Environment Award For Manawatu Tourist Company

Date: 27 April 2009

MEDIA RELEASE: Environment Award For Manawatu Tourist Company

The Manawatu based Stewart Families group of companies were awarded the PGG Wrightson Land and Life Award at the 2009 Horizons Region Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The award recognises the families farming enterprise that demonstrates co-operation and sustainable New Zealand farming.

The Stewart Families group of companies includes one of the few Qualmark 5 Star Lodges in New Zealand that are located on a commercially operating working farm. Spokesperson for Hiwinui Country Estate, Jan Stewart said that the boutique lodge which combines with a body and day spa, is not only the shop window of the families properties but also for most international guests their stay will be the only time they have a hands on experience when they view New Zealand's food and fibre factory.

The families participation in the awards judging was a rewarding experience and it was important, like the independent Qualmark assessment of the lodge, that their farm also was looked at through different eyes. The award is a reflection that agriculture and environmentalism can co exist together, we are the show case of agriculture setting high standards under public scrutiny from not only tourism but also from the high density of lifestyle blocks within our vicinity.

The prize money received will be going towards native trees that are to be planted in an ambitious 100 year landscape plan that will contour plant their properties for native bird life, nutrient interception and to provide future carbon credits. Once established this native tree corridor will be placed under a QE11 covenant.

The Stewart Family settled on a small bush property at Hiwinui in 1886, they were hard working pioneers that went through extreme hardships both physically and financially. It is ironic that today we are replanting with the very trees they destroyed 120 years ago.

ENDS

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