Welcome to Eco-Events Issue # 180 23 June 2009
Eco Events is sent on Tuesdays – if you have any environmental events from your region you would like us to include in the calendar, please send it to us by Monday, with For Eco Events in the subject line. Thank you.
Events in Brief
Climate Change Campaign Meeting organised by Nelson Environment Centre
Tuesday 23rd June 7pm – 8pm, Age Concern Hall, 67 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, gold coin.
Transition Nelson Next Step
Tuesday 23rd June approx 8pm – 9pm, Age Concern Hall, 67 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, gold coin donation
Kiwi Conservation Club: Spot the Stars
Friday 26 June, 7pm, Atkinson Observatory, Clifton Terrace School
NEC AGM – all welcome
Tuesday 30 June, 7.30pm at the Boathouse on Rocks Road.
SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE SERIES: "Reducing emissions: Building Value"
Wednesday 8th July 9am - 1 pm NMIT - specific venue to be advised later
Council Community Planting Day
Saturday 11 July, 10am-1pm at Titoki Reserve, off Werneth St, Dodson Valley Rd.
BIO DYNAMICS: Public Talk with Peter Proctor and Rachel Pomeroy
Saturday 11th July, 7.00 - 9.30pm at Melrose House (Drive in from Trafalgar St to park)
BIO DYNAMICS: Workshop “BD in the Home Garden and Beyond” with Peter Proctor and Rachel Pomeroy
Sunday 12th July, 10.30 – 4pm at the Waimarama Community Gardens Brook St, Nelson
Home Gardening Coaching Programme with Robina McCurdy - Garden Co-ordinator
Intro evening – Wednesday 22 July 5.30-7.30 @ Victory Community Centre includes pot-luck and slideshow.
Events in Full
“Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku” a NZ feature length documentary screening at the Suter
"a unique Number Eight Wire/Kiwi style approach to Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth."
The film features ten ‘big picture’ New Zealand visionaries happy to share their stories,” Kathleen (director) explains. “They have hope while still being realistic. Years ago they worked out, like James Lovelock in the UK and Al Gore in the USA, that the rest of the world was heading in a disastrous direction and they got out there – in their own incredible, witty, and inimitable way, and walked the talk. They saved heritage seeds, regenerated forests, harvested and protected wild herbs, rode a bicycle, and saved huge swathes of old forest. These people are a delightful and powerful example - even a person living in the centre of a city can protect and enjoy native forest, ride a bike, or grow a garden.” Filmed at spectacular locations around New Zealand by acclaimed cameramen Alun Bollinger and Mike Single
Climate Change Campaign Meeting organised by Nelson Environment Centre
Tuesday 23rd June 7pm – 8pm, Age Concern Hall, 67 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, gold coin. We urgently need your help! If you have time to get involved in just one thing this year then this is the one. The Government has just announced plans to consult with the NZ public over the next 6 weeks prior to announcing in early August their greenhouse gas emission target for 2020 which they will use at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen this December. This presents a huge opportunity for people and organisations concerned about climate change to have their say and influence this decision. We only have till the end of July to help the Government choose the right target. We need volunteers to help collect signatures, raise awareness & help organise events. We unfortunately don’t have the resources to organise this all ourselves. It’s really important you get involved, this affects everyone. Come along to a meeting on the 23rd to hear more and get involved. Invite anyone else you think might be interested. Please note after this meeting starting at 8pm at the same venue there will be a meeting to discuss the next step for Transition Nelson.
Climate Change update
- Climate change is occurring at a speed previously not thought possible and The UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen this December may be our last chance to avoid runaway climate change.
- A 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels is what science says is the minimum reduction necessary.
- 76% of New Zealanders believe climate change is a problem and 67% support a new international agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions according to the March 2009 NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development’s NZ Climate Change Survey.
- Climate change is already adversely affecting NZ’s economy. In 2008 the drought in the Waikato cost the farming sector over NZ$1.24 billion (MAF). Worldwide it causes losses of US$125 billion on average per annum.
- Plus it is simply more cost effective to act now than delay. The 2006 Stern Review: The Economics of Climate Change states “the costs of action ... can be limited to around 1% of GDP each year; failure to take action could reduce “GDP by 20% or more.”
- - It is also responsible for 300,000 deaths worldwide each year; and seriously affecting a further 325 million others which is set to rise significantly according to Kofi Annan, President of the Global Humanitarian Forum.
If you can’t make the meeting then here are two national campaigns you can join and will only take a few minutes.
http://www.signon.org.nz/
Transition Nelson Next Step
Tuesday 23rd June approx 8pm – 9pm, Age Concern Hall, 67 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, gold coin donation
Discussion on the next step and way forward for Transition Nelson. Due to loss of funding the coordinators role will be significantly downsized from the 17th July to simply maintaining the database and sending out newsletters.
- What is the best way to support and coordinate the project going forward?
- Are people interested in continuing to raise awareness and have events?
- Some groups have worked well others have struggled to define projects, how do we continue to support the groups?
- What would individuals and the community like to do? We would like your input on what is important to you and the next step for Transition Nelson.
Please note this meeting follows on from the Climate change campaign meeting at the same venue that starts at 7pm.
Kiwi Conservation Club: Spot the Stars
Friday 26 June, 7pm, Atkinson Observatory, Clifton Terrace School
Weather permitting. Bring warm clothing, blanket or ground sheet to lie on. Cost gold coin donation to Astronomical Society. Phone Stephen or Liz on 548 5026.
NEC AGM”- all welcome
Tuesday 30 June, 7.30pm at the Boathouse on Rocks Road.
Featuring guest speaker Dr Ed Kiddle “Climate Change, Cuts, and Copenhagen 09
SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE SERIES: "Reducing emissions: Building Value"
Wednesday 8th July 9am - 1 pm NMIT - specific venue to be advised later
Council Community Planting Day
Saturday 11 July, 10am-1pm at Titoki Reserve, off Werneth St, Dodson Valley Rd.
No experience is needed, just a good strong pair of shoes. You don’t need to bring a space, but if you have a favourite bring it if you wish. Free sausage sizzle and hot drinks for volunteers. If the weather doesn’t look ideal listen to the cancellations on the local radio stations that day.
BIO DYNAMICS: Public Talk with Peter Proctor and Rachel Pomeroy
Saturday 11th July, 7.00 - 9.30pm at Melrose House (Drive in from Trafalgar St to park)
An overview of Biodynamics, using the BD preps for building soil fertility and plant health, the stars and the practical uses of the BD calendar. Star watching if clear sky.
There will be an opportunity for questions
Donation / Koha
BIO DYNAMICS: Workshop “BD in the Home Garden and Beyond” with Peter Proctor and Rachel Pomeroy
Sunday 12th July, 10.30 – 4pm at the Waimarama Community Gardens Brook St, Nelson
Workshop Cost: $15 individual, $25 couple
All welcome Please arrive early to register
Programme
10.30-12.30: Making biodynamic tree paste, Pruning demonstration and applying tree paste
12.30-1.30: lunch and discussion (bring your own lunch, hot drink supplied)
1.30- 3.30: Uses of BD Cow Pat Pit, Tree Planting the BD way Preparing a garden bed and sowing seeds the BD way
3.30-4pm: Time for any unanswered questions
Books, calendars and Cow Pat Pit will be available to buy
Funds go to the Community gardens and the Nelson BD Group
Enquiries to Ana Dorrington Ph: 03 5484910 or email ana.smile@ihug.co.nz
About Peter: Peter Proctor has over 50 years experience in all aspects of agriculture and horticulture, and 40 plus years in Biodynamics. Over the years he has taught and advised farmers and gardeners on Biodynamic methods in many countries including India, USA, UK, Europe, Australia and NZ. His work and the transformative outcomes of applied Biodynamics is beautifully illustrated in the movie “One Man, One Cow, One Planet”. Peter is the author of the book “Grasp the Nettle”, which covers all aspects of Biodynamics and the practical application in the NZ environs.
Rachel Pomeroy teaches astronomy and use of the planting calendar. She is experienced in making and using the biodynamic preparations.
Home Gardening Coaching Programme with Robina McCurdy - Garden Co-ordinator
Intro evening – Wednesday 22 July 5.30-7.30 @ Victory Community Centre includes pot-luck and slideshow.
THEN training begins on Thursdays (1-3pm):
23 July * 30 July 6 Aug * 13 Aug 21 Aug * 27 Aug 3 Sept *
10 Sept 17 Sept * (* = instruction session)
~ Hands-on instruction and application sessions alternating each week ~
Do YOU have some experience in gardening, want to learn more, THEN share your skills to help others develop their own home edible garden ~ become a Home Garden Coach.
We are offering a 2 hours x 10 week course, comprised of 5 weeks hands-on instruction and 5 weeks self direction application with buddy, alternately throughout the programme. Participants receive handouts and a Certificate at the end. Most sessions will be at Victory Community Centre, with other sessions held at chosen home garden plots.
Preferred Skills & Abilities of Coaches
have some gardening experience and interest in growing food
have good communication skills to pass on information to residents for the appropriate level and learning style
have sound organisational skills to ensure sustainable gardens are created and MORE PEOPLE GROW AND EAT their own food.
No Charge for training ~ $15 contribution for booklet & handout materials is requested.
REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL ~ limited to 12 trainees ~ contact us TODAY. Kindra Douglas: vchinfo@victory.school.nz Phone 546 8381
Eco Volunteer Opportunities in 2009
HOME GARDEN COACHING PROGRAMME - Practice Gardens Wanted
We are looking for gardens for our home garden coaches to use in their training. Preferably people brand new to gardening, with properties (rentals are fine) which have little, unsuccessful or no garden established. Low income households preferred. If you have or know of people in this situation who are keen to have a garden but don’t know how to start or are disappointed from having poor results but willing to give it a go again, talk with them about this opportunity and let us know if they are interested. Robina – the Victory Community Garden Coordinator will visit the practice gardens in advance, and meet with the owners before they commit to making their garden available to be developed into an edible home garden.
Benefits for Practice Gardeners:
personal hands-on guidance from coach-trainees
their garden designed to be as productive as possible
getting a garden in for spring this year
food on the table for their families in summer
plants and seeds provided at no cost
receiving a set of garden tools (to keep) as a thank you
The Role of Practice Gardens & Gardeners
Each of these gardens is ‘adopted’ by a 2-3 trainee coaches, who live closest to that particular property. This garden is visited 5 times (every alternate week), for coaches to work alongside the resident and apply the skills they had learnt in the week before - at the same time passing on these skills to the resident. By the end of the course, it is intended that the resident has a fully functioning garden and the skills to maintain it!
Training Location
Most instructional sessions will happen at Victory Community Centre and Victory Community Garden, with buddy practice sessions at these pre-arranged Practice Gardens.
Request from Moehau Environment Group for volunteers
We are interested in people staying and volunteering with us for a week or more.
Moehau Environment Group can assist with accommodation for a very moderate price in the Eco Base at Waikawau Bay. Accommodation and food expenses are to carry by the volunteer... but negotiable!!! Contact www.meg.org.nz for more details.
WANTED: Do you have a passion for our natural world? Do you enjoy working with children, and their parents?
Liz, Stephen and Helen are looking for someone to help them with the local branch of the Kiwi Conservation Club, the junior section of Forest & Bird. KCC has been operating in Nelson more than 20 years and is supported by Forest & Bird nationally and locally.
While you will be a volunteer, what you will get in return is immeasureable satisfaction from working with potential environmental activists, scientists and leaders - these children are the future. If you think you have something to offer and want to know more contact Liz ph: 548 5026 or swynne@slingshot.co.nz or Helen ph: 521 1148 or maccam@ts.co.nz.
Nelson Growables at Founders
Calling all gardeners, teachers, signwriters, photographers, fund-raising gurus, and promoters. We are looking for volunteers to help organise a fantastic event “Nelson Growables”. This umbrella event will bring everyone together in one setting – plant sales, conserves, baking, home brewing, displays and workshops on growing, cooking, health, flavour and quality. Add a Growable Art, Craft and Fashion Show, food, fun, kids competitions, entertainment and acitivities and you have the perfect Autumn and Spring Events.
Contact nelsongrowables@gmail.com.
A Transition Nelson Initiative
The HomeSmart Renovation Project: volunteers wanted
Beacon Pathway and EnergySmart are looking to recruit homeowners in the Nelson area over the next 3 months. They are looking for people who are planning on renovating their homes over the summer through to early winter.
The aim of their project is to determine the best renovation packages to address whole-of-house sustainability – energy, water, waste and the living environment. The information collected will enable both a better understanding of the benefits of retrofitting homes and the best ways to do this. Of the 1000 homes nationwide that will be renovated as part of this project, a small proportion will be monitored to gather this information: this is where you can help.
It will involve installing small temperature and humidity loggers, and a water meter if there isn’t already one installed. We will also need access to your power bills (electricity and/or gas) for the last 12 months and for the next 18 months. There will also be a series of interviews about how you interact with your house, and your experience of the renovations.
The assessment is free.
You will get independent, research-based information on how to renovate your whole house in the most efficient, cost-effective way.
You’ll avoid wasting money by doing renovations in an ad hoc fashion.
You’ll have a plan tailored to your needs: your timeframe, your budget and your household’s needs.
Just one assessor will provide advice on energy, water, waste and the living environment, eliminating the need for a series of different specialists.
You will get impartial advice, which is not promoting a particular product.
Reducing your energy and water use will cut your utility bills.
Eliminating the cold, damp and mould linked to asthma and respiratory illnesses will give you and your family a healthier living environment.
You may boost the resale value of your home.
You’ll make a difference to future generations and our environment by reducing the environmental footprint of your home.
If you wish to sign up to being part of the project go to the website www.beaconpathway.co.nz.
Waimarama Community Organic Gardens – volunteer tutors wanted
We are looking to launch our new timetable of workshops at the gardens and are in need of tutors. There are various topics ranging from kids gardening, to beekeeping, and composting. If you or anyone you know may be interested in tutoring these workshops, or others your may like to suggest, then please contact Victoria Goode waimarama@actrix.co.nz, or 5484575.
Ideally we would like to be able to run workshops both at that weekend and during the week. Most workshops have a two hour duration but this is dependent on the content of the workshop.
Please email
· Your name contact details.
· A brief explanation of your experience in the workshop topic.
·
Other Stuff
Sustainable Business Adviser
Make a Difference to Nelson Business
Businesses in Nelson have spoken – they want face to face practical advice about how to reduce their carbon emissions. Thanks to a range of support agencies the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency is able to offer this three year fixed term position which will develop and promote a free service offering practical and site specific advice to Nelson business.
To be successful in this role you will need a thorough knowledge of sustainable business practices such as energy efficiency, water use and waste minimisation and good research skills. You will also need an understanding of the business environment and great interpersonal skills to make sure your advice is acted on. This role is perfect for a self starter with proven project delivery skills.
Computer and time management skills and a driver’s licence will all be needed, and while the role is full time there is flexibility around days and hours of work.
If you want to help Nelson businesses to make smart choices –for the environment and for their bottom lines, find out more by getting the full job description from simon@eda.co.nz. Applications close on 26 June and should be sent to info@eda.co.nz,
Give Students a Voice at the WCC-3
A unique opportunity for students to have a voice at the upcoming World Climate Conference (WCC-3) in Geneva, Switzerland, on 31 August to 4 September 2009. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the GLOBE Program invite young people to create
compelling short messages on the topic: Youth Working to Solve Local Problems through Weather and Climate Research.
The intent of the WMO-GLOBE youth message initiative is to provide scientists, policy-makers, global business leaders and media representatives attending the WCC-3 with captivating and inspirational examples of the many ways that youth from
around the world are using their research on weather and climate to respond to issues that their local region is facing. GLOBE students can become spokespersons for youth the world over!
WCC-3 is not just another climate conference. WCC-3 will focus on how to create a global framework for climate services. It will address how humankind can benefit from the advances in climate prediction and information services to manage climate-related risks as a way of developing resilience through adaptation. It will urge all countries worldwide to pool their resources and energies. Please spread the word about the WMO-GLOBE initiative to give young people a voice at this important event.
For more details and information on how to submit entries, go to http://www.globe.gov/fsl/pdf/GLOBE-WMO_announcementMay2009-5.pdf
Time is of the essence! All submissions must be received by 15 June 2009.
GLOBE Program Mailing Lists Service. For assistance with this list, contact:globe-all-request@globe.gov
Biodiversity Funds Open for Applications
Funding round open
The next funding round is now open for applications - this opened today (20 May 2009) and will close 3pm Wednesday 1 July 2009 www.biodiversity.govt.nz/biofunds
Anyone proposing to submit an application, prior discussion with Fund staff can be useful for applicants. If you have any questions or wish to discuss any aspect of your project or proposed application please feel free to call me on 0800 86 2020.
Notification of outcome is anticipated in October 2009.
How to apply
You need to familiarise yourself with the Biodiversity Fund Guides and Exclusions for funding. http://www.biodiversity.govt.nz/land/nzbs/pvtland/conditionapps.html
ONLINE APPLICATIONS: As with previous funding rounds you are encouraged to submit applications online using the appropriate form for the Advice Fund or Condition Fund. www.biodiversity.govt.nz/apply Refer to the online application guide for helpful notes and hints
MANUAL APPLICATIONS: If you are submitting an application manually applicants must use the appropriate and revised application forms for this round.
Further information or assistance http://www.biodiversity.govt.nz/land/nzbs/pvtland/conditionapps.html
If you have any questions or wish to discuss any aspect of your project or proposed application please contact me or Alan White (Fund Manager) on 0800 86 2020.
5th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference
Melbourne, 24-26 August 09 - registration now available online www.eds.org.nz/ems/goto
We are pleased to advise that early bird registration for the pre-eminent climate change conference for business in our region is now available. This year's event will focus on three themes:
· domestic and international policy developments in the lead up to Copenhagen
· financing the transition to a low carbon economy in the global financial crisis
· practical advice on how business can respond to climate change.
ENERGYWISE™ Homes Funding Grants
Absolute Energy now approved to offer ENERGYWISE™ Homes Funding Grants or Interest subsidies on loans for insulating your home. To find out if you qualify go to <http://www.absoluteenergy.co.nz>www.absoluteenergy.co.nz and fill in questionnaire – or ph 547 2503 or visit the Home Energy Centre at 146 Pascoe St.
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