Akiaki is an online learning programme, to help you understand the principles of sustainable tourism and how you can take practical steps within your own business.
The first nine courses are available now, with further courses being developed throughout 2024. The courses are based around the commitments of the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment and each will take you 1-2 hours to complete. They include a mix of reading materials, case studies, videos and interactive materials. In addition, we provide you with a template to create your own Sustainability Action Plan as you work through the programme.
The Programme Courses
Introduction
- Why a sustainable approach makes good business sense.
- How to maximise the benefits of this program.
Carbon Measurement and Reduction
- Go back to basics to understand what this really means, and what tools are available to get you started on measuring the footprint of your own business.
- Find information about both free and paid tools that are available in New Zealand.
- Learn about options to reduce and offset your emissions.
Waste Elimination and Sustainable Supply Chains
- Understand why and how you can reduce the waste you send to landfill.
- Develop ideas to influence your guests to do the right thing.
- Get inspired to influence your supply chain for far-reaching impacts.
Restoring Nature
- Understand the biodiversity crisis and why this is so important for tourism.
- Identify actions that can help support New Zealand’s biodiversity.
- Enhance your visitor experience through education and participation.
Visitor Engagement
- Learn about visitor engagement and satisfaction with Whakaipo Lodge and Waitomo Adventures.
Resilience
- Learn how to build resilience into your business with Fine Art Tours NZ, Hawke's Bay Tourism and Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.
Storytelling
- Learn about storytelling with Cycle Journeys, Intrepid Travel and Mount Hot Pools.
Investment and Innovation
Learn about investment & innovation from Tourism Innovation Group, ID Tours New Zealand and Patterson Hospitality.
Employer of Choice and Community Engagement
Learn about what it takes to be an employer of choice and how to engage your local community effectively with Sudima Hotels, Kohutapu Lodge and Zorb.
Courses Coming Soon
- Culture and Heritage.
Fees
This programme is FREE for TIA members including staff.
Businesses and individuals who are not members of TIA can also sign up:
Individual Fee
10-19 staff from one business or organisation
20-29 staff from one business or organisation
$590 +GST per person per annum
$550 +GST per person per annum
$510 +GST per person per annum
Click here for further information about joining TIA to access this programme at no additional cost.
Click here to find out more about the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment and sign the commitment yourself.
What does Akiaki mean?
Akiaki embodies an energetic ethos of proactive encouragement and guardianship, rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand. It's a name that encapsulates the values essential for navigating the challenges of the future and leading the way in sustainable tourism globally. Mana-aki and Ti-aki illustrate the importance of caring for each other and our natural world, guiding us toward a future full of pure possibilities. With courage as our compass, we can collectively shape a new and exciting Aotearoa Tourism Industry where communities thrive, cultures flourish and our Ātua Māori can breathe. This is Akiaki — Advancing Tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does each course take?
On average each course will take 1-2 hours to complete. There are links to further reading which can also extend the time it takes to complete a course.
Can I pause a course and come back to it later?
Yes – you can stop courses any time you like, then pick up where you left off when it suits you.
What order should I do the courses in?
We suggest starting with the introduction and after that, you can do the courses in whichever order you like!
How do I benefit from the Sustainability Action Plan Template?
You can download the sustainability action plan template onto your computer, and then complete it as you work through the courses. It is important to note the positive actions you are already taking, as well as the short-term actions and longer-term goals that you can work towards. You can complete the action plan individually or as a team.
How many staff at my business can register for Akiaki?
If you are a member of TIA, all your staff can register for Akiaki! We encourage you to share it with all levels of staff. They just need to enter your TIA company number to register.
If your businesses is not a member of TIA, each staff member will be charged $590 + GST to access all the Akiaki courses. If ten or more staff from the same organisation wish to register, please contact TIA to ask about our package deals.
Should I work through Akiaki individually or as a team?
Sustainability is a team effort, so we encourage your whole team to get involved. However, it might be more practical to work through Akiaki individually, and then discuss as a team how it applies to your organisation - the choice is yours!
How does Akiaki relate to Qualmark?
Akiaki – Advancing Tourism is based on the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Committment (TSC) which is very closely aligned with Qualmark. We have heard of many organisations which have written a sustainability action plan based around the TSC and this has helped them with their Qualmark audit. Completing the Akiaki programme will support your Qualmark assessment.
