MEDIA RELEASE
1 OCTOBER 2020

AUCKLAND: Today signals the beginning of a new era for the Britomart precinct, with The Hotel Britomart officially opening its doors to guests. Bringing a vibrant new combination of food, retail, and beautifully crafted accommodation to downtown waterfront Auckland, The Hotel Britomart demonstrates the very best the city has to offer.

Designed by Cheshire Architects, the 10-floor hotel on Galway Street in the Britomart precinct offers 99 guest rooms and an even more premium stay in its five Landing Suites, which bring the luxurious coastal flavour of The Landing in the Bay of Islands to the centre of the bustling Britomart neighbourhood.

The Hotel Britomart is locally designed, built and owned. It’s a place that does detail like no other, with interior timber accents and an exterior of hand-made bricks, organic cotton sheets and built-in sofas, hand-crafted vases and a mini-library of New Zealand books in every room and suite.

Some of the hotel rooms have panoramic views of the Waitematā Harbour, while others take in vistas of the city skyline or of bustling Takutai Square in the heart of the Britomart neighbourhood.

“The Hotel Britomart aims to provide a sanctuary so calm that the only challenge you will face is uncurling yourself from the comfort of your room to enjoy all that downtown Auckland has to offer,” says Clinton Farley, The Hotel
Britomart General Manager.

As New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council, The Hotel Britomart is sustainable from the ground up.

“Our guests can rest easy in their compostable hotel slippers knowing that the environmental heavy lifting is being done for them,” says Farley.

The Hotel Britomart’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just about making the building efficient. It’s also about supporting local economies and showcasing the work of local artisans, businesses, designers, and regional producers.

With a focus on sustainable seafood, kingi – a brilliant all-day restaurant in the atmospheric laneway of the heritage Masonic Building (right next door to The Hotel Britomart), will be the new spot for locals and visitors alike.

“We wanted our diners to be able to come to kingi and not spend the earth. There’s no pressure, it’s a neighbourhood home away from home,” says kingi Executive Chef, Tom Hishon.

“What was really appealing about bringing kingi to Britomart was the idea of being part of the long-term vision for Auckland. It’s the chance for us to be part of something bigger than just our restaurant,” says Hishon.

Imagined by Cooper and Company, the team behind the rejuvenation of the Britomart neighbourhood since 2003, The Hotel Britomart project also involved the refurbishment of three adjacent heritage buildings, and the creation of a new plant-filled, pedestrian-friendly laneway connecting Galway and Customs Streets.

This intimate cobblestone walkway is open to the public and filled with outdoor seating, a cosy fireplace, and the theatre of Tom’s open preparation kitchen.

Just a few steps from the hotel lobby are the sunny plant-lined streets and historic warehouses of the Britomart neighbourhood, which house an unforgettable array of the country’s best restaurants, bars, boutiques and cafes.
Book your city staycation at The Hotel Britomart now .
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The Hotel Britomart‘s signature Britomart Black Card Package includes a $50 Britomart Black Card for each night booked that can be spent at any one of the 65+ restaurants, bars and retailers in the Britomart neighbourhood. In addition, booking with the promo code BLACKCARD enables guests to enjoy 15% off the fully flexible rate at the time of reservation.
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What’s in a name: The Hotel Britomart (The hotel name cannot be shortened)
Lead in Rate: $349 NZD
Website: https://thehotelbritomart.com/
Images:
Background: https://britomart.org/were-building-the-hotel-britomart/
Sustainability: https://britomart.org/about/#sustainability
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For more information, contact:
Kevin Mitchell-Sisler at DARK HORSE
Magdalen Drummond at DARK HORSE
Jodi Clark , Head of PR at TFE Hotels

About the TFE Hotels Collection
The Hotel Britomart is part of the TFE Hotels Collection and will be managed by TFE Hotels on behalf of Cooper and Company. Cooper and Company is the asset and development manager for the Britomart Group, which holds a contract for the long-term ownership and development of the Britomart Precinct.

The TFE Hotels Collection represents beautiful hotels hallmarked by authenticity and provenance, each designed with individual character and charm. With a collection of properties that encompass striking design and attention to the individual such as The Calile Hotel Brisbane, Melbourne’s The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins and Hotel Kurrajong Canberra. The Hotel Britomart embodies these concepts while remaining proudly a product of its unique location.

Ziptrek Ecotours is stoked to announce, in time for school holidays, that it is again a carbon neutral business ensuring its guests can experience the thrill of ziplining guilt free.

Ziptrek again commissioned the independent assessment by the good people at Ekos for its financial year 2019-20 with Ziptrek’s total carbon calculation being  17.48tCO2.  As a citizen in business Ziptrek Ecotours are committed to being part of the solution so they continue to take big steps by designing out the use of energy and then offsetting their carbon (and equivalents) from all of its business operation with contribution to two projects this year.   These were the Rarakau Rainforest Conservation Project in Southland which is used for conservation management and landowner community development in Southland and Kānuka Hill Uruwhenua Native Regeneration Project.

It is Ziptrek’s hope that through more of its region’s businesses choosing to become carbon neutral, that local biodiversity projects could be enabled from even closer to their source, here in Queenstown.  “I think that our communities are increasingly seeing carbon neutrality as being a non-negotiable part of undertaking business.” says Trent Yeo, Owner/Director of Ziptrek Ecotours in Queenstown.

Ziptrek was designed to be an extremely low environmental footprint from conception but, as in all audits, they chose an external partner, Ekos – what Trent calls a “carbon accountant” – to formally assess Ziptrek’s carbon footprint.   “I see us as recreational athletes, we’re doing a pretty good job already but if we want to go to the Olympics we’ll need a coach to go higher” says Trent.

Since the financial year 2019 began they have been ensuring all travel on flights with Air New Zealand are also offset with the national carrier as part of their policy of travel, in line with their FlyNeutral carbon offset programme.  They have also chosen an electricity retailer Ecotricity  which are 49% community owned, 100% renewable and also certified carbon neutral, to further increase their green partnerships.

Ziptrek Queenstown are continuing to look at ways to reduce their carbon emissions and the need to travel in the first instance.   “We have and will continue undertake webinar training sessions rather than needing to travel to events as part of our tourism endeavors and we have included ways for our staff to be rewarded for biking to work rather than by driving.  This is additional to the gravity fed activity and sustainable story we provide our guests and tell on each tour, allowing us to truly walk the talk” continues Trent.

The 5000+ trees/shrubs/grasses planted on their course area at Bob’s Peak and the local area, in partnership with Wakatipu Reforestation Trust are a biodiversity bonus as they are not calculated as part of the carbon count.

“Ziptrek has always pushed itself to deliver what we see as sustainable or regenerative tourism and every day, I think we get a little bit better,” says Owner/Director Trent Yeo.

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For further media information or imagery:

Contact  Trent Yeo or Nicky Busst

021 721 901 tyeo@ziptrek.com/ 027 721 9017  nbusst@ziptrek.com

Air New Zealand grounds 777 fleet until September 2021

Air New Zealand has grounded its Boeing 777 fleet until at least September 2021 due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

In May the airline grounded the majority of its seven 777-300 aircraft until the end of the 2020 calendar year. At the same time the company also signalled it was unlikely to fly its eight 777-200 aircraft in the foreseeable future and began preparing to send these into long term storage overseas.

Four of Air New Zealand’s 777-300 aircraft will be stored in Victorville in the Californian desert, while the remaining three will stay in Auckland where they are able to be returned to service if required. The airline’s 777-200 aircraft will be sent to long-term storage facilities in both Roswell, New Mexico and Victorville, California from later this month.

The North American locations were chosen for their arid conditions and existing storage facilities which will ensure aircraft are kept in a condition that will enable them to be returned to service within six to eight weeks if required.

Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Carrie Hurihanganui says the recovery of the airline’s international network post-COVID-19 is now looking to be slower than initially thought.

“The recent resurgence of cases in New Zealand is a reminder that this is a highly volatile situation. We are not anticipating a return to any 777 flying until September 2021 at the earliest, which is why we have made the decision to ground the fleet until at least this time next year.

The 777s are the largest aircraft in Air New Zealand’s fleet and have operated the majority of the airline’s long haul routes over the past 15 years. The airline’s international schedule will be operated by the more fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, along with A320s and A320/21neos for trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes.

One of Air New Zealand’s 777-200 aircraft, ZK-OKG, parked up in Auckland. Click here to download a hi-res copy of the image

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Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.

Email: media@airnz.co.nz  │  Phone: +64 21 747 320  │  Twitter: @AirNZMedia

Holiday Inn Express supports community – embraces Winter Pride

Queenstown’s Holiday Inn Express & Suites has only been open seven weeks, but has jumped ‘boots and all’ into community events.

This week its proud sponsor of the Winter Pride On-Mountain Series, an explosion of colour across three mountains incorporating the famous Onesie Day, Ski Charity Race Day and the Pride Ski Flag Parade.

Holiday Inn Express signed up to support Winter Pride nearly a year ago, with the hotel only half-way to completion at the time.

Fast-forward to this week and the Holiday Inn Express team has been on the snow, celebrating some of the best spring skiing in years and having fun with LGBTTIA+ visitors from all around New Zealand.

Hotel General Manager Jason Sabin says he and his team have been “beaming ear to ear” all week.

“It’s been great to see the return of Aucklanders and the rest of New Zealand to their favourite fun destination,” he says.

“Yes we’re operating under Level 2 and yes it would have been great to welcome Australian visitors too, but Martin and his Winter Pride organisers and volunteers have done an amazing job.

“The icing on the cake for him and us was the amazing snowfalls and cold temperatures we’ve had in the last few days.

“The skiing and snowboarding has been outstanding, thanks to Coronet Peak, Cardrona and The Remarkables. A highlight for us was supporting the Ski Charity Race which raises funds for the Wakatipu Youth Trust, a not-for-profit working alongside young people in Queenstown.

“We’ve loved every minute and will definitely be back next year!”

Winter Pride festival director Martin King says that in these extraordinary times, support for the festival is “critical” to its survival.

“Holiday Inn Express has been super-engaged and supportive, and them staying with us and standing up for the event at this time has been vital,” he says.

With snow coating the mountains and a brand-new hotel ready and waiting, the timing’s perfect to check out opening special deals still available throughout September and the school holidays (September 26 to October 11).

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown is a 227-room hotel on the corner of Stanley and Sydney Streets, just a short stroll from the resort town’s vibrant centre.

The hotel’s room offering includes spacious suites – a Holiday Inn Express ‘first’ in New Zealand and Australia – in addition to superior rooms with breath taking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.

It has a warm, stylish vibe, complete with an outdoor lounge with firepit. It’s also equipped with the smart, simple rooms and in-room features that leisure and business travellers have come to know and love.

The hotel delivers on features the Holiday Inn Express brand has become renowned for including an Express Start breakfast, power showers, black-out blinds, high-quality bedding with a choice of pillows and uncapped Wi-Fi.

There’s also a fitness room, sauna, two flexible meeting rooms, self-serve laundry, dry room, onsite parking and a free business centre.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown is the first and only hotel under the Holiday Inn Express brand in New Zealand to date.

For further media information please contact:

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR

M: 0274 313 270

E: Fiona@southernpr.co.nz

TECNZ pleased industry has been heard, but consistency needed

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is pleased the Government has listened to the industry and will offer loans to 26 Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) from the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme.

“The confirmation that the Government will offer loans to 26 ITOs, rather than the initial number of 10 ITOs proposed, and on better conditions than was originally discussed, is pleasing, and will allow these businesses to remain operational,” says Chief Executive Lynda Keene.

“We have been urging the Government to widen the scope of its funding for ITOs, so we are grateful there has been some change from the original proposal.

“We see these loans as being an investment in the future of securing New Zealand’s $17 billion international tourism export earnings when the New Zealand border reopens. However, it is likely, not all inbound operators will take up the offer, because they currently have no income coming in.

“We will continue to advocate for ITOs to be offered grants, or alternative funding mechanisms over the upcoming months to help them keep their businesses afloat. This will ensure inbound tourism operators are treated the same way as other parts of the sector. That way the entire tourism sector will be on the same footing, and able to work together in planning for the future.

“ITOs are a crucial part of the tourism sector. Their role is to feed the tourism eco-system and connect international visitors with local companies. These operators hold valuable commercial business to business relationships with offshore tour wholesalers that will be critical for the recovery of the wider sector in the future.”

Pre-COVID, 55% of all international visitors were booked through trade (offshore) and Inbound Tour Operators in New Zealand. This equates to $9.4 billion of the $17.2 billion that international tourism export receipts earned for the New Zealand economy.

“A New Zealand tourism industry without ITOs would be at a huge disadvantage when borders re-open. High value visitors rely on reputable companies with a long track record in the industry. Having the opportunity to keep some of these companies in business is a step forward. Now we need to work together to ensure New Zealand is ready to welcome visitors once again to support our broader economy,” says Ms Keene.

About TECNZ

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members).

TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.

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Fiordland locals encouraged to ‘Host A Holiday’ for friends and family

Fiordland has come up with a unique initiative encouraging locals to invite their friends and family into town, just in time for the September school holidays.

Businesses have jumped at the opportunity to be part of ‘Host A Holiday’, providing locals with something free-of-charge if they bring full paying out-of-towners to their business.

Te Anau owner-operator Christine Wallace from Fiordland Outdoors Company, says getting locals out to experience what Fiordland has to offer, and bring all their friends, is a real win for businesses.

“Word of mouth can be very powerful and we’ve got a lot to see and do in Fiordland, still at a really affordable price.”

Christine’s business, which provides guided tours in Fiordland including water transport for the Milford and Kepler tracks, is one of 17 businesses taking part in the initiative including fellow tourism operators, restaurants, cafes, accommodation providers and even the local cinema.

“We want this community to get back on its feet and help itself. If we all work together it’s amazing what we can do, especially given what we’ve been through.

“We’ve got to keep coming up with these unique ideas because we’re in competition with every corner of New Zealand at the moment and we’re putting up our hand and saying ‘here, pick Fiordland for your next holiday’.”

Christine hopes the initiative will have a flow on effect following the school holidays, providing an opportunity to bring old friends and family together in Fiordland all year round.

As a town which relies heavily on tourism, Fiordland has taken a big hit, first with the floods in February this year followed by Covid-19.

Destination Fiordland General Manager Madeleine Peacock says she’s confident the initiative will give this resilient area another boost.

“It’s all about getting in behind our hometowns, we know why Te Anau Fiordland are special. There’s never been a better time for locals to get out and about in their own backyards and we’re asking them to encourage friends from all around New Zealand to get down here while they can have the place to themselves!

“The scenery, the activities, our great food and accommodation and superb locals welcome have never changed, but with borders still closed there’s never been a better time to explore.

“Bring Mum, Dad, the kids and grandparents, we promise they’ll have a superb time.”

Although locals are being invited to ‘host’ their friends and family, it doesn’t mean they have to stay with them. Visitors are being encouraged to stay with local accommodation providers while in the area.

Locals taking part need to provide proof of residence within the Te Anau Basin, Manapouri or Milford Sound regions and are also being asked to write a review, blog or social media post about the business, to help keep the momentum going.

Business providers include Sandfly Café, Fiordland Outdoors Co, Real Journeys, Cruise Milford, Fiordland Jet, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Habit Foods – Bao Now, Southern Discoveries, Fiordland Cinema, Trips and Tramps, Fiordland Helicopters, Redcliff Café, Faith in Fiordland, Go Orange, The Cinema Suites, Cruise Te Anau and Wings and Water- Fiordland Seaplane.

Terms and conditions will apply and may vary between operators. Free trips will be subject to availability and not in conjunction with other offers. Free offers will vary between providers and will depend on the number of visitors locals bring through the doors.

For high res photos and more media information please contact:

Mandy Cooper

Southern PR

M: 0273377907

E: Mandy@southerpr.co.nz

This year Shotover Canyon Swing is going ‘full swing’ in an event on the 17th September 2020 to raise funds for St John Ambulance and raise awareness for mental health.

This is an exciting action-packed event that will see Jason Medina aim to break new records as he swings as many times as possible in a day to raise money and awareness for a good cause. What started as a spitball idea grew to the ambitious goal of raising $50,000 and completing up to 100 Canyon Swings by Medina himself.

To assist with reaching the goal of $50,000 Jason and the team at Shotover Canyon Swing are looking for a business and individuals to jump on board and sponsor each of his jumps.

Your sponsorship toward the event will assist St John in the Central Otago community. Every day our mission is to deliver the right care at the right time for New Zealander’s but doing that needs more than ambulances and highly trained ambulance officers. It needs the help and support of people like you.

You, and people like you, make it possible for us to deliver Emergency Ambulance Services to New Zealand, but also
deliver many other programmes that benefit our Kiwi communities; like Caring Caller, St John Youth Friends of the
Emergency Department, Hospital Friends and more.

Without donors like you we simply would not be able to help as many people as we do. We hope that you would like to get behind this event and see your sponsorship as being as important to our work as the paramedics themselves.

Becoming a sponsor is simple. Go to www.canyonswing.co.nz/fundraiser and fill in the sponsorship form – that’s it!
If you would like more information please contact salmon@canyonswing.co.nz.

Salmon
Sales Manager
salmon@canyonswing.co.nz
027 293 0045

Sarah Bloxham
St John Area Executive Officer
sarah.bloxham@stjohn.org.nz
027 704 8670

Heli Glenorchy acquires Heliworks Queenstown – builds on brand for future

Heli Glenorchy, owned by Action Helicopters Limited and one of the Southern Lakes’ top scenic helicopter companies, has announced the acquisition of Heliworks Queenstown.

Heli Glenorchy director and chief pilot Nick Nicholson and co-director and maintenance controller Blair Christmas said they were proud and delighted to announce the move, which comes into effect today (Tuesday 1 September 2020).

Heliworks Queenstown was founded by the legendary Sir Richard (Hannibal) Hayes, who is renowned for extraordinary feats of search and rescue in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Meanwhile Heli Glenorchy’s Nick Nicholson grew up in Te Anau and has spent the majority of his flying career in the mountains of Fiordland, the Southern Lakes region and Alaska, including invaluable time spent working for Sir Richard.

Nick’s love and intimate knowledge of flying in the region led him to set up Heli Glenorchy five years ago.

Heli Glenorchy operates from the Glenorchy Airstrip on the doorstep of the Southern Alps, Mount aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. The five-year-old company boasts a modern fleet of helicopters, a 100% safety record, highly-experienced local pilots and access to remote locations with spectacular alpine scenery.

Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters 2012 Ltd has a proven reputation for excellence. It offers a wide range of Queenstown and Glenorchy scenic flight experiences, and provides a range of helicopter services from search and rescue and commercial operations to filming and tourism.

Heliworks Queenstown is also renowned for its proposals and wedding services, working with professional wedding photographers, celebrants and planners to fly wedding parties to unique locations.

Nick and Blair said it was a “privilege” to take the reins of such an iconic brand.

“We’re excited about the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead,” said Nick.

“Hannibal built this brand from the ground up, and I was lucky enough to work beside him for a number of years. Taking this business into the future is now a dream realised, even in these trying times.”

Hannibal said he was proud to see Heliworks Queenstown going into the safe and capable hands of Nick, who he respected both as a former employee and director of another locally-operated and family-owned helicopter company.

“My wife Carol and I are happy to hand on the baton to Nick who we’re sure will continue the good name we’ve strived so long to establish,” he said.

“Nick’s a good kiwi bloke and has a close-knit, talented team including local pilots. They’re specialists in both commercial operations and scenic experiences.

“I’m sure the company will continue as it always has done, offering efficient, high-quality service with safety and professionalism as its highest priority, building on the reputation we’ve established and cherishing our history.”

Sir Richard and Lady Carol Hayes will continue to operate Southern Lakes Helicopters Ltd in Fiordland and the Mount Cook operations.  “We are looking forward to a close working relationship with the new Heliworks team.”

For further media information please contact:

Tess Kelly

Sales and Marketing Manager – Heli Glenorchy & Heliworks Queenstown

M: 021 509 530

E: marketing@heliglenorchy.co.nz

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR

M: 0274 313 270

E: fiona@southernpr.co.nz

Get off the beaten track and explore the natural & untouched Whanganui River on one of our Jet Boat or Canoe Tours. Be immersed in our local indigenous Māori & Pre-European culture by local river people – tangata whenua o te awa –  for a truly unique experience and memory.