home.”

Maui, Britz and Backpacker is no stranger to environmental initiatives. Late last year, the company became the first New Zealand motorhome rental provider to voluntarily have its entire fleet independently tested for vehicle emissions. Its total Maui fleet meets Vehicle Testing New Zealand’s (VTNZ) “Five Star” in-service rating, which far exceeds all European benchmarks for low emissions. Any vehicles that failed to pass even one of the rigorous benchmarks have been sold.

Kate continued, “Our customers have commended our emissions testing programme and, along with our staff, have proposed a number of beneficial environmental ideas that we are currently assessing for implementation in the coming year.

“As an industry we still have a long way to go with regards to environmental protection. But every new initiative, small or large, is a step in the right direction. With this in mind, we are 100% committed to the Ministry of Tourism’s vision of having tourism as the leading contributor to a sustainable New Zealand economy by 2015.”

ENDS.../

Note to editor:
Maui, Britz and Backpacker Campervans and Rental Cars is owned and operated by Tourism Holdings Ltd.

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