from here

Canterbury & South Island news:

Ashburton school wins Enviroschools award. (24 August, ECan).

Canterbury's share of the National Land Transport programme 2009-12 announced. (27 August, ECan).

Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust: Special planting day for children to mark Conservation Week, Sunday 13 September. More info & programme here. Contact: Ian or Bev MacDonald 332 5322.

ECan chairman Burke's future under review. (27 August, Stuff/The Press).

Alps exert pull on Porter Heights developer. (26 August, Stuff/The Press).

Entries for 2010 Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards open 1 September and close 23 October, 2009. Entry forms/more info: www.bfea.org.nz or contact: Nicola Hunt, Canterbury Regional Co-ordinator, Ballance Farm Environment Awards, (03) 353 9711, email bfea@ecan.govt.nz

ECan's Environment Enhancement Fund applications close end of August. (17 August, ECan).

Otago: Lake Hayes: Millions spent on windfarm fight. (27 August, Southland Times/Stuff).

Otago: Fish & Game opposes new dams - "diametrically opposed" to damming any further free-flowing rivers. (24 August, Otago Daily Times).

Otago: Nevis River: Smeagol moves up the rankings of threatened species. (25 August, Otago Daily Times).

Catlins: Curio Bay reserve growing. (27 August, Otago Daily Times).

Southland: Kingston Flyer grinds to a halt. (27 August, NZ Herald).

North Island & national:

Households struggle to pay power bills. (26 August, Dominion Post/Stuff).

Fonterra facing backlash over palm kernel feed. (23 August, TVNZ.co.nz). (see also under: from there).
Also:
Greens call for reduction of palm kernel imports. (23 August, Otago Daily TImes).
Also:
Disease danger in stock feeds. "Foot-and-mouth disease could arrive on the coat-tails of the dairy industry's massive uptake of palm kernel stock food." (24 August, Southland Times).

DOC puts new marine reserves on hold to meet budget cuts. Possum, deer and weed control pared back. (24 August, NZ Herald).

Govt delivers on high country promise. "Labour's policy was driving more and more land into the DOC estate, with the assumption that the Crown could better look after the land than farming families." (26 August, Beehive).
Also:
Fears that changes to tenure review process put pristine high-country lakefront land back in the sights of developers. (27 August, Stuff/The Press).

RMA review really just tinkering. Councils across New Zealand are not finding a lot to celebrate among the Phase 1 amendments. Far from simplifying, the proposals are more likely to make the act even more problematical. Opinion. (21 August, Dominion Post/Stuff).

Crown land may be used for mining. Government moves to free up Department of Conservation and Crown estates to boost mining companies' exploration for minerals. (27 August, Otago Daily Times).

Landcare Research scientists using volcanic soils to cultivate methane-eating bugs. (24 August, NZ Herald).

Opinion: Time for Kiwis to reclaim fisheries. (24 August, NZ Herald).

Auckland: Cheap won't be a bargain for Auckland's new rail system. Opinion. (24 August, NZ Herald).

Kapiti Island: Little spotted kiwi spent 18 months in recovery at Karori after eating three karaka berries. (25 August, Dominion Post/Stuff).

NZ zoos fear for Tasmanian Devils. (27 August, NZ Herald).

Mangere: Man caught (yet again) with more than 10 times daily legal limit of snapper. (25 August, Manukau Courier/Stuff).

Bayerboost Environmental Scholarship Scheme: administered by the Royal Society of NZ, in partnership with Bayer, to sponsor secondary school and tertiary students intending to study environmental sciences or related areas, in summer work/research programmes to gain experience that will support their future careers. Applications to RSNZ by 5.00pm 30 September. More info here. (www.bayerboost.co.nz).

Re-linked awards, submissions, consultations etc:

• Canterbury DOC digital photo competition: Postcards from a Park - Two categories: Open for amateur photographers & Junior (under 12 years). Entry forms, conditions, prizes & more info: ww.doc.govt.nz/canterburypostcards or here (flickr). Entries close 31 August. A selection of entries will go on show at Our City O-Tautahi from 7 September.
  

• Global Day of Action, 24 October, 2009: to pressure politicians to act decisively at the Copenhagen Climate Change summit in December. Christchurch is planning a climate action festival – including a 350 strong massed choir. Join 349 others at 12.30 pm in the Square on Oct 24 to sing a set of easy to learn songs (with an opportunity to practice before going 'live'). Contact Jocelyn jyc497@gmail.com so you can be kept informed of arrangements. Background info, see: www.350.org. & www.350.org.nz.
  
  
• Funding for environmental education action projects: WWF's (and The Tindall Foundation) Environmental Education Action Fund aim is to support schools and communities who, as part of their learning, are taking hands-on action to address an environmental issue. The next round of WWF's Environmental Education Action Fund closes 5pm Tuesday 1 September.  More info here.
  
  
• Enviroschools/Good magazine offer: Good magazine will feature Enviroschools in August issue in its regular 8 page feature Good Cause. And publisher HB Media will donate 20% of all subscriptions sold between August and October to the Enviroschools Foundation. A 12 month subscription (6 copies) is $45 – i.e. $9 will go to Enviroschools.
  
  

• Public views sought on Council's funding of new conservatorium of music at the Arts Centre. Till 23 September.
  

• Planned cycle lane for Harewood Road - public's views wanted. (CCC).

• Submissions wanted: Sustainable Biofuel Bill, NZ Parliament. By Sept 11.
  

• DOC wants feedback on St James Conservation Area discussion paper. By 14 September. Also on draft guidelines for aircraft access in the Canterbury Conservancy. (29 July, DOC).
  
  
• LEARNZ Field Trips: fully supported and free for all New Zealand teachers. All you need is a computer and internet connection. Go to www.learnz.org.nz to register or call 0800 22 55 53. Some trips :
  Waikato Dairy Farming 26-28 August - More
  And for Conservation Week: Kakapo 16-18 September - More
  
  
• The Outlook for Someday: A challenge to young New Zealanders (up to age 24) to make a short film interpreting the term ‘sustainability’. For more, see: www.theoutlookforsomeday.net. Closes 18 September.
  
  
• Have your say: current CCC consultations.

& from there

• Paris: Top UN climate scientist (IPCC chairman) backs 350ppm goal. (25 August, Google.com/AFP).
  Also:
  
• US: Bill McKibben: Pachauri's call for 350ppm is breakthrough moment for climate movement. (25 August, Grist.org).
  
  
• UK: The Climate Camp is a place for anyone who wants to take action on climate change; for anyone who’s fed up with empty government rhetoric and corporate spin; for anyone who’s worried that the small steps they’re taking aren’t enough to match the scale of the problem; and for anyone who’s worried about our future and wants to do something about it. 26 August - 2 September. (Climatecamp.org.uk)
  Also:
  UK: Protest: Climate camp 2009. (27 August, The Guardian).
  
  
• World faces hi-tech crunch as China eyes total ban on rare metal exports - 95% are produced in China and they are vital in cutting edge technology, from hybrid cars and catalytic converters, to superconductors, and precision-guided weapons. It isn’t about the China holding the world to ransom... (24 August, Telegraph.co.uk).
  
  
• China: Powers ahead as it seizes the green energy crown from Europe. Has conquered a third of the world market for solar cells and is on a breakneck course to build 100 gigawatts of wind turbines by 2020. (23 August, Telegraph.co.uk).
  
  
• UK: The big question: Should Africa be generating much of Europe's power? (25 August, The Independent).
  
  
• UK: Averting a perfect storm of shortages in 2030. UK Govt's chief scientific adviser. (24 August, BBC).
  
  
• NZ: Greenpeace accuses NZ dairy giant Fonterra of destroying rainforest via palm oil use. Includes ownership of and ties with companies burning off forest. NZ farmers import 25% (1.1 million tonnes) of the world's PKE. (Includes 7 min. You Tube clip). (24 August, Treehugger).
  
  
• Nile Delta: We're going underwater. The sea will conquer our lands. One of the most fertile tracts of land in the world. Without the food it produces, Egypt faces catastrophe. (24 August, The Guardian).
  
  
• US: The big one: Teaching about climate change. (Summer 2009, Rethinking Schools Online).
  
  
• UK: The green list: what's best - and worst - for the planet. (24 August, The Guardian).
  
  
• Scotland to China - and back again: Cod's 10,000 mile journey to the table. (23 August, Sunday Herald).
  
  
• US: Plastics break down fast in the ocean, release contaminants. (20 August, BBC).
  
  
• Chile: Swine flu jumps again - to turkeys in Chile - but scientists see no dangerous mutation yet. (21 August, Chicago Tribune).
  
  
• UK: Link between sun screen and Alzheimer's being investigated. (24 August, Telegraph.co.uk).
  
  
• US: New clue found to disappearing honey bees. (25 August, Associated Press).
  
  
• Canada: Company plans to recycle 30 million old tyres - to make new tyres. (22 August, Clean Technica).
  
  
• Bolivia: Bolivians look to ancient farming system to turn annual floods from a curse to a blessing. (18 August, BBC).
  
  
• US: Obama to set up farmer's market outside the White House? (21 August, Treehugger).
  
  
• Kenya: Obama's grandma gets solar panels on her roof from Greenpeace. (24 August, ecoworldly).
  
  
• US: Cob house built for less than $3000. (24 August, Treehugger).
  
  Technology:
  
• Germany: 53 MW thin-film solar power plant now Germany's largest. (24 August, Treehugger).
  
  
• US: Lower cost solar cells to be printed like newspaper, painted on rooftops. (25 August, Science Daily).
  
  
• US: The race for non-platinum fuel cells. The implications for widescale adoption of sustainable fuel cells are huge, because until now platinum has been a major stumbling block. (23 August, CleanTechnica).
  
  
• US: Scrubbing sulphur: utilising a reusable organic liquid that can pull harmful gases such as carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide out of industrial emissions from power plants. (21 August, Science Daily).
  
  
• US: Solar powered plane could fly for five years non-stop. (24 August, Inhabitat).
  
  
• US: Utility aims to build largest-ever grid storage battery for wind power. Wants $25m. (26 August, Reuters).
  
  Natural world:
  
• US: Naming evolution's winners and losers. Mammals and many species of birds and fish are among evolution's "winners," while crocodiles, alligators and a reptile cousin of snakes known as the tuatara are among the losers. (24 August, Science Daily).
  
  
• Oslo: Online Encyclopedia of Life now up to 170,000 entries and growing fast. (23 August, NewsDaily).
  
  
• France: Seaweed kills horse. (19 August, ecoworldly).
  
  
• Australia: No sex in the city: traffic noise a downer for frogs. Ambience required. (22 August, ecoWorldly).
  
  
• Australia: After 200 years Southern Right whales return to breed in Tasmania. (21 August, Times Online).
  
  
  
  

Using ecoNet

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• Course: Sustainable Living.

  A two-afternoon quick summary of the full 'practical action at home' community education course.
  Presenter: Rhys Taylor.
  When: 1.00 - 4.00 pm Sat & Sun, 29 & 30 August.
  Where: Lyttelton Community Garden, Oxford St. (behind the swimming pool).
  Cost: $30.
  Contact/register: Roz 328 8552.
  
  

• Public Talk: Peace Through Law -
  The UN Charter and non-aggression.

  Speaker: Dr Kennedy Graham, MP, explains his private member's Bill.
  Chairperson: Commander Robert Green, Royal Navy (Ret'd).
  When:  5.15 pm Saturday, 29 August.
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester Street
  
  

• Talks/discussion: Radical Abundance -

  Based on webcasts of a conference held in January 2009 at Trinity Church, Wall Street, New York.
  When: 1.00 pm Sunday, 30 August.
  Speaker (ie, on webcast): Professor Tim Gorringe, author of A Theology of the Built Environment: Justice, Empowerment, Redemption.
  (Sunday 6 September: Professor David C Korten; Sunday 13 September: Majora Carter).
  Where: Cathedral chancel, Cathedral, Square.
  More Info: www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz.
  
  

• General Quiz-night Fundraiser:

  To raise money for Forest & Bird's Wild River campaign.
  When: 6.30 pm Sunday, 30 August.
  Where: The Ferry Speight's Ale House, 2a Waterman Place, Ferrymead.
  Cost: $10 a head, or form a 5 man team for $50.
  Info/tickets: Kyle 021 845 719, or buy at the door.
  Organisers: CPIT 2009 diploma in recreation adventure class students, with North Canterbury F&B.
  
  

• NZAEE event/seminar: Building community resilience as we 'power down' in the face of climate change & peak oil.

  MC: Bill Simpson, Community Resilience team leader, ECan.
  Speakers: Carl Pickens, landscape architect & organic gardener; Christoph Hensch, manager St Albans Community Centre & Transition community activist.
  When: 5.00 - 7.00 pm Wednesday, 2 Sept.
  Where: Waiau Theatrette, Environment Canterbury, 58 Kilmore St.
  More info contact: Jocelyn jyc@caverock.net.nz.
  Organised by NZAEE Christchurch Branch. (NZ Association for Environmental Education).
  
  

• Inaugural 2010 ECAN campaign meeting:

  Are you interested in being involved in the 2010 campaign to get more environmentally committed people elected to the Regional Council (ECan)?
  When: 6.00 pm Tuesday, 1 September.
  Where: Aoraki Green Party HQ, 303 Durham Street North.
  More info: Tom Taylor 322 4614, or Grace
  Taylor 325 4554.
  
  

• Talk: WEA Issues of the Day series.

  Current disarmament initiatives and future possibilities.
  Speaker: Natasha Barnes.
  When: 1.30 - 2.30 pm, Wed, 2 September.
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  Cost: $4.00
  More info/contact: WEA cwea@xtra.co.nz or 366 0285.
  
  

• Talk: Wednesday nights at the WEA.

  Migrant workers and the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. A critical examination based on the experiences of migrant workers on kiwifruit farms in the rural North Island.
  Speaker: Byron Clark.
  When: 5.30 pm Wednesday, 2 September.(Soup, bread, tea & coffee at 5.30, talk and discussion begins at 6.00 pm).
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  Cost: Gold coin.
  Register/contact/info: cwea@xtra.co.nz or 366 0285.
  
  

• Talk: UC Climate Change series: social and political consequences of climate change:
  

  The news isn't all bad - the global movement of people to create a sustainable future.
  Speaker: Dr Kate Hewson, Sustainability Advocate, University of Canterbury.
  When: 7.00 - 8.30 pm Thursday, 3 Sept.
  Where: on registration. (University campus).
  Cost: $15.00, students free.
  More info: Here.
  Organisers: Continuing Education, University of Canterbury.
  
  

• EARTHWISE, Plains FM 96.9

  Each Monday & Wednesday at 9.00 pm.
  Conservation, environment and peace with justice.
  This week: Interview with American Ann Wright, ex-US Colonel & diplomat,
  on the militarisation of Guam.
  Presenters: Martin and Lois Griffiths.
  NB: Listen again to Earthwise programmes on archive.
  

Coming up:

• Hopkins Annual Lecture: Using technology to unlock oil & gas reserves.

  Demand is forecast to increase by up to 70% by 2030. The capability of the global industry to supply is uncertain. A review some of the technical challenges and the engineering solutions being applied.
  Speaker: David Salisbury.
  When: 8.00 - 9.00 pm Thursday, 10 Sept.
  Where: Ngaio Marsh theatre, University of Canterbury.
  All welcome.
  More info/contact: Catherine catherine.oshaughnessy@canterbury.ac.nz or 364 2922 ext 6250.
  
  

• Presentation: Draft Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

  When: 10.30 - 11.30 am Friday, 11 Sept.
  Where: Oxford Tce Baptist Church Hall).
  RSVP: raewyn.crowther@ecan.govt.nz or 03 371 7188.
  

• e-day: Cleaning up NZ's e-waste.

  When: 12 September.
  More info here (www.eday.org.nz/)
  
  

• Opening soon: Rolleston Envirotown Market

  Produce and crafts.
  Opening Day: 10.00 - 1.00 pm Sunday, 13 September. (Once a month, 2nd Sunday).
  Where: Rolleston Square, Rolleston.
  Interested to have a stall?
  Contact: Catherine 347 8240 or e-mail Nicole tonicermu@gmail.com (with Rolleston Envirotown Market in the subject line).
  
  

• Conservation Week: 2009 - Kia Mahia te Mahi: Get Involved.

  An annual series of national DOC events.
  When: 13 - 20 September.
  More info: here (www.doc.govt.nz/features-archive/conservation-week-2009/).
  Also:
  
• Conservation Week: Quail Island restoration planting day for children.
  When: Sunday, 13 September. (More info: see under news & links: from here).
  Also:
• Conservation Week: teachers: Get your class involved first-hand with saving the world's rarest parrot. Take part, live, in the Kakapo virtual field trip to Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) 16-18 September.
  
  

• Climate Change Update

  with Melissa Clarke-Reynolds.
  When: 7.00 pm Tuesday, 15 September.
  Melissa will share latest information and pictures on climate change to update the Al Gore movie 'An Inconvenient Truth'.
  Where: Open Stage Theatre, Hagley Community College. (Access from Hagley Avenue).
  
  

• World Car-free day.

  When: 22 September.
  

Reminders:

• Exhibition: Snare/Mahanga:

  Contemporary artists draw inspiration from Canterbury Museum's bird collection and address issues of extinction, conservation, collecting and preservation. Includes displays of huia (and the only recorded huia 'call' as made by a human). Also a gallery of Ngai Tahu artists' work, historic film footage of food gathering (titi, tuna, oyster, inanga...), and eel migration out of Wairewa. Till 13 September.
  Where: Robert McDougall Gallery, open 10.00 am – 4.00 pm.
  
  

• Free home composting workshops:

  Hot composting of kitchen scraps & garden waste, Bokashi and worm farms. All methods demonstrated.
  At several sites:
  1. Seven Oaks Education Centre, 35 Hassals Lane. 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, 10.30 – 12.00 pm each Saturday.
  More info/contact: Annmarie 021 190 4559 or 942 7190 (evenings).
  Supported by CCC.
  
  

• Gardening courses: starting a garden, seed saving, composting, pickling & preserving, etc.

  Where: Strickland Street Community Garden, 188 Strickland Street, Spreydon. 
  When: for times & dates see their website www.sscommunitygarden.net.nz.
  Further info/contact: 942 6630.
  Supported by CCC.
  
  

• Volunteers wanted: weed control in Mackenzie Basin - in November.

  Help protect the biodiversity of this striking landscape together with rangers from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
  When: 23 - 27 November.
  More info: Here (www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/...).
  NB: They want up to 7 people, tends to be popular, so if interested book now.