CSR

Manaakitanga – Delivering Authentic New Zealand Hospitality 

Manaakitanga represents the Māori tradition of hospitality and kindness. At Lower Hutt Events Centre, we honour this principle by welcoming every guest with genuine warmth and care, sharing the wonder of Lower Hutt’s natural beauty and helping visitors discover authentic experiences. This deeply rooted value shapes every interaction, from our first greeting to our fond farewells, ensuring that each guest feels the true spirit of New Zealand hospitality throughout their visit. 

Te Reo Māori & Sign Language 

We embrace New Zealand’s cultural identity by incorporating Te Reo Māori and Māori sign language when ordering and interacting with clients. This commitment ensures we honour our country’s indigenous heritage and create inclusive experiences for all guests. By integrating these languages into our daily operations, we celebrate the richness of Aotearoa’s diverse culture whilst ensuring accessibility and respect for all who visit our venue. 

Kaitiakitanga – Protecting Our Natural Heritage 

Kaitiakitanga embodies the Māori concept of environmental stewardship. Positioned in the heart of Lower Hutt, we recognise our responsibility as caretakers of this extraordinary landscape. We implement sustainable practices and support local conservation efforts, ensuring the breathtaking scenery our guests cherish remains unspoilt for future visitors. This commitment to guardianship extends beyond our immediate operations to encompass our broader role in preserving New Zealand’s natural treasures for generations to come. 

Greener Ground Operations 

At the foundational level, we’ve implemented essential switches in our everyday operations to reduce water, waste, and energy consumption. We’ve transitioned to LED lighting and sensor-based systems throughout the venue to significantly reduce energy usage. Our water conservation efforts include sensor-based faucets with full and half flush options to minimise water wastage, along with full load dishwasher practices in the kitchen. We ensure all lights, air conditioning, and electrical devices are turned off when not in use, taking meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint and lead by example in sustainable venue management. 

Zero Food Waste Commitment 

Lower Hutt Events Centre proudly maintains a zero-tolerance approach to food wastage, demonstrating our dedication to responsible resource management. We rescue and redistribute food through strategic partnerships with Kaibosh and Capital Compost. Our Tutaki Café has eliminated single-use plastics entirely, and we exclusively use recyclable coffee cups and compostable packaging. Through comprehensive waste segregation practices, we ensure efficient recycling and composting across all operations.  

Digital Operations 

We’ve eliminated pen and paper from our operations, transitioning completely to digital systems across all departments. This significant initiative reduces our environmental impact by saving thousands of sheets of paper annually whilst simultaneously improving operational efficiency and data management. By embracing digital-first practices, we demonstrate that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand in modern venue management.

Responsible Partnerships 

We prioritise partnerships with organisations like Capital Compost, Kaibosh, and local food suppliers to amplify our sustainable operations and create meaningful community impact. Our event partners share our commitment to sustainability, opting for reusable décor and collaborating with us to develop customised, eco-friendly gifting and decoration solutions. These collaborative relationships enable us to extend our environmental values beyond our venue walls, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the Lower Hutt community. 

Te Omanga Hospice Support 

We make regular annual contributions to Te Omanga Hospice by serving as kitchen helpers, providing hands-on support to this vital community healthcare service. Our team dedicates time and effort to assist with meal preparation, demonstrating our commitment to giving back to those who care for our community’s most vulnerable members. This ongoing partnership reflects our belief that true hospitality extends beyond our venue to support those in need. 

Food Redistribution Programme 

Any surplus food that is not suitable for donation is responsibly utilised by serving it to our employees and their families. This practice not only minimises food wastage but also fosters a genuine sense of community within our team whilst ensuring that all edible food is consumed. By caring for our staff in this way, we strengthen the bonds that make our workplace feel like family, demonstrating that sustainability and employee wellbeing are interconnected values. 

Community Initiatives 

We actively support causes that matter to our community, believing that hospitality extends far beyond exceptional service. During August, we proudly supported the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day initiative, with our team wearing daffodil pins with pride, offering daffodil-shaped biscuits and fresh blooms to guests, and helping to raise much-needed funds. These moments remind us that hospitality is about making a positive difference beyond our venue doors, standing alongside those in our community who need support. 

Flavours of the World 

Through special promotions celebrating international cuisine, including bento boxes, chaat and Indian thali, French crêpes, and Southern BBQ, we spread our philosophy of manaakitanga through meaningful culinary experiences. These initiatives have received overwhelming support from our community, demonstrating how food brings people together across cultures. By showcasing diverse global flavours, we create opportunities for cultural exchange and celebration, making Lower Hutt Events Centre a truly inclusive gathering place. 

Staff Training & Awareness 

We place strong emphasis on fostering staff awareness about sustainable practices through meticulously arranged training sessions that empower our team with knowledge and skills. By equipping our staff with comprehensive understanding of sustainability initiatives and the tools to implement them effectively, we ensure our commitment to environmental and social responsibility is reflected in every aspect of our operations. These regular training programmes keep our team informed, engaged, and motivated to contribute to our shared sustainability goals. 

Employee Support System 

We understand that work and life can sometimes present challenges, which is why we provide easy access to contact information and resources for employees who may need help. Our comprehensive support system ensures team members have the resources, guidance, and assistance they need to navigate difficulties and thrive in their roles. By prioritising employee wellbeing, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work each day. 

Monthly Team Social Gatherings 

We host monthly social gatherings to foster a sense of community and celebrate our team’s collective achievements in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. These events provide valuable opportunities for staff to unwind, socialise, and build stronger connections with colleagues across different departments. During these gatherings, we recognise and honour our ‘Employees of the Month, celebrating their exceptional hard work and dedication. This recognition programme encourages a positive, supportive work environment where excellence is acknowledged and team spirit flourishes, creating a workplace culture we’re truly proud of.