Olivers Sustainability Story
Leaving our environment in better condition for future generations
With its magical setting within the Clyde Historic Precinct, Olivers Lodge, restaurant and brewery is recognised as one of Central Otago's most significant historic sites. This is reinforced by its category one Heritage NZ classification.
David and Andrea Ritchie acquired the Olivers complex of buildings in 2010, which at that time were in a very sorry state. They set about faithfully restoring its eight stone buildings completing the restoration with the re-opening of iconic Olivers Restaurant and Bar in 2015. In 2019, along with Andrea’s sister Victoria Hansen, they took on and completed the restoration of the 115-year-old Dunstan Hotel now known as The Lord Clyde. “We were inspired to breathe life back into these buildings and create an enduring legacy” says David. To ensure the heritage values of the buildings were protected, all the restoration work has been completed in close consultation with Heritage New Zealand.
The completion of both projects has had a significant impact on Clyde, boosting and rejuvenating the township's tourism and hospitality experiences. To align with the NZ Tourism Sustainability Commitment, which aims to see every tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025, they have developed collaborative approaches with key sector partner-operators. These include cycling, wine, sight-seeing and developing offers suitable for executive retreat, conference and incentive clients.
When it comes to contributing within their local communities, David is currently chairperson of the Central Otago Heritage Trust and a trustee of the Alexandra Riverside Trust. He was a founding member of the Central Otago Tourism Advisory Board and is the past chairperson of the St Michaels and All Angels Church Charitable Trust and Historic Clyde Inc. David is a regular speaker to community and educational groups. Andrea is the chairperson of Clyde Historic Museum Inc and has contributed to the Central Otago Oral History Group.
“Central Otago has so much potential, it’s just about us recognising special things and highlighting the many different aspects of value that is here.”
The Olivers front garden is used regularly throughout the year for community events. They sponsor and contribute to many local causes covering community, arts, sports, environment and culture, as well as fundraisers for health-related projects, the local fire brigade and SPCA.
The culture of sustainability runs through every aspect of their business operations, with specific focus on waste, water and energy use. They contribute to local community and environmental projects, including contributing a significant sum yearly to the local Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust, a community native tree and plant project that has a plant nursery at the Clyde railhead. Guests are also invited to contribute to the project by making donations.
Fresh, seasonal flavours are the hallmark of the cuisine at award-winning Olivers Restaurant. Led by head chef James Waite and featuring the best of local ingredients, the Olivers menu changes with the Central Otago seasons. They use their own fruit to produce their popular Merchant of Clyde range of specialty relishes, chutneys and preserves (produced on-site) which are available to buy from the Deli along with an extensive range of delicious in-house baked goods.
