Kaivolution needs some dosh to keep its wheels in motion, so we have organised a fun fundraising event:

The Inaugural Posh Nosh Gala Dinner is taking place on the 11th of November at the Wintec Atrium.

This event offers a delicious, three course meal and excellent entertainment. All money raised will fund Kaivolution’s operations and build its capacity, including enabling the employment of more van drivers and allowing us to operate from larger food sorting facilities.

Kaivolution provides a waste minimisation and food redistribution service. Food that is good enough to eat but not good enough to sell is collected from more than 15 food retailers and 6 supermarkets across the city, and there are a number of supermarkets waiting to sign up. In less than two years Kaivolution has rescued over 160 tonnes of food, and has distributed it to over 65 charitable organisations throughout the Waikato.

We are experiencing considerable demand for our food rescue service, but in order to respond we need more operational funding and a larger food sorting centre. So please join us for the Gala Dinner and help grow Kaivolution's capacity.

Tickets purchased before the end of October go in the draw to win a nights accommodation at Solscape Eco-accommodation in Raglan, with restaurant vouchers included. Guest speaker Pamela Storey and some awesome prizes are part of the entertainment line-up.

Buy your tickets online now!

Human Sphere & Community Resilience Workshop

Tutor: Nándor Tánczos

When: Saturday, 8 October; 9am– 5pm
Where: Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton

Our world is changing, although it is not always clear what exactly that will mean. Many of the assumptions we now take for granted will no longer apply in the future. Both long term trends, such as climate change and resource depletion, as well as short term natural and social disasters may impact us in unexpected ways. Building a capacity for resilience, both as individuals and in our communities, is the best way to prepare for an uncertain future.

Permaculture is based on an ecological approach that builds resilience through a number of the design principles. This module looks at what it means to apply a permaculture lense to the social realm, and how to design a more sustainable, resilient and regenerative human ecology.

Fee: $135 (Discount available for WEC members)

This session can be attended as a workshop or be credited towards our Permaculture Design Certificate (Module 9).

To find out more contact us on permaculture@envirocentre.org.nz or call us on 839 4452.

Riverlea working bee this weekend

When: Saturday 24 September, 1-3pm

Hi everyone the last Saturday of the month has sneaked up because it's not quite the end of September!

This weekend is the last Saturday, so rain or shine, get your gumboots on for our planting & weeding bee this Saturday!

Meet at the Malcolm street end of the boardwalk in Hammond Park, Riverlea. We will be weeding in boggy areas. Children are welcome (but not great for toddlers).

Wear strong shoes or gumboots, long sleeves and gloves. Bring a garden knife, secateurs or hedge clippers (we can supply).

Light refreshments (baking and drinks) provided afterwards onsite.

This will go ahead unless there is a metservice weather warning, in which case we'll send out an email and post on our facebook page (which you might like to peek at even if you're not on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Riverleaenvironmentsociety/)

www.resi.org.nz email: riverlea.soc@gmail.com

Plant Sale: Te Whangai Trust Miranda and South Auckland nurseries

Big thank you to everyone who has supported Te Whangai Trust by buying trees and using their planting services this year! Your support has led to Te Whangai’s growth and success in 2016 which has including our winning of the Supreme Award at the Green Ribbon Awards, the soon to built new nursery in Mt Roskill, Auckland and not to forget our 80% success rate in getting those most at vulnerable back into full time employment! If you would like to keep updated with what Te Whangai are up to, please follow them on Facebook.

With the planting season almost at an end it's time to clear out end of season lines of plants. See the attached stock list of what is available, they also have some seconds lines available (please contact them directly on 021 952659). Delivery is available and large orders may be subject to further discount.

TWT September SALE- 2016.pdf

Celebrate World Car Free Day this week
Living Streets Hamilton, Mayoral candidate debate
Earth-friendly spring home & garden workshops
Charity Quiz night
Why & How To Go Local
Skincare & Makeup Workshop
The Waikato-Tainui Indigenous River Symposium
Teachers Workshop
2017 New Zealander of the Year

Celebrate World Car Free Day this week!

Join us to go Car Free on Thursday 22 September.

Come on down to the Civic Square, 12-2pm for a celebration.

There will be giveaways, electric bike rides, coffee and more. And for those days when you simply have to take the car, Camilla Carty-Melis from the Waikato Environment Centre will present tips and strategies for Fuel Efficient Driving. Learn tips and strategies for making your car run on less and do your bit to Save the Planet.

Send us a photo of your car-free day and go into a draw to win a car-free prize pack!

Living Streets Hamilton, Mayoral candidate debate on transport issues

6pm, Thursday 22 September

This Thursday, September 22, is INTERNATIONAL CAR-FREE DAY!

To get people thinking, a mayoral candidate debate has been organised and will be held on Thursday evening from 6-8pm at the Hamilton City Council Reception Lounge, Ground Floor, Council Buildings, Civic Square.

Issues and questions will be posed by representatives from groups supporting walking, cycling, and public transport, along with a perspective on public health from a WDHB representative. Come and hear what our mayoral candidates have to offer in an area that is so important to the future of not only Hamilton, but all cities, everywhere.

Living Streets' Facebook page

Earth-friendly spring home & garden workshops

When: 9 October 2016
Where: Bunnings Warehouse, Te Rapa, Hamilton

Spring into the Garden

2-2.45pm

This free workshop will cover weed control, compost systems, fertilizers and planning to plant some natives in your garden.

Spruce up your House

3-3.45pm

This free workshop will focus on spring cleaning the home and include cleaning products, paints, waste and recycling.

info@envirocentre.org.nz

Charity Quiz night

When: Tuesday 20th September. 6.30-10pm.

The Waikato Children’s Literacy Charitable Trust proudly presents a fun evening of entertainment at the Charity Quiz nigh, supported by The Dinsdale Office in the Dinsdale Shopping Centre.

Tickets are available at $10 each: call on 02040928369 8481046. We need 5 teams with 6 people in each team, thank you.

There are great prizes for the winning teams.The purpose of this evening is to raise funds to create new literacy/numeracy classes in the local community next year in Nawton/Aberdeen areas for children struggling with the basic skills for literacy and maths on an ongoing basis weekly twice a week.

Education is the greatest gift we can give these children, to improve their self confidence and skills to stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. So please bring a bunch of friends to have a great night out thank you.

Paula Bisphan, CEO www.childrensliteracy.co.nz

Why & How To Go Local

When: Monday 26th of September, 12-1.30pm
Where: Waikato Environment Centre

Come and join the Waikato Sustainability Network gathering. A great opportunity to network with like minded people. Bring a friend. Cup of tea provided

Skincare & Makeup Workshop

Sunday 2nd October 2pm

World Organics are running this workshop. To register your place RSVP to maryanneworldorganics@gmail.com

The Waikato-Tainui Indigenous River Symposium

19-20 October 2016

Registrations are now open

For details email: johnine.davis@tainui.co.nz or phone 07 858 0405.

See the attached flyer for more information.

2016 Symposium Paanui A4 - FINAL.pdf

Teachers' workshop

Whio Forever Education Resource: Discovering New Zealand's native blue duck

When: Wednesday 9 November
Where: Hamilton Zoo

Facilitated by the author of the Whio Forever education resource, this workshop will enable you to learn how to get the most out of this incredible learning tool.

The team at Whio Forever are providing this opportunity at no cost to you.Morning tea, lunch, zoo entry and hard copy resources are included in your registration.

Teacher release funding is available.

Download your whio education resource now at www.doc.govt.nz/education-whio

The Whio Forever education resource gives you the opportunity to take your students on an amazing learning journey as they discover why the whio (blue duck) is so important to New Zealand.

• Step by step teaching notes and term plan
• Integrated across multiple areas of the curriculum
• Inquiry learning approach
• ‘Real life’ context
• Classroom read

2017 New Zealander of the Year

Nominations close in two weeks!

NZ Awards want to hear about the amazing people doing great things in your workplace, community or for New Zealand.

There are less than two weeks left to get your nominations in for the 2017 New Zealander of the Year.

They are looking for nominations in the following categories

• Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
• Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
• University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year (15 – 30 years)
• Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year (60 years and over)
• Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year
• Mitre10 New Zealand Community of the Year

Nominations close on September 30th and can be made online at www.nzawards.org.nz or by contacting 0508 692 927 for a brochure.

Meet the Hamilton City Council East and West Ward Candidates

You are warmly invited to come and meet the people standing for election this October. Tonight's session will provide an opportunity to find out the candidates' views on sustainability and environmental issues.

Where: Hamilton Gardens Pavilion
When: Wednesday 14th September. Doors will open at 7pm for chatting and refreshments, and we will begin at 7.30pm.

Enquiries: sarah@envirocentre.org.nz

Electric Bikes: Free workshop

Date: Saturday 17th September, 11am-1pm
Venue: Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton

Join Waikato Environment Centre, MeloYelo and electric bike expert Alex Kendon for this free workshop with opportunities for test rides.

• Learn about the benefits of electric bikes
• The pros and cons of buying a new electric bike versus converting your existing bike
• Evaluate whether your bike is suitable for converting to electric
• What the conversion process involves and what tools you need
• Doing your own conversion, versus getting expert help
• New electric bikes: An overview
• Q&A
• Test rides

RSVP: By Sept 15 by email to rob@evolocity.co.nz

Native Plant Sale

Native plants in planter bags, well-grown, eco-sourced, plantable now, at competitive prices, surplus to own restoration project. Available: Wineberry, Kawakawa, Kowhai, Pate, Totara, Maori privet.

Please contact Betty Collins ph 07 8478271 email: collb@vodafone.co.nz for more details

Become a certified organic grower

A series of practical sessions and field trips about organic growing and farming. This is a great opportunity to learn about organics and be supported through the process of organic certification.

OrganicFarmNZ is offering a series of workshops which are open to all.

Participants can sign up to become certified organic growers and attend the sessions of their choice.

OrganicFarmNZ is a participatory guarantee scheme where growers support each other through the certification process.

To register, email organicfarmwaikato@gmail.com phone 0211035755 or 0210387623

Inaugural SERA Awards for Restoration Excellence

Nominations are now open for outstanding projects from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands to be considered for SERA two inaugural biennial awards for:

1. Excellence in ecological restoration practice, with two subcategories
   a) Larger scale projects (i.e. 50ha and greater) - $3,000 plus certificate and trophy;
   b) Smaller scale projects (i.e. below 50 ha) - $1,000 plus certificate and trophy.
2. The most outstanding student project - $1,000 plus certificate and trophy.

The 2016 awards nomination period closes 15 September 2016.

Entry is easy – visit http://www.seraustralasia.com/pages/SERAawards.html and click on the "APPLY NOW" button.

Come along to the Good Neighbour in Rototuna tonight for this Sustainable Business Network presentation by David Slone, CSE Buying Group.

Entry is free

CSC Buying Group is a social enterprise, with profits going to support community initiatives. Davd will give a short presentation about the enterprise, including what they can offer to other SBN members.

Looking after Large Landscapes workshop
Wonderbag workshop
Electric bikes workshop
Draft National Strategy for Environmental Education for Sustainability 2016-2026
Forest and Bird events
Te Pahu Landcare Group weeding bee

Looking after Large Landscapes workshop

Tutor: Maxine Fraser
When: Saturday, 10 September; 9am­–5pm
Where: Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton

There is still time to register for this weekend's workshop!

Take animals and soil care to a larger scale; look at the elements here which include water, shelter, shade, grazing, herbal leys and fodder crops. Explore the potential in plantations, forests and natural eco-systems as valuable resources (food, timber, firewood, etc.) and consider aspects such as protection, restoration and pest management.

Focus on trees, the lungs and stabilisers of the earth, and providing resilience in the landscape. Rarely do you find someone with the depth of knowledge that Maxine has in native plants, productive trees and the farming landscape. Make the most of this opportunity!

Fee: $135 (Discount available for WEC members).

This session can be attended as a workshop or be credited towards a Permaculture Design Certificate (Module 8).

To find out more contact us on permaculture@envirocentre.org.nz or call us on 839 4452.

Wonderbag workshop

When: Sunday 11th September, 1pm
Where: The Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton

Spaces are still available at this collaborative workshop, brought to you by SHAMA Hamilton Ethnic Women's Centre and the Waikato Environment Centre. Samantha Rose from SHAMA Hamilton Ethnic Women's Centre will be teaching women about the wonders of the wonderbag - an eco slow cooker that cooks food through the simple process of insulation. Create beautiful delicious soups, stews and hot pots while lowering your electricity bill.

Please contact Sam at SHAMA on projects@shama.nz or 027 843 3002 to reserve your spot.

Electric Bikes: Free workshop

Date: Saturday 17th September, 11am-1pm
Venue: Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton

Join Waikato Environment Centre, MeloYelo and electric bike expert Alex Kendon for this free workshop with opportunities for test rides.

• Learn about the benefits of electric bikes
• The pros and cons of buying a new electric bike versus converting your existing bike
• Evaluate whether your bike is suitable for converting to electric
• What the conversion process involves and what tools you need
• Doing your own conversion, versus getting expert help
• New electric bikes: An overview
• Q&A
• Test rides

RSVP: By Sept 15 by email to rob@evolocity.co.nz

Draft National Strategy for Environmental Education for Sustainability 2016-2026

From the Department of Conservation, New Zealand 

Have your say on the draft National Strategy for Environmental Education for Sustainability 2016-2026 at doc.govt.nz/eefs

The Strategy is being developed through collaboration, including the Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Education.

Feedback is being sought by 5pm Monday 10 October 2016.

More information.

Forest and Bird events

Walk at Kaniwhaniwha

When: Sunday 11th September

Join us for a daywalk at Kaniwhaniwha in the Pirongia Forest Park. Leave Hamilton at 9 am to arrive at the carpark at 9.30 at 615 Limeworks Loop Rd - the start of the walk. The walk will take us through native bush up the Blue Bill Stream, past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, and finish at the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand - a 66.5m Kahikatea.

Leader Matthew Lillis, 0278084226 Please email matthew.lillis@gmail.com if you are coming. Anyone wanting to carpool let Matthew know, and we can meet at Dinsdale Countdown carpark at 9am.

Conservation Week Talk

When: Thursday 15th September, 7.30pm
Where: Chartwell Room, Hamilton Gardens

Find out what Waikato Branch is involved with in our district. Neil Fitzgerald will tell us how volunteers can help with a new pest control project at our own Walter Scott Reserve. Plus we will hear about a Hamilton-wide project that Waikato Branch is supporting to control mammalian pests in the urban area.

Bookings for dinner prior to the talk at 6.15 to Jane McLeod by 10th September $12.50 per person, phone 856 2505 jane.mcleod64@gmail.com

Waikato Branch Community Day

When: 18th September
Where: Walter Scott Reserve, 80 Scott Rd, Puketotara 3876

Meet there at 10.30am: walk through the reserve, meet the neighbours, see what is proposed for pest control and perhaps volunteer to get involved.

RSVP: Jane - 021 146 7789 or jane.mcleod64@gmail.com lunch provided.

Te Pahu Landcare Group weeding bee

When: Sunday 11th September, 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: Kaniwhaniwha Reserve, Limeworks Loop Road

Te Pahu Landcare Group invite you to their monthly weeding session on

Bring gloves and tools (spade, rake, loppers, grubber etc). You will be working within the Reserve itself as there is some blackberry and some Montbretia to dig out.

You are welcome to bring a drink and picnic and/or your bikes and afterwards you can enjoy a well deserved break by the stream where your picnic will taste all the better after your good work!

You could then bike along the Nikau walkway to the campground and bike the loop track, or bring a torch and explore the Kaniwhaniwha caves.

This event is family friendly and will happen whatever the weather, so come prepared.

Children who participate can get a ‘Explorer’ medal 

For further info call Nardene on 825 9112 or email nardene@tepahu.co.nz

Kaivolution Film Fundraiser!

Date: Today! Saturday 3rd September, 1.30pm

Venue: Lido Cinema, Hamilton

The bad news is that it looks overcast outside. The good news is, that makes it perfect weather for a movie! We still haven't sold out of tickets for our fundraiser movie this afternoon at the Lido Cinema in Hamilton.

This is your opportunity to support Kaivolution - Hamilton's acclaimed food rescue programme!

Purchase a movie ticket to 'Tomorrow' and contribute to the success of Kaivolution. Every ticket purchased contributes to free tickets for our 60 volunteers. Without these awesome volunteers, Kaivolution just would not happen! 

Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase online.

The price of your movie tickets includes some special treats - an opportunity to meet and mingle with the Kaivolution team, and try the tasty delights of Kaivolution food. Gather at 12.45pm for meet, mingle and eats!

If you can't make the movie, please consider making a donation on our website - kaivolution.org.nz.

We hope to see you there for food, chats and great viewing this afternoon.

Nau mai, haere mai! You are warmly invited to come and meet the people standing for election this October.

Where: Hamilton Gardens Pavilion

When:  Two sessions will be held on the following evenings

Monday 12th September
Waikato Regional Council (Hamilton) Candidates and Mayoral Candidates

Wednesday 14th September
Hamilton City Council East and West Ward Candidates

Doors will open at 7pm for chatting and refreshments, and we will begin at 7.30pm.

Enquiries: sarah@envirocentre.org.nz

“Crafty folk” to help create a Wetland Discovery Trail

Are you a budding artist? Handy with a paint brush? Clever with design software? The National Wetland Trust are developing a fun, educational discovery trail for families at lovely Lake Rotopiko, just 15 mins south of Hamilton. We need people who can help us with design and creation of some funky activities. Paint some bird feet on our boardwalks for kids to find (print images provided). Draw up an “Eels and ladders” game for us (concepts and technical information provided). Draw some native lizards that we can print onto rotating blocks for a mix and match different animal head, body, tail game. Lots more ideas that need talented people to help us turn them into reality.

They have also got lots of little carpentry/ building type jobs to help install their Discovery Trail activities. They need someone who is handy with a range of tools (and has their own), to put in sign posts, blackboards, rotating wooden block games, and a range of other small building tasks.

Help create a great legacy project for kids of today and tomorrow, and you’ll be working in a beautiful location at a time that suits you.

Please contact Karen from the National Wetland Trust at 07 8230405 or karen.denyer@wetlandtrust.org.n

Forest and Bird walk: Kaniwhaniwha

Sunday 11th September

Join us for a daywalk at Kaniwhaniwha in the Pirongia Forest Park. Leave Hamilton at 9 am to arrive at the carpark at 9.30 at 615 Limeworks Loop Rd - the start of the walk. The walk will take us through native bush up the Blue Bill Stream, past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, and finish at the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand - a 66.5m Kahikatea.

Leader Matthew Lillis, 0278084226 Please email: matthew.lillis@gmail.com if you are coming. Anyone wanting to carpool let Matthew know, and we can meet at Dinsdale Countdown carpark at 9am.

Forest and Bird Conservation Week Talk

Thursday 15th September

7.30 Chartwell Room, Hamilton Gardens

Find out what Waikato Branch is involved with in our district. Neil Fitzgerald will tell us how volunteers can help with a new pest control project at our own Walter Scott Reserve. Plus we will hear about a Hamilton-wide project that Waikato Branch is supporting to control mammalian pests in the urban area.

Bookings for dinner prior to the talk at 6.15 to Jane McLeod by 10th September $12.50 per person, phone 856 2505 jane.mcleod64@gmail.

Organic Gardening Course

Four classes starting 12 October