Ōamaru’s Blue Penguin Colony has been recognised by Qualmark for its gold-standard operations.

The tourist attraction has been awarded Qualmark Gold for "bridging the gap between sustainability, conservation, and ethical tourism".

Qualmark's Sustainable Tourism Business criteria became the first in New Zealand to gain GSTC-recognised status from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) last August, meaning that achieving Qualmark certification meets global sustainability standards.

The colony has been a Qualmark customer since 2003 and undergoes annual assessments. This is its first Gold Award.

Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony Science and Environmental manager Dr Philippa Agnew says she couldn’t be happier, after decades of hard work and game-changing research.

“Qualmark awards are a measure of quality tourism following a completely independent assessment. Being awarded gold means we’ve achieved the highest standard of sustainable tourism in New Zealand, and that we deliver an exceptional visitor experience.”

The Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony is home to between 500 and 600 kororā or little blue penguins. Each year around 70,000 people visit the colony to see the world’s smallest penguins in their natural environment, nesting or returning from their day fishing at sea.

“We strive to do our very best for both the penguins and our customers and it’s great to have this recognised with a Qualmark Gold Award," Philippa says.

“Qualmark’s Sustainable Tourism criteria align with our focus on delivering great customer experience, being dedicated to conservation, and fostering strong community collaboration and spirit.”

Since 1992 the colony has made significant efforts to protect kororā and undertake research to learn more about their lives. This has meant its numbers have grown from 30 breeding pairs in the early 90s to more than 200 now.

On the march. Photo: Chloe Lodge Photography supplied by Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Philippa says sustainability means so much more than reducing waste or power consumption.

“For us, sustainability means actively working to protect and enhance the population of kororā - we have had a monitoring programme in place for 30 years and a research programme for 15 of them, and for the last few years we have been working towards reducing our carbon emissions.

“The work we do with the penguins provides us with detailed information about how the population is doing in response to the wider environment and how they are responding to climate change. 

“Without our visitors, we wouldn’t be able to fund our conservation and research work.”

Tourism Waitaki Consumer and Trade marketing manager Jade Harvey hopes Qualmark Gold status will encourage more visitors to the popular spot.

“The little blue penguin is a cornerstone of Waitaki’s identity. For years, visitors have been captivated by the little blue penguins as they return home from the sea.

“The Qualmark Gold award could help attract more international visitors too – which is a win for the penguins’ conservation and a win for the region,” Jade says.

“Each visit to the colony directly contributes to the team’s research and conservation, which is vital in protecting kororā as well as other species like the critically endangered hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin.

“The Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony has flown under the radar for too long. I hope this award not only gives it the recognition it deserves but also highlights Waitaki as a fantastic destination to explore.”

Chloe Lodge Photography supplied by Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony