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Grow Great Seedlings and Seed Swap Meet

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

A timely topic for getting your seedlings ready for October.

When:Saturday 27th August, 2-5pm
Where: Forest Lake School

Weston A. Price Foundation have a chapter meeting this weekend. This is an exciting event for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Clare Jackson and Alice Bulmer from Green Footprint ebooks and audiobooks will talk and demonstrate how to grow great seedlings.

There will be an opportunity to share and swap any seeds that you have saved. Please bring them clearly labeled in bulk, or sharing lots. Envelopes for sharing will be available. There will be a swap table for any excess produce/cultures you would like to share

Afternoon tea - label (with recipes) if you can.

$5 Koha to pay for hall hire and expand WAPF library.

Library books will be available to borrow for one month only.

An RSVP would be appreciated but is not compulsory. RSVP by email to wapfhamilton@gmail.com

Clare Jackson is an experienced organic gardener, educator, and GreenFootprint’s lead designer http://www.greenfootprint.co.nz/ Green Footprint is a family-owned sustainable garden design and build business based in the Waikato, and is certified organic (OFNZ).

Alice Bulmer is a writer who specialises in local food and food growing issues www.waikatofoodbasket.co.nz


Latest News and Events

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

Funding opportunities
Riverlea Environment Society Working Bee
Facebook page for Living Streets Hamilton!
Kauri Dieback workshop
Ruapuke beach planting bee
Fruit tree grafting workshop
Free paper rolls

Funding Opportunities

Skycity Hamilton Community Trust annual funding round

The application form, guidance notes and seminar details for the funding round are attached. The round is now open through to the 30 September at 5.00pm!

SHCT Application Form 2016.docx
SHCT Funder Seminar Invite.pdf
SHCT Guidance Notes 2016.pdf

Small Scale Community Initiatives Fund

The Small Scale Community Initiatives Fund (SSCIF) is funded through the biosecurity targeted rate and is designed to support volunteer community groups and individual landowners undertaking ecological restoration initiatives within the Waikato region. The principal purpose of the fund is to enable the purchase of materials, up to the value of $5,000, used in pest animal/plant pest control and/or for plants in ecological restoration projects.

One of our contacts has provided some tips for the application: If you have any monitoring data it would be good to include it to detail effectiveness, and also a map of your traps/bait lines is always appreciated. If you are working close to other landowners or groups, detail how you might be working with them to maximise the site work.

www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Community/Whats-happening/Funding-and-scholarships/sscif/

This weekend: Riverlea Environment Society Working Bee

When: This Saturday 27 August 1-3 pm!
Where: Meet Malcolm Street end of the boardwalk in Hammond Park, Riverlea.
Bring: hedgeclippers or secateurs.
Wear: strong shoes and gloves

Light refreshments (baking and drinks) provided afterwards onsite.

Juvenile tui in Chesterman Road, photo by Peter Copeman

Contact: riverlea.soc@gmail.com

Facebook page for Living Streets Hamilton!

Living Streets Hamilton now has a Facebook page which you can find at https://www.facebook.com/LivingStreetsHamilton

Check out the page for HCC candidate views on pedestrian matters. The aim right now is to give council and mayoral candidates a chance to talk about their views on the future of walking in Hamilton, so they've asked them three very simple questions:

  1. What is your opinion on pedestrian facilities in Hamilton?
  2. What, if anything, would you like to see changed?
  3. If you would like to see change, how would you see it being achieved?

Living Streets Hamilton already have responses from four candidates and are of course hoping for many more and lots of good conversations over the next few weeks as the election campaigns get into gear.

So, please go and have a look, and if you find it interesting, 'Like' the page to spread it further through the community.

Invitation: Kauri Dieback workshop in Thames

This workshop on Kauri Dieback will be held at Matai Whetu Marae, Kopu, Coromandel, on Saturday 10th September, .

It may be useful for some from Hamilton are able to attend, specifically in regards to Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park and the planting of Kauri now and in the future.

Kauri Dieback Workshop, 10 Sep 16.pdf

Ruapuke beach planting bee

Everyone welcome!

When: Saturday, September 3rd; 1pm - 3pm.
Where: North Ruapuke Beach. Swan Access Road, Ruapuke.

Meet in the carpark by the toilets. Brin a spade, gloves and footwear suitable for digging.

Contact: admin@envirocentre.org.nz or Ph. 07 839 4452. If you would like to carpool from Raglan please contact the Waikato Environment Centre to register. There will be a limited number of petrol vouchers available.

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop:

The NZ Tree Crops Association

When: Friday 9 September, 7pm
Where: St Frances Community Church, Mansel Avenue, Hamilton

Cost: $10 for NZTCA members or $20 for non-members.

See attached flyer for more information or contact Beryl Grove by email to waikato@treecrops.org.nz or phone 027 695 6229.

Free Paper Rolls!

Our latest listing is for heavy duty brown paper rolls from Sealed Air. Great for artwork, tablecloths, notepaper, wallpaper, origami! We can't reserve them so get in quick to get yours. 


Looking after large landscapes: Permaculture Workshop

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

Looking after Large Landscapes

Zones 3-5

Tutor: Maxine Fraser

When: Saturday, 10 September; 9am­–5pm.

Where: Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton.

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.


Latest News and Events

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

Kaivolution Film Fundraiser
Steps to Organic Certification
Electric Bikes: Free workshop
Workshop Series: Money Skills and Creating a Sustainable Home
Sustainable Business Network Events
Friends of Waiwhakareke Potting Bee
Botanical Illustrator Wanted

 

Kaivolution Film Fundraiser!

Date: Saturday 3rd September, 1.30pm
Venue: Lido Cinema, Hamilton

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

Purchase a movie ticket to 'Tomorrow' (see movie trailer) 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 or at the Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Rd, Hamilton.

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.

Contact Anna Casey-Cox for more information on anna@envirocentre.org.nz

Please also circulate the attached poster to friends who might be interested in joining us.

Tomorrow Hamilton Fundraiser poster.pdf

Steps to Organic Certification 

What are they?

Date: Monday 22nd August, 12-1.30pm
Venue: Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Rd, Hamilton

Come and find with Tim Newton from OrganicFarm NZ Waikato at the Waikato Sustainability Network Meeting. Cup of tea provided.

Facilitated by Anna Casey-Cox - anna@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 Email rob@evolocity.co.nz

Workshop Series:

Money Skills and Creating a Sustainable Home

This 8-part workshop series is specifically designed for service providers working with clients who are facing financial hardship. The first 6 sessions are led by Yana Llewell and focus on easy tips to sustainably manage your finances, this is how to make the most of what you already have. Camilla Carty-Melis (Waikato Environment Centre) will be running the last 2 sessions, which focus on home performance and creating warmer, healthier homes on a budget.

The workshops will give you a whole new portfolio of information about financial sustainability and better resource management. It is an opportunity for professional development, with a certificate offered upon completion.

Yana Llewell is a Money Skills facilitator; she works for Westpac and volunteers her time to run financial advice programmes that benefit our community. 

See the attached flyer for further information.

For more information or to RSVP contact Camilla at sustainablefuture@envirocentre.org.nz 

Money Skills and Sustainable Living - Invitation.pdf

Sustainable Business Network Events

8-Part Workshop Series

When: The last Wednesday of each month, starting 31st August 7.15-8.45am
Venue: Waikato Environment Centre, 242 Peachgrove Rd, Hamilton 

Join an eight part workshop series to learn about key social and environmental issues relevant to your business.

RSVP by email to admin@envirocentre.org.nz

See the attached flyer below for more information including cost.

8-wkshop-sbn.pdf

Free Presentation:
David Slone, CSE Buying Group

Date: Tuesday 13 September, 5pm
Venue: The Good Neighbour, Rototuna 

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.

david-slone-sbn.pdf

Friends of Waiwhakareke Potting Bee

FOW will be potting at 172 West Rd on 9am-12pm, Friday 19th August. We look forward to your help there. Bring morning tea and if you are unsure of anything ring 078558296 or email Catherine Smith at blchsmiths@gmail.com

Botanical Illustrator Wanted

The Waikato Botanical Society may be interested in an exhibition coming up at the end of September. Entitled FERNZ: An exploration of Pteridophyta and the Kiwi icon. The multi-faceted show is composed of objects from our own collection, Te Papa’s and private loans that together help narrate the complex science behind ferns and its adoption as a New Zealand emblem.

We are now looking at potential public programmes to coincide with this show and are seeking a local botanical illustrator interested in conducting a workshop here at the Waikato Museum. 

Please contact Salina Ghazally at Salina.Ghazally@hcc.govt.nz


Latest News and Events

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

Warm up your home this winter
Predator-free Hamilton: Help needed
Jubilee Park working bee: Kahikatea Forest Restoration
The Big Squeeze
National environmental reporting – feedback wanted
Two workshops at Plenty Permaculture

Warm up your home this winter

  • Is your home difficult to warm?
  • Do you have a high power bill?
  • Problems with dampness and condensation?
  • Thinking about a home ventilation system?
  • Want to spend less on heating?
  • Want to be more environmentally-friendly?

If you answered yes to any of the above, our certified home performance advisors can help.

Often there are simple, low-cost changes that you can make that will keep your home warmer and reduce your energy bills.

Landlord warrant of fitness and Comprehensive Home Performance Assessments for households: $120 this fee will contribute towards providing this service to low-income households.

Other free services available for low income households, email us or call 07 839 4452 to find out more.

 

Predator-free Hamilton: 
Help needed

Working together, Landcare Research, Hamilton City Council and Waikato Regional Council are setting up a project to help people control rats and possums on their properties next to Hamilton gullies and the river bank. This will be good both for our birdlife and for residents.

The first step is to understand how many of these predators we have and how far they range. Numbers are being estimated with tracking tunnels and chew cards. To find out their range, Landcare Research are going to capture a number of animals and fit them with radio collars. These will then be tracked with a radio receiver by a WINTEC student, Nic, as part of his studies.

For safety reasons the student needs a companion each night he is at work – which is where you come in. We want to put together a team of volunteers to accompany Nic. He will be working week nights over a two month period from dusk until around midnight. We intend that each volunteer will be called on perhaps once a fortnight over that period.

The job will be to walk with Nic along either gully paths or marked routes in gully bottoms while he records rat movements. You will need boots or sturdy walking shoes, a head torch if you have one, warm and shower proof clothing – he won’t work if it’s raining hard. Walking surfaces will vary from boardwalks to rough (no tracks), so moderate fitness is required. You will need to be taken through a brief safety induction at Landcare Research, Hamilton, prior to going out.

Depending on completion of technical requirements, we hope to start in the week beginning 22 August or the week after that, but would appreciate your help any time through the period.

For further information and to sign up contact Neil Fitzgerald at Landcare Research, ph. 07 859 3746, or email fitzgeraldn@landcareresearch.co.nz

 

Jubilee Park working bee

When: Every second Saturday of the month  (except December and January); Next Event: Saturday, 9th July 2016
Time: 9.00 am – 12.00pm

Meet at Migrant Centre car park Boundary Road, or if late follow board walk around bush area , a sign will be out showing where the group is working.

Group meets on a regular basis to undertake various environmental tasks within park.

Come and help with the removal of pest plants and invasive weeds from the most important remnant bush area in Hamilton City. The group have targeted the removal of tradescantia and are down to the last remaining scatterings. Come along and help with this project and have a sense of contributing positively to the urban restoration of Hamilton City. Some planting of the forest edges, pest animal monitoring and control.

Volunteers must have suitable footwear (gumboots good as many sites are wet & muddy); raincoat during; gardening gloves and drinking  

Contact: Gerard Kelly, DDI: 07 838 650or email gerard.kelly@hcc.govt.nz

 

The Big Squeeze

3rd September
Venue: Hamilton Boys High 

Here is an opportunity to support an awesome local project making the best use of the fruity abundance in Kirikiriroa! Join in the fun!

A one day event to get together and make preserves from citrus fruit. The marmalades, jams and cordials made will be shared with community groups, foodbanks and families in need. Some of it may be sold to fundraise for Community Fruit Hamilton.

This is what's needed:1) Citrus fruit to pick 2) People to pick it 3) Sugar, lots and lots of sugar! 4) Jars, wine & glass sauce bottles with lids. 5)People to help make preserves on 3 Sept.

To help, sign up at pickfruithamilton@gmail.com. Donate fruit from your garden trees, or any surplus from your orchard. Phone 021 253 1526.

 

National environmental reporting – feedback wanted

Would you like to be involved in shaping the future of environmental reporting in New Zealand?

Statistics NZ and the Ministry for the Environment work in partnership under the Environmental Reporting Act 2015 to publish regular data that illustrates and explains what is happening to our environment.

They want to get a better idea of how people are accessing and using their reporting products so that they can make environmental information more accessible, relevant and influential. Your participation in this 10–15-minute online exercise will help them determine how findable and useful the information and data are to different users.

If you would like to provide additional comment, please email the environmental reporting team at info@stats.govt.nz.

 

Two courses to build confidence and resilience (Plenty Permaculture)

Biointensive Gardening Workshop

17 & 18 September 2016

Plenty Permaculture think Biointensive Gardening is the best system for home gardeners to produce the maximum amount of high quality food, with the minimal amount of human labour, cost and sprays, and inbuilt is not only soil protection but soil production. Brad Harding is a terrific teacher. Learn all you need to know to set up a productive, successful garden on this weekend workshop. Find out more.

Advanced Permaculture Design Course

25-27 November, 2016

In November, Plenty Permaculture will be hosting international permaculture designer and teacher Dan Palmer.  Dan is the spark, brain and heart behind a movement to make permaculture stronger both in NZ and around the world.  This 2.5 days will be an incredibly deep and engaging exposure to the essentials of design which really underpin anything we choose to do successfully - landscapes, buildings, gardens, social enterprises, our entire lives really. Find out more.

Contact Plenty Permaculture for more information

Would you like to be involved in shaping the future of environmental reporting in New Zealand?
Statistics NZ and the Ministry for the Environment work in partnership under the Environmental Reporting Act 2015 to publish regular, robust, and trusted data that illustrates and explains what is happening to our environment. We published a report about the air domain in 2014, and a report about the overall state of the environment in 2015. A marine domain report will be published in October this year. Each report consists of a suite of products, including indicator pages, report, and a data service.
We want to get a better idea of how people are accessing and using our reporting products so that we can make environmental information even more accessible, relevant, and influential. Your participation in this 10–15-minute online exercise will help us determine how findable and useful the information and data are to different users.
If you would like to provide us with additional comment, please email the environmental reporting team at info@stats.govt.nz.

National environmental reporting – we want your feedback

 

Would you like to be involved in shaping the future of environmental reporting in New Zealand?

 

Statistics NZ and the Ministry for the Environment work in partnership under the Environmental Reporting Act 2015 to publish regular, robust, and trusted data that illustrates and explains what is happening to our environment. We published a report about the air domain in 2014, and a report about the overall state of the environment in 2015. A marine domain report will be published in October this year. Each report consists of a suite of products, including indicator pages, report, and a data service.

 

We want to get a better idea of how people are accessing and using our reporting products so that we can make environmental information even more accessible, relevant, and influential. Your participation in this 10–15-minute online exercise will help us determine how findable and useful the information and data are to different users.

 

If you would like to provide us with additional comment, please email the environmental reporting team at info@stats.govt.nz.

 


New General Manager at the Waikato Environment Centre

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

Dear WEC Stakeholder

It is with great pleasure that the Board of Trustees of the Waikato Environment Centre announce the appointment of Sonia Fursdon as our new General Manager, effective 5 September 2016.

Sonia comes to us with 13 years in Practice Management with developed skills in operational systems and sustainable business practices. As the previous Chair of the Waikato SPCA, Sonia has developed an appreciation of the complexities of operating in a dynamic not-for-profit environment and, having completed the Green Star Professional training through the NZ Green Building Council, Sonia has a particular interest in the role energy efficiency plays within building environments. With a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Waikato, a Diploma in Management from NZIM and a Certificate in Sustainable Practice from Otago Polytechnic, Sonia is excited to bring her knowledge and experience in business management, community organisation leadership, and environmental and sustainability issues to WEC so as to continue to grow its influence and impact across the region. Sonia is a strong believer in community participation and the ability of citizen power to make a difference, and welcomes the opportunity to work with the wider WEC team towards achieving our vision of healthy environments supported by thriving communities. The WEC Board and staff look forward to welcoming Sonia to the team in September.


Small Animals And Orchards: Your Chance to See This in Action!

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

 

 

When: August 13th, 2016 

Time: 9 am- 5 pm,

Where: Raglan

Cost $135 ( discounted for WEC members)

This module can also be credited towards a Permaculture Design Certificate

Rick and Liz have been developing their small farm in Whaingaroa, Raglan for the past decade. They combine permaculture principles with the skills and wisdom learned from their travels in the Pacific . This allows them to grow food for their family and friends as well as provide a surplus to trade locally.

FOCUS

Garden/orchard management, soil management using small animals, integrated pest management and the practicalities of food forest design and maintenance is the focus of this workshop. This programme takes all learning styles into consideration with hands on experience and some quick fire activities to recap the permaculture design principles; especially for those who have an interest in developing their own properties towards sustainable food supply.

An adventurous zone game is included which the participants enjoy taking part in, come on and join us!

RSVP to Jan  admin@envirocentre.org.nz

 

 

 


Latest News and Events

Posted 8 years, 4 months ago    0 comments

Free Paper Rolls
Community Post 2016 applications are open
Childproof containers needed for gully resroration project

FREE PAPER ROLLS

Rolls of paper are back in the centre. Great for kids' craft projects and teaching. Sorry, we can't put them on hold and they are available on a first-come basis, so get here quickly if you want any. 

 

COMMUNITY POST 2016 

Applications are open

New Zealand Post supports community organisations and the valuable work they do through Community Post. This year, we’re looking forward to donating 1 million postage-included envelopes and other NZ Post services to not-for-profit groups across New Zealand to help with their community projects. Find out more...

 

CHILDPROOF CONTAINERS NEEDED

Mangaiti Gully Restoration Trust is under way in setting up a community based pest control programme for the gully system boundered by Gordonton Road in the east, Wairere Drive in the south and Hukanui Road in the West. Very basically this involves getting a bait station or trap for rats located in each 50 meter grid of the gully that covers a map of the area.

At the moment they are developing a risk assessment plan (Health & Safety) for the project and are looking for containers (examples are in the photos) that have childproof screw caps. 

If you have any they can have now, or in the future, please send an email to Rex Bushell (gullyrestoration@gmail.com) who will arrange to get ithem picked up.

Mangaiti Gully Restoration Trust is under way in setting up a community based pest control programme for the gully system boundered by Gordonton Road in the east, Wairere Drive in the south and Hukanui Road in the West. Very basically this involves getting a bait station or trap for rats located in each 50 meter grid of the gully that covers a map of the area. 
At the moment we are developing a risk assessment plan (Health & Safety) for the project. This is where you may be able to help. We are looking for containers (examples are in the photos) that have kiddy locked screw caps. If you have a swimming pool you probably have them. The yellow container has fabric whitener & nappy treatment in it that we buy from pak- n- save. This particular brand (Pams) is the only one I have seen with the kiddy lock lid. 
If you have one we can have now, or in the future, please send me an email and I will arrange to get it picked up.

Childproof containers for gully project

 

CHILDPROOF CONTAINERS NEEDED

Mangaiti Gully Restoration Trust is under way in setting up a community based pest control programme for the gully system boundered by Gordonton Road in the east, Wairere Drive in the south and Hukanui Road in the West. Very basically this involves getting a bait station or trap for rats located in each 50 meter grid of the gully that covers a map of the area.

The Trust is looking for containers (examples are in the photos) that have childproof screw caps. If you have any they can have now, or in the future, please email Rex Bushell who will arrange to get it picked up. gullyrestoration@gmail.com

 



Shim