Fundraising Manager
In this series, we are celebrating the many fantastic businesses that have chosen to become members of Project Island Song. By signing up for membership, businesses become an active participant in the restoration of the islands of Ipipiri, helping our region and our people to thrive.
Carino Wildlife Cruises is a small, family-owned marine tourism conservation business based in Paihia. Since 1995, they have been sharing their lifelong passion for the ocean and its incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
Carino has been a business member of Project Island Song for more than 5 years. This month, they told us about why they became members, and what it means to their business.
At Carino Wildlife Cruises, protecting the environment we operate in is central to everything we do. Joining Project Island Song was a natural fit, as their work restoring island ecosystems directly supports the wildlife and habitats we rely on.
Becoming a member allows us to actively contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes, not just observe them. It also gives us the opportunity to share these stories with our guests—helping them understand that tourism can play a positive role in protecting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.
Ultimately, we joined because we believe conservation and tourism must go hand in hand. Supporting Project Island Song reflects our commitment to kaitiakitanga, guardianship of the natural environment and ensures that the wildlife experiences we offer today will still be here for generations to come.
Beyond our membership, the Carino team actively supports Project Island Song through hands-on conservation efforts. We regularly carry out beach clean-ups on the islands and contribute to informal bird monitoring by recording sightings during our visits. We also share the project’s conservation story with our guests, helping raise awareness and encourage responsible interaction with the Bay of Islands environment.
Being part of Project Island Song strengthens our connection to the environment we operate in and enhances the quality of the experiences we offer. Healthy ecosystems mean richer wildlife encounters for our guests and a more meaningful story to share.
It also reinforces our values as a responsible tourism operator, allowing us to contribute to conservation in a tangible way while building deeper engagement with visitors who value sustainability. Ultimately, it ensures the long term protection of the natural environment that our business depends on!
