Welcome

Hi & welcome to NZAEE's (Christchurch Branch) ecoNet Newsletter.

Feel free to pass on news of ecoNet Newsletter and our subscription address: eventdiary@environment.org.nz to others you think may find it interesting/useful.

To supplement the diary here's a selection of news and articles and bits and pieces of interest from around and about, and here and there, e.g:

from here

Canterbury & South Island:

New Christchurch school to teach 'eco-literacy'. (28 April, The Press/Stuff).

Receivers hand ownership of Lyttelton Marina area to CCC. (30 April, CCC).

Ngai Tahu warned of tree felling penalty. (29 April, The Press/Stuff).

Rabbit problems for farmers. (20 April, Farming UK/NZ farmers weekly).

Nelson: Eco-housing plan gains council support. (28 April, Nelson Mail/Stuff).

Otago: Call for major re-think of land use. A quarter of the region's dairy farms this season did not comply with consents. (29 April, Otago Daily Times).

Otago: Cheaper wind turbine tested. (29 April, Otago Daily Times).

Southland: Millions of dollars in tree seedlings could become compost. (28 April, Southland Times/Stuff).

Stewart Island: Mutton bird numbers dive. (28 April, The Press/Stuff).

North Island & national:

Green MP takes tough line to save birds, dolphins. Metiria Turei's private member's Bill. (27 April, NZ Herald).

Big business & environmental groups - unlikely allies fight RMA appeal limits. (29 April, NZ Herald).

Kyoto behind Turitea wind farm call-in decision. (29 April, Manwatu Standard/Stuff).

Housing consent numbers remain low. (30 April, NZ Herald).

Statistics NZ: R&D spending up 17%. (28 April, NZ Herald).

Wellington: Windfarm begins to power national grid. Enough for 70,000 homes - all of Wellington. (30 April, NZ Herald).

Waikato: Hauauru ma raki windfarm no sure thing. Not necessarily cost effective. (28 April, Waikato Times/Stuff).

Palmerston North: Wind turbines voted a city attraction. (Manawatu Standrd/Stuff).

Hawkes Bay: 100,000 on 5 ha: Tyre dump mountain poses growing threat. (29 April, Hawkes Bay Today).

Accolades for Mana Island. (28 April, Dominion Post/Stuff).

Environmental art show: Linwood Community Arts Centre is to hold an exhibition (8 - 20 June) of art made from recycled materials to coincide with World Environment Day (5 June). Artists interested to exhibit contact Chris at Linwood Community Arts Centre: 981 2882, or email linwood.art.ctr@gmail.co.nz.

Teachers & other educators (eg Parents?):
Early childhood environmental education for 3 – 7 year olds. New DVD from Kindle Films: (100% down to earth Kiwi & set to influence a generation!). About our land, creatures, environment & sustainability. More info, including preview video clips, here: www.oursdvd.co.nz.
Contact: Emma Heke, Kindle Films Ltd, T/A Red Heke Productions, PO Box 719, Nelson 7040.

Upcoming LEARNZ field trips:
Ancient NZ - A trip to the Chatham Islands with Canterbury University Scientists to look at native birds including the Black Robin. Spread over the month of May.
Wetfeet - A trip to Lake Ohia in Northland to learn about wetland ecosystems and the cultural significance of the wetlands to Maori. 20 -22 May.
Trout - Freshwater Ecology - A trip to the Turangi Trout Centre to investigate management of fisheries and freshwater conservation. 10 - 12 June
Geo Hazards - A trip to walk over the Auckland volcanoes, stay on Rangitoto Island and learn about impacts of volcanic events of the past, present and future. 24-26 June.
More info: www.learnz.org.nz. or contact: charmaine@learnz.org.nz.

Re-linked awards, submissions, consultations etc:

• BOC Where There's Water community environmental grants scheme aims to help communities understand, maintain, protect and improve their water environment. Grants are open to all non-profit community groups and schools. The fund, supplied by BOC, is administered by Water New Zealand. Next round of applications due by Friday, 15 May. More information and project examples at: www.waternz.org.nz
  
  
• Heat pump water heaters: New funding pilot programme for efficient water heating - same grant as for solar. (EECA).
  
  
• New Canterbury Home Energy Advice Centre open - free, independent, professional advice to help reduce your energy consumption. (17 March, sustainability.govt.nz).
  
  
• Free, research-based advice on sustainably renovating your home. HomeSmart delivers warmer, healthier homes that are more affordable to run and kinder to the environment. Further details: www.beaconpathway.co.nz. (Homesmart Renovations).
  
  
• Calling activist artists: Social justice art auction and exhibition, 15 October, 2009. To voice dissent, and to raise funds for those on charges from the so-called 'terror raids' in 2007. If interested in contributing a work based on any of: the October 15th raids, commentary on the 'war on terrorism,' surveillance/police/prisons, colonisation, kaupapa Maori, resistance, then contact: Rachel info@october15thsolidarity.info or October15th Solidarity, P O Box 9263, Te Aro, Wellington.
  
  
  

& from there

• UK scientists: 'Safe' climate means 'no to coal'. About three quarters of world's reserves must be left unused. (29 April, BBC).
  
  
• Greenland: 'Good news' methane finding. Ice core research shows methane more stable than previously thought. (23 April, EurekAlert).
  
  
• Ten big, really hard things we can do to save the planet. (22 April, Worldchanging).
  
  
• US: Playing hardball: Planet earth: Too big to fail. Obama's landmark proposal means the Administration no longer has to go through Congress to make green economy a reality. (28 April, The Nation).
  
  
• UK: Scientists call for 20 year fishing ban in a third of oceans. (26 April, The Guardian).
  
  
• EU: Death knell sounds for Europe's beekeepers. (27 April, Reuters).
  
  
• Australia: Murray-Darling Basin on verge of economic collapse. (27 April, Adelaide Now).
  
  
• Argentina: Risks losing its 'bread basket' status. (28 April, Financial Times).
  
  
• California: Schwarzenegger declares unemployment state of emergency. (17 April, Office of the Governor, State of California)
  
  
• Hime Island, Japan: A workers' paradise. If Marxism had ever produced a functional, prosperous society, it might have looked something like this. (21 New York Times).
  
  
• Japan: Honours 'Limits to Growth' science author (who decades ago predicted that rapid economic and population growth on a finite planet would lead to collapse of civilisation). (c.22 April, Google.com).
  
  
• Saluting the unsung local heroes. Richard Goldman, founder of "the green Nobel prize", the Goldman Environmental Prize. (20 April, BBC).
  Also:
  2009 winners here: World's most amazing grassroots environmental leaders. (22 April, AlterNet).
  
  
• Colin Campbell and 100 months of Peak Oil. (He originated the term - and much of the thinking around it). (25 April, Energy Bulletin).
  
  
• Italian magazine interviews Richard Heinberg, author of Power Down, Peak Everything, etc. (27 April, Energy Bulletin).
  
  
• US: Energy descent: The end of the car age. You've bought your last car. I don't mean last 'gasloine powered' car, I mean any car. (26 April, Post Peak Living).
  
  
• US: 13 Breathtaking effects of cutting back on meat. The meat industry contributes to land degradation, climate change, air pollution, water shortage and pollution, and loss of biodiversity. (22 April, AlterNet).
  
  
• Palestine: The land is who we are. Political boundaries can't break a West Bank farmer's connection to his soil. (May-June, Utne Reader).
  
  
• California: Let's talk trash. Capt. Charles Moore first discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - an endless floating waste of plastic trash. Now he's drawing attention to the growing, choking problem of plastic debris in our seas. (video, 7 mins. February, TED).
  
  
Technology:

• Spain: plugs in world's largest solar tower. (28 April, ecoGeek).
  
  
• 10 technologies on the green frontier. (22 April, msnbc.com).
  
  
  
  
• 17 examples of pedal power and propulsion. (20 April, Treehugger).
  Also: More on bikes from Treehugger here.
  
  
• Tasmania: Wombat poo paper a hit. (18 April, BBC). Also: 'Roo poo paper. (February, 2005, BBC).
  
  
  

Using ecoNet

Is easy. Just send in to the editor information about an event, activity or submission you want to share and it will go in ecoNet....as long as it's appropriate of course.

ecoNet is put out (Fridays) by Christchurch Branch of NZAEE (NZ Association for Environmental Education), a non-profit, national organisation of people working to promote and support environmental education, lifelong learning and sustainable behaviour throughout New Zealand/Aotearoa.

How do I contribute?

Use the links below to:

• forward ecoNet address to others you think may like to receive it - it's free
  
• become a subscriber
  
• send us information for the weekly diary.
• contact us

 

 

• Talk: What it means to genuinely deal with climate change.

  Speaker: Bill McKibben, US, environmentalist & climate change campaigner (see here), founder of www.350.org.
  When: 9.00 am (public address) &/or 10.00 am (NGO morning tea), Friday, 1 May.
  Where: Conference Room 1, Christchurch Community House, 141 Hereford St.
  (Interview with Bill McKibben: here, 23 April, Yale Environment 360).
  
  

• Meeting: To consider re-establishing a Christchurch Environment Centre.

  When: 7.00 pm Friday, 1 May.
  Where: Camelia Room, CCC, Tuam St.
  More info/contact: Matt Morris theyellowroom@xtra.co.nz
  Organised by Organic Garden City Trust.
  
  

• Forest & Bird walk: Washpen Falls Field Day.

  Walk (2 - 3 hrs)  thro tussock, shrubland and patchworks of native beech amongst rocky bluffs. (Near Windwhistle - map here).
  Meet: Yaldhurst pub carpark, 9.30 am or at start of the walk, 10.45 am Saturday, 2 May.
  Bring lunch and all weather clothing.
  Cost $10.00.     
  Contact: Lesley 379 0316.
  Organised by Forest & Bird.
  
  

• Work day: Quail Island restoration.

  When: Sunday, 3 May. (Ferry leaves Lyttelton 9.20 am returns 3.30 pm). 
  Booking essential.
  Contact: Ian 384 5338 or id.mclennan@xtra.co.nz
  
  

• Fair trade fortnight: 2 - 17 May.
  Protecting the environment through fair trade.

  Christchurch events here.
  Also:
  Talk: Trade and environmental injustice related to coffee growing.
  Speaker: Justin Purser, Trade Aid Food Manager.
  When: 6.00 pm Thursday, 7 May.
  Where: Rm 101, Commerce building, University of Canterbury.
  Background info here. (www.tradeaid.org.nz).
  
  

• Lincoln composting workshops:  What to do with all that garden & household organic waste.

  When: 10.30 am & 2.30 pm Saturday, 2 May.
  Where: Lincoln Community Gardens, Maternity Hospital grounds, James Street. (Please park on the roadside).
  Donation: $5.00 if affordable.
  Contact/info/bookings:  Cello 325 2156.
  
  

• Evening classes: Sustainable Living:

  Home improvements, water conservation, gardening, saving power...more.
  When: 7.00 - 9.00 pm Monday, 4 May.
  Where: Riccarton High School.
  Also:
  When: 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tuesday, 5 May.
  Where: Cashmere High School.
  To enrol ring the respective school.
  Contact/more info: 960 2656 or rhys@sustainableliving.org.nz.
  
  

• Evening Class: Vegetarian & Vegan Meals.

  How to cook vegan meals without using animal derived ingredients & preparing baked goods without butter and eggs. Also covers food labelling & what to look out for when buying food for vegetarians and vegans.
  Tutor: Sabine Schneider.
  When: Starts 7.00 – 9.00 pm Tuesday, 5 May. (8 classes).
  Where: Cashmere High School.
  More info: here. &/or ring the school.
  
  

• Talk: Environmental Justice. Protecting the environment through fair trade.

  Speaker: Helen Tulett, Education officer, Cashel Mall Trade Aid shop.
  When: 1.30 - 2.30 pm Wednesday, 6 May.
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  Cost: $4.00.
  (WEA Issues of the day series & part of Fair Trade Fortnight).
  
  

• Talk: Saving our seas: fishing, protected areas and economics in marine conservation.

  How to balance and manage human usages with those of conservation and sustainable use.
  Speaker: Steven Gaines, Director of the Marine Science Institute, & Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California.
  When: 6.00 - 7.00 pm Tuesday, 6 May.
  Where: 108, Law building, University of Canterbury. (Map here).
  Sponsored by NIWA.
  
  

• Talk series: Work in the 21st century.

  Good for society or good for business?: Today workers in most of the globe are working longer, faster and harder, often for less. More here (item 8).
  Speaker: Dr Philip Ferguson, University of Canterbury.
  When: 7.00 - 8.30 pm starting Wednesday, 6 May. (4 weekly sessions).
  Where: CWEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  Cost: $20.00.
  Info/registration: CWEA or 366 0285.
  
  

• Drama: Ben Elton’s “Gasping”.

  Comedy with an environmental message – a satire on the heartlessness of market forces. 
  Presenters: Rangiora Players.
  When: 7.30 pm, 6 – 9 May. Matinee: 2.00 pm Saturday, 9 May.
  Where: Rangiora Town Hall.
  More info/tickets: www.rangioraplayers.org.nz.
  
  

• Seminar: Empty nets - Pacific fisheries in crisis.

  Pirates, unsustainability & people’s livelihoods.
  When: 1.10 - 2.00 pm Thursday, 7 May.
  Where: Room 208, Te Ao Marama, Arts Rd, University of Canterbury. (Map here).
  More info/contact: here.
  All welcome.
  Host: Macmillan Brown Centre Pacific.
  
  

• Climate change: Recent and predicted climate change in the Southern Hemisphere.

  Speaker: Dr Adrian McDonald, University of Canterbury.
  When: 7.00 pm Thursday, 7 May.
  Where: Venue on enrolment, University of Canterbury.
  Cost: $15.00.
  More info here.
  
  

• Presentations by secondary school students:

  (after week long education camp exploring waste): Tiromoana: There's no such place as away!
  When: 10.30 - 12.00 pm Friday, 8 May.
  Where: Our City - Otautahi, corner Worcester Boulevard & 0xford Tce.
  Background info here.
  
  

• Film premiere: Earth Whisperers/Papatuanuku.

  Some of the best known names in the NZ environmental movement reflect on their relationship with Papatuanuku.
  Director: Kathleen Gallagher, Christchurch.
  When: 2.00 pm Sunday, 10 May.
  Where: Hollywood Theatre, Sumner.
  
  

• Event: CWS film: Now We Are Fearless.

  Women breaking down caste barriers in southern India.
  (Followed by conversation over a "Fair Cuppa", in support of Fair Trade Fortnight).
  When: 4.00 pm Sunday, 10 May.
  Where: New Brighton Union Church lounge.
  Cost: Gold coin koha.
  New Brighton Sunday Film Series.
  Contact: David dphill@xtra.co.nz
  
  

• EARTHWISE, Plains FM 96.9

  Each Monday & Wednesday at 9.00 pm.
  Conservation, environment and peace with justice.
  This week: Eugenie Sage, Regional Councillor talks about the Canterbury Water
  Management Strategy.
  Presenters: Martin and Lois Griffiths.
  NB: Listen again to Earthwise programmes on archive.

Coming up:

• Symposium: Awakening the dreamer, changing the dream.

  A fresh approach to our most critical concerns – environmental sustainability, personal fulfilment, and social justice.
  Facilitators: Sue Ross, Annaleise Hall, Rev Dr Keith Morrison, Dr Kate Hewson.
  When: 5.00 - 9.00 pm Tuesday, 12 May.
  Where: University of Canterbury.
  More info/contact/registration: here.
  Cost: $35.00 (non-students) includes light meal.
  
  

• Presentations: last summer's student projects on aspects of the ecology of the Avon-Heathcote estuary.

  Presenters: Three University of Canterbury students.
  When: 7.00 pm Wednesday, 13 May.
  Where: Waiau Theatrette, ECan building, Kilmore St.
  Much more info: here. (www.estuary.org.nz).
  
  

• Talk: The RAMSAR Convention:  protecting internationally significant wetlands (NZ has six).

  Speaker: Richard Suggate,  Southern Regional Office, DOC; & one of NZ’s 3 delegates to Ramsar Conference in South Korea, October 2008. 
  When: 7.30 pm Wednesday, 13 May.
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  All welcome.
  Organised by Forest & Bird.
  

• Lincoln: Cooking with Attitude.

  Learn to cook a new meal each week; share information, interesting conversation & a meal together. The best social club in Lincoln!
  (Repeat series - due to popular demand).
  When: Starts 6.00 – 7.30 pm Thursday, 14 May. (10 classes).
  Where: Lincoln Primary School.
  Cost: $75.00 (includes meals).
  Contact/bookings: Cello 325 2156.
  
  

• Human Rights Film Festival:

  When: May 21 - 29 (Christchurch screenings).
  Where: Regent on Worcester.
  Website: www.humanrightsfilmfest.net.nz
  

• NZ Climate Change Centre Conference 2009.

  Climate change adaptation - managing the unavoidable.
  When: 20 - 21 May.
  Where: Te Papa, Wellington.
  More info here. (www.sustainablecities.org.nz)
  Organised by NZ Climate Change Centre.
  

Reminders:

• Free home composting workshops:

  Hot composting of kitchen scraps & garden waste, Bokashi and worm farms. All methods demonstrated.
  At two sites:
  1. Opawa Community Gardens, 176 Opawa Rd (at Aynsley Tce). 1.00 - 2.30 pm each Saturday.
  2. Okeover Community Garden - University of Canterbury, Engineering Road. (Map here). 12.00 - 1.30 pm each Wednesday.
  3. Lyttelton Community Garden, 54A Oxford Street, 4.00 – 5.30 pm each Monday.
  More info/contact: Annmarie 021 190 4559 or 942 7190 (evenings).
  Supported by CCC.
  
  

• NZ Oxfam's biggest coffee break 2009.

  Help struggling coffee growers out of poverty by organising a Coffee Break for your friends or workmates during Fairtrade Fortnight (May 2-17).
  Registration/more info: oxfam.org.nz/fair-trade.
  
  
• Support the Get Real campaign against free and profligate plastic bags usage in NZ. (1 billion bags a year).