Auckland event (and a paradise called Waiheke Island)
Our travelling circus vehicle (at least that’s what it felt like after driving all the way from Queenstown!) finally arrived in Auckland. We were greeted on our arrival by the ever smiling James Samuel, community organiser extraordinaire and one of the most generous people I have been fortunate enough to meet in a long time.
Our kick off event organised by James in Manakau City – a community garden get-together and one of 100 events throughout New Zealand to mark 10.10.10
A small gathering of a cross section of the Manakau City community gathered together at the local Papakura church to discuss some of the possible options for sustainable practice projects. The recent announcement of the election of Len Brown as major of the new Auckland Super City, a Manakau City local brought a buoyant mood to the group.
We were then hosted by James, Simon Harvey and Jerome (our host for the next days’ event at Jasmax Architects in Auckland) for a quiet get together on Waiheke Island. My first time to Auckland let alone Waiheke was eye opening and James, knowing we’d be exhausted after the long journey arranged for a luxury beach retreat. Simon arrived with local organic pizzas, all washed down with some of NZs finest ales.
For people whom I’ve met once, this was a show of generosity I’ve rarely experienced – testament to the strength and spirit of the local community on Waiheke.
After a much needed sleep, we woke to a beautiful calm morning – an early walk on the beach bringing a great photo opportunity and a timely reminder that with the rush of the roadtrip it is so important to take the time to slow down.
Some good breakthroughs and equal amount of mutual learning were achieved with James during the morning to develop a social media course for the ‘community development’ space.
My first experience of Auckland traffic was not as bad as expected although James’ calm navigation kept things sane – thanks and kudos to Jerome for arranging the Jasmax event which was well attended and received – what an amazing presentation space!
After narrowly escaping the parking inspector and driving circles trying to park and a lack of food, frustration started to creep in and by the time Steve was done with his final appointments I was not disappointed to be on the way south again by mid-afternoon to Hamilton.
Thanks to Berny for the car storage in Manakau City and get-away car speed driving to and from the ferry, James for your above and beyond hospitality and thoughtfulness, Simon for the food and beers, Jerome for arranging the event and everyone for being great company!
Green Drinks Tauranga
Steve Henry from Otago Polytechnic’s Centre for Sustainable Practice and Tom Walter from Ziptrek Ecotours were invited to a very civilised Green Drinks event from 5-7pm hosted by Jo Wills from the Sustainable Business Network
Jo – thanks for the providing the Centre for Sustainable Practice, Ziptrek Ecotours, and Nomad Safaris with the opportunity to speak to such an enthusiastic and engaged group.
We took advantage of a sunny afternoon to demonstrate the Centre’s new solar hot water trailer in central Tauranga along with being able to showcase the Southern Lakes success stories in sustainable business.
Kudos to Jo for bringing together such a committed and high caliber of attendees – sustainability is alive and well in this region!
