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Earthsong embraces strong conservation ethics
Earthsong Lodge
has been created in harmony with our unique sustainable
environment to
provide a luxurious retreat for those who seek to
experience one of
New Zealand's best island wilderness regions.
Earthsong Lodge - history and position in the
environment
Great
Barrier Island has a rich human history dating back a thousand years
to the great Polynesian explorer, Kupe. In November 1769 Captain
James Cook, was the first European to sight the island. A tough
pioneering history of logging and mining on Great Barrier Island has
taught the local community valuable lessons about respecting the
environment. Today, over 60% of the island is protected as
conservation estate or reserves for future generations to enjoy.
Great Barrier
Island, the fourth largest island in New Zealand, has only a small
population, which survives without reticulated power or water. The
pioneering spirit and conservation ethic are strong, where many
residents choose to extract their power from the sun, wind and water
and in so doing have a built up an enviable reputation in the field
of alternative energy.
Much of this
island is a treasured sanctuary for many native plant and rare and
endangered wildlife species. Specific varieties of flora and fauna
are genetically unique as a result of evolving on the island in
isolation from the rest of New Zealand.
These
environmental values were a strong influence in choosing Great
Barrier Island for the location of Earthsong Lodge as a sustainable
eco-tourism accommodation facility.
Earthsong Lodge
is uniquely positioned on Great Barrier Island. Created on the
remnants of an early pioneering family farm that had become
unproductive, the lodge is nestled below a ridge-line and blends
harmoniously with the landscape.
Earthsong Lodge
has a programme of actively planting native trees to encourage the
re-establishment of native forest and the return of native bird
species. To date, more than 300 native trees and plants have been
planted in the Lodge grounds. A further six acres of lodge grounds
has been set aside to protect the regenerating native broadleaf
forests. A pest eradication programme is in place to eliminate
introduced predators, which imperil the survival of many New Zealand
endangered birds and reptiles. This has resulted in the return of
native bird species which feed on the nectar of trees in flower and
assist in the natural process of pollination of flowers and
distribution of tree seeds. Among the birds now returning to the
lodge forests include kaka (native parrot), tui, fantails, silver
eye, kereru (New Zealand Pigeon), pateke (brown teal duck), shining
cuckoo, grey warbler, morepork (New Zealand's only native owl),
banded rail, and black petrel.
Earthsong Lodge is eco-friendly
Construction materials used
The lodge walls
are of straw bale construction made from the leftover stems of
harvested wheat grain. The use of straw in construction, reduces the
amount of carbon monoxide pollution when this waste product is
otherwise burnt. Straw bale construction uses less lumber than the
construction methods most prevalent today.
The straw bale
method of construction is thermally efficient and energy conserving,
optimizing solar gain for heating i.e. the lodge is super energy
efficient (cool in summer/warm in winter).
The plastered
straw bale walls are finished with a breathable silicate colouring
which allows for the exchange of fresh air through the walls
providing a healthy and environmentally safe living space. Roofing
material is 'Onduline' a product made from waste paper. This is
non-corrosive, and ideal for the collection of potable rain water.
Water collected in this way supplies the needs of the lodge.
Insulation is further enhanced in the ceiling cavities which are
insulated with natural wool fibre insulation, a product of the New
Zealand wool industry. The lodge has oiled and waxed polished wood
floors using renewable forest-grown timbers. The timbers used for
all window and door joinery were recovered and recycled New Zealand
Rimu wood from a demolished factory
Power
production and energy usage
The extensive use
of solar panels for electricity production allows Earthsong Lodge to
minimize the use of fossil fuels. Solar panels are also used to heat
the lodge water supply. The passive solar effect of the straw bale
construction of the lodge reduces the amount of energy required.
Throughout the lodge lighting is provided by long-life, low energy
light bulbs which use 80% less power consumption than standard
lighting. Energy consumption is further reduced by the installation
of low energy electrical appliances.
Treatment of
waste
Earthsong Lodge
has an aerobic waste water treatment plant for the processing and
cleaning of effluent and waste water. This 'biocycle' system treats
all the effluent produced by the lodge to a level where it is then
used for crop and tree irrigation. Organic waste is composted for
subsequent use in the lodge gardens. Non-organic waste is sorted for
recycling at the community recycling station. Eco-friendly cleaning
products are used exclusively at Earthsong Lodge to eliminate the
risk of phosphate pollution. Earthsong Lodge is a smoke-free resort.
Earthsong
Lodge is a member of the International Slow Food Movement
With the rich
vibrant produce of the South Pacific, Chef Trevor Rendle is inspired
to explore the romance of regional cooking and offers guests the
opportunity to savour the finest taste sensations prepared in the
time-honoured way. These wonderful flavours, along with a convivial
atmosphere, bring Earthsong guests together as friends and dining
becomes a very memorable and special experience.
Earthsong Lodge
actively promotes and features the use of organic foods. The lodge
organic gardens grow many heirloom vegetables conserving the
heritage of the past and contributing to the defense of the world's
bio-diversity. Earthsong Lodge also sources much of its produce from
local island suppliers. Organic fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs are
sourced from local producers.
Size of Earthsong Lodge
Earthsong Lodge
is a small luxury lodge providing accommodation for up to six
guests. Because of its small size, guests can enjoy the environment
of a luxury lodge promoting sustainable tourism with minimum impact
on the land.
Earthsong Lodge - and the
local Island community
Earthsong Lodge
promotes Great Barrier Island as a destinational experience to both
domestic and international travelers, emphasizing the unique
wilderness island environment.
Earthsong Lodge
sponsors the Great Barrier Island Search and Rescue. This is a vital
community service for this popular boating and recreational
destination. The launch recently of the new vessel, "Rangitawhiri"
was celebrated by the whole community, and the vessel was blessed by
the oldest living Tangata Whenua (Maori Elder) on Great Barrier
Island. Earthsong Lodge guests were welcomed at this official
occasion and enjoyed this cultural experience. The "Rangitawhiri"
Search and Rescue vessel offers coastal discovery tours to Earthsong
Lodge guests who contribute with donations to the Rescue fund.
Earthsong Lodge
is committed to the local community and encourages guests to
experience the island eco-tourism ventures. The eco-tourism
operators promoted by Earthsong Lodge have high conservation ethics
and offer their clients low impact environmental experiences
designed with sustainable tourism in mind. By providing financial
support in this way, Earthsong Lodge guests contribute to the local
Island fragile economy. This, in turn, has created an enhanced
awareness of the advantages of eco-tourism by the successful tourism
adventure operators.
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