Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Community

DIY Bathtub Worm Farm
How to make your own worm farm from re-use and free materials
Sat 15 August 9am – 1pm $20
Ron Sperber, Director Earthwhile Ltd, Permaculture & Sustainability Education

Old bathtubs make great worm farms and can be had for peanuts. Tree branches (that would otherwise be firewood) for a sturdy base, a lid and we’re away. Permaculturist and worm farm expert Ron Sperber, of Earthwhile Ltd, will lead this hands-on workshop. You will gain the experience of building a wormfarm with available materials without blowing the budget. Bring comfy clothes to work in, gloves, gumboots and raincoat (if it’s a wet day). Limited numbers so be sure to book early.

Fruit Tree Pruning
Sat 22 August 10.30 – 12.30pm $10
Derek Craig, Director Oak & Thistle Ltd

Winter is a key time for fruit tree pruning. Learn how to prune for maximum fruit production and according to fruit type. Different fruit trees have different pruning requirements and may blossom and fruit on this years or last years growth. Some pear and apple cultivars, for example, are ‘tip bearing’ which can prevent their use in espaliers. There’s plenty to learn here for the keen edible gardener.

Cooking and Sampling
Quick low cost cooking from the garden
Tues 25 August 6.30 – 8.30pm $10 + $6 food
Alice Leonard, Director Angel Food

Eating further down the food chain is good for your health, your wallet and the environment – learn how to create healthy and delicious meals based on beans, whole grains and fresh seasonal produce. The emphasis is on economical family-friendly meals which don’t take all night to prepare!

EDIBLE GARDEN CULTURE Part 6.
Plant Health
Sat 29 August 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: Plant Health – Holistic approach to soil and plant health; Planning and preparation for the Spring garden; making your own liquid fertiliser; seed sowing/propagation.

Other events:

Biodynamic Organic Gardening Group

Introduction to the Biodynamic Calender
Sat 1 August 10.30 – 12.30pm
Members of the BOGG $5 new annual membership
Venue: Sustainable Living Centre, 4 Olympic Place, New Lynn

Come and join in and learn how to use the new calendar. These will be available for sale on the day for $20. We will also spend some time planning for spring planting.

Warming Herbs & Spices
Sat 8 August 10.30-12.30pm $5 new annual membership + koha
Bashi Singh – Clinical Neuro Muscular Therapist (Dip. NMT, Dip, Ther Mas)
Venue: Sustainable Living Centre, 4 Olympic Place, New Lynn

Bashi is a Medical Herbalist, she will tell us how to eat for maximum health benefits during the winter months, including Q&A’s. We will also make a winter Chai Tea decoction for all to try!! She has herb courses The Properties Of Herbs , Herbal Manufacturing and Ointments , Balms and More through Northtec running in the next semester which I recommend. She will also be running Aromotherapy Classes in the future. She has a great way with people and knows a lot about herbs!. She also talks to other groups including the Herb Society. She is a great advocate for container growing, as this is the only option really where she lives in the suburbs.

PERMACULTURE WORKSHOPS
Inquiries, phone Finn on 021 562 995 or email aucklandmpdc@gmail.com

Saturday, August 1st
Module 15. Appropriate Technology

Guest tutor – Rilke de Vos – Energy Research Engineer, National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA)

Introduction to energy, resources and technology; Ecological and climate appropriate design and application; Examples of appropriate technologies – high tech and low tech solutions; Life-cycle analysis – embodied and on going energy use; Sources of (renewable) energy; Energy production – Solar, wind, geothermal, micro hydro; Energy storage; Systems Maintenance; Site specific and community based systems.

Saturday, August 22nd
Module 16. Retrofitting Your House
Guest Tutor – Jerome Partington – Sustainability Manager, Jasmax
Introduction to residential / suburban retrofit and redesign; Working with existing structures; Improving energy efficiency; Creating healthy living environments; Utilising appropriate technologies; household waste and water management retrofits.

As always, please email us to register for either of these modules and we will provide you with more detailed information about the day closer to the module delivery date.

Sustainable Living Centre

APRIL 09

Directions in Green Home Design
Planning a resource-efficient future
Wed 15 April 6.30-8.30pm $10
Johann Bernhardt, Architect, Ebode & BBE, Author of ‘A Deeper Shade of Green’

Designing a green house has a multitude of benefits such as substantial long term cost savings and occupant wellbeing whilst negating harmful effects on the environment and climate. Find out from an expert in the field the costs involved in going green and some
practical tips to consider when designing or renovating your home.

Soils Module 8 (previously Module 6)
Permaculture Design Cert
Sat 18 April 8.45am-5pm $80-$180
Finn Mackesy & Gary Marshall; Guest tutor Brendan Hoare, Sustainable Organic Systems Assoc.

Note – new booking and inquiry details for all permaculture workshops – see above. Pre-payment required.
Soil and topography; soil fundamentals – biology, chemistry, structure and microbes; growing soils; visual assessments and plant indications; composting, soil care and maintenance – monthly soil management aligned with orchards and home gardens.

Stylish DIY Nappies
A great low-cost option for new parents
Wed 22 April 11.00am-2.00pm $30
Michelle Foster, Pocket nappy designer ‘Ezpzbaby’

This workshop is a practical hands-on session where you will be provided with materials and given a design to make your own pocket eco nappy. These are a great option for parents, as they save a lot of money on disposable nappies which end up in landfill. A fantastic gift idea too. Please bring a sewing machine; white polyester thread and scissors. Basic sewing skills required. (Cost includes materials)

EDIBLE GARDEN CULTURE Part 2.
The Living Soil
Sat 25 April 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: soil characteristics, soil tests, no-dig gardening, raised bed gardens, sheet mulching, double digging and preparing for shorter days. Due to demand we are holding a second repeat class on the same day.

MAY 09

Stormwater Design & Management
Module 7, Permaculture Design Cert
Sat 2 May 8.45am-5pm $80-$180
Finn Mackesy & Gary Marshall; Guest tutor Nigel Mark Brown, environmental engineer

Note – new booking and inquiry details for all permaculture workshops – see above. Pre-payment required.
Hydrological cycle; national/international best practice examples; integrated catchment management; landscape ecology; water quality; water harvesting (dams, swales, rain gardens, etc), low impact design solutions; analysis tools; community & settlement design.

Tree Systems and Agroforestry
Module 9, Permaculture Design Cert
Sat 9 May 8.45am-5pm $80-$180,
Finn Mackesy & Gary Marshall; Guest tutors Wade & Jenny Cornell

Note – new booking and inquiry details for all permaculture workshops – see above. Pre-payment required.
Introduction to forest ecology; tree crop design; species for firewood, timber, amenity, ecological restoration and habitat; forest restoration; coppicing wood lots; plantation management – pruning, thinning, harvesting; agroforestry – integration with livestock.

Sustainable Home Water Systems
Policy and Design Practicalities
Wed 13 May 6.30-8.30pm $10
Damon Birchfield, Land-use planner and sustainability consultant/researcher

Water is a precious resource. This seminar discusses both the policy environment related to water conservation in NZ, as well as the practicalities to designing a more sustainable home water system – from rainwater tanks to greywater systems. Find out how much water you could save, and how to access financial assistance when purchasing water conservation technologies.

The Beauties of Biodiesel
Fuel from last week’s fish & chip oil
Wed 20 May 6.30-8.30pm $10
Andre’ Hamman, Director NZ Ester Fuels Ltd

Imagine having a sniff of your normally stinky diesel tail pipe – and all you smell is a faint cooking oil odor – if that! Andre’ Hamman is director of a new Biodiesel manufacturing company based in Tuakau which has production capacity of 2 million litres pa. Find out about biodiesel manufacturing, hear about the possibilities for use from factory forklifts to the household runabout.

Fruit, Nuts and Berries Module 10
(prev Mod 8) Permaculture Design Cert
Sat 23 May 8.45am-5pm $80-$180
Finn Mackesy & Gary Marshall Guest tutor Derek Craig, Oak and Thistle Ltd

Note – new booking and inquiry details for all permaculture workshops – see above. Pre-payment required.
Orchard design, layout and management; selecting appropriate fruits / nuts / vines / berries; beneficial insects; planting and propagation; plant health, pests and disease; herbal lay; integration with small animals.

EDIBLE GARDEN CULTURE Part 3.
Waste to Resource Cycle
Sat 30 May 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: composting, and utilizing available materials in a productive and sustainable garden system. Due to demand we are holding a second repeat class on the same day.

Want to learn more about how to live sustainably? The Sustainable Living Centre in New Lynn run excellent courses. While not in Grey Lynn or Ponsonby the course there are not to be missed.

www.ecomatters.org.nz

Renewable Energy
Exciting innovations in DIY energy production
Sunday 8 March 3-4pm – free – PART OF ECODAY SEMINAR SERIES AT HALL NEXT TO SLC
Michael Lawley - Renewable Energy Engineer, EcoInnovation
Michael is a renewable energy engineer and inventor based in Taranaki. An opportunity to see working demonstrations of a recycled Smart Drive washing machine generator, a solar hot water system, solar photovoltaic panels, wind and hydro turbines. An interesting and informative workshop and display, valuable for rural properties, baches and anyone interested in going ‘off the grid’.

EcoDay – FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!
Sunday 8 March 10-4pm    Held at Olympic Park, New Lynn.

The Sustainable Living Centre will be open all day and there will also be tours of the Trusts EcoHouse. Eco stalls and exhibitions, organic food and drinks, kids zone, music, workshops and seminars, vehicle emissions testing, tours of sustainable homes and gardens. See www.ecoday.org.nz for more info.

<<EcoDay 2009 – Poster.pdf>>

MODULAR PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE  (12 modules in total)
Urban Design & Living  (Module 5, PDC)
Saturday 14 March    8.45am-5pm    $80-$160 (pre-payment required)
Finn Mackesy – Co-chairperson, Permaculture in NZ; Gary Marshall – Landscape Architect, DJ Scott Associates Ltd
NOTE DIFFERENT VENUE: DJ Scott, 21 Graham St, City
NB: Shared lunch optional, bring a plate
This module covers: Applications and examples for urban living (suburban and medium density); engaging with local communities and councils; subdivision and development; layout and integration of urban areas/activities (social and economic diversity, transport and communication networks, energy supply and distribution, waterway corridors and stormwater, zero waste, waste disposal/re-use and sewage treatment, community, health and education facilities and open spaces, etc).

Bring Back Butterflies
How to attract native and exotic butterflies to your garden
Wednesday 18 March  6.30-8.30pm  $10
Angela Gibbons – Native butterfly breeder
Wondering where the butterflies have gone? We’re not growing the kinds of plants our native butterflies depend on. Yellow Admirals used to be plentiful in the Auckland region, now you’d be lucky to spot one. Angela is helping to save the day by breeding these butterflies AND growing and propagating the plants they feed on.

MODULAR PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE  (12 modules in total)
Climate & Atmosphere  (Module 6, PDC)
Saturday 21 March    8.45am-5pm    $80-$160(pre-payment required)
Finn Mackesy – Co-chairperson, Permaculture in NZ; Gary Marshall – Landscape Architect, DJ Scott Associates Ltd; Rilke de Vos – Energy Research Engineer, National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA)

NB: Shared lunch optional, bring a plate
Climatic regions of the world; Global weather patterns; Climate change; Atmospheric conditions; Designing for local climatic conditions – climate responsive design, insulation and heating; Micro-climates – shelter, shade, sun traps, harnessing the wind; Urban weather patterns and atmospheric conditions – acid rain, urban heat sink, wind patterns and tall buildings.

EDIBLE GARDEN CULTURE  (8 part series)
1. Edible Garden Planning and Practice    BOOKED OUT – SEE BELOW FOR FUTURE WORKSHOPS
Saturday 28 March     10.30am-12.30pm     $20
Richard Main – Environmental educator, co-founder Unitec Hortecology Sanctuary
This is the first workshop of a new 8 part edible gardening series for 2009. Richard Main is an enthusiastic and experienced environmental educator and co-founder of the Unitec Hortecology Sanctuary. In this mainly hands-on practical workshop, participants will be introduced to ideas around working with nature, propagation techniques, planting and an abundant summer harvest.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in any of the Edible Garden workshops below, we will pencil you in.
Dates yet to be confirmed, but they will generally be held on the last Saturday of the month.

Edible Garden Culture 2009
Through the seasons of the year
With Richard Main
Explore practical ways to creating edible home gardens for healthy living. This is an eight-part practical series – outlined below.

1.  Edible Garden planning and practice – Sat 28 March  BOOKED OUT
2.  The Living Soil – April
3.  Waste to Resource Cycle – May
4.  Cultural Practices – June
5.  Winter reflection and Inspiration – July
6.  Plant Health – August
7.  Spring Action – ‘a  fine sense of timing’ – September
8.  Implementing the summer edible garden -  October
About Richard Main
An environmental educator and former Manager and co-founder of the Unitec Hortecology Sanctuary from 1999 to 2009.
Richard has been teaching organic horticulture and sustainability related subjects at Unitec for 10 years. He has chaired the local small growers organic scheme, Organic Farm NZ, and run community based education courses since 1998.

Bike West Fest – Free Entry
Corban Estate, Sat 21 Feb 10am-12midday
Ride on along for prizes, family ride, fun activities, bike maintenance and cycle safety.
Snacks provided, BYO water bottle.

CHEESEMAKING COURSES
26 February 7-9pm    Artisan Wines, 99 Parrs Cross Road, Oratia, Waitakere
‘Cutting the Curd’ with Katherine Mowbray
CAMEMBERT & MASCARPONE INTRODUCTION TO CHEESEMAKING
Thursday 26th 7-9pm Cost: $45 pp includes wine & cheese tasting
CONTACT: Maria Lempriere: maria@wheturangi.co.nz or phone 027 232 5554 for more information. Gift Vouchers available.