The bright light of sustainable practice
On the home stretch through Canterbury we came across this canola field – it summed up a lot about this Sustainable Practice roadshow – many rich, golden experiences. It brought back into to focus the importance of a deep connection to the land and the importance of a sustainable land ethic as the baseline for sound, strategic decision-making for the long view – a sustainable future for our grandchildren.
Our choice to use biodiesel to fuel this roadtrip was brought into sharp focus while driving through these fields, highlighting that to transition from ‘business as usual’ is a matter of choice. Travelling with Steve Henry, nothing short of a high energy particle in the field of sustainable practice, has shown me that overcoming the barriers is A MATTER OF WILL. With the right vision, planning, preparation and collaboration around ideas that provide genuine win-win-win outcomes, we all benefit, the land included.
By shining a spotlight on all the great examples of sustainable practice in different pockets of the country we gain new ideas, fresh insights, inspiration and the knowledge that a sustainable future is a reality for all of us – we just need to choose it!
The depth of the connections along the way has been astounding, the communities we been fortunate enough to have continued real engaged dialogue have told us they are ready to embed sustainable practice.
This is, in no small way, testament to the vision, hard work and tireless efforts of Steve Henry and the team at the Centre for Sustainable Practice.
The message of this ancient Maori whakatauki speaks the language of sustainability in a way we can all understand.
Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua.
Care for the land. Care for people. Go forward.
What strikes me is that it’s message is even more relevant today.
EECA meeting in Wellington – a collaborative project around solar hot water
After a 6am start in Levin, Steve and I made our way down the beautiful Kapiti Coast for pre-work meeting with the EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) team.
From left: Steve Henry, Julia Barton, Jane O'Loughlin, 'Mike the sustainable builder' & EECA CEO, Mike Underhill involved in a whirlwind Solar Hot Water demonstration at the Wellington Interislander ferry terminal
Thanks to EECA CEO, Mike Underhill, senior advisor, Jane O’Loughlin and Julia Barton from the EECA solar hot water team for taking the time to see a quick demonstration of the brand new Otago Polytechnic Solar Hot Water demonstration trailer (it’s existence is owed to EECA’s significant financial contribution).
In a show of high commitment, local sustainable designer and builder, Mike, made the early morning trip out to see us. He registered his interest in enrolling in the new sustainable practice graduate diploma, beginning in Feb 2011. “I’ve studied a lot of theory in this space. It’s time to get stuck in with some action”.
He jumped into our roadtrip ‘rig’ to continue the conversation all way the mouth of the ferry before Steve and I drove into the ferry bowels to cross Cook Strait. We’ve had these sort of experiences the whole way – passionate, committed people ready to embed sustainable practice in what they do for a living. It’s inspiring to be involved and makes the hard work we’ve invested to spread the message worthwhile.
The North Island leg of the roadtrip has been a resounding success – a rich and diverse range events, ranging from ‘top-of-town’ strategic decision making and planning events along with grass-roots activism and community projects and everything in between. The importance and relevance of sustainable practice in all segments of the community has been on full display – a demonstration of the fact that with a shared vision of what a sustainable future looks like we can all look towards a prosperous and healthy future.
Next on the event schedule is Nelson on Thursday evening with a lunchtime event in Kaikoura – please come join us if you’re in the neighbourhood!
Let’s Do It Manukau!
On October 10th, the Let’s Do It project leaders have planned an action day, to turn soil in a new community garden, followed by a shared meal, then presentations by Steve Henry and Tom Walter from Otago Polytechnic. Steve and Tom are just starting a nationwide Road Show, and this event will be a chance to highlight the Let’s Do It project and learn about the work being done elsewhere in the country.
Here’s more information on this road show, with a link to the roadshow timetable.
