Princess Cruises expands New Zealand partnerships into cultural preservation
The cruise line’s locally developed initiatives support native bird conservation and traditional Pacific navigation training.
Princess Cruises is working with New Zealand communities to develop local experiences through a partnership program that now encompasses conservation and cultural preservation.
Established in 2019, the Local Partnerships program began with a $100,000 contribution from Princess, according to the cruise line. Ongoing funding comes from voluntary guest donations, supporting projects including Nature’s Wonders, Bay Bush Action and Te Kura Waka.
At Nature’s Wonders, support is directed toward nesting structures, predator control and habitat restoration for native birds. A Bay Bush Action experience features tree planting, trap checking, kiwi box inspections and a forest walk to a lookout. Princess says the program has helped Bay Bush Action increase kiwi numbers in Ōpua State Forest by 120 percent while supporting the return of other native species.
Te Kura Waka, a cultural partner in the program, trains future navigators in traditional Pacific wayfinding. Princess and the local community are still developing a visitor experience that could include a weather-dependent waka tour, offering participants an opportunity to see the vessel in operation and learn about celestial navigation techniques passed down through generations.