Conservation

Our Conservation Commitment

Stewart Island Experience is closely involved with community conservation activities on Stewart Island, and actively supports Department of Conservation (DOC) efforts. 

In 2007, Real Journeys (including Stewart Island Experience subsidiary) won the Department of Conservation NZ industry award of "Conservation in Action". 

Below are the specific conservation activities relating to Stewart Island:

Best environmental practice

Stewart Island Experience is constantly seeking new ways to minimise our environmental impact. In this regard, many of our new initiatives are initially proposed by staff.

• All vessels are maintained to the highest international standards via our Safe Ship Management Systems.
• Since October 2006, we have increased fuel efficiency on our ferries by 5 – 6% by using a new non-toxic silicon-based anti-fouling product on vessel hulls. New generation “Tiger” propellers have further increased fuel efficiency on the Foveaux Express ferry by 6 – 7%. The same type of propellers were fitted to the Southern Express in mid 2007.
• Any rubbish resulting from our island-based operations is recycled and returned to the mainland.
• Staff act as “guardians” of the terminal facilities and surrounding harbour environment at Stewart Island and Bluff, monitoring the activities of all users to ensure these areas remain protected.
• The provision of improved drinking water on ferries has reduced the consumption of bottled water.
• A recent upgrade of vehicles on the island and at Bluff has increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Sponsorship

• Stewart Island Experience is contributing $40,000 over five years to assist DOC in studying and protecting the Harlequin Gecko. It is one of the world’s most endangered lizards and only became known to science in 1981.

Logistical support

• Free transport of materials and workers is provided for SIRCET (Stewart Island / Rakiura Community & Environment Trust), and staff participate in work days.
• Heavily discounted ferry fares are made available to scientific and conservation groups (for example, Otago University Botany Department, Department of Conservation’s Conservation Corps).

Encouraging passenger participation and environmental awareness

• Prior to disembarking at Stewart Island, ferry passengers are briefed on the importance of preserving the island’s natural heritage and the need to conserve water and electricity, and to recycle any rubbish they produce.