It’s an image shared by many overseas visitors too, thanks to international marketing.

Queenstown relies on this ‘brand’ of pristine nature to attract visitors.

It’s a relief then that visitors are by and large impressed with the way Queenstown’s environment
is managed.

A survey by tourism agencies released in the last month found 67 per cent of visitors rated the overall environmental management of Queenstown as ‘world-leading’ – compared with the national benchmark of 46 per cent.

It’s important to maintain this standard. The international tourism market can be fickle and the last thing we want is for visitors to go away disappointed that the reality didn’t match the hype.

One of the simplest things we can do to keep up appearances in our prime tourist destinations is by making sure streets are clean and litter-free, and by providing the recycling facilities overseas visitors expect to see.

Queenstown already has recycling bins in public places and the government has provided funding of $125,000 for similar bins in Arrowtown and Wanaka.

That’s an example of how we’re working to maintain our clean green image domestically.

On a larger scale, the government is doing a similar thing by making a real commitment to climate change action.

Though we are a small country, we’re high per capita greenhouse gas emitters. We have to play our part in reducing emissions if we want other countries to do the same. If we don’t, we risk undermining our environmental credibility.

That’s why I’m thrilled that the legislation for the Emissions Trading Scheme has been passed by Parliament. It’s an important economic tool for tackling climate change and it shows the rest of the world we’re serious about making a difference.

Put simply, increases in emissions cost, and decreases are rewarded. This encourages the businesses that produce emissions to reduce them.

The legislation puts NZ at the forefront of climate change action, and positions our economy to take advantage of opportunities arising worldwide as all countries become more climate-conscious.

Whether it’s picking up litter or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the principle is the same – as Kiwis, we need to show the world we care about our environment and that we’re passionate about protecting it.

Otago-based David Parker is Minister of State Services, Energy, Climate Change Issues, and Land Information