Have you heard of TIAKI – care for New Zealand?
eBikes and Sustainable Waiheke Island Tourism – Embracing Tiaki
Tiaki – Care for New Zealand was created through a collective desire to share a connection to the natural world, inspiring and helping visitors to travel safely and conscientiously. Commitment to asks everyone in the country, to care for “our place” both today and for future generations.
Tiaki is a māori word that when translated means “to care for people, place, and culture”. Aotearoa New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.
The Tiaki icon (tohu) represents four atua (māori spiritual beings) who in turn represent four key elements that make this place so special. Its presence is a reminder for us all to travel in accordance with the principles of Tiaki and is often accompanied by information to help us do so.
eRide Waiheke have been recently acknowledged by Tiaki New Zealand as contributing strongly to Sustainable Waiheke Island Tourism and showcased as one of three businesses, together with Air New Zealand and Franz Joseph Glacier Guides with the publication of a complimentary article featured in the highly respected Tiaki New Zealand website.
Mark and Katya Seavill – owners of eRide Waiheke – their commitment to Tiaki isn’t just a slogan, it’s woven into the fabric of their operations. They don’t just “talk the talk”, they… well, ‘ride the talk‘ and implement Tiaki across their Waiheke bike riding business.
The Beginning of eRide Waiheke
i eRide Waiheke’s journey began with a deep love for Waiheke Island and a desire to share its beauty with others. Founded in 2019, the company was born out of a shared vision to provide visitors with a different, unique and sustainable way to explore
As avid cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, they recognized the potential of electric bikes (e-bikes or ebikes) to revolutionise the local transport and tourist opportunity for both visitors and Waiheke locals alike.
Offering a fun and eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods, ebikes are perfect for navigating the hilly terrain of Waiheke Island – in simple terms, visitors can get on a bike and “flatten out the ride”, so that it is comfortable and fun.
Katya and Mark Seavill who started the ebike business on Waiheke in 2019
Commitment to Sustainable Waiheke Island Tourism
Driven by their commitment to responsible tourism, Katya and Mark set out to create a business that not only showcased the natural wonders of Waiheke but also prioritised the well-being of the community and environment. Over the years, they have grown from a small bike rental operation, to a thriving family-run business, welcoming thousands of excited visitors from around the world and earning a reputation as a leader in Sustainable Waiheke Island Tourism.
Pictured: staff at the eRide Waiheke Matiatia ticket booth.
Embracing Tiaki
Guests are greeted with reminders of the business’s dedication to responsible tourism, including staff wearing Tiaki-branded uniforms and prominent Tiaki displays. This commitment to Tiaki has had a positive impact on their business, driving customer loyalty, fostering community support, and enhancing their overall brand reputation.
By following the Tiaki Promise, eRide Waiheke is making a commitment to New Zealand, and not only acting as a guardian, protecting and preserving the unique land and culture, but also asking others – especially visitors to the island – to do the same. The spirit of this can be captured in the simple phrase “Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa” = or “Welcome to New Zealand”.
Katya and Mark say getting their staff involved with Tiaki was essential to upholding their commitment to responsible tourism. Leading by example and actively engaging with customers, staff play a crucial role in conveying the Tiaki message and fostering a culture of respect, awareness and responsibility.
Promoting Eco-Friendly Ebike Rides
“By embracing Tiaki, we not only honor the land and traditions of Waiheke but also foster meaningful connections, creating memorable experiences that leave a positive impact for the tourist and our community. We also see our staff enjoying working in our organization daily and are enthused by talking about it.”
Tiaki behaviors such as “Drive Carefully” are shared as visitors are taught that in New Zealand, when biking and driving, you must stay on the left-hand side. Often, the brakes on the bikes are on the opposite side to what visitors are used to as well.
The Tiaki behaviours of Drive Carefully, Keep NZ Clean, Protect Nature, Show Respect, and Be Prepared are woven throughout eRide, and staff demonstrate these actions to visitors.
Waiheke Island Fun Facts
Waiheke Island is a small island 45 minutes by ferry to the East of Auckland city. It’s home to around 10,000 locals and attracts around a million visitors each year who come to:
Impact on Visitor Behaviour
Guests are greeted with reminders of the business’s dedication to responsible tourism, including staff wearing Tiaki-branded uniforms and prominent Tiaki displays. This commitment to Tiaki has had a positive impact on their business, driving customer loyalty, fostering community support, and enhancing their overall brand reputation.
Mark and Katya have observed a shift in visitor behaviour, with an increasing number of tourists showing greater awareness and respect for the environment and local culture.
“By emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism and providing practical tips for minimizing impact, we’ve empowered visitors to make more informed choices and to feel they can reach out to our community if need be. Thus, in turn, we have received great reviews.”
“Tiaki isn’t just a set of principles for us; it’s one of the cornerstones of our business”
Mark and Katya Seavill, eRide Waiheke
Sustainable Waiheke Island Tourism and Community Engagement
Their responsible tourism extends to their sustainability strategy and unique calculations of their carbon footprint. Their strategy embeds Tiaki, with sustainable tourism having a valuable role in their business.
“Through our adherence to Tiaki principles, we’ve earned the trust and respect of both locals and tourists alike. Our reputation as responsible stewards of Waiheke Island has contributed to our success, with happy customers returning time and again and spreading the word to friends and family,” conclude Katya and Mark. Their dedication to sustainability and community engagement has inspired others to follow suit and adopt similar practices.
“Tiaki embodies the values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), principles that resonate deeply with our ethos as a family-run business.”
Experience Sustainable Waiheke Island Tourism with eRide
Discover the beauty of Waiheke Island the eco-friendly way with eRide Waiheke. Explore the island’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming community on an electric bike. Book your next adventure with us:
