Heritage Expeditions and the Russ family were recognized for their contributions to responsible expedition tourism at an event marking the company’s 40th anniversary and over 50 years of conservation efforts in New Zealand.
Speaking to 75 guests aboard the Heritage Adventurer, Hon. James Meager, Minister for the South Island, commended the Christchurch-based, family-owned company for its role in conservation, tourism and promoting New Zealand as a gateway to the Subantarctic Islands and Antarctica’s Ross Sea.
“Their voyages attract high-value international travelers, and as a government fixated on growth, that is a very positive outcome for us,” said Minister Meager. “As a Government, and a Minister in that Government, we want to be doing as much as we can to help promote that growth in a way that protects our environment and enhances our conservation values.”
Minister of Conservation, Hon. Tama Potaka, commended the company for setting the New Zealand standard in responsible expedition tourism.
“Thirty-five years ago, Heritage Expeditions became the original concessionaire for the Subantarctic Islands, setting the standard for responsible expedition tourism by ensuring conservation remained at the forefront of its voyages,” said Minister Potaka.
“When managed appropriately, tourism in the Subantarctic is an important tool for showcasing the rich natural and cultural heritage to the world. It brings important economic sustainability that can enhance conservation efforts while supporting jobs and incomes.”
“As Minister of Conservation, I am committed to ensuring that our partnerships with others, including those there today with you, continue to grow, evolve and thrive in the years to come. Together with Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) and iwi, we will ensure that these remote, fragile and beautiful places are protected for the tamariki, mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei (for us and our children after us).”
The event also highlighted Heritage Expeditions’ research partnership with Ngāi Tahu, which Tā Tipene O’Regan, Upoko Te Rūnaka o Awarua, praised as a strong example of the company’s role as a brand ambassador for Aotearoa and its collaboration with the southern Iwi through the Murihiku ki te Tonga Programme.
“I am personally a great fan of Heritage Expeditions and the commitment shown by the Russ family,” said Ta Tipene. “This is a case of a growing partnership that has the opportunity to deliver amazing results for all New Zealanders across a number of areas.”
“They’ve got a particular set of values which, I for one, and many of my Kai Tahu colleagues, admire enormously. They are values which protect the impact of visitors, and take great care to ensure the protection and heritage of these rare and wondrous places, that are such an integral component in our own Kai Tahu heritage.”
“We owe them a great debt of appreciation and gratitude for the efforts that they have made to preserve what they bring people to see. And the way they do it actually enhances the value of that heritage in a very real way. We think that we’ve been able to contribute some small measure to their vision of what they do, they have been able to enormously enhance our vision and our dream, our moemoeā of our delivery and protection of our own heritage in this very special rohe willed to us by our tīpuna.”
Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ called the event a celebration of Heritage Expeditions’ legacy and said the Russ family was grateful for the support as they look to the future.
“We look forward to continue working together with all parties, towards a shared vision for the ongoing protection and conservation of the extraordinary, unique New Zealand environments we share with our guests,” said Russ.
