The Tiaki Promise - What You Can Do

We wholeheartedly support Tourism New Zealand’s ‘Tiaki Promise’ (tiaki means to care for people and place). It’s a commitment to care for our surroundings now and for generations to come by promising to:

  • 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.

We invite you to embrace the Tiaki Promise and act as a kaitiaki (guardian) while living or travelling in the Bay of Plenty. Here are some ideas on how you can protect the things we love the most!

 

 

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OUR BEACHES

Show care for our coastline by sticking to clearly marked beach access pathways through our sand dunes. These dunes prevent coastal erosion and locals have invested countless hours re-planting them with native grasses.

You can also protect our marine and bird life by picking up any discarded fishing lines you come across on the beach. Look out for Department of Conservation signs about bird nesting grounds and avoid any roped-off areas.

Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, especially from large creatures like the seals and sea lions who sunbathe along our shores. Give them space and peace to breed and feed naturally. 

Please take all of your rubbish (including cigarette butts) off the beach with you. There are usually plenty of rubbish bins nearby.

You can also get involved in one of our local beach clean-ups that happen around the Bay. Picking up litter and debris is a wonderful way to leave a positive mark on our community!

 

OUR OCEANS

Look out for vulnerable marine life when you're out on the water. Slow down and keep a respectful distance from mammals, large fish and birds.

Show respect for our friendly, relaxed surfing culture – there are plenty of waves for everyone and we all want to have a good time in the water. If it’s too crowded, pick another spot. We have more than 100km of superb coastline to choose from!

PROTECTING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

The Mōtītī Protection Area is made up of three zones, which cover the main reef systems off the coast of Mōtītī Island: Ōtaiti (Astrolabe Reef) including Te Papa (Brewis Shoal), Te Porotiti, and Okarapu Reef; Motuhaku Island (Schooner Rocks); and Motunau Island (Plate Island).

No one can take fish, shellfish or plants from these areas. These rules apply to everyone - such as divers and customary, recreational and commercial fishers.

For more information about this protection area, visit the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website.

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OUR FORESTS

Kauri trees are the kings of our forests but they’re at risk from kauri dieback disease. You can prevent any spread by staying on tracks and not walking over tree roots. There are special ‘scrub and spray’ stations at the entrance of some popular tracks to clean your shoes. If you’re taking a dog into the forest, clean their paws too. For more information, watch this video from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Poo in a loo, and be prepared in case you can't find one. Our bush and waterways are not toilets and nasty infections like giardia can make others sick if you misuse the great outdoors. Please use a toilet when you see one or carry an emergency poop bag with you!

 

OUR LAND

Observe any closures that are in place to ensure public safety and protect environmentally or culturally significant areas. Please don’t risk your safety or cause further damage by ignoring signage.

Household rubbish and recycling is regularly collected throughout the Coastal Bay of Plenty. Use designated bins at your accommodation and sort recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, glass and some plastics into the appropriate containers.

Freedom campers must be in a certified self-contained vehicle. All motorhomes must include a toilet and waste container that holds greywater (from your sink and shower) and septic waste. If you don’t have these facilities, please don’t freedom camp!

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OUR WAY OF LIFE

Kiwis love their coffee but we also like to do our bit for the planet. Lots of cafés around town will happily fill your own cup if you bring one. Some (like Elizabeth Café & Larder and Tay Street Store) will even give you a discount when you bring in your keep cup. How awesome is that!

Show respect for other people and cultures while on your travels. We are a friendly, welcoming bunch, but a smile and good manners are always appreciated.

 

KEEPING SAFE

Drive carefully on our roads and stick to the left-hand side! Familiarise yourself with our road rules and speed limits before you get behind the wheel.

Be prepared by telling someone your plans before heading out on the water or into the forest and hills. Check the weather or marine forecasts and dress for the conditions. We have highly trained search and rescue team members but we’d rather not have to search for anyone.

 

Thank you for helping us protect our home. We hope you enjoy your time in the Coastal Bay of Plenty.