Aotearoa, New Zealand, is known worldwide as a "clean, green" destination, and for good reason. Our whenua (land) showcases breathtaking landscapes, fresh water, clean air, and some of the world's best stargazing.
However, maintaining our pure New Zealand is more than a tourism campaign; it's our shared responsibility. The events industry has a significant environmental impact, including energy consumption, food waste, and single-use materials. As awareness of these issues grows, event planners and attendees seek greener, more thoughtful alternatives.
It's encouraging to see venues across New Zealand stepping up — reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting local ecosystems in meaningful ways. At NZ Venues, we believe no act is too small. Every step towards sustainability is one we celebrate—because every effort makes a difference.
In this article, we explain the term "sustainability" - what it means, why it matters, and how venues in New Zealand practice it. We had the privilege of speaking with some of the country's most forward-thinking venues - read on to learn how they're making sustainability part of their everyday operations.
Sustainability can look different from venue to venue, but across New Zealand there are recognised certifications that signal a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility. If you’ve come across terms like “Green Star” or “CarbonZero”, these aren’t just buzzwords, they’re backed by formal assessment frameworks.
Here’s a quick guide to the key certifications and what they represent:
Green Star (NZ Green Building Council) Rates how sustainably a building is designed, built and operated (1–6 stars), covering energy and water use, materials, air quality, waste and transport.
Toitū Envirocare Certifies organisations actively measuring and reducing their environmental impact, including CarbonZero (net zero), CarbonReduce and EnviroMark. Focuses on emissions, energy, waste, water and supply chains.
Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Award New Zealand’s official tourism quality mark (Bronze–Gold), assessing environmental care, community impact, cultural values and long-term sustainability.
Sustainable Business Network Awards Recognises organisations leading in climate action, circular economy and innovation, with a focus on emissions reduction, waste minimisation and social impact.
EKOS Carbon Certification Certifies businesses and events that measure, reduce and offset emissions, with levels ranging from Carbon Conscious to Zero Carbon.
Why does sustainability in events matter?
As mentioned earlier, events can generate a significant environmental footprint - especially through energy use, catering waste, transportation, and materials. These impacts affect us deeply in New Zealand, where the national identity and economy are tied to the land, sea, and local communities.
Sustainable event practices are vital for protecting what makes Aotearoa unique — our biodiversity, te ao Māori (Māori worldviews), and our internationally recognised "clean, green" reputation.
Sectors like tourism and agriculture thrive on a healthy environment, so sustainability isn't just a trend — it's a necessity. With more attendees seeking low-impact, meaningful experiences, it's also a smart business move.
How are New Zealand venues practising sustainability?
Across the motu (country), many venues are leading the way in sustainable practices—from distributing leftover catering and partnering with local food producers to installing solar panels and managing onsite composting.
We are under no illusion that we are the experts in sustainability, but we were able to enlist the help of some. We chatted with some of New Zealand's most innovative venues and learned how each incorporates sustainability within their space.
Whisky & Wood, Wellington
Whisky & Wood
Whisky & Wood takes a practical, community-led approach to sustainability. Alongside everyday measures like LED lighting, eliminating single-use plastics and thorough recycling, the venue partners with Cans for Kai, a programme that turns aluminium waste into community support.
Recycled cans help fund the Kai Ika Project, which repurposes fish offal into nutritious food for whānau in South Auckland. Just one wheelie bin of cans can provide a week’s worth of protein for three households, meaning every event contributes to a wider, circular impact.
Sustainable Practices at Whisky & Wood:
LED lighting on timers
Elimination of single-use plastics
Recycling systems in place
Aluminium recycling redirected to Cans for Kai
Supports Kai Ika Project – providing food to whānau through community redistribution
Sustainability is built into the foundations of Haere-roa. From recycled cladding materials like Innowood and low-VOC finishes to ground-source heat pumps and demand-controlled ventilation, the venue reflects a considered, low-impact design.
More than 5,700 native plants have been introduced in partnership with Christchurch City Council, supporting biodiversity and waterway health. Operationally, compostable packaging, electric catering vehicles, probiotic cleaning products and upcycled furniture all play a role. Waste reduction initiatives, including organic waste compression, deliver both carbon savings and ongoing cost reductions of around $1,000 per month.
Sustainable Practices at Haere-roa:
Heated by ground-source heat pumps
Native planting: 5,782 plants to restore biodiversity
Compostable packaging from Decent Packaging
Electric vehicles for catering deliveries
Probiotic, eco-friendly cleaning products
Daylight harvesting and passive solar design
Demand-controlled ventilation and occupancy sensors
Interior/exterior cladding made from recycled, low-VOC Innowood
Carpet tiles made from recycled fishing nets
Vinyl flooring is PVC-free and recyclable
Upcycling and on-selling furniture
Organic waste compression – reducing carbon and saving ~$1,000/month
Willeston Conference Centre takes a simple, practical approach to sustainability with initiatives that make a real impact. Food waste is donated daily to The Free Store Wellington, helping redistribute quality food to those facing food insecurity.
The venue has eliminated single-use plastic cutlery and encourages the use of ceramic mugs over takeaway cups. Together, these choices reflect a grounded, community-first approach to sustainable conferencing.
Sustainable Practices at Willeston Conference Centre:
Daily food donations to The Free Store Wellington
No plastic single-use cutlery or dishware
Minimal use of takeaway coffee cups
Guest signage encouraging the use of reusable coffee mugs
Rydges Latimer Christchurch is a leader in sustainable hospitality, holding Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia and Qualmark Silver. Its approach spans everything from removing single-use plastics and sourcing seasonal, local ingredients to offering compostable amenities and EV charging.
Operational efficiencies include low-flow water fittings, LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems. Guests are encouraged to take part through water stations, towel reuse programmes and local conservation education, while the hotel also supports community initiatives, conservation efforts and youth education.
Sustainable Practices at Rydges Latimer Christchurch:
The Red Barn is a rural venue with strong environmental foundations, powered by solar energy and actively protecting one of New Zealand’s oldest stands of kahikatea trees. In partnership with Canterbury University, it supports native planting and biodiversity initiatives.
On-site composting and recycling, zero single-use plastics and redirecting surplus food to local pig farmers reflect a closed-loop approach. Its Taste of Waikato dining experience champions locally grown produce, keeping food miles low and sustainability front of mind.
Sustainable Practices at The Red Barn:
Powered by solar panels
Kahikatea tree conservation and native planting, supported by Canterbury University
Rodent and predator control to protect native wildlife
Food waste redirected to local pig farmers
Elimination of single-use plastics
Onsite composting and recycling systems
Locally sourced produce featured in Taste of Waikato experience
AUT Event Venues, Auckland
AUT Event Venues
Sustainability is a key focus at AUT Event Venues, with environmental responsibility embedded into day-to-day operations. The team takes a holistic approach, from sustainable building design to waste minimisation and responsible sourcing.
Food production is carefully managed to reduce waste, with surplus redirected through local initiatives. Compostable packaging, energy-efficient lighting and considered supplier partnerships reflect AUT’s commitment to people and planet.
Sustainable Practices at AUT Event Venues:
Monitors food production and redistributes surplus to reduce waste
Reduced single-use plastics through compostable and reusable alternatives
Energy-efficient lighting across event spaces
Sustainable procurement practices for catering and materials
Venues designed with eco-friendly materials and infrastructure
Backed by AUT’s university-wide sustainability commitment
Tukutuku is a purpose-built venue at AUT North Campus, designed with sustainability at its core. At the heart of the space is Kōkihi Café, a hospitality concept grounded in environmental stewardship and community values.
The café sources fresh fruit and vegetables from its on-campus garden, reducing food miles while supporting seasonal, plant-forward menus.
Sustainable Practices at Tukutuku:
Home to Kōkihi Café, featuring an on-campus garden for fresh produce
Promotes local, seasonal, plant-focused menus
Supports reduced food miles and waste through hyper-local sourcing
Embraces the values of kōkihi — growth, resilience, and sustainability
Located on Auckland’s waterfront, Viaduct Events Centre is a premium, purpose-built venue known for hosting large-scale conferences, galas and exhibitions.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the venue incorporates rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and smart air conditioning systems to reduce its environmental impact.
Sustainable practices at Viaduct Events Centre:
Rooftop solar panels for renewable energy generation
Energy-efficient lighting with motion sensors
Smart, programmable air conditioning system
Toitū CarbonReduce certified since 2019
Electrical metering has been installed to inform energy efficiency programme
Aotea Centre is Auckland City's focal point. A beloved landmark venue with function rooms and state-of-the-art facilities, Aotea Centre, is home to one of New Zealand’s largest modern-tiered auditoriums, seating over 2,000 across three levels.
As part of its transition toward decarbonisation, Aotea Centre has implemented energy-saving LEDs, rigorous waste sorting, and electric heating systems.
Sustainable practices at Aotea Centre:
Energy-efficient lighting across event spaces
Comprehensive waste sorting and recycling program
Transitioned to fully electric heating systems
Toitū CarbonReduce certified since 2019
Electrical metering has been installed to inform energy efficiency programme
Built in 1910, Shed 10 is a heritage-listed venue on Queens Wharf and home to many of the city's most memorable events. With a distinct industrial build, Shed 10 is an incredible space for conferences, gala dinners, award ceremonies, public events, exhibitions, and cruise ship processing.
Sustainability features include natural ventilation and the reuse of original building materials.
Sustainable practices at Shed 10:
Utilisation of natural ventilation systems
Preservation and reuse of original building materials
Toitū CarbonReduce certified since 2019
Electrical metering has been installed to inform energy efficiency programme
Learn more here.
Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland
Auckland Art Gallery
As New Zealand’s largest public art gallery, this cultural landmark in central Auckland hosts an impressive collection of national and international art.
A recent decarbonisation project and ongoing conservation work highlight Auckland Art Gallery's commitment to environmental and cultural sustainability.
Sustainable practices at Auckland Art Gallery:
Achieved a 384-tonne reduction in carbon emissions
Dedicated conservation efforts for artwork preservation
Toitū CarbonReduce certified since 2019
Electrical metering has been installed to inform energy efficiency programme
This historic venue in the heart of the city is renowned for its grand architecture and acoustic excellence, regularly hosting concerts and civic events.
Auckland Town Hall supports sustainability through LED lighting upgrades and comprehensive waste management systems.
Sustainable practices at Auckland Town Hall:
75% of lighting upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs
Comprehensive waste sorting and recycling initiatives
Transitioned to fully electric heating systems
Toitū CarbonReduce certified since 2019
Electrical metering has been installed to inform energy efficiency programme
A major venue for sporting events and large-scale concerts in Penrose, Go Media Stadium is taking big strides in sustainability with large-scale solar infrastructure and low-emissions systems.
It generates most of its energy from rooftop panels and has replaced traditional heating with efficient electric pumps.
Sustainable practices at Go Media Stadium:
Installation of 1,700+ solar panels underway, providing 60% of energy needs
Electric heat pumps replaced gas boilers reducing carbon emissions by 100t per year
Adoption of electric heat pumps for heating hot water
Toitū CarbonReduce certified since 2019
Electrical metering has been installed to inform energy efficiency programme
One of the few remaining atmospheric theatres in the world, The Civic is an iconic venue known for its starry ceiling, grand interior and mesmerising acoustics.
The Civic has embraced sustainability through LED retrofitting and a strong focus on event waste reduction.
Sustainable practices at The Civic:
Robust recycling and waste sorting protocols
Sustainability integrated without compromising heritage features
Toitū CarbonReduce certified since 2019
Electrical metering has been installed to inform energy efficiency programme
Claudelands is a multi-purpose event and conference venue with sustainability embedded in its day-to-day operations, design, and community ethos.
From the reuse of demolished materials in its arena foundations to its on-site wetlands and rainwater harvesting systems, Claudelands is leading the way in regenerative, resource-conscious event hosting.
Sustainable practices at Claudelands:
Refurbished using crushed concrete from the original site
Sun-shading panels and natural temperature regulation features
Rainwater harvesting for toilets in GLOBOX Arena and Heaphy Rooms
Water flow restrictors and water-sensitive taps throughout the venue
Full transition to LED lighting and use of motion sensors
Stormwater overflow redirected to on-site wetlands
Glass, plastic, tin, paper, and cardboard recycling
Compostable paper and toilet products from sustainable sources
Electric vehicle charging stations and secure bicycle shelters
Food waste diverted to an MPI-accredited piggery
Leftover food donated to Kaivolution
Digital-first approach with electronic document signing
As one of the Waikato region’s leading sports and entertainment venues, FMG Stadium Waikato prioritises environmental care across all events and operations.
Their commitment spans everything from eco-friendly turf management to food rescue and water conservation. With green purchasing practices, waste-separation systems, and visible water refill stations, FMG Stadium Waikato invites both staff and guests to help create a more sustainable event experience.
Sustainable practices at FMG Stadium Waikato:
Use of rescued bread flour in catering
Water flow restrictors and water-sensitive taps throughout
Smart building systems for energy monitoring
Switch from halogen to LED lighting
Compostable paper and toilet products from TORK
Recycling of glass, plastic, tin, paper, and cardboard
Food waste sent to MPI-accredited piggery
Surplus consumable food donated to Kaivolution
E-waste and battery recycling
Reinforced turf ring road using recycled turf fibres
Moisture meters for efficient water use
Turf irrigated at night to reduce water evaporation
Use of warm-season grass requiring less summer irrigation
Mövenpick Hotel Auckland offers sophisticated event spaces and premium accommodation in the heart of the city. Just steps from Commercial Bay and the ferry terminal, it’s an ideal base for business or leisure.
The hotel proudly holds a 5-star rating and Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award from Qualmark New Zealand, recognising its strong commitment to sustainability and guest excellence.
Sustainable practices at Mövenpick Hotel Auckland:
Awarded Qualmark’s Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award
Holds official 5-star hotel rating by Qualmark New Zealand
Emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in catering
Eco-conscious housekeeping and in-room energy management system
A sustainable venue actively works to reduce its environmental impact through initiatives like energy efficiency, waste reduction, responsible sourcing and community engagement. This can range from operational practices (e.g. composting, food redistribution) to certified building design and carbon reduction programmes.
Common certifications include Green Star (for sustainable building design), Toitū Envirocare (carbon measurement and reduction), Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Awards, and EKOS Carbon Certification. These frameworks help verify a venue’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The venue plays a major role in an event’s footprint. Choosing a venue with efficient energy systems, strong waste management practices, local catering partnerships and accessible transport options can significantly reduce emissions, waste and resource use.
Consider reducing single-use materials, encouraging reusable items, choosing digital over printed materials, organising group transport and working with local suppliers. Small changes across multiple touchpoints can significantly lower your event’s overall impact.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be all or nothing - every thoughtful choice counts.
Whether you're an event planner selecting a venue that aligns with your values, a guest bringing your own reusable coffee cup, or a venue making incremental changes behind the scenes, it all contributes to a more conscious and connected events industry.
The more we share ideas, support local efforts, and stay curious about how we can improve, the better off our events — and our environment — will be.
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