Leasership Awards 2012: Harvey James

When it comes to looking after the environment, sustainability is Harvey James' middle name.

Mr James is the owner of Rotorua's Waimangu Volcanic Valley and was recently awarded a Rotorua District Council community leadership award for his work with the natural environment.

No wonder, as Mr James has been a major influence on the development of the volcanic wonderland and as a result has gained a number of environmental and sustainability awards.

He said he was pleased on behalf of his team at Waimangu, who delivered day in and day out, and for the team at the Rotorua Sustainable Charter, "who have built the charter to be the best sustainable management group in New Zealand".

The popular tourist attraction holds Qualmark Gold standard, won the Bay of Plenty Supreme Sustainable Business Award in 2004, picked up a New Zealand Innovation in Eco Tourism Award in 2003 and 2004, won the New Zealand Service to the Environment Award in 2001 and 2002, the New Zealand Eco Tourism Award in 2001, and was Rotorua Supreme Business of the Year in 1999.

He said he wanted to continue to deliver the best nature-based experience for his visitors and continue to develop and grow their environmental work.

"Waimangu is a world-unique ecosystem that must be protected for perpetuity. As we demonstrate our manaakitanga (hospitality) and guardianship of Waimangu by the work we do at Waimangu, we hope to inspire our visitors to do more towards improving the environments that they live in.

"Through the sustainable charter we share our knowledge with other Rotorua businesses so that Rotorua can grow our region in a sustainable way, fulfilling the promise of Rotorua's manaakitanga brand and demonstrating our leadership to the rest of New Zealand."