Going Green

We are committed to improving the environment by developing sustainable practices in all our farm, vineyard and accommodation areas.

Energy Efficiency

• Insulation –  both Annie’s Loft and Studio have higher specification insulation than is currently required by the NZ building code.
• We use energy efficient lighting wherever possible and dimmers. Outside we use sensors with our electric lighting. In the grounds we use reflective tape and  solar sensor lights.
• The appliances we selected have high energy star ratings.
• We use 100% pure New Zealand wool carpets in relevant areas.
• Drapes have heavy duty block-out thermal linings and sunscreen blinds are important in the lounge in Annie’s Loft.

Waste Management

• We use the Hurunui District Council waste and recycling scheme and have set up a compost system.
• Our septic tank is properly maintained and cleaned regularly.
• Our left-over soaps are returned to the suppliers, Health-Pak for recycling.
• Our bathroom amenities are New Zealand products (Natural Earth) which contain manuka honey & harakeke & use recycled materials for packaging.

Water Conservation

• Our water supply is from our own deep well.
• We have installed water conserving toilets – 4.5 & 3 litre flush.
• We direct some of the rain runoff into a small fishpond.
• In future we intend to set up other rain collection tanks systems for use in the garden.

Environmental Conservation

• We participate in the ‘Greening Waipara’ Project to improve biodiversity.
• To encourage native birds, we have already planted a section by our irrigation pond and another area in the field opposite with native plants. Birds love our huge old fig trees and other fruit trees in the gardens - wax-eyes, fantails, and now pheasants & california quail.
• On the South bank of the Weka River we have planted 600 pines and have more to do. This is intended to fulfil our obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
• We actively attempt to eradicate rats and rabbits on the property.
• We are removing boxthorn & make annual checks for nasella tussock.

Community Support

• We are members of the Waipara Valley Wine Growers Association
• We support the Hurunui Sustainable Building Trust