The Green Room / Te Rūma Kākāriki Leaves Lasting Impact in Bay of Plenty

Over the past three years, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has partnered with Tourism Bay of Plenty to deliver the Green Room / Te Rūma Kākāriki programme, supporting 135 local businesses on their sustainability journeys.

The programme, which concluded this year, worked with businesses across the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. By taking a holistic approach—encompassing environmental, social, and economic sustainability—it helped participants identify practical actions that not only reduce environmental impacts but also strengthen long-term business resilience. Cost savings made by reducing fuel usage and diverting waste from landfill, also result in reducing carbon emissions. Collaborating to support local supply chains and community organisations also results in positive community engagement.

Delivered across eight cohorts, the Green Room offered a mix of workshops, networking events, one-on-one sessions, and personalised sustainability action plans. The flexible format allowed the programme to evolve alongside participant needs.
An important theme that emerged was the alignment of sustainability principles with te ao Māori, highlighting how regenerative and connected approaches to business are not new concepts, but rooted in indigenous knowledge and practice.

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One business said, “This was an excellent opportunity to address an important issue. The programme provided direction and tools that were both realistic and achievable, and it connected us with other groups and businesses in our region.” Another highlighted the value of collaboration: “I loved the whole feel of the Green Room, but the most important part was the networking with all the participants.”

“Individually the changes may be small, but collectively they’re creating real impact,” said Gisela Purcell, Sustainability Manager at TIA.

While the formal programme has wrapped up, both organisations say they will be watching with pride as Bay of Plenty businesses continue their sustainability journeys.