The Far North Environment Centre is looking to put out a survey to canvas parliamentary candidates on their views regarding the environment and sustainability.

If you have any related question you might like answered, please email us by Tuesday 14^th October (info@ecocentre.co.nz).

The survey will be assembled at FNEC's discretion, and forwarded to all candidates for the Te Tai Tokerau and Northland electorates. All responses will be published on our website (http://www.ecocentre.co.nz/) before the election.

Far North Environment Centre

AGM 2008

It's AGM time again! Scheduled for Thursday 23 October, it will be preceded by our regular monthly board meeting at 4pm. From 5pm there will be ‘happy hour' with refreshments, socialising and the application of gentle persuasion to potential nominees for places on the board. At 6pm the formal business of the AGM will get underway and at 7pm everyone is invited to watch a movie, title to be confirmed.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ACTIVATION

Since the August Panui, staff at the Environment Centre have been busy promoting the Sustainable Living Activation Programme, with Richard signing up many residents for free household assessments of their ecological footprint. Stalls at the August launch of Hector Busby's new Waka Hourua at Taipa Beach and World Senior Persons' Day this week at the Kaitaia Community Centre provided opportunities for Richard to explain the SLA programme. The prospect of reducing energy consumption - and thereby reducing power bills - is a major draw, but interest is also high in learning more about recycling, transport options and other aspects of moving towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Home visits to make the assessments will begin later this month. To sign up go to http://www.ecocentre.co.nz/sustain/ , and click Sustainable Living Activation Programme.

eDay 2008

This Saturday, October 4, is e-waste day. From 9 am to 3pm Kaikohe and Kaitaia waste stations will be accepting computer waste, i.e. old computers and computer consumables, plus mobile phones, to be disposed of in an environmentally sustainable way. This will be an annual event and the aim is to prevent persistent toxic elements such as heavy metals in these products from entering landfill. For more info visit http://www.eday.org.nz/

SCHOOL GARDENS

Working closely with Anna, from Te Oranga, Soozee has been making weekly visits to Kohukohu, Pukepoto and Ahipara schools where the children have made impressive progress on establishing organic food gardens. Many of the young ones had not previously experienced the delights of watching the emergence of seedlings after sowing the seed themselves and are now displaying all the symptoms of being hooked on gardening. This term the focus will be on nurturing the plants that are being set out in the new gardens and the children are not alone in looking forward to fresh salads with their lunches.

Kohukohu School littlies plant out the seedlings they raised into their school garden

Good news has just come through from Grant Stevens - of Organiponico raised-bed fame. ACE funding is available to do further raised beds. These will be built in schools where a workforce of 8 - 10 people commits to taking part in the 2 day workshop. Participants gain the skills to build the beds themselves and the school gains a permanent, easily manageable garden. Schools are invited to contact Soozee at info@ecocentre.co.nz to arrange for an Organiponico workshop on their grounds.

We even have an Organiponico garden right outside the Environment Centre! A joint venture with CBEC, Trees Company and the Conservation Corps resulted in an extra large bed being built in the CBEC yard and this will be filled with a selection of vegetable and herb plants in the coming weeks.

Conservation Corps workers building an Organiponoco bed in the

The Environment Centre is also negotiating to have a set of moulds built so that they can be available to loan to individuals or community groups who would like to make their own raised gardens.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD MEETING

Support from the Kaitaia Transition Towns group, Trees Company and an existing food co-op has brought the concept of a food co-op based at the Environment Centre closer to reality. A meeting at the Environment Centre on Friday October 17 at 5:30 will bring together anyone interested in supporting sustainable organic food supply. All are welcome. A proposed structure for the food co-op will be presented plus there will be time to brainstorm all aspects of trade, barter or exchange of sustainable local kai. Trees Company manager, Chantelle will be developing a display area with information on growing food, sourcing the best of local produce and providing a space where people's excess backyard produce can be deposited for distribution.

TRANSITION TOWNS MEETING

Kaitaia Transition Towns is bringing Deirdre Kent, author of ‘Healthy Money Healthy Planet' to speak at the Little Theatre on Friday October 17 at 7pm (following on from the Sustainable Food meeting earlier that afternoon).

There will be a screening of the film ‘Money as Debt', followed by a discussion on the implications of money systems re sustainability.

DOUBTLESS BAY MARINE PROTECTION GROUP

"Towards a Community Marine Management Plan

for the wider Doubtless Bay/ Tokerau area" 

Saturday 1 November 2008

From 1pm

At Taipa Area School Cultural Centre

Taipa Beach

On Saturday November 1 DBMPG will launch their discussion document on a Community Marine Management Plan for the wider Doubtless Bay /Tokerau Area.

All are welcome to the launch at the Taipa area School Cultural Centre at Taipa Beach.

Starting at 1pm with karakia and guest speakers introducing the theme ‘Living Sea, Doubtless Bay - as we see it and would like to see it', discussion will cover issues around declining fish stocks, opportunities for marine education, economic and cultural opportunities, and threats to biodiversity and water quality.

Participants will be invited to complete a questionnaire on their aspirations for Doubtless Bay and will be able to take home a copy of the discussion document for themselves or their group.

From 3 to 4pm there will be outdoor activities plus a chance to view the displays.

A barbeque will be provided at 4pm, with time for informal discussion.

Hosted by Doubtless Bay/ Tokerau Marine Protection Group

Contact:  John Kenderdine  406 7774      or    Andre Kunz  408 7077

info@livingseadoubtlessbay.org.nz

COMMUNITY CONSERVATION FUND OPENS

A new fund has been announced by the Department of Conservation to assist community groups in the restoration of biodiversity on public land. Monies will be available for planting, fencing and equipment. Priorities include protecting indigenous vegetation associated with sand dunes and wetlands and habitats of acutely and chronically threatened indigenous species.

The fund will make a total of $4 million available over 2 years, with groups invited to apply for between $5,000 and $40,000.

Applications to the current round close on November 5 2008. For details go to the DOC website http://www.doc.govt.nz/ and click on ‘getting involved'

The Environment Centre can assist groups wishing to make an application to the fund.

Richard is keen to find a suitable site on public land to nurture the Northland Mudfish, so if anyone has suggestions on how to further such a worthy project, contact him here at the Centre. Unglamorous perhaps, but it could be the sort of project that fits the criteria for the Community Conservation Fund!

David Blume to speak in Far North: Learn about alcohol - the car fuel of the future

Grow Your Own 105 Octane Car Fuel!

(Learn about alcohol - the car fuel of the future)

World acclaimed alcohol fuel pioneer David Blume will explain why alcohol is a superior fuel to petrol, and how it can be produced with small scale backyard, farm and community production systems. 

• Become Energy Independent
• Revitalise Local Economies
• Reverse Global Climate Change
• Unmodified cars can run on 50% alcohol
• Conversion to 100% alcohol or flexi-fuel costs only a few hundred dollars 

David Blume's visit is a:

Far North District Council

District Development Initiative

For further information contact: Ken Ross (FNDC) 09 401 5575

or

refer to:  http://www.alcoholcanbeagas.com/ 

 Grow Your Own 105 Octane Car Fuel!

(Learn about alcohol - the car fuel of the future)

World acclaimed alcohol fuel pioneer David Blume will explain why alcohol is a superior fuel to petrol, and how it can be produced with small scale backyard, farm and community production systems.

• Become Energy Independent
• Revitalise Local Economies
• Reverse Global Climate Change
• Unmodified cars can run on 50% alcohol
• Conversion to 100% alcohol or flexi-fuel costs only a few hundred dollars 

David Blume's visit is a:

Far North District Council

District Development Initiative

For further information contact: Ken Ross (FNDC) 09 401 5575

Or refer to:  http://www.alcoholcanbeagas.com/ 

or

bio.pdf

David Blume

Far North District Council media release:

Shellfish/swimming ban at Whatuwhiwhi

People are advised not to swim or gather shellfish from the Whatuwhiwhi end of Tokerau Beach following a weekend sewage incident.

Signs have been erected at commonly used beach and boat ramp access points alerting people to the Northland District Health Board advice, which is effective until Labour weekend.

Far North District Council contractors responded promptly when advised of the sewage overflow on Monday. However, it is thought the leak from a broken pipe had continued for several days before the advice was received.

It is possible that up to 150 cubic metres of untreated sewage was discharged to the sea before the repairs were effected.

For further information, please contact

Far North District Council Communications Manager Alison Lees

Phone (09) 401 5277 or 027 224 5423

Enderby Trust provides opportunities for people between 18-30 years to experience the New Zealand biogeographical region through its association with Heritage Expeditions. Enderby Trust is pleased to announce its 2008 Subantarctic Islands Scholarships.
 
Enderby Trust works with Heritage Expeditions, a Christchurch based company, who offer expeditions to the Subantarctic Islands. Successful applicants travel on board Heritage Expeditions Polar Research vessel Spirit of Enderby. The Trustee's hope that by providing these opportunities for young people to visit these regions that they will share experiences and enthusiasm with other people and thereby grow the awareness of the regions of New Zealand.  Each expedition has a team of professional naturalists and biologists on board and provides an excellent learning environment.
 
Applicants for the scholarships are asked to pay 30% of the advertised cost of the expedition, the Trustees pay the remaining 70% plus landing fees. To apply, applicants must write in 400 words or less what their fascination with the area of travel is and why they would like to travel there. At the conclusion of the expedition the successful participants are required to submit a 1000 word essay on a topic of their choice relating to the region visited, to the Trustees. The essay becomes the property of the Trust.
 
Enderby Trust is offering scholarships on two different Expeditions for the 2008/2009 season:
 
            1. Sub Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia
                                    November 9-27^th, 2008
                                    Invercargill to Dunedin
 
Arguably one of the greatest wildlife journeys in the world, with an abundance of endemic wildlife and birds - a must for a wildlife enthusiast, an aspiring botanist or those interested in the history of these diverse areas. This voyage includes Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, Campbell, Antipodes, Bounty and Chatham Islands. Expedition commences in Invercargill and returns to Dunedin.
 
Closing date for applications: September 12, 2008
Advertised price: US$7750.00pp. Cost to applicant US$2325.00.
(The Trustees will also pay any applicable landing fees - US$350.00pp)
 
            2.         Galapagos of Antarctica
                        Nov 27^th-Dec 9^th, 2008
                        Dunedin to Invercargill
 
A comprehensive voyage through the southern islands of Snares, Auckland's, Macquarie and Campbell Island. Time to explore the world of the albatross as they glide over the waves and use the islands fro breeding, the beauty of the endemic plants from the megaherbs to startling blue Hebe benthamii and the solitude of the Southern Ocean.
 
Closing date for applications: September 12, 2008
Advertised price: US$5500.00pp. Cost to applicant US$1650.00.
(The Trustees will also pay any applicable landing fees - US$350.00pp)
 
Applicants should apply to:
The Trustees
Enderby Trust
23 Bunting Place
Woodend
North Canterbury
Email: enderby@hotmail.com
 
Stating:
1)         Full name and Date of Birth (proof of age may be required);
2)         Address including daytime and after hours telephone numbers;
3)         Scholarship applied for (Name and Departure Date);
4)         In 400 words or less your interest in the Subantarctic Islands;
5)         Name and address of one referee;
6)         Declaration that you have sufficient funds to pay the contribution required.

Date: 27 August, 2008

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NRC RECREATION FUND

Community, recreational and sporting groups and Northland's three District Councils are being invited to apply for a share of a special local authority recreation fund.

The Northland Regional Council (NRC) has collected a Regional Recreation Facilities Rate since mid-2006 - most of it destined to help fund a proposed multi-use events centre in Whangarei. 

However, the rate also includes a separate $5.63 (incl GST) annual charge levied on each rateable property across the region.  That money is to help provide access to the natural environment and to identify and develop other recreational and sport facilities throughout Northland.  It's that portion of the rate that's now up for grabs.

Linda Stansfield, the NRC's Projects and Information Manager, says the Regional Council had previously invited Northland's three District Councils to seek Regional Recreation Facilities Rate money, but to date only the Kaipara District Council had sought any.

"The Regional Council has already agreed in principle to fund up to a $700,000 stake in Kaipara's 50-metre Dargaville pool project, subject to conditions."

However, Ms Stansfield says the Regional Council had recently developed new criteria for allocating the rate and was now looking to share the Recreation Fund with the wider community.  Applications can be made until 5pm Friday 10 October.

The fund collects about $400,000 annually and excluding the money set aside for the Kaipara pool project, the uncommitted portion of the fund currently stands at about $500,000.

Ms Stansfield says the Council is not necessarily looking to allocate all of the outstanding money and may also nominate projects itself if Councillors believe they offer wider community benefits.

She says the fund is for capital expenditure only and aims to provide access to the natural environment "for the purposes of physical activity and/or recreation and to fund the development of sport and/or recreational facilities".

Ms Stansfield says funding is open only to non-profit organisations but their proposal must be of significance or benefit to more than one District and they must show there is sufficient demand for it.

Applicants must also show how the proposal will be maintained long-term and - if their proposal involves a facility - must provide a business plan demonstrating its operational viability.

Those wanting more information on the fund - and how to apply - can visit the Council's website www.nrc.govt.nz/recreationfund.  Alternatively they can visit any Regional Council office or telephone (0800) 002 004.

Ms Stansfield says a Regional Council Sub-Committee will consider the applications and make recommendations to the full Council later this year.  She says groups which have already raised part of the funding they require themselves - or who have secured it from other sources - may be given preference.

                                                       ENDS

Further information:

• Linda Stansfield, Projects and Information Manager, Northland Regional Council
  Ph: (09) 438 4639

Info for Peak Oil Event - Thurs 4th Sept 08:

THE END OF THE AGE OF

CHEAP OIL

Challenge or Opportunity for Kerikeri?

Transition Town Bay of Islands

Thursday 04 Sept, 7pm

A screening of the film:

"The Power of Community - How Cuba survived Peak Oil"

At present, Cuba is the only country who faced the challenges posed by Peak Oil. Despite the recent drop in oil prices, most industry watchers still forecast a worldwide Peak Oil situation around 2010.

Transition Town Bay of Islands has two objectives: raising awareness about the challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change, and engaging people to use all their creative talent to build a more resilient community.

http://www.transitionboi.info/

Power_of_Community_poster_for_emailing.pdf

Transition Towns Bay of Islands

The Power of Community

  Te Roopu Whakahauora o Tokerau

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

7 pm Monday 25^th August 2008

Taipa Area School - Science classroom.  

www.livingseadoubtlessbay.org.nz

Please find agenda attached:

DOUBTLESS BAY MARINE PROTECTION GROUP Inc.doc