Welcome

Hi & welcome to the webpage version of ecoNet.

Don't forget: keep sending us info for promoting your environmental events and causes. Also to pass on news of ecoNet Newsletter and our subscription address: eventdiary@environment.org.nz to others you think may find it interesting/useful.

Here's a selection of news and articles and bits and pieces of interest from around and about, and here and there, eg:

from here

Canterbury:

Environment Canterbury (ECan) may be forced to rehear resource consent applications to take groundwater from red-zoned Waimakariri-Selwyn part of the Canterbury Plains. (11 November, The Press).

North Canterbury farmer fined $8500 for effluent discharge. (11 November, ECan).

March Construction fined $8000 for Avon River discharge. (7 November, ECan).

Identifying residential and business areas of greater Christchurch: ECan to appoint independent commissioners to hear the 300 submissions on Proposed Change 1 of the Regional Policy Statement. (7 November, ECan).

south island:

Blenheim: weekend haul of blue cod lands anglers in legal strife. (11 November, Nelson Mail).

Marlborough: White pollution upsets river users. Wedding guests horrified. (7 November, The Marlborough Express).

Growing demand for electricity in South Canterbury: Alpine eyes big power investment. (8 November, Tmaru Herald/Stuff).

Consultant: Control of wildling conifers in Wakatipu going backwards. (7 November, Otago Daily Times).

Otago Harbour: fishermen no longer backing mataitai. (8 November, Otago Ddaily Times).

Central Otago: Environmental time bomb for the Nevis Valley? (7 November, Otago Daily times).

north island:

Waitakere mayor wins UN eco-honour. (12 November, NZ Herald).

Bay of Islands: After a drawn-out legal wrangle that threatened to bankrupt them, oyster farmers now need to find up to $3.5 million to clean up their polluted farms. (7 November, Northern Advocate).

Auckland councils want govt input into billion dollar rail electrification project. (10 November, NZ Herald).

Auckland: affordable housing plan for Mt Roskill secretly dumped. (7 November, Stuff).

Hawkes Bay: Fertiliser giant Ravensdown to defend claim for at least $1 million for damages over orchard losses. (8 November, Hawkes Bay Today).

Hamilton: Tui expected to flourish in the city after crack down on pests. (11 November, Waikato Times).

national:

Energy shake up looms. (11 November, Dominion Post/The Press).

Federated Farmers have not challenged key findings on Clean Streams Accord. (10 November, Forest & Bird).

Fonterra quiet on split up of Sanlu. (8 November, NZ Herald).

Fonterra (6th) & Sanlu (1st) both in world top 10 list of most criticised on environmental grounds. (12 November, The NZ Herald).

Farmers say: Fonterra out of touch. Don't support opening up their co-op. (11 November, NZ Herald).

Lobbyists take aim at SOEs: Meridian, TVNZ, Landcorp and Kiwibank...(Deja vue all over again?). (9 November, Stuff/Sunday Star Times).

Forest lobby wants NZ Super Fund to bid for forest. (11 November, National Business Review).

Science: New carbon foot-printing project begins. (10 November, Landcare Research).

Professor says: eg, for tooth decay, body odour, ear infections bacteria can beat the bugs. NZ leads research.(13 November, NZ Herald).

Many new wonders discovered in latest world sea census. (12 November, NZ Herald).

New arrivals for Wellington Harbour's Matiu/Somes Island: 15 rare green geckos. (11 November, DOC).

Two job offers: The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET) wants a Development Manager (30hrs/wk) and an Administrator (15hrs/wk). (WET is a charitable trust formed in 2003 to promote better management of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, to improve health and biodiversity of the lake and catchments, and to educate people about its values).
For more info:  tina@developmentmatters.co.nz or 027 201 1000.
Applications close 28 November.

Wanted: submissions on the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. Until 23 January 2009. More info here.

Re-linked awards, submissions, consultations etc:

• ECan's annual report, 2007 - 2008. (30 October, ECan).
  
  
• CCC 2008 Annual Report published (November, CCC website).
  
  
• Last days!: The Starter Home Design Competition: for designers, architects and builders to come up with innovative plans for good quality, affordable homes. General entries close Wednesday 19 November; student entries Wednesday 26 November. More: http://www.dbh.govt.nz/designcomp
  
  
• HomeSmart: Free, research-based advice on sustainably renovating your home: warmer, drier, healthier, more affordable to run & kinder on the environment. More info: www.beaconpathway.co.nz
  
  
• LEARNZ: online education upcoming programmes: 1. Kiwi: 4 - 7 November.
  2. Science On Ice: (Antarctica) 10 - 20 November.
  3. Takahe: 18 - 21 Nov. More info: LEARNZ.
  
  
• Support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Background info here. (www.converge.org.nz).
  
  
• Now open: 2009-10 Sustainable Management Fund. (Ministry for the Environment). Till 22 January 2009.
  
  
• CAFCA opposes NZ Free Trade Agreement with US, wants your help: The NZ not for sale campaign

& from there

• Iceland: Stunned Icelanders struggle after economy's fall. (8 November, New York Times).
  
  
• Europe: To build super grid to protect itself from Russian energy stranglehold. (13 November, Times onLine).
  
  
• China: Premier Wen Jiabao: Rich nations should ditch 'unsustainable' lifestyles. (6 November, Yahoo News).
  
  
• Australia: Reducing consumption the key to a sustainable future. (12 November, Energy Bulletin/CSIRO).
  
  
• China: The green dragon awakes: eco-efforts a sign of things to come? (12 November, Treehugger).
  
  
• The crumbling of China's export market. (13 November, Energy Bulletin/Language Matters).
  
  
• Southern Ocean: heading for acidification tipping point 30 years earlier than feared. (12 November, Treehugger).
  
  
• Are we doing enough to protect the ozone layer? (7 November, The Daily Galaxy).
  
  
• Maldives: Sinking nation. Maldives leader seeks new home for entire population. (12 November, NZ Herald).
  
  
• Australia acts to save 'Alps' from climate change. (10 November, The Independent).
  
  
• US: A new energy economy emerging in the United States. (12 November, Treehugger).
  
  
• UK: Police warn of growing threat from eco-terrorists. (9 November, The Guardian).
  
  
• Sydney rail: coming to the end of the line: Sydney bursting at the seams but rail line cancellations leave it nowhere to turn. New suburbs in gridlock. (8 November, Sydney Morning Herald).
  
  
• Canada fines company for advocating car pooling. (12 November, Red Green and Blue).
  
  
• UK: traffic levels fall for first time in decades: Motor firms head for crash. (9 November, The Independent).
  
  
• Toronto: Bike generator harnesses power from bumps in the road. (4 November, Treehugger).
  
  
• solar powered robotic lawn mower. (10 November, Inhabitat).
  
  
• US: Research finding: low concentrations of pesticides can become toxic when mixed together. (11 November, News from Pitt/University of Pittsburgh).
  
  
• UK: The slippery business of palm oil. (6 November, The Guardian).
  
  
• UK: Bananas growing in UK eco- house.
  
  
• US: Scientists discover carbon capturing rock. (4 November, Technology Review).
  
  
• Battery life break through could increase battery life by up to 800%. (12 November, Treehugger).
  
  
• Life after (peak) oil: Powerdown - but where? Countryside or city? (12 November, Indyweek.com).
  
  
• UK: 'clean up' bees could save endangered hives. (9 November, The Guardian).
  
  
• Darwin's specimens go on display. (7 November, BBC News).
  
  
• Southern Oceans: Octopuses share 'still living ancestor'. (9 November, BBC News).
  
  
• Galapagos: Thought to be the world's rarest animal, the last giant turtle, in his prime at 90, cuts a notch in his belt (twice!) after 36 years. (12 November, ABC News).
  
  
• In photos: baby hippo adopted by 100 year old tortoise. (2 November, Treehugger).
  
  
• The desperate plight of frogs: vanishing Mississippi gopher frog gets a jump start. (8 November, NZ Herald).
  
  
• Doing yoga saved my broken back (9 November, BBC News).
  
  
• To mark World Toilet Day: 19 November. (info: wateraid.org/australia).
  ecologically mindless. (Feb 2002, ecoSan).
  and:
  Mozambican singer shines light on sanitation. ( !2 April, BBC News).
  And finally:
  (till next year... well maybe not that long) have a look at this guy's business. He calls it the Natural Event (says he's out to change the world from the bottom up). He's Ocker - very switched on though. His biggest event so far (rock concert): compost toilets for 60,000 people. What better use for a wheelie bin? (When ready for a promotion or when I get sacked I'd like to go work for him - ed).
  woops! nearly forgot. Also: US: George W Bush sewage plant plan flushed. In such bad taste, don't you think? (6 November, Chicago Tribune).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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:

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• contact us

 

 

• Work day: Travis Wetland Trust.

  When: 9.00 am Saturday, 15 November.
  Where: meet at Beach Rd Education Centre.
  Bring: gumboots, water, warm clothes.
  Contact: Joe Greenaway 383 2073.
  All welcome.
  
  

• Weed removal: Bone seed.

  (aim: to get rid of bone seed within 10 years).
  When: 9.00 – 12.00 pm Saturday, 15 Nov.
  Where: Barnett Park. (meet end of Bayview Rd).
  Bring: gloves, saw or loppers if you have them.
  Contact: Di Carter, Port Hills Ranger Service: 941 7572 or 027 201 5653.
  All welcome.
  
  

• Courage Day: 15 November - International Day of the imprisoned writer.

  Watch a free movie celebrating free speech:
  An Independent Mind: stories of heroes from around the world.
  When: 1.30 pm Saturday, 15 November.
  Where: Christchurch City Art Gallery auditorium.
  More info: here (CCC).
  
  

• Fulbright Scholar lecture: Changing mass attitudes and democracy.

  Speaker: Prof. Ronald Inglehart, US, Director of the World Values Society. (measures political & socio-cultural change around the world).
  When: 11.00 - 12.00 pm Monday, 17 Nov.
  Where: Commerce 013, University of Canterbury. Map (H/I, 2/3)
  All welcome.
  
  

• Talk series: Fair Trade in a free trade world.

  Speakers: Helen Tulett, Geoff White.
  When: 12.30 - 1.30 pm starts Monday, 17 November (a weekly series of 3).
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  Cost: $10.00.
  More info & to register: cwea or 366 0285.
  
  

• Lecture: Greenspeak - Constructing the sustainable corporation through rhetoric.

  The triple bottom line - necessary but not likely sufficent for a sustainable business - & more.
  Speaker: Accounting Professor Markus Milne, University of Canterbury.
  When: 6:00 - 7.00 pm Tuesday, 18 November.
  Where: Christchurch Art Gallery auditorium.
  More information: here. (UC in the city series of public talks).
  
  

• Lecture: Heaton Rhodes of Otahuna.

  Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Rice.
  When: 7.00 pm Tuesday, 18 November.
  Where: venue on enrolment.
  (Part of a University of Canterbury community education programme).
  More info: here.
  
  

• Lecture: Finding our own voice: NZ English in the making.

  Speaker: Professor Elizabeth Gordon.
  When: 7.00 pm Tuesday, 18 November.
  Where: venue on enrolment.
  Part of a University of Canterbury community education programme.
  more info here.
  
  

• SFF: Sustainable Farming Funds: information session:

  Cheviot: 10.00 - 11.30 am Tues, 18 Nov.
  Where: Cheviot Area School hall.
  Contact: Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 Janine.alfeld@maf.govt.nz
  More info: www.maf.govt.nz/sff/.
  
  

• Talk:  Current Affairs: International Human Rights.

  Speaker: Dr Scott Walker.
  When: 1.30 - 2.30 pm Wednesday, 19 November.
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester St.
  More info & to register: cwea or 366 0285.
  
  

• Get Sustainable Challenge: Paper and Office Supplies.

  (greening your office thro reduction, best buying etc)
  Presenters: SBN members, Corporate Express, Spicers Paper.
  When: 2.00 – 5.00 pm Wednesday, 19 Nov.
  Where:  South Library, Colombo Street, Christchurch.
  Cost:  Members $35, Non-members $65
  RSVP (by 17 Nov) to Jan: 943 2022  or jan@sustainable.org.nz.
  (SBN: Sustainable Business Network).
  
  

• World Toilet Day - 19 November.

  (See articles under News & Links: from there).
  
  

• Cartooning for Peace: cartooning, political comment & debate.

  Cartoonists: Al Nisbet, WIAZ de Le Nouvel Observateur. (ie Pierre Wiazemsky).
  When: 6.00 pm Wednesday, 19 November.
  Where: Christchurch Art Gallery auditorium.
  Cost: Free.
  Sponsor: Alliance Francaise, ChCh Art Gallery.
  
  

• Talk: Japan: Mention the war - and get away with it?

  (Japanese history books have white-washed their military's actions in WWII...)
  Speaker: Dr Ryota Nishino.
  When: 4.10 pm Friday, 21 November.
  Where: Rm 323, Rutherford building, University of Canterbury. map (G/H, 3).
  All welcome.
  
  

• Ashburton River: annual bird survey.

  When:  Saturday, 22 November (Sun 23rd if Sat. weather bad).
  Helpers welcome.
  RSVP: Colin: codonnell@doc.govt.nz (work) or mohua@xtra.co.nz (after hours) or mobile: 025 673 1114. (before 18 Nov.)
  
  

• Organics workshop: planning & preparing summer, autumn & early winter gardens; practical: sowing carrots & corn, caring for tomatoes, preparing for leeks & celeriac, liquid fertilisers etc.

  Tutors: Holger Kahl and Mareile Stoppel.
  When: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Sat, 22 Nov.
  Where: Port Levy Rd, Purau.
  Bring: shared  lunch, afternoon tea.
  Cost: koha (suggested; $30 – $70).
  Info and registration: Holger 03 329 3299 or Mareile 03 3294 798.
  

• EARTHWISE, Plains FM 96.9

  Each Monday & Wednesday at 10 pm.
  Conservation, environment and peace with justice.
  This week's interview: Georgia Miller, Friends of the Earth Australia.
  Nanotechnology – the new threat to food.
  Her (October) Globalresearch article here : Nanotechnology - the new threat to food.
  Presenters: Martin and Lois Griffiths.
  
  

Coming up:

• Wellington: NZ's first climate change hui:

  When: 10.00 - 4.00 pm Sat 22 & Sun 23, November.
  Where: Newtown Community Centre, corner Rintoul and Colombo Sts.
  Contact & RSVP: climatecampnz@riseup.net
  More info: www.climatecamp.org.nz
  
  

• SFF: Sustainable Farming Funds: information sessions:

  Cheviot: 10.00 - 11.30 am Tues, 18 Nov.
  Where: Cheviot Area School hall.
  Tekapo: 10.00 - 11.30 am Tues, 25 Nov.
  Where: Tekapo community hall.
  Middlemarch: 1.00 pm Wed, 26 Nov.
  Where: M&WNZ Central Otago monitor farm field day.
  Winton: 10 - 11.30 am Thurs, 27 Nov.
  Where: ANZAC lounge, RSA hall.
  For more see under: News and Links, Issue 23. (archive)
  Also www.maf.govt.nz/sff/.
  
  

• Public meeting: find out about the O Tu Wharekai project in the Ashburton Lakes.

  When: 5.00 - 10.00 pm Tuesday, 25 November.
  Where: Mt Somers Community Hall (in the domain opposite the hotel).
  RSVP: necessary for catering (finger food provided).
  Contact/more info: Janet Welsh 03 693 1010 or jwelsh@doc.govt.nz
  
  

• White Ribbon Day: International day for elimination of violence against women.

  When: Tuesday 25 November.
  Information here: komihana a whanau (families commission).

  White Ribbon Stall:

  When: 12.00 – 2.00 pm Tuesday, 25 Nov.
  Where: Cathedral Square. 
  Amnesty International & UNIFEM say no to violence petition: here.
  
  

• Green Drinks: the last for the year.

  When: 5.00 - 7.00 pm Thursday, 27 Nov.
  Where: Dux de Lux (upstairs lounge), Arts Centre.
  
  

• Meurky walk: Mt Vernon towards Lyttelton.

  When: 27 November.(more info next week).
  
  

• Gardening talk: Beach garden.

  (about sand, salt spray & growing organics).
  Speaker: Charlotte McHaffie.
  When: 2.00 pm Saturday, 29 November.
  Where: 50 Cygnet St, North Beach.
  Cost: (non-members) $2.00.
  RSVP: 308 7353 or 021 037 5716 or organicschch@gmail.com.
  More info: Canterbury Soil & Health Assn blog.
  
  

• Garden open day.

  When: 10.00 - 4.00 pm Sat 29 & Sun 30, November.
  Where: 83 Clyde Rd, Fendalton.
  Contact: Karena 353 0283 or 0275 498 279.
  
  

• New Zealand Tourism & Hospitality Research Conference 2008: Re-creating tourism.

  The challenges & opportunities given climate change, environmental and ecosystem degradation, ‘peak oil’; rapid economic transformation...etc, etc.
  When: 3 – 5 December.
  Where: Hanmer Springs, Canterbury.
  More info here. (Lincoln University).
  
  

• Palmerston North conference: Soils2008 -the living skin of Planet Earth.

  Devoted to all aspects of soil science, relationships with other disciplines and practical applications. Includes Field Trips.
  When: 1 December 2008 - 5 December. Registration: till 14 November.
  Where: Massey University, Palmerston North.
  (Joint conference of Australian and NZ Societies of Soil Science).
  Registration & more info: www.soilsconference.co.nz
  
  

• Wellington conference: Renewables in the built environment

  When: 11 - 12 December.
  Where: Te Papa
  Info here: SEANZ08. (Sustainable Electricity Association NZ).
  
  

• 2009 Auckland conference: Property Rights and Sustainability.

  When: 16-18 April 2009.
  NZ Centre for Environmental Law (NZCEL).
  More info: see under News and Links: from here, Newsletter no 23: here (archive)
  

Reminders:

• Free Home Composting Workshops:

  (Bokashi, Hot Compost, and Worm Farms).
  Where: 1: Opawa Community Gardens, 176 Opawa Rd (at Aynsley Terrace).
  When: 1.00 pm 15, 18 November. (1st & 3rd Saturday each month & 1st & 3rd Tuesday).
  2. Okeover Community Gardens, University of Canterbury.
  When: 12.00 - 1:30 pm Sat, 15 November. (2nd & 4th Saturday each month, 2nd & 4th Wednesday).
  3: Lyttelton Community Gardens, 54a Oxford Street.
  When: 1.00 - 3.00 pm Sat 22 November, 10.00 - 12.00 pm Mon 24 November.
  How: Just turn up.
  More info: Annmarie Banchy 021 190 4559, or 942 7190 (evening), abanchy@paradise.net.nz.
  Sponsored by CCC.
  
  

• Nelson District: create your own eden.

  times & venues for upcoming free composting workshops & other waste recycling info.
  Sponsored by Nelson City Council.