The Tiaki Promise: Travel Responsibly in New Zealand

In the spirit of preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of New Zealand, the Tiaki Promise stands as a beacon for responsible travel. Embraced by New Zealand Educational Tours (NZET), this initiative is an invitation to all travelers to act as guardians of the land, ensuring that its incredible landscapes and rich traditions are protected for future generations. As we embark on our journey through Aotearoa New Zealand, we are encouraged to adopt the values of the Tiaki Promise, forming a deeper connection with this remarkable country.

TIAKI PROMISE

New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. As brought to you by New Zealand Educational Tours (NZET), this promise is an essential part of traveling responsibly.

By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

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. NZET is proud to present this initiative, encouraging travelers to embrace the ethos of Tiaki during their educational tours.

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 behaviors, especially when participating in educational tours with NZET.

To commit to traveling in this way is to take the Tiaki Promise.

The four key areas of the Tiaki promise are designed to:

• Protect Nature
• Keep NZ Clean
• Be Prepared
• Drive Carefully
• Show Respect

This land tells the story of our people. This sky is our father, and this earth is our mother. This nature is part of us, and we are part of nature.

When you travel through Aotearoa New Zealand with NZET, you too are a part of this story. You too are part of this place. We all have a responsibility to protect it.

Tiaki means to care for people, place, and culture. Care for New Zealand on your travels, for now and for future generations.

While traveling with NZET, remember to take responsibility for the natural beauty and cultural heritage that defines Aotearoa New Zealand. Take care to protect the environment and embrace the ethos of the Tiaki Promise. By doing so, you contribute to the preservation of nature and the stories that shape this land.

New Zealand’s nature is precious and many of our native species are endangered or at risk. Remember to care for land, sea, and nature when you travel with NZET.

How to Protect Nature

• Give Wildlife Space: If you encounter seals or sea lions, keep a distance of at least 20 metres. That’s around the length of a tennis court. Seals and sea lions are surprisingly quick on land and can become aggressive, with a nasty bite. Our native birds need space too. Many are endangered and may be nesting throughout the year. If you’re lucky enough to see dolphins or seals when out on the water, don’t get too close.
• Leave your drone at home: The use of drones in New Zealand is heavily regulated because of their impact on wildlife, Māori cultural values, safety, and privacy. If you do choose to bring a drone with you, you will need permission to fly it, even on public land. This usually requires a complex permitting process and will take some time. It’s easier and nicer for everyone to enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful scenery from the ground.
• Clean your gear: New Zealand’s forests have ancient and sometimes fragile ecosystems. Sadly, some parts of the country have been infected with diseases such as kauri dieback disease and didymo that can devastate native trees and waterways. Help prevent these diseases from spreading by cleaning your footwear and gear between outdoor areas. All it can take is one droplet of water or speck of dirt to infect a new area.
• Check it's alright before you light: In New Zealand, 99% of wildfires are started by people. Fire can have a devastating impact on forests and wildlife habitat. There are often fire restrictions in place to limit the risk of wildfires starting, so if you want to light a campfire or use a gas cooker, check the rules first.

How to Keep NZ Clean

• Use a rubbish or recycling bin: Help to keep New Zealand’s environment free of litter and rubbish. This includes food scraps such as orange peels and apple cores. There are public rubbish and recycling bins throughout the cities and towns of New Zealand that you can use. You can also find a directory of recycling stations on the beatidykiwi.nz website.
• Pack in, pack out: If you are going out into nature, including bush walks, beaches, and national parks, there probably won’t be any rubbish or recycling bins available. You must take your rubbish with you. This includes food scraps. Make your trip easier by taking a bag or container with you that you can store your rubbish in. If you see litter, please pick it up, even if it's not yours.
• Use a toilet: You will find that there are long stretches of road without toilets or bathrooms available in parts of New Zealand. There are also very few toilets in our natural areas such as national parks, forests, mountains, and coastlines. Always go to the toilet before you go on a long drive or head into nature. If you are heading into more remote areas, make sure you are properly prepared. This includes taking any used tampons, pads, or other period products away with you until you can dispose of them in a sanitary bin.
• Pack a bag and bottle: Plastic bags are banned in New Zealand stores. While paper bags may be available, they still have an environmental impact. Make supermarket shopping easier and greener by carrying a reusable bag. Tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink. You can refill bottles for free from public drinking fountains, local cafes, or from the tap in your accommodation.
• Camp with care: When camping, respect the environment by taking away all waste, ensuring you leave the camping area clean for those who come afterward.

How to Be Prepared

• Dial 111 in an emergency: Fire, police, and ambulance services. Calls are free. Be aware that many places in rural New Zealand and national parks do not have cell phone reception. If you are hiking, hire a distress beacon so you can summon help if you need it.
• Check the weather forecast: Weather can change very quickly in New Zealand and at times be extremely dangerous. Check the weather forecast before you head outdoors. If there is rain, strong winds, or cold temperatures forecast, consider changing your plans. No matter what the forecast, be prepared for all conditions. It can be sunny, rainy, and windy in a single day.
• Share your plans: Let someone know where you are going, and when you’ll be back. Ensure they know to dial 111 if you haven’t returned by that time. Online tools such as PlanMyWalk.nz or AdventureSmart.nz can also help you share your plans. If you’re a Spark or 2 Degrees customer, you can text your plans to 7233 (SAFE) for free. Plans will only be accessed in the event of an emergency.
• Know your natural hazards: New Zealand is home to active volcanoes and sits on earthquake faultlines. If you are visiting a volcanic region, check the Volcanic Alert Level on the Geonet website. If you experience an earthquake, drop to the floor, get cover nearby, and hold on. If you are near the coast, take note of the Tsunami Evacuation Zones, and if you feel a long or strong earthquake, head inland or to a high point.
• Swim between the flags: To keep safe when you swim, find a beach that is patrolled by lifeguards and stay in between the red and yellow flags. You can find out which beaches have lifeguards at safeswim.org.nz along with information on any dangers present. If you choose to swim at an unpatrolled beach, river, or lake, make sure you understand any dangers before you head out. Check Safeswim.org.nz, read any safety signs and talk to locals for advice. If in doubt, stay out.
• Follow the Land Safety Code: If you are heading out into nature on a walk or hike, check you are prepared by following the Land Safety Code. Our weather changes very fast, the terrain can be very rough, you will often be in remote rural areas a long way from shops, and you will likely be without mobile phone reception. The Land Safety Code helps you to make sure you are well prepared. You can find it on the PlanMyWalk.nz or AdventureSmart.nz websites.
• Check out a visitor centre: There are many Department of Conservation (DOC) and i-SITE visitor centres throughout New Zealand that can provide free, up-to-date and tailored information for your next adventure. You can find one near you by searching online.

How to Drive Carefully

• Always carry your license: You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have a current driver’s license or international driving permit. If the license is not in English, you must carry an accurate English translation. You must carry your license or permit and any translation at all times when driving.
• Stay left: In New Zealand we drive on the left-hand side of the road. This can be confusing if you are used to driving on the other side. You must remember to keep left at all times, especially as you come up to an intersection or pull out onto a road.
• Take your time: New Zealand roads can be narrow and windy and are mostly two-way with just one lane in each direction. Distances may seem short on a map but take much longer when driving. Allow for more time than you think you’ll need and make the journey a part of your holiday.
• Learn the road rules: Make sure you are familiar with the New Zealand driving rules as these may differ from what you are used to. There are many resources to help you with this, including the official New Zealand Road Code.
• Don’t drink and drive: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense and puts people’s lives at risk. In New Zealand drivers can be pulled over at any time, for any reason, to be breath-tested.
• Watch your speed: Stay on or below the legal speed limits indicated on road signs.

How to Show Respect

Travel with an open heart and mind. By taking the opportunity to understand our culture and respect our customs, you’ll have a positive impact on the communities you visit. In return, the people of Aotearoa New Zealand will leave a lasting impact on you.

• Stick to the campsites: Camping rules are generally set by local councils and vary across the country. You are not able to camp wherever you like. If you are camping in a tent or vehicle while traveling through New Zealand, it is always best to camp at an official campsite or campground. The Campermate App is a good place to find campsites as you travel.
• Follow public health guidance: Check for any public health restrictions in the areas you are traveling through. This includes settings under the COVID-19 Protection Framework which may change from region to region. Some communities can be remote and isolated from hospitals, so keeping locals safe is important. Wash or sanitize your hands and cough or sneeze into your elbow. Make sure to wear a mask and keep physically distanced where required.
• Ask a local: If in doubt, check with a local for advice on what is appropriate. Check in with farmers or landowners before you cross paddocks or enter private land. Local business owners or community members are often happy to answer questions you may have or talk to the team at a local i-SITE Visitor Centre.
• Respect wāhi tapu: Wāhi tapu are culturally significant sites such as urupa (cemeteries), pā (Maori fortification) sites, or battle sites. Make sure to take nothing from the site and leave it as you found it. There may also be tikanga (protocols) in place, such as not eating, running, or making loud noises while at the wāhi tapu site. These may not always be signposted.

As we reflect on our travels, let us remember that caring for New Zealand is more than a promise; it is a collective responsibility that binds us to the land and its people. By honoring the Tiaki Promise, we contribute to the preservation of nature and cultural heritage, ensuring that the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand remains untouched for those who come after us. Let us travel with an open heart and mind, leaving behind a legacy of respect and stewardship. Farewell, and may your journey through New Zealand be both memorable and impactful.