Knowledge and values are important to our business, guiding the work we do and how we go about it. We have core values as well as 6 guiding principles (you can read more about this philosophy here), that lead our approach to project work and inform our business practice.
One of these principles is the concept of Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) – sustainability and an intergenerational approach to protecting what matters.
We actively support a number of programmes and causes through grant making, sponsorship and by contributing volunteer work hours to foster company culture, relationships and workplace wellbeing. Our involvement with Taranaki Mounga, Tainui Kawhia and Department of Conservation work, are all projects we are proud of.
Our Planning and Environment teams volunteer to maintain a trap line on Taranaki Maunga as part of the secure, restore and sustain programme run by Taranaki Mounga. This is a project that BTW have been involved with for a number of years now and provides a number of our staff with time outside the office, contributing meaningfully to their community and environment. Like most areas of New Zealand, much of the native biodiversity on and around the maunga has been laid to waste by introduced predators like wild goats, weasels, stoats, possums and rats. Taranaki Mounga’s objectives align with the Government’s vision of a predator free New Zealand by 2050.
We get very excited each time there is good news about kiwi breeding success in the area or when we find a predator in our traps.
Our Waikato team have taken part in community planting events, re-planting native trees on the Kawhia sand dunes. Tainui Kawhia Incorporation (TKI) have made a large area along the Kawhia harbour margin at Takapuwahia available for restoration of a coastal forest. This collaborative project is part of the Coastal Buffer Trials which will determine which species grow well and provide the best protection to the inland pine forest of this area. With thousands of coastal grasses, shrubs and trees to plant it requires a huge team effort and ongoing support.
As well as contributing volunteer hours, BTW are investigating options on behalf of Tainui Kawhia for creating alternative beach access to the Te Puia Hot Springs on Ocean Beach at Kahwia. Current access impacts on culturally significant sites, kaimoana beds and endangered bird species. BTW’s Environmental Planning, Ecology and Engineering staff aim to resolve this important kaupapa for the Kawhia community, helping to restore a native ecosystem and stabilise the land here.
The Kaka Aviary successfully built and used in Abel Tasman National Park is a BTW designed kitset, with parts premanufactured and all materials ferried into the National Park for construction onsite by DOC workers. After its use in the Abel Tasman the aviary will be dissembled and shipped to its next location. To see the aviary in use, and gain a little insight into this special conservation work, click here.
BTW’s involvement with this unique and inspiring project, came about in part from our work with Project Mounga and is testament to BTW’s companywide passion to protect the environment and to give back with meaningful connection and smart solutions.
BTW is proud to have a rich history and strong connection with Taranaki and Waikato communities, and relationships with local iwi at both project and business levels. We’re passionate about the places we support, the people we work with and the communities that benefit from the services we provide.