This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge has taken out the Supreme Award at the 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards, also winning the excellence in sustainability and environmental business practice category.
The judges described the lodge as “world-leading and purpose-driven”, praising its commitment to environmental, social and economic impact.
“This is sustainability with heart, strategy and serious impact,” they said. “The lodge is not content to rest on its laurels and is clearly looking for additional ways to add environmental, social and economic benefit to the community.”
The business beat seven other category winners to claim the top honour.
Queenstown Business Chamber chief executive Sharon Fifield said the judges found the lodge’s entry “truly exemplary”.
“Not only did Headwaters excel in sustainability and environmental excellence, but the way they inspire their team, guests and the wider community was outstanding.”
The lodge, founded by Paul and Debbi Brainerd, opened in 2018 and operates to regenerative design principles. It is the first accommodation facility designed and certified to Living Building Challenge standards and uses one of the South Island’s largest solar gardens to achieve net positive energy status.
Paul and Debbi said their vision had always been to create a regenerative, triple-bottom-line business. “We hope people who come here are inspired by the natural environment, the beauty of this country, and take away ideas they can use to make the world a better place,” they said.
General manager Kylie Broxton said the team was “thrilled and incredibly proud” to win both awards. “Queenstown has an amazing community of pioneering businesses, so it’s an incredible honour for our team to be recognised among them.”
