Sustainable Dunedin City

Dear Members,

One of our helpful, newly renewed, members has just pointed out to us that it only tells you at the bottom of the form that you can renew online. It’s easy – just go to http://www.sustainabledunedincity.org.nz/?page_id=174 – we welcome your support.

There is no need to print the form – simply do it from the luxury of your keyboard!

And while you’re thinking things SDC -

POSITION VACANT!

SDC invites YOU to become our treasurer. This is a chance for you to get involved with all the new developments that are taking place this year. Not a huge amount of work, but it needs to be done. We are extremely grateful to Tracey Willmott for all she has done, and wish her well with her vital waste and water work at the DCC.

And while we’re talking money, CAN YOU HELP? Under SDC’s constitution, our accounts have to be audited. No member may act as auditor, but if you know someone who would be willing to act as SDC’s auditor on a voluntary basis, or if you are interested in becoming our treasurer, please contact Jocelyn Harris at jocelyn.harris@otago.ac.nz.

Read on!

1. Upcoming SDC Events and Projects

i) DCC Proposed Subdivision & Development Code – SDC Submission

ii) THIS Thursday May 27, 5.30pm - GREENDRINKS Dunedin, the Back Room of Filadelfios at the Gardens

2. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses

i) THIS Saturday, May 29 & Sunday, May 30, 3pm – Amazing Animal Adaptors, Otago Museum

ii) THIS Sunday, May 30, 1 - 4pm – Volunteer session for the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival

iii) Friday June 4 – Hort Talk - Everyday Herbs – ancient applications for modern use

iv) Sunday, June 6, 10.30am(usually) - Celebrate Arbor Day with the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust. Okia Reserve, Dick Road

v) Saturday, June 19 - Community Orchard – 1000 Fruit and Nut trees – Transition Valley 473, Chingford Park 10am – 12pm, Wilkinson Street, Pine Hill 12.30 – 2.30pm

vi) Monday June 21, 10am – 3pm – Warm Up A Tree, the Octagon

vii) Applications for funding due June 30 - Community Groups who care for the earth are invited to apply for funding from the Methodist Church of NZ Prince Albert College (PAC) Trust Fund allocation for 2010.

viii) July 6 - 11- New Zealand International Science Festival, Dunedin

ix) August - Sustainable Living Classes

x) August 10 – 13 - 4th Australasian Hazards Management Conference, Te Papa, Wellington

3. Dunedin Sustainability in Action!

- From the Get the Train Group

- Join Shac 11

- The Sustainable Business Network

- Living Streets Aotearoa

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1. Upcoming SDC Events and Projects

SDC is driven by member ideas and volunteer man-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.

i) DCC Proposed Subdivision & Development Code - Submission

Please find attached a PDF of the submission prepared and written by co-chair Phil Cole on behalf of SDC for the Proposed Subdivision and Development Code being consulted on by the DCC.

For those not too familiar with the above - Sustainable subdivision and development - it could be a useful cure for insomnia!!!

ii) THIS Thursday May 27, 5.30pm - GREENDRINKS Dunedin, the Back Room of Filadelfios at the Gardens

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.

We meet on the last Thursday of each month from 5.30pm at Filadelfios. Each month a different community group hosts a theme. Everyone interested very welcome. Please bring a friend!

THEME THIS MONTH: Potatoes, Garlic and Pumpkins: Growing and eating them - in ways that don’t contribute to GDP!

GreenDrinks is hosted this month by Waitati Edible Gardens. Derek Onley from Waitati Edible Gardens will share useful, delicious and planet friendly tips for growing and eating your autumn pumpkins and spuds - and for growing great garlic. Join in the conversation - bring growing tips and your recipes to share.

About Waitati Edible Gardens (WEGgies)

The Waitati Edible Gardeners, nicknamed “the WEGgies”, are a group dedicated to addressing the challenges of post peak oil and climate change, by strengthening our community in the immediate future through food production, with emphasis on domestic scale growing.

Our Aim: To empower local people from the grass roots up, to establish local food sovereignty or semi-autonomous food production.

Our Tool Box: We use Community networking, Local knowledge, Hands on learning, Local/free natural resources, and Volunteered time and labour.

We Provide: Workshops, Garden tours, Market site for local barter and trade, Support for the Waitati school kitchen garden, a Network of local growers as a knowledge base/source who can be put in touch with people who need help, Information updates, a question and answers column and planting calendar in the Blueskin News, a community vegetable growing space for bulk crops.

For more information contact Lynnaire Johnston

t 482 1364 or e waitati.edible.gardeners@gmail.com

About GreenDrinks

GreenDrinks is an international movement to support informal networking among people who work in the environmental field. To find out more about GreenDrinks International go to www.greendrinks.org.

2. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses

Another good calendar for sustainability-related events around Dunedin can be found at http://dect.org.nz/modules/extcal/calendar.php. We’d love to advertise your sustainability-related event or course - please send contributions in to dk.sk@xtra.co.nz.

i) Saturday, May 29 & May 30, 3pm – Amazing Animal Adaptors, Otago Museum

Amazing Animal Adaptors exist in every corner of the globe – from the barren wastelands to frozen seas and fierce desert storms. All over the world animals have adapted to thrive in every known environment. As the landscape of our world changes, what new Amazing Adaptors lie waiting to be born?

Sponsored by Natural History New Zealand

ii) THIS Sunday, May 30, 1 - 4pm – Volunteer session for the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival

The carnival organisers are looking for volunteers to help run our annual lantern making workshops. Anyone can learn to make a lantern and its lots of fun. This year’s theme is ‘Creatures of the Sea’. If you would like to volunteer, come to the training workshop at the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral.

iii) Friday June 4 – Hort Talk - Everyday Herbs – ancient applications for modern use, Otago Polytechnic. Presented by Sandra Clair, MA (Berne), Grad Dip Health Science (New England); Managing Director ARTEMIS Herbal Medicine.

Using proven 500-year-old wisdom, Sandra will discuss handy herbal hints for staying well or recovering from illness. For more information, please go to: http://www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz/schools-departments/natural-resources/events.html

iv) Sunday, June 6, 10.30am - Celebrate Arbor Day with the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, Okia Reserve, Dick Road

Join the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust as members and friends continue their plantings of native trees and shrubs on the Okia Reserve.

You will be helping create homes and breeding sites for generations of rare Hoiho.

Please contact us for the exact time.

www.yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz, www.dunedin.govt.nz or yeptrust@gmail.com

v) Saturday, June 19 - Community Orchard – 1000 Fruit and Nut trees – Transition Valley 473, Chingford Park 10am – 12pm, Wilkinson Street, Pine Hill 12.30 – 2.30pm

Fruit and nut tree planting for Northeast Valley and Pine Hill residents. Jason Ross from Sutherland Nursery will show us how to correctly plant the trees that have been selected. Holes have been prepared during our recent ‘digging’ working bees, mixing in horse manure and removing stones.

vi) Monday June 21, 10am – 3pm – Warm Up A Tree, the Octagon

We are looking for people to donate wool and/or knit, crochet or weave 20cm (approx) wool squares. The squares will be joined together and used to wrap the plane trees in the Octagon during the morning of June 21st as a colourful, fun-filled, guerrilla knitting project. The serious purpose behind the event is to raise awareness of biodiversity and the Dunedin City Councils Let’s Grow Native programme by warming up some trees on the shortest and probably coldest day of winter. The blanket wraps will be taken down at the end of the day, deconstructed back to squares and re-sewn into proper wool blankets and donated back to the community. The woolly squares need to be delivered to DCC Customer Services, Civic Centre no later than 19th June 2010.

We also need people to help us sew the blankets up and wrap the trees up - there are 16 of them - as quickly and on mass as possible to make a big creative arty splash!

The Warm up a Tree project is one of the many events happening during 2010 as part of the Dunedin City Council’s Let’s Grow Native programme. Booklets outlining the full programme can be collected from DCC Customer Service Centre or at www.dunedin.govt.nz/biodiversity. Other events are being added to the programme as the year evolves with the feature event being the Garden Competition judged late November with guest celebrity judge Jim Mora.

2010 is a great year to explore and celebrate Dunedin’s wonderful biodiversity. The year has been declared an International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations to recognise the commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity worldwide. Whether it is your own backyard, parks and reserves, waterways or the coast, this year provides a great opportunity to enjoy and discover what biodiversity means to Dunedin. While the focus is upon plants and animals that are native to New Zealand, all biodiversity contributes including the Plane trees in the Octagon that have been a bit poorly this year and need a little TLC!

Fliss Butcher

butcher@earthlight.co.nz

vii) Applications for funding due June 30 - Community Groups who care for the earth are invited to apply for funding from the Methodist Church of NZ Prince Albert College (PAC) Trust Fund allocation for 2010.

Preserving, enhancing and caring for the earth has been enthusiastically picked up by many in New Zealand. In 2010 the Distribution Group is seeking to work in partnership with and enable some of these projects, which care for creation.

There are no application forms. Rather we invite you to tell us about the project for which you are seeking funding. It makes it easier to process if such stories are clear and concise. We also need financial information about your organisation, that is: a statement of income and expenditure, a statement of financial position, and a copy of the audit/review certificate if available and how the funding will help make the project possible.

Each year the PAC endowment of the Methodist Church makes grants available to the Church and also to community groups. This year’s theme is: “Being Connected - Strengthening connections within our Church and with the whole of Creation.”

10% of the interest earned each year from the fund is available to groups outside the Church. (The total amount available for distribution to such groups nationally, will therefore be approximately $80,000 )

These need to be submitted to the General Secretary, Methodist Church of New Zealand, PO. Box 931, Christchurch 8140, by 30 June 2010. Grants will not be made for salaries or wages. Go to www.methodist.org.nz for more information.

viii) July 6 - 11- New Zealand International Science Festival, Dunedin

The 2010 festival, themed “food for thought” will stimulate your senses, inspiring discussion on the intersection between food and science. From farm to fork, topics such as food production, nutrition and consumption will be on the menu. Be prepared to be challenged.

You will not want to miss the events in store for 2010!

http://www.scifest.org.nz/whats_on/

ix) August - Sustainable Living Classes

Enrol NOW for ADULT COMMUNITY SUSTAINABLE LIVING CLASSES in NORTH EAST VALLEY, PORT CHALMERS and the CITY. This interactive eight-week course will assist you to learn and share practical tips that make a difference and can save you money, meet others in your community who are interested in living more sustainably, gain support for introducing lifestyle changes you want to make.

Facilitated by Dr Maureen Howard, c/o Water and Waste Services, Dunedin City Council.

COURSE CONTENT:

Introduction - Sustainability in the home. Making changes; Energy - Efficiency and conservation, Renewables; Waste - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; Composting Shopping - Making better choices. Making your own cleaners; Gardening - Attracting wildlife. Growing your own veggies; Water - Conservation, collection, reuse and keeping waterways clean; Transport - Traveling more sustainably; Final - Community Focus

UPCOMING COURSES:

PORT CHALMERS - Evening Course (8 Weeks)

Start Date: Tue 3rd August; Each Tuesday: 6.30-8.30pm

Venue: Port Chalmers School

NORTH EAST VALLEY - Daytime Course (8 Weeks)

Start Date: Wednesday 4th August; Each Wednesday: 10am-12 noon

Venue: 248 North Road, NEV Community Development Project

CITY - Evening Course (8 Weeks)

Start Date: Wed 4th August; Each Wednesday: 7-9pm

Venue: Space2B, corner Filluel and St Andrews Sts

All courses are free but a donation is requested ($30 recommended). Courses are restricted to a maximum of 14 people.

Registration is essential: Registration or enquiries before 17 June to Maureen 4739967or email mhoward@slingshot.co.nz. After this date please register with the Dunedin City Council 4774000. Your place on the course will be confirmed during the week beginning July 26th.

The Sustainable Living Programme is brought to you locally by the Dunedin City Council.

x) August 10 – 13 - 4th Australasian Hazards Management Conference, Te Papa, Wellington

Committee member John Cocks has noticed there is one session that refers to climate change and oil supply risks. Please let us know if you intend on going so we can borrow the notes!

http://www.hazardseducation.org/conference/2010/2010index.php

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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 (dk.sk@xtra.co.nz).

- From the Get the Train Group

Hi Everybody

We are still trying to attract funding for a commuter train for Car Free Day. The DCC can’t do it but the Transportation Planning Dept has given $2000 towards a feasibility study for a train. We will meet with Sarah from the DCC Transport Planning Dept in June. This is wonderful news and a real step forward for the train. If anybody would like to be involved, please ring Danielle on 482 1233.

Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust has agreed to be the umbrella organisation for Get The Train and we thank them very much for welcoming us into the fold!

So we will continue to search for funding for Car Free Day.

If anybody has relevant material or data that may contribute to a feasibility study, could you call Danielle on 482 1233.

Thank you,

Danielle

- Join Shac 11

SHAC challenges teams to build or retrofit a more sustainable house, building, office, classroom or community hall. Form a tertiary, industry, or community-led team, and work collaboratively, involve young people and communicate widely about your designs.

http://www.shac.org.nz/

- The Sustainable Business Network

In collaboration with green-living site Ecobob.co.nz, bring you Greenlist.co.nz – the world’s first online directory of green products and services where listings are compared against basic principles of sustainability. Sponsors NZI and EECA are thrilled to be behind a website that aligns with its own sustainability efforts. Suppliers provide special offers when they list their products or services. They then rate themselves against six principles of sustainability: CYCLIC, SOLAR, MEGA-EFFICIENT, SAFE, SOCIAL, CERTIFIED.

Check out this comprehensive website on: www.greenlist.co.nz

- Living Streets Aotearoa

This is the national organisation promoting walking-friendly communities. You can find out more about them at www.livingstreets.org.nz. The NZ Walking conferencewill be in Wellington on 2/3 August with more information on the Living Streets website this month. The Golden Foot Walking Awards will be presented to winners during the conference. More information about how to nominate for an award will be available from the website.
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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.

PO Box 8061, North East Valley, Dunedin

Dear Members,

Keep those memberships coming in – thanks to you who have already signed back on for another year – marvelous! If you haven’t yet managed to, do it now, it’s easy - just go to our website http://www.sustainabledunedincity.org.nz/?page_id=174

You may have heard that Ministers Brownlee and Wilkinson are inviting submissions on the Schedule 4 Stocktake – we encourage you to take up this offer and contribute your thoughts to pieces of conservation land being made available to mining.

In August 2009, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Department of Conservation were directed by Ministers to complete a stocktake of public conservation areas listed in Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act 1991. Schedule 4 restricts mineral-related activity in specified public conservation areas.

The stocktake has involved evaluating existing information on the mineral potential and conservation values of Schedule 4 listed areas via a desk-top mapping exercise. Tourism, recreation and cultural values have also been considered. No new studies of mineral potential have been undertaken.

Four main conclusions were reached from the stocktake:

* New Zealand is mineral rich and the environmentally responsible development of this potential is a very real possibility.
* Much of the country’s mineral potential is concentrated, often in public conservation areas with high conservation and cultural values.
* The mineral potential of Schedule 4 lands could be developed with only a very small proportion of the land being directly impacted.
* Information on New Zealand’s mineral potential is limited and Government has a role to improve our knowledge of the mineral estate.
* The stocktake has identified areas covering 7,058 hectares for potential removal from Schedule 4, and areas covering 12,400 hectares for addition to Schedule 4.

No decisions have yet been made. On 22 March 2010, the Government released a discussion paper to seek public feedback on these areas, and a number of related policy initiatives. Submissions are due by 5.00pm Wednesday 26 May 2010.

Another option to you is to go to the Greenpeace website and use their submission form- http://www.greenpeace.org.nz/action/mining/action.asp

Also, the Commissioner for the Environment has made a public submission, which makes some good points, and this can be found at:

http://www.pce.parliament.nz/reports_by_subject/briefing/submission_on_the_schedule_4_stocktake_discussion_document

And that’s not all – there’s a lot to think about in this fortnight’s edition – so grab yourself a coffee, and read on!

1. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses

i) Saturday, May 29 & May 30, 3pm – Amazing Animal Adaptors, Otago Museum

ii) Sunday, June 6, 3pm - Celebrate Arbor Day with the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust. Okia Reserve, Dick Road

iii) July 6 - 11- New Zealand International Science Festival, Dunedin

iv) Saturday, September 11, 9am - Coastal Community Climate Change Workshop

2. Dunedin Sustainability in Action!

- From the Get the Train Group

- Celebrate Biodiversity throughout 2010 – the International Year of Biodiversity

- Healthy Homes

3. Food for Thought

- From the guys at GetUp

- BP Oil Spill

- From the New York Times

- From Pundit by Claire Browning

- Sustainable Development in the Gaian Perspective

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1. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses

Another good calendar for sustainability-related events around Dunedin can be found at http://dect.org.nz/modules/extcal/calendar.php. We’d love to advertise your sustainability-related event or course - please send contributions in to dk.sk@xtra.co.nz.

i) Saturday, May 29 & May 30, 3pm – Amazing Animal Adaptors, Otago Museum

Amazing Animal Adaptors exist in every corner of the globe – from the barren wastelands to frozen seas and fierce desert storms. All over the world animals have adapted to thrive in every known environment. As the landscape of our world changes, what new Amazing Adaptors lie waiting to be born?

Sponsored by Natural History New Zealand

ii) Sunday, June 6, 3pm - Celebrate Arbor Day with the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust. Okia Reserve, Dick Road

Join the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust as members and friends continue their plantings of native trees and shruubs on the Okia Reserve.

You will be helping create homes and breeding sites for generations of rare Hoiho.

www.yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz, www.dunedin.govt.nz or yeptrust@gmail.com

iii) July 6 - 11- New Zealand International Science Festival, Dunedin

The 2010 festival, themed “food for thought” will stimulate your senses, inspiring discussion on the intersection between food and science. From farm to fork, topics such as food production, nutrition and consumption will be on the menu. Be prepared to be challenged.

You will not want to miss the events in store for 2010!

http://www.scifest.org.nz/whats_on/

iv) Saturday, September 11, 9am - Coastal Community Climate Change Workshop

Powering up coastal communities for climate action

A morning workshop will be held at the Long Beach Community Hall starting at 9 am, Saturday 11th September 2010.

Presentations will focus on the predicted impacts of climate change on our coastal dunes and will cover natural dune form and function, explain how dunes can be restored using indigenous plants, and the all-important role of the local community in such projects

Find out more at:

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/events/garden-and-environment/coastal-community-climate-change-workshop

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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).

- From the Get the Train Group

The Walk2Work train was a resounding success with 235 people catching it into Dunedin and 155 home. Thank you everybody for supporting it.

Now we would like a train for Car Free Day 22 Sept 2010!! We need to get funding from the NZ Land Transport Authority for this.

We had a meeting with Charlotte Flaherty from the DCC, Grant and Lynette from Taieri Gorge who have been amazing organising the Walk2Work train. We talked about doing our own feasibilty study for a train, developing a relationship with KiwiRail, organising continuing Walk2Work and Car Free day trains, or maybe combining one of these with the suburban rail day, fixing up stations along the route (Port Chalmers have a wonderful sign at Upper Port Chalmers station now) maybe we can put signs at the other stations. We also talked about writing to MP’s for support.

If anybody would like to help out writing letters and coming to meetings please call Danielle on 482 1233 or email getthetrain@gmail.com

- Celebrate Biodiversity throughout 2010 – the International Year of Biodiversity

Dunedin City Council has produced a local event calendar booklet called Let’s Grow Native to help you do just that! You can pick up a copy from DCC’s Service Centre or DOC office or ask for one to be posted to you. Alternatively, you can view it online at http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/biodiversity

The programme will be updated with additional events throughout the year. For more information see http://www.countdown2010.net/year-biodiversity or contact Fliss Butcher fbutcher@dcc.govt.nz or Debbie Hogan dhogan@dcc.govt.nz or ph 477 4000.

- Healthy Homes

Healthy Homes is an energy efficiency and home insulation retrofit scheme that aims to improve the health and quality of living for Dunedin’s low income residents. The DCC initiated the scheme in 2005 in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA), Whare Mahana Ltd and the Otago District Health Board.

Since 2007, EnergySmart has been administering the scheme with support from Aurora Energy, EECA, primary health organisations and the Otago Regional Council. It has grown to be an Otago-wide programme overseen by a regional governance group.

Find out more at:

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/community-development/community-funding/healthy-homes

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3. 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 (dk.sk@xtra.co.nz), and we’ll add it in here. Links preferable to attachments, because they tend to fill up everyone’s inboxes.

- From the guys at GetUp

Kevin Rudd has betrayed his promise to take action on climate change. Click here to hold him to account.

“Absolute political cowardice… an absolute failure of leadership.”1 That’s what Kevin Rudd said just months ago about those who wanted to delay action on climate change. He was right.

Yesterday Kevin Rudd betrayed his promise to act on climate change, deferring action until 2013: six years after he called climate change the moral challenge of our age.

So what can we do about it? To start, we have to ensure this doesn’t go unnoticed - doesn’t go unanswered. Every Australian who took the Prime Minister at his word should see this video of his climate backflip. Together, GetUp members number 350,000. If we each forward this to five friends, we can reach millions.

www.getup.org.au/campaign/climateinaction

The Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme was a mess of a policy: a paltry 5% target, and what the Government’s own advisor, Prof. Ross Garnaut, called “one of the worst examples of policy making we have seen on major issues in Australia.”2 But this is about far more than another policy delay.

Time and again, Kevin Rudd has betrayed the support Australians gave him last election. And yesterday, he broke faith with us on “the great challenge of our time.”3 It is time to say enough. It is time to take a stand and declare a vote of no confidence in Kevin Rudd’s leadership on climate change:

www.getup.org.au/campaign/climateinaction

We could say a lot about this latest back flip, but Kevin Rudd himself perhaps said it best. Here’s what he said just months ago about delaying climate action:

“….When you strip away all the political rhetoric, all the political excuses, there are two stark choices - action or inaction.”

“…The resolve of the Australian Government is clear: we choose action, and we do so because Australia’s fundamental economic and environmental interests lie in action. Action now. Not action delayed.”

“…the eighth excuse cannot be far away - which will be to wait until the next year or the year after until all the rest of the world has acted at which time Australia will act.

“…What absolute political cowardice. What an absolute failure of leadership. What an absolute failure of logic.”4

The Prime Minister said it right: what absolute cowardice. And as he said in that same speech:

“It’s time to remove any polite veneer from this debate. The stakes are that high.”

Right again: it’s time to remove the veneer and speak truth to power - and that’s what GetUp members do best. Please share this email and video with friends, and click below to join the vote of no confidence in Kevin Rudd’s climate decision:

www.getup.org.au/campaign/climateinaction

Together we are 350,000 voices and 350,000 votes that cannot be ignored. Let’s stand together to say ‘no more excuses, no more delays: it’s time to act on dangerous climate change.’

Thanks,

The GetUp Team

PS - On refugees, on human rights and now on climate change, Kevin Rudd has broken faith with us. It is time to stand up with one voice and tell the Prime Minister he has lost our confidence. Click here to sign the declaration.

–Sources–

1The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, Distinguished Speaker Series, the Lowy Institute, 06/11/ 2009.
2Prof. Ross Garnaut, The 7.30 Report, ABC, broadcast: 12/10/2009, reporter: Kerry O’Brien.
3The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, Opening Remarks to the National Climate Change Summit, Parliament House, Canberra, 31/03/07
4The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, Distinguished Speaker Series, the Lowy Institute, 06/11/ 2009.

- BP Oil Spill

You’ve probably seen the devastating images of the BP oil spill in the Gulf–it’s shaping up to be one of the largest environmental disasters in American history.

It’s a crisis - but it’s also a huge opportunity to push for stronger environmental protection and a shift towards clean energy. President Obama has put a “temporary moratorium” on offshore drilling in the wake of the disaster, but we need more. We need a PERMANENT BAN on offshore drilling.

If you agree, go to: http://www.350.org/drilling-ban

You can also join the Facebook group by clicking here: http://www.facebook.com/dont-drill

Thanks - working together we can make our voices heard and help stop future disasters like this.

- From the New York Times

FENGHUA, China — Chen Hsien, an employee of Fenghua Ningbo Plastic Works Ltd., a plastics factory that manufactures lightweight household items for Western markets, expressed his disbelief over the “sheer amount of [garbage] Americans will buy. Often, when we’re assigned a new order for, say, ‘salad shooters,’ I will say to myself, ‘There’s no way that anyone will ever buy these.’ … One month later, we will receive an order for the same product, but three times the quantity. How can anyone have a need for such useless [garbage]? I hear that Americans can buy anything they want, and I believe it, judging from the things I’ve made for them,” Chen said. “And I also hear that, when they no longer want an item, they simply throw it away. So wasteful and contemptible.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/opinion/08friedman.html?_r=4

- From Pundit by Claire Browning

State of the environment: reports urge NZ to act

‘Clean, green’ New Zealand is the only OECD country without an Act requiring environment health checks. What will we do about it, asks the Parliamentary Commissioner?

http://pundit.co.nz/content/state-of-the-environment-reports-urge-nz-to-act

- Sustainable Development in the Gaian Perspective

http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisustv06n05page1.html

Outline

1. Humanity and the Human Habitat

2. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

3. Synopsis of Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

4. Looking Ahead to the Forthcoming MDG Summit

5. List of References and Online Databases

The importance of gender balance is discussed in sections 2 and 4.

Feedback is cordially invited.

Luis

Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.

The Pelican Web (http://pelicanweb.org)

Editor, PelicanWeb’s Journal of Sustainable Development

A monthly, CC license, free subscription, open access e-journal

luisgutierrez@peoplepc.com

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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

The DCC has released the report commissioned from Professor Blair Fitzharris

The report is available here.

A pdf of SDC’s submission is available here.

Dear Members,

It looks to be the season for consultations and submissions – starting with SDC’s submission to the DCC addressing their draft Annual Plan 2010 / 2011 – please see the previous post.

Thanks to Jinty McTavish for her hard work on this one.

Read on!

1. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses

- THIS Week - Orokonui Easter Eggstravaganza

- THIS Wednesday April 14, 11am at the Octagon - Our Wheels for the World Rally

- July 6 - 11- New Zealand International Science Festival, Dunedin

2. Dunedin Sustainability in Action! YOUR chance to ‘Have Your Say’

- Dunedin City Council’s current consultations

- DCC Strategy to Breathe New Life Into South Dunedin Retail Area

- Have your say on Otago Regional Council’s 2010/11 Draft Annual Plan

- Green Values Business People Wanted

- Celebrate Biodiversity throughout 2010 – the International Year of Biodiversity

3. Food for Thought

- Trade Aid has just launched its new website

- Wild The City

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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 Week - Orokonui Easter Eggstravaganza

Orokonui Ecosanctuary is offering an exciting array of children’s activities over these school holidays. Check out daily events, such as the treasure trail with a scavenger hunt and nest quest.

Discover which trees are best for nests, be it for a bellbird, kaka, saddleback or rifleman. Explore the lush podocarp forest wilderness and complete the nest quest treasure trail to earn a yummy prize. Create your own backyard sanctuary. Find out how to protect nesting birds and reptiles in your backyard. Find out more by going to:

http://www.orokonui.org.nz/content/orokonuieastereggstravaganza.php

ii) THIS Wednesday April 14, 11am at the Octagon - Our Wheels for the World Rally

As part of their Annual Healthy Lifestyles Week, OUSA is holding an Our Wheels for the World Rally down George Street. Imagine a 100 or more students positively parading down George Street to Uni. Music, Bikes, Skateboards… Lots of fun and a party with crazy bikes, giveaways and bike and skateboard workshops on the OUSA Lawn at the end of the ride! Even if you’re not a student, what a neat way to get out there and support active, low carbon transport in the city - let’s make it massive!

iii) July 6 - 11- New Zealand International Science Festival, Dunedin

The 2010 festival, themed “food for thought” will stimulate your senses, inspiring discussion on the intersection between food and science. From farm to fork, topics such as food production, nutrition and consumption will be on the menu. Be prepared to be challenged.

You will not want to miss the events in store for 2010!

http://www.scifest.org.nz/whats_on/

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).

- Dunedin City Council’s Consultation link & diary of opportunities for community participation can be found at:

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/council-online/public-consultation/_nocache

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/88992/upcoming-consultation-opportunities-Oct-2009.pdf

- DCC Strategy To Breath New Life Into South Dunedin Retail Area

The Dunedin City Council is about to consult with the public on the future of the South Dunedin Retail Centre. The consultation will be the first step in the development of a strategy to revitalise the area.

The DCC has released an Issues and Opportunities consultation document, and is inviting feed-back from the community on the range and relative importance of the issues and options identified to date, as well as support for, and prioritisation of, options identified

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news/april-2010/dcc-strategy-to-breath-new-life-into-south-dunedin-retail-area

- Have your say on Otago Regional Council’s 2010/11 Draft Annual Plan

Key points

* No change in the General Rate from 2009/10
* Discussions on operational merger proposed between the boards of Port Otago and the Port of Lyttleton
* Additional bus services for Queenstown due to start 1 July 2010
* Continuation of our works programmes including river management, compliance monitoring, field days and workshops.

Submissions can be made on the form included in the document and close on Monday 3 May 2010. http://www.orc.govt.nz/Portal.asp#4

Green Values Business People Wanted

Our friends at the Sustainable Business Network urgently need candidates for regional board positions in the South Island. Board positions are voluntary, but not onerous and a really good way to build a network of enlightened businesses interested in a path towards sustainability and to foster good practice.

If you or anyone you know might be keen please email nominations to Brenda Harkin, Brenda@sustainable.org.nz. Nominations for Regional Boards are required by 16 April with voting taking place by 28 April when the Southern Regional Annual meeting occurs.

Celebrate Biodiversity throughout 2010 – the International Year of Biodiversity

Dunedin City Council has produced a local event calendar booklet called Let’s Grow Native to help you do just that! You can pick up a copy from DCC’s Service Centre or DOC office or ask for one to be posted to you. Alternatively, you can view it online at http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/biodiversity

The programme will be updated with additional events throughout the year. For more information see http://www.countdown2010.net/year-biodiversity or contact Fliss Butcher fbutcher@dcc.govt.nz or Debbie Hogan dhogan@dcc.govt.nz or ph 477 4000.

3. 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 (dk.sk@xtra.co.nz), and we’ll add it in here. Links preferable to attachments, because they tend to fill up everyone’s inboxes.

- Trade Aid has just launched its new website

Built with the help of online digital agency, Blackpepper, this vibrant new web space is a one-stop-shop for everything there is to know about Trade Aid – from our producers and the impact of our work, to practical ways Kiwis can help in the fight for justice in world trade.

Boasting a fresh new look and easy navigation tools, the website is also packed to the brim with enlightening stories and facts that give insight into the lives of Trade Aid’s producers the world over, and the need to help them work themselves out of poverty.

One of the most exciting additions is Trade Aid’s first ever online shop, giving Kiwis the opportunity to help make the world a fairer place from the comfort of their own home. The shop has an endless selection of unique, handcrafted goods to suit all tastes in homeware, fashion accessories, toys, foods, and much, much more.

http://www.tradeaid.org.nz/index.php/page/shop/title/Shop?utm_campaign=website+launch&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Mailout

Wild The City

Positive places, places that make us feel good, that we are drawn to, are places we want to be and live. Sometimes an individual lone tree can create a pleasant space, or possibly our own backyard garden or a nearby reserve. Without any trees or local green space nearby, people are unable to experience nature on a daily basis. Access to quality green spaces that capture our attention and soothe the soul strengthens our connection with the natural environment. http://wildthecity.wordpress.com/

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.

Dear Members,

I didn’t make it, but I hear that the Octagon came alive with people celebrating Saturday night’s WWF Earth Hour. A fabulous photo by SDC committee member Mark Jackson can be found on the WWF website - http://www.wwf.org.nz/earth_hour/, plus you can find out how to ‘make every hour earth hour’ by following this link http://www.wwf.org.nz/earth_hour/earth_hour__every_hour/

Read on!

1. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses

- ENROL NOW - April - Sustainable Living Classes Coming Up

- Wednesday April 14, 11am at the Octagon - Our Wheels for the World Rally

- Coming in May – Cultivating Sustainability Workshop – locations to be confirmed

- November 12 & 13, 2010 - Signs of Change Conference, Christchurch

2. Dunedin Sustainability in Action!

- Have Your Say on the Draft Annual Plan for Dunedin City

- Good on the Dunedin City Council on the opening of five new housing units in St Kilda

- Time to reward our environmental heroes – Green Ribbon Awards – Nominations close April 16

3. Food for Thought

- Bought Nestle products recently? I know I have, but may not again after receiving the information below from Greenpeace.

- Good home heating cuts school absences for children with asthma

1. Upcoming Sustainability Events and Courses

Another good calendar for sustainability-related events around Dunedin can be found at http://dect.org.nz/modules/extcal/calendar.php. We’d love to advertise your sustainability-related event or course - please send contributions in to dk.sk@xtra.co.nz.

i) ENROL NOW - April - Sustainable Living Classes Coming Up

The Sustainable Living Course is an interactive nine-week course will assist you to learn and share practical tips that make a difference and can save you money, meet others in your local community who are interested in living more sustainably, and gain support for introducing lifestyle changes you want to make.

Facilitated by Maureen Howard, c/o Water and Waste Services, Dunedin City Council.

* Sustainable Living for Tertiary Students - short 6 week course run through Clubs and Socs. Please contact them to enrol.
* Adult community courses coming up for all of the community (EVENING course and a DAYTIME depending on interest).
* Adult community course for the Pacific Island Community (please contact facilitator for details).

COURSE DETAILS

Adult Community City Evening Course (for wider community)

Start Date: Wednesday 21st April, Each Wednesday: 7-9pm for 9 weeks, Venue: Space 2B (corner Filluel and St Andrews).

Student Flatting - Sustainably and Economically, Start Date: Tuesday 20th April, Each Tuesday: 7-9pm - for 6 weeks, Venue: Clubs and Socs, Albany St

Adult community courses are free but a Koha/Donation is requested ($30 recommended). Student Flatting course fee TBC. Courses are restricted to a maximum of 14 people. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Registration or enquiries to Maureen, Phone 4739967, Email mhoward@slingshot.co.nz.

The Sustainable Living Programme is brought to you locally by the Dunedin City Council

ii) Wednesday April 14, 11am at the Octagon - Our Wheels for the World Rally

As part of their Annual Healthy Lifestyles Week, OUSA is holding an Our Wheels for the World Rally down George Street. Imagine a 100 or more students positively parading down George Street to Uni. Music, Bikes, Skateboards… Lots of fun and a party with crazy bikes, giveaways and bike and skateboard workshops on the OUSA Lawn at the end of the ride! Even if you’re not a student, what a neat way to get out there and support active, low carbon transport in the city - let’s make it massive!

iii) Coming in May – Cultivating Sustainability Workshop – locations to be confirmed

Cultivating Sustainability is a 1-day workshop which provides sustainability advocates with insights, models and practical tools to support their behaviour change efforts. Anybody who has taken on the challenge of influencing others to live and work more sustainably will find this workshop a valuable addition to their skills.

Cost: For-profits $250pp

Not-for-profit/Government $200pp

Individuals/Community Groups $120pp

For more information about the Cultivating Sustainability workshop, see www.awake.com.au/cultivating.html

To register interest for workshops in New Zealand or Australia, please email timc@awake.com.au

iv) November 12 & 13, 2010 - Signs of Change Conference, Christchurch

Presented by Engineers for Social Responsibility jointly with Sustainable Energy Forum, NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities, Institute for a Sustainable Society, Transition Aotearoa

Please see attached material for more information, or go to http://www.aemslab.org.nz/abode/getCategoryProducts.do/_siteId__711/method__getCategoryProducts/_categoryId__4335

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).

- Have Your Say on the Draft Annual Plan for Dunedin City

The 2010/11 Draft Annual Plan contains information about what the Council plans to do in 2010/11 and across the next ten years to 2019/20. It describes the proposed projects and activities, how much they will cost and when they will happen.

If you wish to make comments on any of the proposals in the Draft Annual Plan 2010/11 please see the details below.

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/draft-annual-plan/have-your-say-the-submission-process

- Good on the Dunedin City Council on the opening of five new housing units in St Kilda

The new brick units are designed to be energy efficient, with double-glazing, solar-assisted hot water and full insulation, and were built with accessibility in mind. Each unit has flat access, wet-area showers and facilities such as external power points for motorised mobility scooters.

All sites have been landscaped with paved areas, maintained lawns and low-maintenance gardens and some units have a raised garden bed for easy gardening. You can find out more at

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news/march-2010/council-opens-five-new-housing-units

- Time to reward our environmental heroes – Green Ribbon Awards – Nominations close April 16

Environment Minister Nick Smith is calling for nominations for the 2010 Green Ribbon Awards which honour New Zealand’s environmental champions.

“The Green Ribbon Awards acknowledge the outstanding contributions that many New Zealanders make in caring for our environment,” Dr Smith said.

“Nominations are open to all individuals, businesses, community organisations, media and public sector initiatives which demonstrate visible results from their commitment to the environment.

“This year marks the 20th year of these awards and they have been refreshed with a stronger focus on practical environmental initiatives that will make a positive difference to the New Zealand environment. There are six categories covering different environmental challenges from land to sea and six categories for different contributions from individuals to large organisations.”

The 12 categories this year are:

* Protecting our biodiversity
* Reducing our carbon emissions
* Caring for our water
* Managing our waste
* Improving our air quality
* Protecting our coasts and oceans
* Community action for the environment: Young people
* Community action for the environment: Volunteers and not-for-profit organisations
* Environment in the media
* Small businesses making a difference
* Environmentally responsible large organisations
* Public sector stepping up

“It takes initiative, commitment and dedication to tackle environmental issues. The Green Ribbon Awards recognise the incredible efforts being undertaken at all levels across the country to address some of the environmental challenges and opportunities that New Zealand faces.”

Nominations close on 16 April 2010 with winners announced on 3 June 2010. For more information visit www.mfe.govtnz/withyou or email green.ribbon@mfe.govt.nz

3. 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 (dk.sk@xtra.co.nz), and we’ll add it in here. Links preferable to attachments, because they tend to fill up everyone’s inboxes.

- Nestlé wants you to have a break by having a Kit Kat - but globally Kit Kats contain palm oil from companies that are trashing Indonesian rainforests, speeding up climate change, threatening the livelihoods of local people and pushing orang-utans towards extinction.

Before you take a break watch this video - it exposes the true cost behind having a break the Kit kat way. Warning: Video contains shocking material

Nestlé is the largest food and drink company in the world - but it continues to ignore the worst offenders which supply its palm oil.

Overnight we are launched an international campaign to ask Nestlé to stop buying palm oil that comes from destroyed forests!

Having that care-free break with a Kit Kat bar isn’t so care-free - when it means taking a bite of Indonesia’s precious rainforest…

Take action here

Thank you for your support,

Nick Young

- Good home heating cuts school absences for children with asthma

Improving heating in New Zealand homes with children who suffer from asthma has a significant impact on reducing the number of days children are away from school.

A recently published study by the University of Otago, Wellington shows that installing heat pumps, wood or pellet burners or flued gas heaters is the key to cutting school sick days for children with asthma.

Read more at http://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago007906.html

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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.