Our Commitment to Tiaki

At Casa Playa de los osos, we believe we are more than just hosts; we are guardians (kaitiaki) of this incredible piece of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for our country for now and for future generations, and it’s a promise we take to heart.

It’s about showing care and respect for our natural environment, our local community, and our shared culture. This page outlines the practical steps we take to honour our Tiaki Promise, and how you, as our valued guest, can help us in this important mission.

Learn more about the national initiative at the official Tiaki - Care for New Zealand website

Our commitment is woven into the details of your stay. Here’s how we're working to protect and preserve our slice of paradise.

1. Protecting Our Water (Te Mana o te Wai)

• We Catch Our Own Water: All the water used at Casa Playa de los osos is pure, untreated rainwater, collected from our roof and stored on-site. It is not connected to a public system. This precious resource reminds us daily of the need for conservation, and we ask that you use it mindfully during your stay.

2. Caring for Our Land (Kaitiakitanga)

• On-Site Composting: All organic food waste from the house is composted on-site. This significantly reduces our contribution to landfill and enriches the soil for our gardens. We provide a simple system for you to help us, turning today's scraps into tomorrow's soil.

• Supporting Native Wildlife: We choose to plant native New Zealand flora in our gardens where possible, providing food and shelter for our beautiful native birds like the Tūī and Pīwakawaka (Fantail).

3. Choosing Consciously (Manaaki)

• Proudly Partnering with HUIA: The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash we provide are from the New Zealand-made HUIA range. We chose this brand specifically for its partnership with Forest & Bird, a leading independent conservation organisation dedicated to protecting our native species and wild places.

• Eco-Friendly Products: From our cleaning supplies to our rubbish bags, we prioritise using eco-friendly, biodegradable, and septic-tank-safe products wherever possible to minimise our chemical footprint.

• Energy Efficiency: Our home is well-insulated, and we use energy-efficient LED lighting throughout to reduce our power consumption.

4. Supporting Our Community (Whanaungatanga)

• Living and Buying Locally: We believe a strong community is a sustainable one. We champion our local producers and businesses—from the Coopers Beach Butcher to the Mangōnui Fish Shop—and encourage our guests to support them too. This keeps our local economy vibrant and reduces food miles.

By staying with us, you are already supporting a business that cares. We invite you to join us in caring for the Far North during your stay:

• Be Mindful of Water: As our water is reliant on rainfall, every drop is precious.

• Recycle and Compost: Use the provided bins to help us minimise waste.

• Respect Our Culture: When visiting local historic sites like Rangikapiti Pā, please stick to the paths and treat them with the respect they deserve.

• Drive Carefully: Protect our wildlife by being mindful on our local roads.

Thank you for joining us in caring for this special place.