At Wanaka Helicopters Group, we know we have a unique challenge. We operate in an industry that relies on carbon-intensive technology, and we’re not shying away from that. But we also believe that meaningful change starts by being honest, taking responsibility, and doing what we can – across all areas of our business.
Aviation is critical to connecting us to the world and our remote regions and is fundamental to our country’s economic and social success. Here at the Wanaka Helicopters Group we play a critical role in the national and global aviation sector by training the next generation of both fixed wing and rotary pilots. Our past students are now contributing and connecting communities around the world. However air travel is contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions and our sustainability framework provides the roadmap to help decarbonise our operations and support our communities and the people that live and work within them.
For us, sustainability isn’t just about emissions. It’s about caring for the people we work with, the community we work within, and the incredible environment we are privileged to call home. It’s about doing better today, so that future generations can enjoy what we have been fortunate to experience.
This is just the start of our sustainability journey. We’re already taking meaningful steps, and we’ll continue to share our progress as we improve, learn and continue on this journey as a company.
Being part of the aviation industry means we need to be creative and think beyond just carbon. As a group we continually ensure we are looking at how we can improve our environmental footprint, support our people and community, and run our business in a way that aligns with our values.
Our efforts span across waste reduction, sustainable business practices, conservation support, community support, sustainable employment and education. We’re proud to hold a Qualmark Gold Award, which recognises high standards in sustainable tourism. We also support programmes like Tiaki, Sustainable Tourism NZ and Lake Wanaka Tourism.
Each year we review and improve how we handle waste across our operations with the overarching goal of reducing wherever we can.
Here’s what we’re currently doing:
Recycling with Wānaka Wastebusters
Annual waste audits to track and reduce our landfill impact
Composting and paper reuse in our offices
Efficient use of consumables and sustainable procurement
Using non-toxic, refillable, and environmentally friendly products where we can
Reusing or recycling construction and operational materials where we can
We’re committed to running our business in the most efficient and conscious way we can.
This includes:
Efficient operations – Flying the most direct and fuel-efficient routes where possible
Fleet maintenance & upgrades – Keeping our aircraft modern and well-maintained for better fuel use and safety
Supporting native biodiversity on our land and in the region
Sourcing locally wherever we can, and minimising materials with high embedded energy
Encouraging sustainable transport for our team and students – through EV & hybrid use, carpooling, walking, and cycling
Caring for the environment is part of who we are. We actively support conservation efforts across the Southern Lakes and beyond. Our current and past contributions include:
Longstanding support of DOC’s Landsborough Valley work
Contributions to Aspiring Biodiversity Trust and Southern Lakes Sanctuary
Participation in predator control, native tree planting, and other restoration work alongside community partners
Support from staff, trainees, and flight operations to get boots on the ground where it counts
We’re proud to give back to the land we fly over – and we’re working on expanding our support further.
We know aviation has a high carbon footprint, and we’re putting in the work to measure, reduce and offset our impact wherever we can.
We’re working on measuring our carbon footprint and then from there developing a bespoke carbon offset programme, giving our passengers and students the opportunity to contribute directly to local tree planting and biodiversity efforts.
While we’re still building out the full framework, we’re already connecting with initiatives like Love Wanaka to ensure our offsetting efforts are grounded in real, local impact.
We’re a family-owned business, and giving back to our local community is at the heart of what we do. We support a wide range of local groups, schools, charities and initiatives, including:
Aspiring Biodiversity Trust
Southern Lakes Sanctuary
DOC Central Otago
MAC Rugby Team
Hāwea Flat School
Wānaka Squash Club
Tarras Young Farmers
Rotary Crop Competition
Tarras School
Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust
Uplift in Kind
Race 4 Life
We also support conservation and educational groups through flight access, sponsorship, and shared storytelling – because when our community thrives, we all do.
We believe our people are our greatest asset – and we’re committed to creating a workplace where our team and trainees feel supported, inspired, and part of something meaningful.
Quality employment
We treat our team with respect and provide opportunities to grow and succeed
Values-based training
We teach our students the importance of operating responsibly and sustainably
Client education
We promote responsible tourism through partnerships with campaigns like Love This Place
If you have feedback, ideas or would like to get in touch about support for your conservation or community group? We’d love to hear from you - please reach out to us at [email protected]
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