Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Community

A very special screening with an introduction by the film’s director Simon Marler!

Saturday, 31st July at 7pm, Grey Lynn Community Centre

$2 entry

New Zealand 2007 / 80min. English, Te Reo Maori with English subtitles.

Director Simon Marler / Producer Simon Marler, Mairi Gunn, Karen Browne

How do you resuscitate the land?
This is a question Simon Marler’s beautiful documentary, Restoring the Mauri of Lake Omapere poses.
Mauri, meaning life spirit, is contained within all objects; trees, rocks, rivers, lakes, us too? Marler takes us back through the history of Lake Omapere, a small Northland Lake effected by colonialism, deforestation, farming, modern agriculture and the resource management policies of government. Through that history Marler shows us the impact we as a people have had on the environment and also the spirit or Mauri of places effected by human behaviour such as Omapere. It also serves as a timely reminder to consider the way in which current conventional agricultural practices and environmental policies are impacting on habitats, natural waterways, living systems and communities as a whole. The issues explored in this film are really a microcosm for much wider systemic trends and problems that are being faced in regions nationwide and around the world. Marler does a good job of showing the multi layered consequences of not exercising greater attention and awareness in the way we treat the environment.

Certainly it’s a thoughtful documentary and artfully produced, one of the questions being posed is whether the voluntary management being undertaken and developed by Lake Ompere’s Trustees, its Kaitiakitanga; meaning guardians for sky, sea and land, will be enough to breathe life back into the lake’s still waters? It’s a poignant thought that also raises the issue of indigenous people and local communities having a greater say in how their natural habitats are managed and whether that can offer greater care and preservation of our natural resources.

Trailer: http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/restoring-the-mauri-of-lake-omapere-2007

We had a lot of interest in the Grey Lynn Business Association kick-off meeting held on 14 July.  It was a great turn out of a diverse range of Grey Lynn businesses. We were really pleased to have David Tippitt there to share his knowledge and provide continuity with the former Surrey Cres Business Association

We see the establishment of a Grey Lynn Business Association as a logical extension of our vision of a connected, vibrant, local community.  We are proposing that a ‘GLBA’  is part of Grey Lynn 2030 so it is important to us that the Business Association shares our sustainable vision and suits the unique character of Grey Lynn  which includes lots of people working from home who are not usually part of a traditional business association.

Some initial ideas for a Business Association that came out of the meeting (What would make you want to join?)

• Fun, funky, interesting, social
• Support for each others business.
• Networking, community focus
• Inclusion of retail shops and people who work from home (plus bigger businesses and property owners like Progressive)
• Sustainability, values based focus
• Local projects e.g waste minimisation, support for local schools
• Online register of businesses and services (with a range of categories to ensure all groups are able to be listed  such as the GL Community Centre)
• Local retail promotions e.g street markets like the successful West Lynn Street Party and Twilight Market we held in March (see the video here)
• Lobbying function to the new Auckland Council
• Beautification of Grey Lynn – for example the Grey Lynn Foodtown wall along Williamson Ave
• Set a vision for our area so we can work  with the new Local Board
• Shared resources for people working from home, school holiday programme

Further issues discussed:

Targeting Rates Cr Easte was able to provide insight into how the Mainstreet programme has developed and how becoming a Business Improvement District ( a BID)  involves targeted rates that won’t capture all the businesses in GL.

Advantages of using rates were discussed, such as being able to have a paid coordinator,  develop programmes (like crime prevention)  and pay for street improvements. A business association operating through the Council system can have associate members to ensure all businesses/groups can be represented.  A follow up comment was made that the GLBA idea should be developed so it fits the unique needs of GL rather than be made to fit Council requirements first.

What area should the GLBA cover ? There are various hubs in the Greater GL area but there was general agreement that the area of a GLBA could logically extend out to the Westmere shops on Garnett Rd and the Richmond Road shops (where Ripe is) as well as West Lynn and Grey Lynn businesses/shops on Surrey Cres.

Next steps

• Small working group formed  (interested people so far – Sunshine Yates, Ellie Tullet, Julie Falvey,Tania Miller, Brett, – Suzanne Kendrick and Pippa Coom supporting role and GL2030 reps)
• form an incorporated society  (Dave Tippitt has offered to transfer the remaining funds of $1200 held by the Surrey Cres BA to a new GLBA)
• working group to consider options to working towards being a BID/ Mainstreet (which will take a year)

Anyway interested in the Grey Lynn Business Association proposal can email Suzanne or Pippa at Greylynn2030@gmail.com. Updates will be made via our Monthly Community News.

Tonight was the first of three Unitec Forums for the Future on Making Auckland the Supercity

Panelists for week 1 included, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, Royal Comission Chair Peter Salmon, Ron Carter of Committee for Auckland, David McNabb of Unitec staff, Jordan a student at Unitec – Chair: Rod Oram and a very lively audience.

There was even at least one super city mayoral candidate – Colin Craig. Various other local board members including Sandy Taylor, GAG spokesperson, Counsellors Richard Northey and possibly others as well. Not sure but possibly Graeme Easte and Glenda Fryer. Grey Lynns very own Pippa Coom was there for sure.

Creating a, strong, successful Auckland region is the topic.  Follow the discussion on twitter @UnitecFTF and ask questions next Tuesday if you want to.

Brought to you by the Department of Management and Marketing and Department of Performing and Screen Arts, Faculty of Creative Industries and Business.

Prominent guest speakers, business and community leaders, members of the public, students and academics will participate in a series of two-hour discussions at Unitec’s Mount Albert Campus in Auckland. Unitec will host the sessions on three consecutive Tuesday evenings in July and August.

• Why? Tuesday, July 20th, 5.00pm – 7.00pm: What’s the case for creating a super city? Why do we need to change regional governance structures to do so?
• What? Tuesday, July 27th, 5.00pm – 7.00pm: What will the new governance structures look like? What mechanisms will promote public participation, political accountability, strategic development and optimal outcomes?
• How? Tuesday, August 3rd, 5.00pm – 7.00pm: How can we make the new system perform at its best for the people of Auckland and New Zealand?

Each session will involve a panel of three prominent guest speakers, two Unitec students and a Unitec faculty member, with Rod Oram as the facilitator. Rod is an adjunct professor in Unitec’s Department of Management and Marketing.

The venue is Unitec Performing and Screen Arts, Theatre , Building 6, Entry 1, Carrington Road. Map link is http://bit.ly/xA9cB

Tumeke Cycle Space is a new group looking to set up a community bike workshop in Auckland. We had our first ever public workshop on Sunday the 11th at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market, Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, from 9am-12.30pm.

Tumeke Cycle Space is a non-profit, community-run bicycle workshop in Auckland. It’s a place where people can fix, build and learn about bikes in a safe and inclusive environment. We provide tools, knowledge and training, with a focus on teaching people how to fix their own bikes. In this way we aim to empower people, encourage skill sharing, and promote cycling, an affordable, social form of transport that encourages a healthy lifestyle and environment.

We are hoping to make this a regular event until we secure our own venue (which is looking promising)

Thanks
Claire and the Tumeke Cycle Space crew

Join the group on Facebook

We are taking steps towards 10th October when Aucklanders and citizens around the world will be showing we are ready for climate solutions through actions in our community.

Come along to be part of the conversation, start a work party or join an action.

Details:
Wednesday 28th July
7:15pm for a 7:30pm start, 8:45pm finish.
Garden room, Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Free entry

We will be watching the inspirational film ‘Carving the future’ [25 mins] which tells a story through the eyes of four young New Zealanders taking local action and leading the change in different communities in New Zealand. There will then be the opportunity to share and explore ideas for local action for the 10/10/10 Global Work Party (for more info see www.350.org).

An action could be something you are already working on that you would like to get more people involved with, it could be an idea you have, or you may have energy to support others. (check out the almost 1200 events already registered globally here including the Big Bike Fix Up in Auckland)

In attending, you are being asked to put aside what you think someone else ought to be doing, and be open to discussing with others what your potential contribution or ‘ingredient’, for a local event or to enable wider action, might be.

This event is co-hosted by EcoMatters Environment Trust (contact: Carl Chenery) and Grey Lynn 2030 (contact: Pippa Coom)

9 July 2010
In This Issue:

Grey Lynn 2030 Monthly Community Meeting
Grey Lynn Farmers Market
Waste Away news & Green Screen
Putting the Local into Local Government
Wilton Street Community Garden
Western Bays Community Board – thank you
Local news from the City Fringe
Happening Locally at the Grey Lynn RSC

Under a full moon and a clear matariki filled sky, Grey Lynn celebrated the winter solstice at a family – orientated event at St Columba Church on Saturday 26th June. Vicar Susan Adams and celebrant Keith King started the evening with readings, poetry, a circle dance and song. The labyrinth was lit with lanterns where Susan explained the significance of the winter solstice and Matariki, the Maori New Year. Entertainment was provided by Soul Samba Circus, Sam Benge, the Ukeladies, Capeiora dancers and drummers.

We are fortunate to have so much talent in our community who are willing to give their time and get us all dancing! Well done to Caroline Banks, Kathryn Goodman and Sam Benson and the organising team who made the evening such a success.

Talent and creativity was also in abundance at the Grey lynn 2030 June Meeting - The Art of Grey Lynn.
You can see photos from the meeting and details about all the artists here.  A few of the hidden art secrets of Grey Lynn were revealed.

Grey Lynn Business Association Kick-off

Grey Lynn 2030 are looking to establish a Grey Lynn Business Association. We want to hear your ideas on how this could best work for local business people. Come along for an evening of networking and to share ideas plus updates from our focus groups.

Wednesday 14th July
7.30pm – 9.30pm
Grey Lynn Community Centre

Grey Lynn Farmers Market

The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is starting an exciting promotion on Sunday: crack the code and win $5000, plus market hampers and more! Buy something from any of the stalls or become a member for your chance to win.

Luckily we are inside so despite the often beastly weather, the winter months have seen the market continue to gain some great new stalls such as Turkish Foods and EVO’s olive oil. Now, regular stall holders like Ooooby and Blackwood’s Gourmet Bread have been joined by Nicola Leone’s ‘Home Made Italian Deserts’ featuring Italian cookies and biscotti. Yum!

Another new feature is the bike workshop run by a group in the process of creating a non-profit community bike workshop. Their long-term goal is to have a permanent space where tools, advice and donated/reused parts are freely available to help people to repair, maintain and build bikes. At the GLFM they will be mainly teaching basic repair skills, making tools available, fundraising and simply talking to people about the project.

Phineas Phrog’s story telling shows are still on every Sunday at 10.30am in the Oval Room, and offer fun and entertainment for the kids on a rainy winter day.

How to Grow Microgreens – a new book by Fionna Hill

Congratulations to Grey Lynner and Grey Lynn 2030 supporter Fionna Hill who’s latest book How to Grow Microgreens, Nature’s Own Superfood is being released in six countries with a New Zealand launch in August.

Fionna is also the author of A Green Granny’s Garden – a year of the good life in Grey Lynn learning her gardening skills at the Grey Lynn Community Garden. It’s due for release in September. You can often find Fionna at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market where Ooooby sells microgreens and surplus veggies from her plot, and more recently promoting her new books. She’s a GLFM committee member.

To buy a signed copy of How to Grow Microgreens and receive a complimentary gift of ‘Fionna’s Blend’ Kings microgreen seeds please email your details to  fionna@fionnahill.com.  Fionna will contact you as soon as the book is available. www.fionnahill.com

Waste Away news

GOT A DRAWER FULL OF DEAD BATTERIES? NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH THEM?There is now a Used Battery Collection Box at Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market

LETS REDUCE TOXIC WASTE IN OUR LANDFILL!Why is, how we dispose of batteries important?  Most batteries we use contain heavy metals and therefore should not be casually disposed of into our landfill.   In our landfill, the battery will erode and many toxic materials will eventually find their way into the water and soil environment.

For those of you who attended the Grey Lynn 2030 community meeting in May, the Waste Away group spoke about the different types of batteries, correct disposal and recycling, making use of the local HazMobile collection, and what we can do as a community to reduce battery waste in our landfill.  If you missed this May meeting, you can see our battery flyer.

One action discussed was to set up a battery collection box at our stall at the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market.  And we now have one (see photo below), ready and waiting for some batteries!  We can only accept household batteries (no wet cell/lead acid batteries!), and from here, batteries will be either sent off to be recycled for their metals, or if they are unable to be recycled, encased in concrete so that leaching in our landfill is minimal.

Better still is changing to rechargable batteries as they last considerably longer than single-use batteries, so using them will mean less batteries going to our landfill. http://www.ecobatteries.co.nz/

So, please bring your used batteries along to the Waste Away stall at the Farmers Market (every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month), and feel free to come and have a chat with us about batteries!

Green Screen
Green Screen is back to the last Saturday of the Month:
This month: Saturday 31st July 7pm (film yet to be confirmed).

Apologies for any confusion over our last green screen (held on 3rd July with a screening of the “Yes Men Fix the World” to make up for missing out on June).
We are now back to the last Saturday of each month.
We are enjoying having cosy community movie nights, a great thing for the middle of winter!
Looking forward to seeing you there.

-The Green Screen Team

To receive Green Screen notices email greylynn2030@gmail and ask to be put on the Green Screen contact list

Putting the Local into Local Government  : Supercity elections  - Waitemata Local Board

We are really thrilled to be able to announce that Steering Committee member Pippa Coom has been selected to stand with City Vision for the Waitemata Local Board. She joins City Vision as a community independent with the support of Grey Lynn 2030. Also on the ticket is local Jesse Chalmers (who’s parents started Harvest), Christopher Dempsey, current chair of the Albert-Eden Community Board, Bruce Kilmister, current Chair of the Western Bays Community Board, Shale Chambers, Ponsonby commercial lawyer & company director, Tricia Reade, Chair of Ponsonby Community Centre and City Fringe Inc and current Western Bays board member Kate Stanton.

Pippa is passionate about creating the kind of community we want to live in that is safe, lively, healthy and sustainable. She hopes to bring the vision of Grey Lynn 2030 to local government (contact: pippacoom@gmail.com)

Not sure you are enrolled to vote? Check by calling 0800 307 656 or go to www.elections.org.nz. Voting papers for the first supercity elections will be posted on 17 September.

Wilton Street Community Garden

In June the WSCG applied to the Western Bays Community Board for $2000.00 of discretionary funding to complete the Community Garden. We are thrilled that the Board approved our application and we now have the money.  The next step is to ensure that it is carefully spent to achieve the greatest possible benefit for the garden and the community, including the native flora and fauna who inhabited the site before us.

Specific projects that we have earmarked the money for are:

• Native plants to complete the bush habitat in the back plus weta boxes,
• A Lizard Garden and lizard house on the stoney southern end of the site,
• Furniture ie a table and seating under the gum trees so we will have somewhere to sit when we meet, and
• Fruit and vegetable plants.

On another note, the new community compost bins appear to be working well, lots of vegetable scraps and green waste is being dropped off and the bins are filling up.  Thanks to all who are using them – keep it coming!.

The members of the WSCG would like to thank the Western Bays Community Board for their support.

Grey Lynn Community Garden – find out more details here. ‘Growing Together’ every Sunday afternoon 4pm~6pm.

Western Bays Community Board – thank you

1989 – 2010
With the changes to Auckland’s governance the WBCB ceases to exist in October. We would like to thank all the members of the Community Board who have supported Grey Lynn 2030 so enthusiastically: Cr Greg Moyle, Cr Graeme Easte, Chair Bruce Kilmister with Board Members Kate Stanton, Jo Robinson, Paul Stevenson and Leigh Kennaway.

In the last 18 months we have received:

• Funding for the Grey Lynn Farmers Market
• Funding for the Grey Lynn 2030 banner and logo
• $2000 for the Wilton Street Community Garden
• Support for Traffic Calming initiatives through West Lynn shopping area

Over the next couple of month we will be seeking support for:

• Community Orchard in Francis Street Reserve (SLIPS application sponsored by Paul Stephenson)
• Installation of a water fountain (SLIPS application)
• Funding to set up the GL Business Association
• Funding for the West Lynn Street Party and community market; and
• Funding to continue the restoration of Edgars Creek

City Fringe Inc  and Soho Square

Many residents will know that the receiver is appealing the decision of Auckland City Council not to grant consent for building mass and heights over an above what already was granted in 2008.
City Fringe is a lobby group which wants to see Soho Square developed but not the particular design put forward. Nor do we wish for development at any cost just because Soho is an eyesore. We are also concerned about the amount of traffic it encourage in the area.

More information on what is happening can be obtained from cityfringeinc@gmail.com now and City Fringe’s  website will be up and running by 15 July at www.cityfringe.org.nz

Grey Lynn RSC – happening locally

We welcome visitors and new members: This month apart from our members nights on a Wednesday night – we have 7 day a week faclilties-we have no cover charge for entertainment:

Friday 9 July 8pm band “Peta & the Pois” playing pop/jazz and blues
Friday 16 July 8pm band “The Alibis” playing jumpswing and rhythm and blues
Friday 23 July 8pm band “McSweeney Brothers with Marion Burns” on fiddle- Irish band
Friday 30 July 8pm band “The Gunsmiths” playing hard rock and blues, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Hendrix and more

We also have the rugby and league games on our big screens during our opening hours. Our function room upstairs is available for hire for your special functions.

We have large dance floor, kitchen, seated dining area, bar and restroom facilities, the best kept secret in Grey Lynn.

Enquiries greylynnrsc@hotmail.co.nz

Update on the Ooooby Berm Bomb on Richmond Road

July 2010