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:

Canterbury@DOC: May 2009 issue. (Department of Conservation's Canterbury region bi-monthly newsletter).

Sustainable water management for farming and industry advances with introduction of metering. (6 May, ECan).

Waimate farmer agrees to trial justice prgramme. (5 May, ECan).

Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards, who found against a Christchurch based Solid Energy protester, now finds himself subject to a Judicial Review. (4 May, Aotearoa IMC).

ECan improves resource consent application times, reduces backlog. (5 May, ECan).

Nelson: Fisheries restructuring worries recreational fishers. (5 May, Nelson Mail/Stuff).

Environmental issues dominate Dunedin CCC hearings. 800 submissions. (5 May, Otago Daily TImes).

Dunedin: 15% of recently upgraded water supply slipping through the cracks. (5 May, Otago Daily Times).

Southland: Southern rail-trail to be investigated. (5 May, Southland Times/Stuff).

North Island & national:

Emissions Trading Scheme: Fonterra says change the rules, Fed Farmers says scrap it. (4 May, NZ Herald).

Bill the emitters, says climate change survey. (4 May, NZ Herald).

Resource Management Act (Simplifying and Streamlining) Bill - rushed hearings frustrate fired up public. (4 May, NZ Herald).

Windfarm 'expert' grilled: Complaints about shortcomings in expert evidence a recurrent theme at board of inquiry considering Contact Wind's plans for a 184 turbine Waikato wind farm. (6 May, Waikato Times/Stuff).

DOC says agreements with project developers are targetted to address environmental concerns. (4 May, DOC).

NZ supermarkets reject Greenpeace calls to follow overseas supermarkets and stop selling "at-risk" fish such as orange roughy. (6 May, NZ Herald).

Public favours light bulb ban. (4 May, NZ Herald).

The sacking of top climate scientist "an extreme embarrassment" for NZ. Makes it look immature. (6 May, Dominion Post/Stuff).

Scientists want Govt to reconsider running publicly funded research bodies as companies. (4 May, NZ Herald).

Sue Kedgley: New Zealand slowly waking up to the realisation that honey bees are indispensable to our agriculture, horticulture, environment and economy.(4 May, NBR).

Scientists: Smarter beehive management may stop bee decline. (6 May, NZ Herald.

Global crisis yet to have full effect on NZ tourism. (5 May, NZ Herald).

Iwi get $97 million to replace an unworkable deal giving them a share of marine areas for fish and shellfish farms. (6 May, NZ Herald).

Kerikeri: Foreign investors get green light for $32.2 million land sale for subdivision. (5 May, NBR).

DOC considers legal action against two groups for forcing entry to Molesworth Station. (4 May, The Marlborough Express/Stuff).

Birth control plan for possums. (3 May, TVNZ).

Adele Island, Abel Tasman National Park: South Island Robin's release begins restoration of the island's biodiversity. (6 May, DOC).


Interested to show at Eco expo? Organisers want still more exhibitors for their event (5 - 7 June) in the Convention Centre. See here or under diary of events: Coming up).

Re-linked awards, submissions, consultations etc:

• Early childhood environmental education (for 3 – 7 years). 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.
  
  
• Last days!: 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
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Heat pump water heaters: New funding pilot programme for efficient water heating - same grant as for solar. (EECA).
  
  

& from there

• Canada/UK: Who owns life - not Monsanto? Percy Schmeizer - real life hero, played David to Monsanto's Goliath, and won.
  Percy Schmeiser said, “Once you introduce GMOs, believe me the days of organic farmers are over, the days of the conventional farmer are over, it all becomes GMOs in a matter of a few years.”  In addition, he said, there is no such thing as containment, you cannot contain pollen flow. (6 April, Institute of Science in Society).
  
  
• US/Pacific: Mission to the Pacific to break up island of plastic rubbish. 6 million tons & twice the size of Texas. (2 May, Times Online).
  Also:
  Map of The great Pacific garbage patch. (Flickr).
  
  
• UK: Charging for plastic bags a huge success. Some retailers cut use by 85%. (1 May, The Guardian).
  
  
• UK: Lawns will become a sign of 'moral decadence' because of climate change. (1 May, The Telegraph).
  
  
• US: When Michelle Obama broke ground for her garden on the White House lawn, the shock waves were felt around the world. (1 May, AlterNet).
  
  
• UK: Poll: Even consumers who care about the environment are not willing to fly less and are sceptical about the benefits of carbon-offsetting. (30 April, Times Online).
  
  
• UK: Google's power hungry data centres. (3 May, The Guardian).
  Also:
  In an energy constrained world we cannot continue to grow the footprint of the Internet. (3 May, The Guardian).
  
  
• US: Almost a quarter of US homeowners are underwater. (6 May, Bloomberg).
  
  
• Paraguay: Brazilian cattle company seeks license to destroy uncontacted tribe's forest home. (5 May, Survival-international.org).
  
  
• World: Women we love: 11 environmental heroines. Slideshow with text. (5 May, Treehugger).
  
  
• UK: Felicity Lawrence: The pigs' revenge. (2 May, The Guardian).
  
  
• US: Scientists learn why influenza may turn deadly: the virus 'paralyses' immune system. (5 May, Science Daily).
  
  
• Autonomie project: Bringing style to fair trade accessories. (6 May, Treehugger).
  
  
• Wind turbines: Donut shaped plastic improves output by 30%. (1 May,
  ecoGeek).
  
  
• UK: Boris Johnson unveils blueprint for London's 'cycling revolution'. (27 April, The Guardian).
  
  
• The IF mode: Full sized bike that folds flat fast. (6 May, Treehugger).
  
  
• Build a solar cooker from old CDs. (5 May, Treehugger).
  
  
• Good website: natural homes.org. Strawbale, cob, adobe etc.
  
  

Natural world:
Sun oddly quiet - the least active it's been in decades and the dimmest in a hundred years. (4 May, National Geographic News).

Sydney: Giant bats to be evicted from their city roost - damaging trees in the botanic gardens.(3 May, The Independent).

Rocky Mountains, US: Gray wolves to be hunted by the hundreds. (5 May, Treehugger).

France: Spider 'resurrections' take scientists by surprise. (24 April, National Geographic News).

Dolphins maintain round-the-clock visual surveillance. Can sleep half their brain. (3 May, Science Daily).

Scientists discover 'dancing' algae. (30 April, Science Daily).

Pictures: 7 major missing links since Darwin. (7 May, National Geographic News).

Using ecoNet

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• 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.
  
  

• 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
  
  

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

  Christchurch events here. & Background info here. (www.tradeaid.org.nz).
  
  

• Re-convening: Canterbury Plains Water (CPW) hearings.

  When: 10.00 am Monday, 11 May.
  Where: Convention Centre, Kilmore St.
  Please come. All welcome.
  
  

• 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: University of Canterbury students:
  Bird habitats in Charlesworth Wetland Reserve, Ellena Soper; Cockle resources in the estuary, Douglas Dibley; Mapping the distribution of foraminiferans, Renee Parsons.
  When: 7.00 pm Wednesday, 13 May.
  Where: Waiau Theatrette, ECan building, Kilmore St.
  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.
  
  

• Event: Regular (fortnightly) SAFE anti-battery hens demonstration.

  When: 4.30 pm Thursday, 14 May.
  Where: Outside Minister of Agriculture David Carter's Christchurch office.
  More info: here. (www.safe.org.nz).
  Organised by SAFE - Save Animals From Exploitation.
  
  

• Public talk: Tonga's foreign relations: New Zealand and the Pacific.

  Speaker: Hon Dr Feleti Sevele, Prime Minister of Tonga.
  When: 5.30 - 8.00 pm Thursday, 14 May.
  Where: Central lecture theatre C3, University of Canterbury.
  More info/contact: here.
  The Pacific Co-operation Foundation (PCF).
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Climate change: Natural climate variability - past greenhouse - icehouse worlds.

  Earth's history and natural climate variability through geological time.
  Speaker: Bryan Storey, director of Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury.
  When: 7.00 pm Thursday, 14 May.
  Where: Venue on enrolment, University of Canterbury.
  Cost: $15.00.
  More info here. (3rd talk in a series).
  
  

• Guided tour: Bromley Ponds.

  Birdwatching before they fly inland for winter.
  Guide: Niall Mugan, ardent ex-UK birdman, & former ECan Park Ranger.
  When: 9.00 - 11.00 am Saturday, 16 May. 
  Meet: Northern end of sewage ponds, Dyers Rd (by the normally locked gate).
  Contact: Janice 332 9009.
  Organised by Forest & Bird. 

• EARTHWISE, Plains FM 96.9

  Each Monday & Wednesday at 9.00 pm.
  Conservation, environment and peace with justice.
  This week: Kathy Kelly, veteran American peace activist, founder of Voices in the
  Wilderness & Voices for Creative Non-violence, author of Other Lands Have Dreams, discusses her latest protests (and arrest) at Creech Air
  Force Base in Nevada, control centre of drone warfare being fought in Afghanistan & Pakistan.
  Presenters: Martin and Lois Griffiths.
  NB: Listen again to Earthwise programmes on archive.
  
  

• For kids at the Canterbury Museum:

  Cliff's treasure hunt: to learn about NZ's native birds. (Till end of May).

Coming up:

• AGM: Mt Cass Ridge Protection Society.

  Speaker: Rob Gould, former owner of Mt Cass Ridge: "Sixty years on Mt Cass".
  When: 7.30 pm Tuesday, 19 May.
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  All welcome.
  
  

• Presentation: 2009 Antarctic exploration tour evening.

  To listen to reminiscences and about an upcoming (November) tour.
  Tour leader: Bryan Storey, Professor of Antarctic studies.
  When: 6.00 - 8.00 pm Thursday, 21 May.
  Where: Okeover House, University of Canterbury.
  
  

• Human Rights Film Festival:

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

• Planting Day: Charlesworth Wetland Reserve.

  When: 10.30 - 12.30 pm Sunday, 24 May.
  Where: Meet Charlesworth St carpark.
  

• 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.
  
  

• Course: Practical organic home gardening.

  Soil life, compost, worms, Bokashi & liquid fertilisers; permaculture; pests & diseases … more here (item 14).
  Tutor: Lily White.
  When: 3.30 – 5.00 pm, Wednesdays, starting  27 May. (6 Sessions).
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  Cost: $32.00.
  Contact: cwea.org.nz or 366 0285.
  
  

• Event: Eco Expo: New ideas, products, services for where you live, work, & play.

  When: 5 - 7 June.
  Where: Convention Centre, Kilmore St.
  Contact: Glen 021 756337.
  More: here. (www.ecoexpo.co.nz).
  
  

• Conference: Embracing the future - Te whakapumau te wa kai te heke.

  Adult Community Education Inc., Aotearoa (ACE).
  When: 12 - 14 June.
  Where: Te Puna Wanaka, Christchurch Polytech (CPIT).
  More info: here. (www.aotearoa.org.nz).
  

Reminders:

• Last chance!: Science Alive! - Botanica:

  A botanical exhibition (for ages 3 to 103) including interactive learning about pollination and seed dispersal, its importance and its vulnerability.
  When: Until Sunday, 10 May.
  Where: Science Alive! 329 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch.
  More info, costs etc: Science Alive!
  Contact: 365 5199.
  
  

• 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). And against unnecessary packaging in general.