Kaitaitikanga Guardianship and Protection

“Kaitiakitanga is about caring for people and place — a responsibility we share with every guest.”

 
 

What It Means

In te reo Māori, kaitiakitanga means guardianship and protection of the environment. It reflects the idea that we don’t own the land or sea - we look after it for future generations.

How We Practice It

  • Leave No Trace - we take out everything we bring in

  • Wildlife Respect - no landing at seal colonies, giving animals space

  • Eco-Friendly Operations - small groups, low impact, reuse and recycle where possible

  • Cultural Care - recognising the stories, language, and history of Mohua / Golden Bay

  • Safety First - caring for people is part of caring for place

Why It Matters

By practising kaitiakitanga, together we:

  • Protect fragile wildlife and habitats

  • Keep the coastline peaceful for future visitors

  • Honour the culture and values of this place

Where Your Donations Go

When you book online, you have the option to donate. This season, guest donations supported a local bird rescue centre, run with dedication by a couple right here in Golden Bay. Their work helps rescue, rehabilitate, and release native birds back into the wild.

We are pretty excited to have raised $1550.00 in donations for the 2024/25 season thanks to our generous clients.

Why It Matters

Your generosity helps protect the wildlife that makes Golden Bay so special. It’s one more way our paddling community can practise kaitiakitanga — guardianship and care for the place we love.

Thank you for paddling with purpose.

Giving Back Together
“Every paddle supports the place and people who care for it.”

If you would like to know more about the blue penguin in Golden Bay visit the Trust’s website https://www.goldenbaypenguins.org.nz

Tiaki - Care for New Zealand has been set up by a group of New Zealand tourism organisations to actively encourage local and international travellers to care for our country as much as we do.

Tiaki means to care for people and place. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, now and for future generations. Golden Bay Kayaks’ values align with Tiaki. We are wholeheartedly behind the Tiaki Promise and encourage all visitors to our region to act as guardians of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We ask that you respect the Tiaki Promise while travelling in New Zealand by following these guidelines:

  • 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

And use the Tiaki hashtag to show your support #tiakipromise 

For more information go to the Tiaki website.

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