Overview
Under the guidance of Sarin Hotels, with industry experience of over 25 years inhospitality, the hotel adopts the Tikanga Māori value of kaitiakitanga (stewardship) as we believe we have a direct responsibility for the environment. We are committed to sound environmental practice and safeguarding our environment in partnership with the whole community beyond compliance with environmental legislation.
Tiaki
Tiaki – Care for New Zealand was created through a collective desire to share a connection to the natural world, inspiring and helping visitors to travel safely and conscientiously.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, people have a strong connection to the place around them. Tangata whenua (people of this land) see nature as something intrinsically intertwined with their own lives. For Māori, every mountain, every river, every tree has a story. These stories form part of their own identities and help to shape their place in the world.
Tiaki invites us all to look at the world through this indigenous lens. To form a deeper connection with place, and to reflect this in our attitudes and behaviours.
To commit to travelling in this way is to take the Tiaki Promise, which we at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch commit to.
Kaitiakitanga
Kaitiaki is a New Zealand term used for the Maori concept of guardianship, for the sky, the sea, and the land. A kaitiaki is a guardian, and the process and practices of protecting and looking after the environment are referred to as kaitiakitanga.
The concept and terminology have been increasingly brought into public policy on trusteeship or guardianship – in particular with the environmental and resource controls. We endeavor to follow these principles throughout the operation of our hotel.
Manaakitanga
Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support – the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others. This is a core principle for all of our staff here at the hotel, and we are excited to showcase this to you throughout your stay with us.
Our Hotel Practices
The following principles will be applied to all of our activities:
- Protection of our environment: We will minimise, and wherever possible, eliminate the release of any pollutants that may cause environmental damage to the air, water, earth or its inhabitants.
- Sustainable use of natural resources: We will sustain the use of renewable natural resources and will conserve non-renewable resources through efficient use and careful planning.
- Minimisation and safe disposal of waste: We will minimise the creation of waste, and wherever possible, recycle materials and encourage others to-do likewise. We will dispose of our waste in a responsible way.
- Responsible use of energy: We will make every effort to use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources. We will invest in and promote the benefits of improved energy efficiency.
- Transparent disclosure: We will set out our objectives in environmental action plans which will be communicated to our customers, investors, suppliers and all levels of staff through the use of our website. We will disclose incidents relating tour operations that cause environmental harm.
Community Involvement
- Commitment to support our local community through active participation in fund raising activities
- Provides accommodation support during festive celebrations and events held at the Arts Centre
- Create awareness of the Arts Centre activities, and promotes the history of the centre and Christchurch
Environmental Impact
- Refillable bathroom amenities are used instead of single use plastic amenities
- Guest room key cards are made out of paper instead of plastic
- Eco friendly paper pouches are used in all disposable toiletry amenities
- Single-use plastic bottles are not used throughout the hotel operations
- Nespresso coffee pods are collected by Nespresso for recycling once used
- Bins are separated into recyclable and general waste, and proper recycling practices are used by staff
- Providing guests with the option to reuse their towels, and delaying the service of their room, to assist us with our environmental journey
Energy Saving
- All lights in the hotel are fully equipped with energy efficient LED lights
- Energy saving light sensors are installed throughout public areas
- Guest room key card energy saving slot are used in all rooms
- The hotel uses a heat exchange process with the ground by utilising water from an underground aquifer, providing for no additional water consumption and using substantially less energy.
One Mother to Another
We build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local community organisations through active involvement, partnerships and contributions. We regularly support One Mother to Another’s monthly packing days, have provided accommodation vouchers for their fundraising events, a.00nd supported their grand opening day at their new venue.
Child Cancer Foundation
The Observatory Hotel actively promotes the Child Cancer Foundation’s fundraising programmes to both hotel guests and staff. Our team participated in the Long Run event from 6am till 6pm, demonstrating our commitment to supporting families affected by childhood cancer.
Dementia Canterbury
Our dedicated team participated in the Walk for Dementia, raising awareness and funds for this important cause. We also provided accommodation vouchers for their lucky draw, helping to support their vital work in the Canterbury community.
Open Christchurch
We are proud supporters of Open Christchurch, the annual event held from 2nd to 4th May. This marks our fourth consecutive year of supporting this initiative that celebrates our city’s architecture and heritage.
Conservation Volunteers Christchurch
Our environmental commitment extends to hands-on conservation work. Our team cleared rubbish at New Brighton and will be participating in tree planting activities scheduled between August and October, directly contributing to Canterbury’s environmental restoration.
Cancer Society
We actively promote the Cancer Society’s fundraising programmes, encouraging donations through QR code scanning. During Daffodil Day (29th August) and throughout August, all staff will be wearing daffodil pins to show solidarity and support for cancer patients and their families.
Friends of the Botanic Gardens
As proud members of Friends of the Botanic Gardens, we promote their activities to our guests and participate in voluntary work at both the gardens and nursery, helping to maintain Christchurch’s beautiful green spaces.