• We recycle all single-use plastic bottles for orange juice and milk, and for small groups, these provisions are served in refillable glassware

• We are fully committed to the Nespresso recycling process of coffee pods. The pods are sent back to Nespresso in a recyclable bag when full.

As per Nespresso policy:” Aluminium is not just 100% recyclable, it’s infinitely recyclable. Each coffee capsule you recycle can come back in another everyday object – another capsule, bicycle, Swiss army knife, BBQ tongs, peeler, ladder, window frame or watch case.”

• We use beeswax wrappers to cover food if required.

• Our villas are equipped with reusable cutlery, dish-ware and glasses rather than disposable single-use items.

• We provide organic, environmentally friendly tea bags from Studio Red Tea, with biodegradable bags and recyclable paper tags.

• Plastic bottles, wine and beer lids are collected and taken to the Environment Centre in Hastings for an appropriate recycling process.

• All other glass bottles, paper, plastics 1, 2 & 5 and cans are taken to a recycling station.

• The fruit for our marmalades and jams come from our spray-free orchards and is made locally. We reuse the sterilised jars for the next season’s harvest.

• The honey is from Arataki, a local supplier. We buy 500ml containers, which we refill when honey runs out.

The Experience

• We encourage our guests to use our townie bikes to explore the countryside of Hawke’s Bay.

• Seasonal spray-free fruit from the Te Mata House garden is provided to guests.

• We use motion detector lights in some places around the rooms and property.

• We compost food waste or we feed our fruit and vegetable scraps to our Kunekune pig, Delilah.

• A beautiful tote bag is available in the room to use when shopping at the supermarket, or the Farmers Market.

• Every time you book with us, we will donate $10 of your payment to Trees That Count to fund the planting of a native tree in our region.

• The slippers in the room are single-use but are compostable.

Toiletries

• We use refillable dishwashing, laundry liquid, shower gel, shampoos and conditioners from Real World, a local company in Hastings. Their natural plant-based products are toxin and chemical-free. Hand sanitisers and body lotion are not part of the refillable group, however, we take these bottles back to Real World to be recycled.

• We encourage our guests to reuse their linen and their towels wherever possible, saving water and energy.

• Hand towels are available in the toilet at the Pool House, instead of paper towels.

• We have also purchased With Small toilet paper for all the rooms at Te Mata House. Their tree-free toilet paper is made from sugarcane waste and sustainably grown bamboo fibres, plastic-free and home-compostable!

Tiaki Promise

The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations. By following this promise, we are making a commitment to New Zealand.

We encourage all our visitors and guests to follow the Tiaki Promise, and to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

While travelling in New Zealand, I will…

Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace.

Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all.

Respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind.

Find more here