Dear Members
This is the last SDC newsletter for the year – and my first. I’ll be in touch again in mid-January, unless there is information you would like me to send around before then.
As Suze noted in the last newsletter, please now forward any content for the newsletter to me via newsletter@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz, and any other correspondence to SDC secretary, Vivienne Bryner, on secretary@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz.
I’ve changed the layout of the newsletter a wee bit – let me know if that works (or not) for you, or of any other suggestions you may have. (I had hoped to send this from the newsletter website but the formatting there is taking a while to get under control).
Have a great holiday. Hope to see many of you at the Keep the Coal in the Hole Summer Festival!
Nicky
1. Upcoming SDC Events and Projects
NO GreenDrinks Dunedin this month. However, see following for the proposed list of topics for 2012.
2. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses
Tomorrow 8 December Biochar seminar 12-1 pm
10 & 11 December Biochar Workshop weekend (http://www.biochar-international.org/node/2796)
20 December Early registrations close for Coal in the Hole Summer Festival
20 - 23 January 2012 Keep the Coal in the Hole Summer Festival (http://nocoalsummerfest.org.nz/information)
(See also www.wwf.org.nz/100_percent_possible for a related initiative by WWF)
Requested action from Forest & Bird: Ask John Key to keep his government’s promise about mining our conservation land
3. Dunedin Sustainability in Action!
8 December Informal discussions with Councillor Jinty MacTavish on the Draft Spatial Plan
8 December 6-9 pm Community Can and Treats Drive for food banks (12 December Mosgiel)
9 December Assessing the Impact of Technology on the Backcountry Experience: A Qualitative Study from New Zealand
Sunday 1 January 2012: next market at Warrington School from 11-2pm
13 January 2012 closing date for Dunedin City Council Draft Spatial Plan consultation submissions
South Dunedin Farmers’ Market now open Wednesday 3-6 pm until April
Free community film screenings Thursday evenings, Sat afternoons, Pioneer Hall, Port Chalmers, December & January
Holiday info: new seating area at Cragieburn
4. Food for Thought
Climate change negotiations: is anything happening in Durban at all? (Not as far as most of the NZ media is concerned….read on below!)
Pure Advantage website – why being truly green is good for business www.pureadvantage.org/
Just Do It - Documentary on Climate Change activism
Debt free money creation
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1. Upcoming SDC Events and Projects
SDC is driven by member ideas and volunteer power, so if you have an idea for an event or project you’d like SDC to run, or you’d like to run under the SDC umbrella, please let us know - secretary@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz. This section also signposts who to contact if you’re keen to help out with a particular event/project.
NO GreenDrinks Dunedin this month. Our next meeting will be on 26th Thursday in January 2012 (topic is the NEV Community Development Programme).
GREENDRINKS Dunedin provides an opportunity for everyone interested in sustainability and the environment to meet in a relaxed setting. It is organised in Dunedin by the Sustainable Dunedin City Society and is part of GreenDrinks International, a social networking movement.
To get on the GreenDrinks Dunedin elist - or to host a GreenDrinks - please contact Maureen on mhoward@slingshot.co.nz.
SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR 2012 GREENDRINKS - email Maureen if you have more ideas
· Conservation - Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, Sealion Trust, ORC on healthy urban streams, Kaikorai Estuary
· Political influence - Engaging in democracy, How to participate, Submission writing tips, Focus on a specific submission, Revolutionary Tips, networking and communications, making films
· Community Development - Presbyterian Support, NEV Community Development Programme, Advice on how to develop other communities
· New Economics - Green Trading Academy, Resource Trading Bank, Credit Unions, Commons Trusts, Micro Loans, Dunedin Time Bank, Money and Energy
· Gardening - Encouraging Young Growers, OOOBY, permaculture, Living Campus, Otepoti Urban Organics Symbiosis Seed Exchange, Building a Topbar Beehive
· Grassroots Community Groups - Transition Town Groups, Waitati Energy Project, Dunedin Faith Communities for Climate Change
· Local initiatives - Cuckoos Nest ethical boutique, Power house wind
· Issues - Privatization of Water, Pleasant River Subdivision, Sea level rise in South Dunedin
· Enviroschools - Eco Art project NEV
· Speakers - Slot in visitor coming to Dunedin, Tim Bishop, Bob Lloyd, Bill Currie, Murray Grimwood, Neville Peat, local VIPs
· Activities - Games Night, Sustainable Music Evening
· Environmental Ethics expert
· Transport - Electric bikes, reduce the speed limit
2. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses
We’d love to advertise your sustainability-related event or course - please send contributions in to newsletter@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz
THIS Thursday 8 December Lunchtime session on biochar by DCC and NZ Biochar Ltd
Venue: Otaru Room, 2nd floor, Civic Centre Building,Dunedin City Council
Date: 8 December 2011
Time: 12 noon – 1pm
RSVP: Marie Dickson (03) 474 3456
Dunedin City Council and NZ Biochar Ltd invites you to attend a lunchtime session to hear world expert, Dr Paul Taylor, discuss how biochar can form a part of Otago’s sustainable future. Dr Taylor, author of the “Biochar Revolution”, will talk of the role of biochar in:
· Carbon sequestration and mitigation of climate change
· Increasing soil fertility and raising agricultural productivity
· Attracting and holding moisture and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, helping to reduce nutrient run-off into streams.
This session will bring together representatives of business, local government and community groups to discuss the potential role of biochar in Otago’s future. Your time and input is valued. We hope to see you there.
This weekend: 10 & 11 December Biochar Workshop
Venue: The Organic Patch”: 100 Hagart Alexander Drive, Mosgiel, Dunedin.
9am Saturday the 10th December to 4pm Sunday the 11th December.
“Biochar may represent the single most important initiative for humanity’s environmental and agricultural future.” Dr Tim Flannery.
This is a hands-on workshop, where participants will learn:
· What biochar is and its multiple benefits
· How to build devices to make biochar
· How soil fertility can be enhanced through the application of biochar
· The financial benefits of biochar.
For home gardeners, commercial and small-scale land users, this event is the best opportunity in New Zealand to interact with an international biochar specialist, Dr.Paul Taylor, author of “The Biochar Revolution”.
Led by Dennis Enright (NZ Biochar Ltd; Organic Farmer) and Dr.Paul Taylor, the workshop will be held at “The Organic Patch”
Cost: 2 days $150. Includes meals and camping on site if required
1 day $80. Includes meals and camping on site if required
Family or partners: 20% discount for 2nd or more persons.
For all enquiries or to register, please contact:
DENNIS ENRIGHT, NZ TEL 64 3 4894020 dennis.enright@xtra.co.nz
PAUL TAYLOR, AUSTRALIA TEL 61 2 8005 0514 potaylor@bigpond.com
Web: http://www.biochar-books.com
20 December - early registrations close for Keep the Coal in the Hole Summer Festival
The earlier people register the easier it is for organisers to plan ahead, so they are offering a generous discount to anyone who signs up before 20 December.
For more information and to register online go to: http://nocoalsummerfest.org.nz/information
20 -23 January 2010 Keep the Coal in the Hole Summer Festival will be held in Mataura, Southland, from 20-23rd January 2012, on the farm of lignite opponent Mike Dumbar, half a kilometre from the pilot briquetting plant now being built by Solid Energy.
Coal Action Network Aotearoa is excited to be organising a four day festival to stand alongside the people of Southland and build a movement around climate justice. There will be family camping, live music, fun for the kids, big cook-ups, visits to the proposed lignite mine, workshops on strategy, information from various groups actively campaigning against coal, training in non-violent direct action, videos, and an Open Day in Mataura with speakers and discussion groups on the issues relating to lignite.
Please think about whether you would like your group to have a stall there.
Latest newsflash: WWF-NZ will be at the Keep the Coal in the Hole Summer Festival.
Message from Lee Barry of WWF-NZ
WWF-New Zealand works alongside CANA to oppose lignite mining and processing in Southland. We’ll be at the SummerFest alongside you to demonstrate our support. As the most emissions intensive fossil fuel development on the cards in this country, it is the single most important scheme to stop in order to contribute to tackling global climate change.
But lignite is just one of many energy issues facing New Zealand.
WWF works to advocate for developing the sustainable, renewable energy solutions we have in abundance. We are helped in this mission by a new team of advocates - The 100% Possible Clean Energy Advocates Network. Our advocates do for broader energy issues what this lignite group do for the lignite issue - to be the voice of reason and keep the profile up in the media and in direct correspondence with officials and companies involved.
It strikes me that some of you on this list may like to join WWF as a 100% Possible Advocate, and be the voice of reason against fossil fuels, and for renewable energy in a wider context than lignite.
For more information see: www.wwf.org.nz/100_percent_possible
Or email me on lbarry@wwf.org.nz
Requested action from Forest & Bird: Ask John Key to keep his government’s promise about mining our conservation land
This week the new government signalled that mining on public conservation land is again on its agenda. It has broken the promise made last year to give all New Zealanders a say about significant mining projects on conservation land.
On Monday, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson sent a letter to Forest & Bird saying the government will not publicly notify the access arrangement for a planned 160-hectare open-cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau. This would allow all New Zealanders to have a say on whether the mine should go ahead.
The Denniston Plateau is an extraordinary and wild part of New Zealand, with a unique ecosystem that is home to great spotted kiwi, kaka, West Coast geckos, giant land snails, bonsai rata and many other special plants and animals.
For more information, see here.
You can help. Please send this e-card to Prime Minister John Key today to ask him to keep his government’s promise. Thank you very much from Forest & Bird.
3. Dunedin Sustainability in Action!
This section is about some of the inspirational things happening in our community, as well as ’sustainability’ volunteer opportunities in and around Dunedin. If you’ve got a project you need more hands for (or even a project that needs hands to get started!), or a group you think our members may like to join, send me a paragraph…and don’t forget your contact details. And if you’re doing something inspirational, or know of someone that is, let me know (newsletter@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz)
This Thursday 8 December
What: Informal meeting with Jinty MacTavish to talk about the DCC Draft Spatial Plan
Where: Green Party Office, 544 Gt King St (one way North) – for non-members too
When: Thursday 8 December, 1:30 pm
This Thursday 8 December 6-9 pm Community Can and Treats Drive
Listen out for the sound of sirens for this communal collection for four food banks.
Volunteer collectors or sorters to assemble at Fire Stations in St Kilda, Dunedin North, Roslyn and Dunedin Central. Wear a fluorescent vest.
Friday 9 December
What: Assessing the Impact of Technology on the Backcountry Experience: A Qualitative Study from New Zealand
Where: Commerce Building Room 2.07
When: 3pm
John Shultis is an Associate Professor in the Ecosystem Science and Management Program at the University of Northern British Columbia in Canada. His interdisciplinary research focuses on conservation science and studies, including various protected area planning and management issues, from ecological impacts of tourism, to historical analyses of environmental attitudes, to the impact of neoliberalism on global park policy. His doctoral studies were completed in the Department of Geography at the University of Otago.
Sunday 1 January 2012: next market at Warrington School from 11-2pm
Dunedin City Council – out for consultation – Draft Spatial Plan
13 January 2012 closes
The Draft Spatial Plan describes what kind of city we want by means of a set of strategic directions for Dunedin’s growth and development for the next 30+ years. These strategic directions include ensuring Dunedin remains resilient, liveable, economically successful and connected.
It will be used to improve the long-term planning and co-ordination of the DCC’s activities by linking land-use planning to how future infrastructure and services may be provided or limited. It will also provide direction for the second generation District Plan, alongside other DCC plans and strategies.
Copies of the draft Spatial Plan and the summary document are available at your local library, Dunedin City Council service centres, and online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/consultation/spatialplan
South Dunedin Farmers’ Market now open Wednesday 3-6 pm
Free community film screenings December & January Pioneer Hall, Port Chalmers
Thursday evenings 7.30: documentaries
Saturday afternoons 3 pm: classic films
24 December Christmas Eve meal $10
Contact Lani on pcpioneerhall@gmail.com (Lani is now working part-time to develop this community asset for Port Chalmers – welcome!)
Cragieburn seating and sign
The installation of a seating area at Craigieburn has been completed and the area will include an interpretative sign naming the area “Tanners View”. The seats made by Cargill Enterprises and installed by Delta staff, provide a welcome viewing area across the valley and are in the same place where the 1890′s photograph of Edwin Tanner was taken looking out across the Leith Valley.
Originally from Portsmouth, England, Tanner had travelled extensively while in the navy. He arrived in Dunedin around 1863 possibly lured here by the Otago gold rush. He worked as a surveyor’s assistant and cook on survey teams throughout Otago. His self-taught education, ability and intelligence saw him become registered as an authorised surveyor in 1870 and he later served on the Maori Hill Borough Council from 1879. Tanner was a very engaging person in the local community and he and Elizabeth made Craigieburn the social hub of the district.
4. Food for Thought
Do you know of an amazing podcast everyone should listen to? An article or a blog or a site that would be of interest to all SDC members? Send me a short explanation and the link newsletter@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz, and we’ll add it in here. Links preferable to attachments, because they tend to fill up everyone’s inboxes.
Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change Conference, Durban….wha? There is some media coverage - but very little (ODT on China today)
The most indepth easily accessible info I could find is via the Guardian - for starters see the Q&A article on: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/28/durban-cop17-climate-talks?intcmp=239
Idealog has a bitter-funny analysis of the Kyoto Protocol’s death throes: http://idealog.co.nz/blog/2011/12/kyoto-protocol-life-support-will-someone-pull-plug?utm_source=IdealogDailyBacon&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=20111205
What news there is about New Zealand is disturbing – it now seems that Nick Smith is not even going to attend, and our negotiations have been noted as obstructive: “New Zealand and Russia share the 1st place Fossil.’
(http://www.climatenetwork.org/fossil-of-the-day)
The dangers to New Zealand of this kind of stance is outlined in the Pure Advantage website
http://www.pureadvantage.org/why-green-growth/threats-on-the-horizon/. Their latest newsletter is available via http://www.pureadvantage.org/
Just Do It - Documentary on Climate Change activism
Saturday 10 Dec, TVNZ7, 9.05 pm
https://www.facebook.com/jdi.thefilm#!/jdi.thefilm?sk=info
http://justdoitfilm.com/pick-up-film-just-do-it
Debt free money creation
The “New Zealand Investor” has the creation of our money, debt-free featured on its cover page, and in the commentary, and as the feature article .
http://most0010122.e-xpert.co.nz/includes/download.aspx?ID=118571
http://www.newzealandinvestor.co.nz/whos-your-daddy#_blank
http://most0010122.e-xpert.co.nz/includes/download.aspx?ID=118572
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Nicky Chapman (SDC’s newsletter compiler)
newsletter@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz,
Vivienne Bryner (SDC’s secretary)
secretary@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz
Sustainable Dunedin City Inc.
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