Heritage Expeditions and the Russ family were praised for setting the New Zealand standard in responsible expedition tourism during an exclusive event celebrating the company's 40-year anniversary and 50+ year contribution to New Zealand conservation.

The Hon. James Meager, Minister for the South Island, told 75 VIP guests on board Heritage Expeditions flagship Heritage Adventurer he could not be prouder of the Christchurch-based, family-owned and operated expedition cruise pioneers and their legacy promoting conservation, tourism and New Zealand as a gateway to the Subantarctic Islands and Antarctica's Ross Sea.

"Their voyages attract high-value international travellers, and as a government fixated on growth, that is a very positive outcome for us," said Minister Meager.

"As a Government, and a Minister in that Government, we want to be doing as much as we can to help promote that growth in a way that protects our environment and enhances our conservation values."

Minister of Conservation, the Hon. Minister Tama Potaka, praised the company for setting the New Zealand standard in responsible expedition tourism.

"Thirty-five years ago, Heritage Expeditions became the original concessionaire for the Subantarctic Islands, setting the standard for responsible expedition tourism by ensuring conservation remained at the forefront of its voyages," said Minister Potaka during a video message.

"When managed appropriately, tourism in the Subantarctic is an important tool for showcasing the rich natural and cultural heritage to the world. It brings important economic sustainability that can enhance conservation efforts while supporting jobs and incomes."

"As Minister of Conservation, I am committed to ensuring that our partnerships with others, including those there today with you, continue to grow, evolve and thrive in the years to come. Together with Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) and iwi, we will ensure that these remote, fragile and beautiful places are protected for the tamariki, mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei (for us and our children after us)," said Minister Potaka.

The event also celebrated Heritage Expeditions world first research partnership with Ngāi Tahu, which Tā Tipene O'Regan, Upoko Te Rūnaka o Awarua described as exemplifying "the great work Heritage Expeditions does as a brand ambassador for Aotearoa, and the relationship they have sought with the southern Iwi of Ngāi Tahu, through the Murihiku ki te Tonga Programme".

“I am personally a great fan of Heritage Expeditions and the commitment shown by the Russ family,” said Ta Tipene.

“This is a case of a growing partnership that has the opportunity to deliver amazing results for all New Zealanders across a number of areas.”

"They've got a particular set of values which, I for one, and many of my Kai Tahu colleagues, admire enormously. They are values which protect the impact of visitors, and take great care to ensure the protection and heritage of these rare and wondrous places, that are such an integral component in our own Kai Tahu heritage," said Ta Tipene.

"We owe them a great debt of appreciation and gratitude for the efforts that they have made to preserve what they bring people to see. And the way they do it actually enhances the value of that heritage in a very real way. We think that we've been able to contribute some small measure to their vision of what they do, they have been able to enormously enhance our vision and our dream, our moemoeā of our delivery and protection of our own heritage in this very special rohe willed to us by our tīpuna."

Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said the event was a true celebration of Heritage Expeditions ongoing legacy and the Russ family was humbled by the level of support as it entered its next 40 years.

"We look forward to continue working together with all parties, towards a shared vision for the ongoing protection and conservation of the extraordinary, unique New Zealand environments we share with our guests," said Aaron.

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For more information, imagery or to arrange an interview please contact Debra Taylor on +44 7956 852197 debra@toucanmoon.com

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About Heritage Expeditions

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 4 – 28 days.

Founded in 1984 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions into the heart of Antarctica the Ross Sea; Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands; around coastal New Zealand; along Australia's Kimberley coast; through the Pacific Islands of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea; and the Asian islands of Indonesia, Philippines and Japan on their purpose-built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring passengers maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.