August newsletter from Sustainable Wanaka
A few events and items of interest this month;
* Contract position available – General Manager, Sustainable Wanaka
* Three Parks proposal – thanks for your feedback
* Green Drinks –this Thursday 14th August at Finchy’s –from 5.30pm
TOPIC Modern building using bamboo technology
* Public lecture series this week; Live Healthy, Live longer, Lake Wanaka Centre
* Wanaride-share – can you help with some simple design work?
* Talk on Green building in New Zealand by Jane Henley, Thursday 4th September, 7pm
* Sustainable Wanaka AGM – Tuesday 16th September, 5.30pm, Lake Wanaka Centre
* Wanaka Farmers Market – AGM Thursday 28th August, 7.30pm, Lake Wanaka Centre
Interesting Articles
* Is Freshwater to be the new oil?
* Lights out for old bulbs
* Avoid ‘greenwashing’ in your tourism business
Sustainable Wanaka General Manager; Due to the present General Manager taking maternity leave we seek to appoint a replacement. Initially the appointment will be to a part-time position but there will be opportunity to develop the position into a full-time appointment depending upon the future circumstances of the incumbent and the extent to which the successful applicant can assist in the growth of the activities of Sustainable Wanaka. Accordingly we seek an applicant with complementary skills to the incumbent and with demonstrated ability to work in a small team. Enquiries to megan@sustainablewanaka.co.nz or phone Megan on 03-443 5057 Applications close on Friday 29th August
Thanks for your feedback on the Three Parks proposal. We had 58 replies to the questions posted in last month’s newsletter. 88% of respondents agree with Sustainable Wanaka that another retail / business centre is unnecessary for Wanaka in the near- medium future. We will continue to lobby against this project. Sustainable Wanaka has written a vision statement for our vision of the current Wanaka Town Centre and we will continue to advocate for improving what we already have.
Green drinks Thursday 14th August, we will meet at Finchy’s restaurant and bar 2 Dunmore Street from 5.30pm. This week we will be discussing Bamboo technology as TJ outlines his experience with Modern building using Bamboo Technologies. Green drinks are normally held in Wanaka on the second Thursday of each month. All Welcome http/www.greendrinks.org/
Public series – This week an expo of lectures will be held in Wanaka on living a healthier life. Gary Martin is a highly acclaimed Naturopath and Founder of the Living Valley Springs Health Retreat in QLD, Australia. His simple secrets have helped to turn around the health and lives of many people worldwide. Gary conducts health lectures in many countries. His simple secrets have helped to turn around the health and lives of many people worldwide. For more information click here.
Sustainable Wanaka is currently working on an idea that came from our good ideas competition for a rideshare scheme in the region. Ieuan Davies has been volunteering on the project for which we are very grateful. We now require some assistance for a little design work. If you are experienced in this area and are happy to offer a few hours of your time, please contact idavies_esq@yahoo.co.uk
Jane Henley, CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council is visiting Wanaka and will give an evening talk on Thursday 4th September at 7pm. The talk will be an overview of the NZ Green Building Council, and the Green Star rating system that evaluates buildings according to a range of environmental factors. Jane will touch on the status of the building industry today, what is being done in the realm of Green Building and the challenges we are facing, as well as the future of Green Building in NZ. Case studies will be included where possible.
The Sustainable Wanaka AGM will be held on Tuesday 16th September in the Armstrong Room at the Lake Wanaka Centre at 5.30pm. Everybody is welcome to come and hear of our past years activities and or offer input into future direction.
Wanaka Farmers Market – AGM Armstrong room, Lake Wanaka Centre, Thursday 28th August at 7.30pm Come along to discuss the possibilities for a farmers market in Wanaka this summer. For more information, contact Greg Inwood on 443 9046 or email greginwood@actrix.co.nz
Interesting Articles
Will fresh water continue to free and plentiful? This article summarises what may very well become the central issue facing people (particularly further east of us) in the coming years - scarce fresh water supplies. There have been comparisons drawn between oil and fresh water supply issues for some time now, but this is becoming a more mainstream issue as it is picked up by the media. The analogy between oil and water is an interesting one. Unlike oil, water is fundamentally important for human survival but it is potentially renewable. However, the security of fresh water supply relies on foresight and prudent management. Have a look at the article, published by the Christian Science Monitor here.
Lights out for old bulbs - The government recently announced a strategy to phase out standard, incandescent light bulbs beginning late 2009. As part of the scheme, subsidies will be offered to various more energy efficient lighting products. This scheme makes sense, especially when you look at the bottom line numbers; increased life cycles and reduced energy consumption per unit. However, convincing the public of the merits of the scheme may be rather difficult judging by the majority of comments posted underneath the story! One fairly consistent issue that people raise is the fact that Compact Fluorescent Lighting contains (a small amount of) mercury. This concern emphasises the need for an efficient and safe nationwide CFL disposal scheme which is coordinated with the government strategy. Read the story from the Stuff website here.
Research suggests that many travellers are becoming more savvy when it comes to environmental and sustainability issues. This is a good thing, as Wanaka tourism businesses should become increasingly well positioned to tap into such demand. However, it also means that there will be a corresponding rise in awareness of 'greenwashing'; making promises to customers you can't necessarily keep or prove regarding sustainable business practices. This article explores the issue of greenwash and encourages people to think critically when it comes to making purchasing decisions. There is also a story explaining how a Wellington taxi company got into trouble with the Commerce Commission for making environmental claims it could not entirely substantiate.
Megan Williams
Sustainable Wanaka
PO Box 102, Wanaka 9343
03-443 5057 mobile: 027 229 1607
www.sustainablewanaka.co.nz
THE NUTRITION FUND - A carrot for healthy food promotion in education settings: The third funding round for the Nutrition Fund is approaching, with applications due on the 19th of September. This is an exciting opportunity for your school (or early childhood centre) to apply for funding for an initiative that will assist in creating a positive nutrition environment: It encourages schools to think about their whole school environment, to work alongside other education services, and involve students and families in the planning and decision-making around their healthy eating initiative. Projects that have been funded to date include grants for vegetable gardens, food preparation equipment and nutrition education resources, with some new and exciting initiatives coming through.
The review panel will be looking for applications that have plenty of student and community involvement, clearly identify a need, and are sustainable, and build on what is already happening in the school or early childhood centre.
For more information or a copy of the application form, contact:
Kathy Hamilton, Healthy Eating Coordinator, Otago District Health Board, on 03 470 3870 or kathy.hamilton@osdhbs.govt.nz
