Princess Cruises has announced it will expand its Local Partnerships programme in New Zealand to include cultural preservation alongside environmental projects.
The initiative, launched in 2019, has so far focused on supporting conservation work around the country. From this year, it will also provide funding for projects aimed at keeping cultural traditions alive.
The first cultural partner is Te Kura Waka, a Tauranga-based school founded by navigator and environmental advocate Jack Thatcher. The school teaches traditional Pacific celestial navigation, using the sun, moon, stars and planets to guide ocean journeys.
Thatcher said the partnership would help pass this knowledge on to younger generations.
“This special partnership with Princess Cruises allows us to continue to connect young people with the ancient wisdom of celestial navigation and the responsibilities of guardianship,” he said. “By learning how our ancestors read the stars and understood the natural world, our students also learn how to protect it. We are extremely grateful to Princess Cruises for ensuring this important mahi (work) can continue.”
Two existing conservation partners – Bay Bush Action in Northland and Natures Wonders in Otago – will also continue to receive funding.
Bay Bush Action trustee Craig Salmon said the partnership had helped predator control efforts in the Bay of Islands.
“The partnership with Princess Cruises is a milestone for us. It’s allowed us to significantly boost our predator control efforts. We’ve seen kiwi numbers in the Opua Forest increase by more than 120% – a direct result of this partnership. Today’s announcement gives us certainty to keep building on that momentum,” he said.
Natures Wonders owner Perry Reid said support from the programme had delivered tangible results for penguin conservation.
“With support from Princess Cruises, we’ve been able to build 25 new nesting boxes for our blue penguins, resulting in 12 breeding pairs,” he said. “That’s a fantastic result and along with our extensive predator control and planting programmes, we’re excited about what more we can achieve through this ongoing partnership.”
Princess Cruises vice president Asia Pacific, Matthew Rutherford, said the programme was about building long-term relationships in New Zealand.
“Our new partnership with Te Kura Waka brings a rich cultural layer to our Princess Local Partnerships programme, as it is an initiative grounded in indigenous knowledge. It’s an inspiring next step in our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and local conservation in New Zealand,” he said.
“We are honoured to work alongside these remarkable organisations – Bay Bush Action, Natures Wonders and now Te Kura Waka – as they protect what makes New Zealand so unique. Together we’re helping preserve the natural and cultural treasures of New Zealand for future generations.”
The Local Partnerships programme is funded by passenger donations, matched by the cruise line. Partnerships were shaped following consultation with local communities, government, crew and travel agents, who highlighted environmental protection and cultural heritage as key priorities.
