Grey Lynn 2030 first meeting of the year is share ideas and get projects underway for 2012

We currently have groups focusing on waste, energy, food production and other fun stuff happening like Green Screen, online media and a Grey Lynn Community Choir.

Come along to get involved or just to find out more

Tuesday 7 February at 7pm

In the main hall at the Grey Lynn Community Centre.

Auckland Permaculture Workshop (APW) members Gary Marshall, Rilke de Vos and Finn Mackesy ran a workshop at the August Grey Lynn 2030 meeting. APW is a collaborative design, research and education initiative set up to explore and create innovative permaculture solutions for the Auckland bioregion.

The intention of the workshop was to expose Grey Lynn 2030 members to systems thinking, problem solving and community resilience through the lens of regenerative design. APW began by asking the community members at the meeting to name the major issues, concerns and opportunities of the Grey Lynn community today.  The task was for participants to apply design thinking to these issues to begin to explore appropriate solutions.

Each group was asked to choose two main issues from the original brainstorm to focus their design process. One group identified transportation and public space as the two issues they wanted to investigate while another group identified housing (quality) and Health as their two main issues for the community today.  Each group brainstormed what they thought the underlying issues were and their causes (survey) before beginning to explore the opportunities and constraints associated with those issues (analysis). Once each group had a clearer understanding of what the opportunities and challenges were and how these issues related to each other they began to explore possible creative integrated solutions for both issues. Each group drew and recorded their design process on A3 sheets of paper and presented their designs to the wider group at the end of the activity. This was followed by a group discussion on various ideas, challenges and proposed solutions that arose from the design process.

For more information on Auckland Permaculture Workshop visit their website:
http://www.aucklandpermacultureworkshop.co.nz/index.html

For more information on the design activity and proposed solutions to these issues contact greylynn2030@gmail.com

From 6 to 17 July, the government will consult the public and businesses on an appropriate 2020 target on greenhouse gas emissions.
The govt is clearly trying to push something through without the public being given time to arrange appropriate representation at meetings.

Aucklanders, we are required on Tues July 7th at the Princes Ballroom, Hotel Hyatt Regency, at 7.30 – 9pm

Registration is required; see below.

For other centres please see the chart below.

What ever your views on climate change are, I am sure you will see that it is totally inappropriate for the govt to be trying to sneak these meetings through, yet again pushing the boundaries of democracy.

Blessings

Lisa Er

___________________________________________________

Dear Lisa

Here is today’s press release from NZ Climate Action Partnership (NZCAP) newly formed on 5th June following a Hui organised by the Hikurangi Trust in Wellington.

The main message is that the government has left an extremely short (5 working days) time between announcing and starting the public consultations on what NZ’s interim target should be in preparation for Copenhagen. The public should smell a rat. We need to get organised very fast.

It is extremely important that well informed and articulate citizens turn up in large numbers at the public meetings with the most recent science (March Copenhagen meeting of scientists and their summary report) and economic analysis (such as the Stern Report, Sinclair Knight & Mertz report for the NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development etc) ready to make a strong community voice heard.

ALSO : It is most important that people realize the need to register as stakeholders to avoid government gate keeping on this issue.

Registered stakeholders will receive an email containing further information related to the roadshow, as well as instructions to RSVP online.

The person to contact regarding registration is Anna Carter [Anna.Carter@mfe.govt.nz] Ph 04 439 7487

The Government press release is at : http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/public+consultation+2020+target+announced

The public meetings, which will feature presentations by the Government, will be held in nine centres between 6 July and 17 July: Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Napier and Nelson. Dr Smith will also hold meetings with business groups in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Hui are being organised in association with the Climate Change Iwi Leadership Group.

For Press Release please visit here

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS July 2009

To book your general workshop contact ** ECOMATTERS’ MAIN OFFICE **
ph 826 4276 / email info@ecomatters.org.nz

Recycling & Community Enterprise on the Edge
Bring the Edge into your City, with Community Enterprise
Fri 10 July 6.30-8.30pm $10

Rick Thorpe, founder ‘Xtreme Waste’ & Simon Thomson, metal yard operator
Members of the Raglan/Whaingaroa’s award winning community-recycling-initiative ‘Xtreme Waste’ will share the journey of success and seek to inspire a new vision of what’s possible in your community by reclaiming the waste stream.

Local Ethanol Cooperatives
Fuelling the transition to a sustainable economy
Wed 15 July 6.30-8.30pm $10
Richard Lee, Systems consultant ‘Ecoassist’ Sustainable Solutions

Permaculture practioner Richard Lee outlines how communities can reduce their reliance on imported oil and improve their local resilience by developing bioregional energy strategies that not only reinvigorate local agriculture and economy, but also provide opportunities to improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas.


DIY Coldframe
Extend your growing season
Sat 18 July 10.30-12.30pm $10
Justin Newcomb, Director Landscape Safari

Cold frames are like mini glass houses. They can extend your growing season and enable you to grow your own vege/flower seedlings/cuttings all year round. Grow your own vege seedlings for planting out. Extend your vege growing season with a simple coldframe constructed with free/recycled materials. Be in to win the coldframe built in this workshop!

Home Heating
Cost effective and eco-friendly solutions
Wed 8 July 6.30-8pm $5
Pamella Phillips, Senior Solutions Consultant, Righthouse

Heating well whilst being energy efficient can be a dilemma for homeowners, particularly those in older homes. Pamella from Righthouse works with architects, builders and homeowners to find sustainable solutions to retrofit/rennovate existing homes or new builds. Pamella will also discuss the best options for insulating the home, reducing the level at which additional heating is required.


EDIBLE GARDEN CULTURE Part 5.
Winter reflection and inspiration
Sat 25 July 8.30am-10.30am 11am-1pm (repeat) $20
Richard Main, co-founder Unitec Hort Sanctuary, environmental educator

An 8-part practical series designed to get participants up-skilled in home fruit and vege production.
This module covers: managing the winter garden, ‘garden housekeeping’, observation of tree health, soil management techniques in the cold and wet; film – Sustainable Food Production


MODULAR PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE WORKSHOPS
For bookings phone Finn on 021 562 995 or email aucklandmpdc@gmail.com
Module 13 – Redesigning Waste and Resources – July 11, 2009
Guest Tutors – Tim Rimmer – Senior Lecturer, Unitec, New Zealand Rick Thorpe – General Manager X-Treme Waste Inc., Raglan

Introduction to the ecology of waste systems and resources; Community resource and waste management initiatives and strategies from around the world; Bioregional resource auditing and analysis; Household and community scale organic nutrient and material cycling systems – integrated greywater systems, compost, bokashi, warmfarming; resource centres etc; Introduction to waste water systems; Treatment and purification; Utilising biological treatment systems; Grey water reuse; Council regulations; Site specific and community based systems.

Module 14 – Potable Water and Water Supply – July 18, 2009
Guest tutor – Nigel Mark Brown – Environmental Consulting Engineer

Water quality, Rainwater harvesting; Treatment and purification; Water conservation devices and technology; Household applications; Community based systems; Irrigation and crop requirements.

David Engwicht presentation to Grey Lynn 2030

We are really fortunate to have David booked to give a presentation on Saturday 11 July 1.30 – 3pm at St Columba’s Church Hall, Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn.
Some of you will already have heard about the phenomenal David Engwicht, considered one of the world’s most innovative thinkers about cities, traffic, urban design, community development and place making. David is widely thought of as one of the founding advocates of alternative ways to calm traffic and widely known as the inventor of the Walking School Bus, which has been adopted worldwide.

Most recently, David has been focussing on the psychology of placemaking – fusing urban psychology with urban design. Back home in Australia he is working as Placemaker in a small rural city putting his ground-breaking approach into practice, transforming a run-down, neglected main street into a lively and exciting heart of the city.
David will be taking a special look at Grey Lynn and ideas for our community.

If you are interested in attending it is essential to RSVP by Thursday 10 July as spaces are limited. Please send an email to Pippa Coom greylynn2030@gmail.com with Attendance at David E in the subject.

Entry is by koha to cover the cost of room hire

Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested in applying for funding from the ARC’s EIF. The fund supports projects that improve and care for the region’s natural, cultural and physical environments and heritage.

The Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) 2009 funding round is now open so it is time to start preparing your application form. This year you can apply online. To find out more go to the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) website EIF page here. The fund provides financial support and advice to individuals and groups with projects that make a difference to the Auckland region’s natural, cultural and physical environments and heritage.

To help with the preparation of your application we have a range of resources you can use, these include:

2009 EIF GUIDELINES BOOKLET – Please read to ensure your project is eligible and meets all the requirements. The EIF Guidelines booklet details all funding criteria, funding outcomes and priority areas. Download the EIF guidelines booklet here to guide you through the application process.

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – You can now apply online. Click here to register for the 2009 funding round and complete the online application form. This new form allows you to save your information online and return to the form at a later date. Avoid the last minute rush and get your application underway early. Please note all applications must be submitted before 5pm Wednesday 1 July 2009.

INFORMATION WORKSHOPS – We are running a series of EIF information workshops in May 2009. These workshops will run for about 1.5 hours. They are an opportunity for applicants to talk to an ARC Project Officer and to receive help to complete the EIF application form.

FUNDING GUIDE - Provides information on other funding sources for community groups and individuals who are working to support, sustain and improve the Auckland region’s environment and heritage. Click here to view the ARC Environmental and Heritage Funders Guide 2009.

Ensure you plan ahead and allow plenty of time to prepare your funding application.  Please note applications close 5pm, Wednesday 1 July 2009.

If you have any questions or if you would like advice from a Project Officer prior to completing the application form or would like to register for an information workshop please email me.

Kind regards,

Courtney Gallen
Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) Co-ordinator
Partnerships & Community Programmes
Auckland Regional Council
Ph: 09 366 2000 x8255

courtney.gallen@arc.govt.nz

1: LTCCP. The council released its Long Term Council Community Plan (the “ten-year plan”) last week. Perhaps you have had a chance to browse it, but if you haven’t, here it is! We have the chance to submit to the plan electronically by clicking the “have your say” link at the top of the LTCCP and filling in the gaps. If you are wondering about whether to choose to have your submision heard at a public hearing, tick “yes”. You can always either opt out, or nominate someone else to talk for you as a group. I envision a representative from every Grey Lynn 2030 group presenting at the submissions hearing… how about it…

If you are wondering about the usefulness of participating in the LTCCP process when the council is obviously in a state of change, the council’s attitude is “business as usual”. Don’t let the changing structure of Auckland’s governance dissuade you from participating… in fact we need more representation than ever. Our opinions are taken into account by the council.

The chance to make submission to the LTCCP finishes on Friday 19th of May.

2: Future Planning Framework. Another interesting planning initiative from the council is the “FPF”. Its the long-long term “vision” for Auckland City, covering areas like “Spatial Framework” and “Strong and Healthy Communities”. And you can read it here. Once again there’s the chance to participate online and I’d really like to see all Grey Lynn 2030 groups in on this one! There’s a forum being held by the council on Tuesday 5th May at 6pm (this is a change from the previous date) at Leys Institute in Ponsonby for which you need to register on the website (click on “Events” at the top of the page).

The chance to make a submission to the FPF closes on the 8th of May.

3: Is it a town? NO! Is it a community? NO!! It’s Supercity!!! By now we have all heard of the Supercity scheme being rushed through parliament. John Banks reverted to his old, rabid ways on the radio last week and frankly, it scared me! However it was an interesting interview with Katherine Ryan. I wrote to Nikki Kaye (our local MP) as well as every other National MP in Auckland that I could think of. Some of them even sent replies. The addresses to send to are listed in this article from last weeks Aucklander. Please do write to the MPs outlining any concerns you might have about the supercity proposal. If you are unsure about what exactly is changing, Brian Rudman summed it up quite nicely here.

In this week’s “City Scene” the Council is promoting the Future Planning Framework for Auckland. If you are interested in GreyLynn 2030 you should be interested in this. Here is your chance to tell the council how you would like to see Western Bays developing.

The web site that accompanies the document, www.Itsmybackyard.co.nz is fun to use.

In case you missed the article in City Scene here it is

Auckland is your backyard: the city where you live, work or play. Because our city’s growing, we’re making plans now to determine how all of us can use land in the future.

The Auckland City Council is hoping that you will get involved with the Future Planning Framework for Auckland. This looks at how and where development should occur in your area.

Ten area plans have been developed for Auckland, sitting under an overarching citywide plan.

Following community input, the plans will form the basis for a revised isthmus district plan, due for review in 2010.

The due date for feedback is Thursday, 7th  May.

As well as reading about the plan for your area, you can see the whole picture by visiting It’s my backyard – a special website that gives more information and accepts feedback and comment.

Look out also for displays and presentations by council officers at shopping malls and local libraries.

A list of dates and venues can be found under public notices.

International Guest Speaker Thomas H Greco, Jnr. Wednesday 8th April, 7.00pm

Venue: Auckland University Theatre OGGB5, Owen G Glenn Building , 12 Grafton Rd Auckland

The global financial crisis is no accident. It is the natural outcome of a flawed system that has long been building to a climax.

Thomas Greco explains how and why conventional money and banking malfunction, describes the comprehensive metamorphic change that civilization is presently experiencing, and outlines voluntary alternative approaches to exchange and finance that empower communities and reward people fairly.

Tom Greco is a community and monetary economist, writer, networker, and consultant, who for three decades has been working at the leading edge of transformational restructuring. He is regarded as a leading expert in monetary theory and history, credit clearing systems, community economic development and complementary currencies.

He is currently Director of the Community Information Resource Center , a US non-profit networking hub, which provides information access and administrative support for efforts in community improvement, social justice and sustainability.

Tom Greco is in New Zealand as the keynote speaker for the Community Currencies Conference being held in Whanganui April 17 – 19.

His new book, The End of Money and the Future of Civilization, is to be released this month (Chelsea Books). His previous book, Money: Understanding and Creating Alternatives to Legal Tender, is available from the Living Economies Educational Trust.

Out of all the conversations about relocalization and community resilience, the conversations about local currencies and alternative, people-centred economics may well be the most important of all and have the biggest bearing on how communities survive or not as the world financial system implodes.

Listen also to podcastfrom Kim Hill on Saturday

File Size:11.5MB – Date: (Sat, 11 Apr 2009 )

http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/sat/sat-20090411-0905-Thomas_Greco_community_currencies-048.mp3

podcast

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NB: This lecture comes at short notice. Please forward this information to all friends and colleagues who may be interested.

Thomas Greco has authored three books on monetary theory and how monetary alternatives can empower communities.

For more information, contact Peter Luiten 09 520 2984 or Laurence Boomert 027 2588807

Sponsored by: Living Economics Educational Trust, Transition Towns, Green Party.