Heritage Expeditions praised for responsible expedition tourism standards

Heritage Expedition has received praise for setting the New Zealand standard in responsible expedition tourism during an event celebrating its 40th anniversary and over 50-year contribution to conservation.

Minister for the South Island, James Meager, told 75 VIP guests on board Heritage Expeditions flagship Heritage Adventurer he could not be prouder of the Christchurch-based, family-owned and operated expedition cruise pioneers and their legacy promoting conservation, tourism and New Zealand as a gateway to the Subantarctic Islands and Antarctica’s Ross Sea.

“Their voyages attract high-value international travellers, and as a government fixated on growth, that is a very positive outcome for us,” Meager said.

“As a Government, and a Minister in that Government, we want to be doing as much as we can to help promote that growth in a way that protects our environment and enhances our conservation values.”

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka praised the company for setting the New Zealand standard in responsible expedition tourism.

“Thirty-five years ago, Heritage Expeditions became the original concessionaire for the Subantarctic Islands, setting the standard for responsible expedition tourism by ensuring conservation remained at the forefront of its voyages,” Potaka said.

“When managed appropriately, tourism in the Subantarctic is an important tool for showcasing the rich natural and cultural heritage to the world. It brings important economic sustainability that can enhance conservation efforts while supporting jobs and incomes.

“As Minister of Conservation, I am committed to ensuring that our partnerships with others, including those there today with you, continue to grow, evolve and thrive in the years to come. Together with Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) and iwi, we will ensure that these remote, fragile and beautiful places are protected for the tamariki, mo tatou, a, mo ka uri a muri ake nei (for us and our children after us).”

The event also celebrated Heritage Expeditions world first research partnership with Ngai Tahu, which Ta Tipene O’Regan, Upoko Te Runaka o Awarua described as exemplifying “the great work Heritage Expeditions does as a brand ambassador for Aotearoa, and the relationship they have sought with the southern Iwi of Ngai Tahu, through the Murihiku ki te Tonga Programme”.

“I am personally a great fan of Heritage Expeditions and the commitment shown by the Russ family,” Ta Tipene said.

“This is a case of a growing partnership that has opportunity to deliver amazing results for all New Zealanders across a number of areas.

“They’ve got a particular set of values which, I for one, and many of my Kai Tahu colleagues, admire enormously. They are values which protect the impact of visitors and take great care to ensure the protection and heritage of these rare and wondrous places, that are such an integral component in our own Kai Tahu heritage.

“We owe them a great debt of appreciation and gratitude for the efforts that they have made to preserve what they bring people to see. And the way they do it actually enhances the value of that heritage in a very real way. We think that we’ve been able to contribute some small measure to their vision of what they do, they have been able to enormously enhance our vision and our dream, our moemoea of our delivery and protection of our own heritage in this very special rohe willed to us by our tipuna.”

Commercial director and expedition leader, Aaron Russ, said the event was a true celebration of Heritage Expeditions ongoing legacy and the Russ family was humbled by the level of support as it entered its next 40 years.

“We look forward to continue working together with all parties, towards a shared vision for the ongoing protection and conservation of the extraordinary, unique New Zealand environments we share with our guests.”