Whitehaven was borne from the adventurous spirit of its co-founders Sue and Greg White, whose passion for the sea saw them discard their corporate lives to sail the South Pacific. Today, Whitehaven is single minded in its commitment to create exceptional wines within a better world.
Here at Whitehaven sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement, full of new challenges and opportunities as we craft wines that are not only sustainably sourced, but carefully crafted.
Our pathway to sustainability
We have identified four key challenge areas which will form our pathway:
- Climate change is the single biggest threat to our planet. To combat climate change we must reduce our impact on the environment.
- Restoring and protecting biodiversity is critical, and we aim to create healthy eco-systems in our vineyards.
- Efficiency of water use and water quality will be a major challenge in the future. We aim to increase the efficiency of our water use, while protecting water quality.
- Looking after our people and communities is an important part of our success and we aim to inspire social connection, inclusion and equity.
Click on the four challenge area icons below to find out more about what we are doing to impact positive change.
Biodiversity
Climate
Community
Water
RESTORE + PROTECT BIODIVERSITY
Whitehaven is currently eco-sourcing native seeds (the process of collecting seeds from areas close to where they will be planted - meaning that plants will be suited to local conditions and more likely to survive). By using eco-sourced native plants we are also helping to maintain the unique local characteristics of The Springs location
COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
Whitehaven is committed to being carbon certified by the Toitū Envirocare Carbon Programme, against the ISO 14064-3 standard, by 2024.
PEOPLE + COMMUNITY
Whitehaven is focused on achieving diversity and inclusion through membership of Diversity Works New Zealand, and establishing a committee to safeguard diversity, equality, inclusion (DEI) within our business.
ENHANCE WATER QUALITY + EFFICIENCY
Whitehaven is protecting at least 50ha of wetlands and riparian margins on company land.
Employing soil moisture probes on at least 50% of company land to measure moisture levels, ensuring water is only added when it is needed.