I was somewhat amused with the latest announcement by Air New Zealand of their Qualmark Environmental Gold Accreditation. The nature of the airline industry dictates this ironic politically correct gesture will never come within a bulls roar of offsetting the carbon that it spews into the atmosphere.Qualmark Enviro-Green accreditation was a compulsive feel-good initiative forced upon the tourism industry under the Nanny knows best culture of the Clark government.
The unintended consequences of the airline grandstanding its alleged green credentials is that it will unnecessarily raise environmental hysteria and guilt of air travel while promoting the myths of climate change.
The last thing that Air New Zealand needs to focus on right now is a silly green-wash campaign that opens the airline to unnecessary scrutiny from flat-earth environmentalists.
In this dire economic climate, the airline needs to man-up, axe unnecessary "hug-a-polar-bear" programmes and focus on core business activities.
Air New Zealand, a 75% state owned company was first out of the blocks chiding the government for not further contributing to it's marketing by freezing the tourism spend announced in last week's Budget. This was swiftly played down this week by Air New Zealand as they suggested that the New Zealand taxpayer should now be subsidising it's marginal international routes as tourist numbers decline.
Air New Zealand's most recent announcement of achieving Gold Accreditation from Qualmark NZ, a fellow government funded adjunct, rounds off a 2-week period where the airline has attempted to maximise its status as an iconic New Zealand company in order to extract more favour from the New Zealand taxpayer.
It is highly unlikely that the National led government would consider selling off Air New Zealand in its first term, however we suggest that John Key start the process of weaning the airline off corporate welfare and start a series of fireside chats with the New Zealand public to explain why this company should be returned to private ownership in its second term.
Press Release: Air New Zealand
9 June 2009
Air New Zealand achieves Environmental Gold Accreditation
Air New Zealand has been recognised as being amongst New Zealand’s most environmentally responsible tourism businesses with its achievement of Qualmark’s Enviro-Gold accreditation.
Enviro-Gold is the highest rating able to be achieved under Qualmark Green, a responsible tourism criteria designed to extend environmental and socially responsible actions for tourism businesses. The criteria recognises energy, water, waste, community, conservation programmes and monitoring.
Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Officer Norm Thompson today said the airline was delighted to have achieved the Gold standard.
Mr Thompson says as one of the biggest tourism businesses in New Zealand, the airline felt it was important to put itself under independent scrutiny through the Qualmark Green assessment.
“Air New Zealand is committed to becoming the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline and achieving the Enviro-Gold accreditation is another step in recognising the work we are achieving on that journey,” he says.
“Today we have also launched a new website (environewzealand.co.nz) which recognises Qualmark Green enviro-rated tourism businesses, making it easy for travellers to find out more information and plan their itineraries to include these activities. It’s another way in which Air New Zealand is helping to drive awareness of the great services and activities on offer in New Zealand.
Qualmark Chief Executive Officer Geoff Penrose says Air New Zealand’s performance within the responsible tourism criteria was exemplary, with a track record that includes a large number of fuel and carbon emission saving initiatives.
“Air New Zealand’s green programmes cover the spectrum of responsible tourism criteria ranging from water conservation and waste minimisation to an in-house Green Team, customer carbon offsetting programme and conservation activities such as the Air New Zealand Environmental Trust.
Mr Penrose says that Qualmark’s leadership in responsible tourism has to date achieved many tangible outcomes, with a key aim to ensuring visitor expectations of New Zealand’s clean green image is exceeded.
“Air New Zealand’s overall commitment highlights a large tourism business implementing both environmental and socially responsible practices throughout their organisation, and clearly demonstrates guardianship of the industry, which is to be applauded.”
Source: Click HERE
