Dear Members,
Three years in we were delighted at the response to our AGM on Wednesday. Not only did you turn up, but you turned up with ideas, ready to contribute to the development of our 5-year plan. And what ideas – really good material for us to go forward with. The minutes are here: SDC-2010-agm-minutes, and when we’ve had the chance to work through Jinty’s notes, we’ll get back to you with SDC’s next steps. Thank you.
You wouldn’t believe how many good ideas were mustered by the offer of $2,000 through the Big Green Challenge.
The committee has been thrilled at the number and quality of applications for the Big Green Challenge, from a wide range of enthusiastic community groups, schools and organisations. An independent expert panel has been established to consider the applications, and will announce successful grant recipients before the end of the week.
And just to top off a week in the life of being part of SDC, committee member Bob Lloyd has been working on a submission to MED’s Draft Energy Strategy. In a nutshell, Bob see’s the strategy as being back to front – it prioritises mineral and fossil fuel extraction over the reduction of GHG emissions, the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels and increased investment in renewable energy sources.
Bob’s submission on behalf of Sustainable Dunedin City is attached. If you would like to make your opinion heard, please make a submission on the Strategy by this Thursday 2 September. Information on the strategies and on making a submission can be found at the Ministry for Economic Development site http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/ContentTopicSummary____19431.aspx
This is a BUMPER edition – check out all you can do in Sustainable Dunedin City over the next month!
Read on!
1. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses
i) THIS Wednesday, 1 September 12 – 1pm - Climate Change & Small Island Developing States: Implications for Tourism and Strategic Trade Policy Responses. Presented by Keron Niles of Energy Studies, Department of Physics
ii) THIS Wednesday September 1, 6pm – 350.org Gathering, Dunedin Centre for Social Innovation, Malcam Trust building, 174 Princes St
iii) THIS Thursday 2nd September from 7.30 - 9am - ‘Smart Business’ Breakfast for owners of small and medium sized businesses, Ironic Cafe and Bar, 9 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin
iv) WOW! Wednesday Organic Workshops 12.10-12.50pm, Otago Polytech
v) Sunday, September 5 - Coast Road Market
vi) Saturday September 11, 10am - 5pm - Reintroduction of High Street Cable Car – Community Information Meeting, Dunedin Cable Car Trust
vii) Saturday September 11, 9.30am – 4pm – Coastal Dune Workshop, Long Beach Hall, Driver Street, Long Beach, Dunedin
viii) September 12 – 19 – Conservation Week - Love New Zealand - Arohaina i a Aotearoa
ix) Sunday, September 12, 10am - 1pm - Pa Harakeke - Planting Workday, Orokonui Ecosanctuary - Te Korowai o Mihiwaka
x) Monday, September 13, 7pm - Dunedin Vegetable Growers’ Club, St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, 42 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin
xi) Wednesday, September 22 - On Car Free Day, Get The Train has chartered another train to allow Northern Coast and West Harbour residents to use public transport for the day.
xii) Friday, September 24, 2pm - EMAN410 SEMINAR SERIES - “Peak Oil, Peak Economy: Energy, Money, and the End of Growth” Richard Heinberg Post Carbon Institute, Archway 1 Lecture Theatre (Video Link) cnr Union Street East and Leith Walk
2. Dunedin Sustainability in Action!
- Plastic Really Fantastic
- Port Chalmers Transition Town Public Transport Meeting
- Dunedin’s Fuel Consumption Under Review
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1. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses
We’d love to advertise your sustainability-related event or course - please send contributions in to dk.sk@xtra.co.nz.
i) THIS Wednesday, 1 September 12 – 1pm - Climate Change & Small Island Developing States: Implications for Tourism and Strategic Trade Policy Responses. Presented by Keron Niles of Energy Studies, Department of Physics, Commerce Boardroom (Rooms 4.19/4.20), School of Business, Corner of Clyde Street and Union Street East Contact Tara Duncan 03 479 3486 tara.duncan@otago.ac.nz
ii) THIS Wednesday September 1, 6pm – 350.org Gathering, Dunedin Centre for Social Innovation, Malcam Trust building, 174 Princes St
Thanks very much to all of you who came along to our first Dunedin 350 meeting for 2010 on Tuesday evening. Powered by freshly baked cookies, we threw around some promising ideas that could really see Dunedin play a huge role in this year’s 350 day of action – the Global Climate Working Bee to be held on 10/10/10 (Sunday 10th October).
The focus this year is on “getting to work to show our leaders the world is ready for climate solutions”. I’m convinced this approach of combining practical and political action is the way forward, and will succeed on 3 fun-loving levels:
1) In the absence of leadership from governments, we need to get to work cutting emissions in our own communities and backyards. This isn’t to say that we can come anywhere near addressing the challenge with voluntary action alone, but it is something we can do to make an immediate impact and start the transition. Imagine the impact if 20% of New Zealanders cut their emissions by 10% over the next year.
2) We are social creatures and one of the biggest influences on people’s behaviour is what they see their friends, peers and neighbours doing. Imagine the change if you got everyone on your block together to work on a climate solution project on 10/10/10.
3) The call for action will be much stronger when we show how we’re walking the talk. Imagine how powerful it would be to have thousands of Dunedinites out getting to work on climate solutions on the same day, and sending pictures and stories to our local and national politicians.
If this is to succeed, though, we’re going to need to muster all of that fantastic people power we saw unleashed at last year’s 350 Spring Food Festival. 10/10/10 is coming up fast, but there’s still time for us to pull together and build a massive response.
I think the best way to combat those feelings of disillusion is to feel the power and possibilities when you have a room full of passionate, like-minded people. Let’s do it!
Hope to see you there,
Paul
iii) THIS Thursday 2nd September from 7.30 - 9am - ‘Smart Business’ Breakfast for owners of small and medium sized businesses, Ironic Cafe and Bar, 9 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin
We love Aotearoa NZ. We want to look after it and all of it’s people…including business owners.
Take this opportunity to share your views about what central government is (or is not) doing for business and to tell me what you think could help your business prosper.
I want to be your voice in Parliament so please come along to our ‘listening post’ and let me know your thoughts.
RSVP for catering purposes to hina.alvi@parliament.govt.nz by Tuesday 31st August.
Please pass on to anyone you think may be interested.
Hope to see you there,
David Clendon
Green MP and spokesperson for small business
iv) WOW! Wednesday Organic Workshops 12.10-12.50pm, Otago Polytech
September 1
Seed Sowing for Beginners - Grow your own seedlings for spring planting in October - learn the basics of seed sowing and how to make your own organic seed growing mix - save $$$$$ on plants this growing season! Punnets and seed supplied.
September 8
Garlic Planting for Solstice Snoozers - if you missed the mid-winter garlic planting date, don’t panic, you have another chance! Learn how to grow a bumper garlic crop using organic fertilisers and easy weed control methods.
September 15
Compost Making for the Home Gardener - ever wondered how to make a weed-free, high nutrient compost from your garden and kitchen wastes? Come along and see how easy it is to make a top quality compost that will be ready for use before Xmas!
Meet at Student Allotment Gardens (west side of D Block) at 12.10pm. Workshop locations will vary, so please meet at the Allotment Gardens on time.
Wear sturdy footwear & bring gloves if preferred. You are encouraged to join in, but you are welcome to bring your lunch and just watch! Cancellations will be posted at the Allotment Garden on the morning of the workshop.
See you there! Michelle Ritchie - Organic by Design michelle@organicbydesign.co.nz
v) Sunday, September 5 - Coast Road Market
The Coast Road Market is alive and well! It’s held on the first Sunday of every month, rain or shine, in the grounds of Coast Road Retreat, alongside the Art Shed, at 728 Coast Road, Seacliff. The Market is a unique blend of food, coffee, craft and clothes; local produce, plants, preserves, pakoras, prints, patches, portraits and paintings; bric a brac, books, toys and more!! It’s a free market so if you would like to have a stall, come along before 11am to set up. Or you can phone us first on 465 7990 with any queries.
vi) Saturday September 11, 10am - 5pm - Reintroduction of High Street Cable Car – Community Information Meeting, Dunedin Cable Car Trust
This is to invite you to come along to the Community Information Meeting at High Street School on Saturday 11th September 2010 any time between 10am and 5pm to find out about the reintroduction of the Cable Car to the High Street, Mornington.
Members of the Dunedin Cable Car Trust, as well as interested members of the public and other people, will be present as will displays and information areas where ideas and thoughts can be discussed and brought out into the open with regards the best possible outcomes for the project.
The Dunedin Cable Car Trust is made up of genuine Dunedin supporters who wish for nothing more than to see the reintroduction of the Cable Car to the High Street and a project that the people of Dunedin can feel part of and take pride in.
We look forward to seeing you there on Saturday 11th September 2010.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Chance, Bill Campbell, Phillip Cole, Neville Jemmett, Don Myers, Sue Russell
Dunedin Cable Car Trust
Dcctrust@gmail.com
vii) Saturday 11th September 11, 9.30am – 4pm – Coastal Dune Workshop, Long Beach Hall, Driver Street, Long Beach, Dunedin
A free workshop – including free lunch!Learn from the experts about natural dune form and function and the role and importance of our dunes in the face of climate change.
Discover what Coast Care groups around the region are doing to protect dunes using native plants.
SEATS ARE LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY 1ST SEPTEMBER.
For more information please contact:
Renee Gordon on 477 4000 or at rgordon@dcc.govt.nz
Michael Bergin at davidbergin.erl@gmail.comor visit www.dunestrust.org.nz
viii) September 12 – 19 – Conservation Week - Love New Zealand - Arohaina i a Aotearoa:
There are plenty of ways to participate – with talks, walks, planting and ‘Words on a Wing’– all detailed on the new website at www.conservationweek.org.nz. The website has a special focus on education, and features a teachers’ area and a kids’ area (with video clips, activities, competitions and resources). Contact Liz lsherwood@doc.govt.nz Ph 477 0677 for more information.
ix) Sunday, September 12, 10am - 1pm - Pa Harakeke - Planting Workday, Orokonui Ecosanctuary - Te Korowai o Mihiwaka
Come along and enjoy a few hours working together with whanau, friends, and new faces, adding to this collection of special cultural varieties of flax/harakeke, and other native plants.
Some tools and gloves will be provided, or bring your own spade/grubber/loppers/etc.
Jobs for children too. Dress warmly for the conditions, with sturdy footwear.
Morning tea provided - bring a picnic lunch for afterwards.
A Kati Huirapa Runaka - Orokonui Ecosanctuary shared project.
NAU MAI, HAERE MAI - ALL WELCOME
This will be the first event of Conservation Week 2010 - Love New Zealand and a project which celebrates 2010 International Year of Biodiversity
David Mules, Coastal Otago Area - Department of Conservation 03 474 6926 or dmules@doc.govt.nz
x) Monday, September 13, 7pm - Dunedin Vegetable Growers’ Club, St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, 42 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin
Guest Speaker: Jenny Neilson will talk about the Enviroschools Programme in Otago, and the Waste Minimisation role in the Dunedin City Council.
Also on the agenda is problem-solving Brains Trust; Vegetable of the month - brussel sprouts; seed-sharing, swapping; sales table. Visitors and non-members welcome. $2 door charge. Contact Barrie 455-1940 or Carol 454-4625.
xi) Wednesday, September 22 - On Car Free Day, Get The Train has chartered another train to allow Northern Coast and West Harbour residents to use public transport for the day.
All local schools are participating and collectively we need to fill this train again, to make the point we need low carbon, efficient public transport, and this great social link weaving through our communities! Tickets are $5 cash each way, Waitati stopping all stations to Dunedin return + Depart 7.30am Waitati + Arrive 8.30am Dunedin + Depart Dunedin 5.45pm. For more information contact Danielle on 482 1233.
xii) Friday, September 24, 2pm - EMAN410 SEMINAR SERIES - “Peak Oil, Peak Economy: Energy, Money, and the End of Growth” Richard Heinberg Post Carbon Institute, Archway 1 Lecture Theatre (Video Link) cnr Union Street East and Leith Walk
Energy is not just a segment of the economy, it is the basis of all economic activity. More expensive energy and declining amounts of fossil fuels are assured in the years and decades to come; as a result, the current world economic crisis should be considered the beginning of a long-term contraction that will continue until the economy can be supported by renewable resources harvested at sustainable rates. This contraction can be managed in such a way as to support society and ecosystems—but not if economists and politicians are still planning for conventional growth.
All interested are welcome to attend.
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2. 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 (dk.sk@xtra.co.nz).
- Plastic Really Fantastic
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/121078/otago-man-makes-plastic-fantastic
- Port Chalmers Transition Town Public Transport Meeting
Port Chalmers Transition Town (PCTT) hosted a public meeting on 14 July to discuss how we can make public transport more accessible, and thereby increase public transport usage. Good public transport not only cuts greenhouse gases, but it also strengthens communities by providing access to services, recreation and learning both in Port and in Dunedin.
Thirty-two people attended this intense but positive meeting. Please see the report-from-public-transport-meeting-wednesday-14-july-v2.
- Dunedin’s Fuel Consumption Under Review
Dunedin residents could this week find themselves participating in a research project that could guide planning for the city over the next quarter of a century.
The DCC has commissioned a Peak Oil vulnerability analysis, to stand alongside a Climate Change report, to help it identify associated challenges and opportunities for a more sustainable future for Dunedin through the city’s Risk Management System.
Dr Susan Krumdieck, from EAST Research Consultants based at Canterbury University, will be in Dunedin this week with her team of researchers conducting surveys on our travel habits, our private fuel consumption and vehicle dependence and the effect of petrol prices on our lives!
Assisted by Dr Bob Lloyd from Otago University, Dr Krumdieck will also assess the likely impact of rising oil prices on total industry through a series of interviews with “energy vulnerable” operators.
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Tēnā koutou katoa,
Suze Keith (SDC’s newsletter compiler)
dk.sk@xtra.co.nz
Janet Brady (SDC’s secretary)
secretary@sustainabledunedincity.org.nz
Sustainable Dunedin City Inc.
http://www.sustainabledunedincity.org.nz/
PO Box 8061, North East Valley, Dunedin
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