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2008 Election campaign: NZ Foreign Policy - Party views: a series of talks over three consecutive weeks at University of Canterbury, sponsored by the NZ Institue of International Affairs. First speaker: Labour candidate for Christchurch Central, Brendon Burns: stood for Labour in the last two elections (Kaikoura) & is widely experienced as a journalist: seven years running The Press parliamentary bureau, stints in South Africa, South Pacific (first Fiji Coup), and east Timor. Former editor of the Marlborough Express (NZ’s top journalism prize in 1999), & ran a communications unit for current PM, 2002-2005.
Speakers for the weeks following: MPs Murray McCully, National & Keith Locke, Greens.(see also diary of events).

Yikes!: Canterbury proposed as testbed for water-trading scheme. (23 August, Stuff/The Press). NB: see also from there (below): Ban sale of water for profit.

Report on NZ water resources warns of an impending "gold rush" for water: most catchments expected to be fully allocated within four years. (27 August, NZ Herald).

ECan hearings: Lower Waitaki River: Farmers "feel very threatened and vulnerable" over future reliability of their water supply. (23 August, Otago Daily Times).

Environmental groups' vow: the biggest campaign since the Clyde Dam to stop Mokihinui River hydro scheme. (23 August, Stuff).

Southland's internationally famous Mataura River: one of the most degraded rivers in New Zealand (21 August, Scoop/Southland Times).

The Green Party's agonised indecision about whether to support Labour's proposed Emissions Trading Scheme is, in microcosm, the story of the species' failure to face up to climate change. (24 August, NZ Herald).

$1 billion fund to insulate every house in New Zealand: part of Government's flagship climate-change policy.(27 August, Stuff/the Press).

Coal-mining company group vehemently opposes DOC's proposal for a multimillion-dollar conservation park in St Bathans, Hawkdun, Ida, Ewe and St Marys Ranges. (25 August, Otago daily Times).

Centre for genetic experiments on dairy cows could be set up in Taranaki. (25 August, Stuff/Taranaki Daily News).

Green light for tidal power station in Kaipara Harbour - electricity for 250,000 homes.(22 August, Northern Advocate).

Breakthrough in earthquake research to help assess New Zealand seismic risk. (26 August, NIWA).

Researcher: New Zealand bees could be vulnerable to the mysterious condition which has wiped out thousands of northern hemisphere hives. (25 August, Stuff/Sunday Star times).

Heritage advocates: historic (1883) Odeon Theatre could be lost to Christchurch. (25 August, Stuff).

Construction of Christchurch new (old) materials recovery plant well underway. (28 August, CCC).

Timaru school pupils get councils' approval and help with stream planting project and walkway. (28 August, Ecan).

World Environment Day: Canterbury art exhibition on You Tube (ECan).

Claim: Fisheries Act Amendment Bill a "collusion" with commercial fishing, too hasty and undermines sustainable fishing. (25 August, Stuff).

Claim: New aquaculture industry legislation could lead to multi-million dollar legal battles. (20 August, National Business Review).

New Campaign: Stop shark finning. (Forest & Bird Protection Society).
Shark finning - cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea – is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide. Illegal in many countries, it is still permitted in New Zealand waters.
For more information: visit the F&B website or to go straight to their pledge page: click here.

Human Rights Commission fails Massey lecturer and University for research calling Pacific Islanders an underclass and underachievers. (26 August, TVNZ.co.nz).

Get ready for NZ's Spring clean (5 - 14 September): remove litter from across New Zealand. At the same time ‘Graffiti Free Week’ will tackle tagging. (24 August, Sustainability.govt.nz)

Nationwide campaign to highlight travel choices (23 August, Sustainability.govt.nz).

Historic Places Trust: proposed 21-storey Britomart hotel would disrupt rhythm, pattern and grain of historic buildings along Auckland's Quay St. (27 August, NZ Herald).

Coromandel: September - the start of the NZ dotterel breeding season. (28 August, DOC).

New book for kids aged 8 - 88: On Thin Ice, by Jenni James. A polar bear's life in a world of melting ice. (22 August, Enviroschools).

Antarctic Conference at the University of Canterbury next month (4 - 6 September): Imagine Antarctica.

Govt wants your input: for National Policy Statement on urban design. Before Tuesday, 30 September. (Ministry for the Environment).

Re-linked awards, submissions, consultations etc:

• Greenpeace: Fish: the don't eat list. (11 August, NZ Herald).
  
  

• A new online directory: which companies are and are not clean and environmentally friendly. (11 August, NZ Herald).
  

• Canterbury organic course starts in October. More here: www.bhu.co.nz. (August, Organic Pathways).
  
  
• Neighbourhood Week 1 - 9 November: Small subsidy for organising your neighbourhood event? Maybe. See here. (Applications close 5 September). (CCC: Neighbourhood Week programme).
  
  

• A voice for Kiwi cyclists: Cycling Advocates' Network: CAN's 9-point plan for cycling safety (Sign the petition - it'll take about 4 secs. Maybe even 3).
  

• Submissions sought: proposed amendments to the Canterbury RegionalPassenger Transport Plan 2006. Till Tuesday, 2 September.(ECan).

• Public asked for views on Sumner beach parks (5 August, CCC).
  
  
• Christchurch South-west Area Plan consultation to start soon. (7 August, CCC).
  
  
• Wanted: Waste Advisory Board nominations. Before 7 September. (Ministry for the Environment).
  
  
• Competition for young people (under 20): Make a 5 minute film about sustainability. Entry deadline 19 September.

• Nominations (till end of October) for this year's Roger Award:
  Organised by CAFCA. info here.    
  

open now: ECan tree planting, fencing, biodiversity fund  
Landowners or groups working to protect and enhance native biodiversity in Canterbury have until the end of August to apply for contestable grants of up to $5,000 through Environment Canterbury’s Environment Enhancement Fund: more here (Applications close end of August).

& from there

• Study: Global warming time bomb trapped in Arctic soil. (24 August, Yahoo News).
  
  
• Oceans: Dead Zones: more than 400 identified last year covering 95,000 square miles. (21 August, Globe-net).
  
  
• World Bank increases fossil fuel funding despite pledge. (24 August, Pittsburghlive.com).
  
  
• Water footprints: eg, one cup of coffee requires 140 litres of water. (25 August, worldchanging).
  
  
• Health activist: Ban sale of water for profit. "The human family, the Earth is about to experience a water crisis of monumental proportions. It is, in my opinion, the worst, most frightening environmental threat that exists, more than climate change, more than the oceans, more than anything. This is the one." (28 August, National Geographic News).
  
  
• UK: New CO2 emissions treaty is imminent. (24 August, Geoffrey Lean, The Independent).
  
  
• 5 diseases that are thriving thanks to global warming. (Matador.org)
  
  

• German city wonders how green is too green: mandatory solar panels. (7 August, International Herald Tribune).
  

• Saudi Arabia: Buying up farms in poorer countries. (21 August, Economist.com).
  

• UK: Rich countries once used gunboats to seize food. Now they use trade deals. (26 August, George Monbiot, The Guardian).
  

• Japan: Natural farming pioneer dies. Long live 'do nothing farming': Masanobu Fukuoka. (26 August, Gristmill). Also more here: (27 August, Energy Bulletin).
  
  
• US: Sierra Club: Profiles in courage. Environmental heroes who went down swinging. (Sept/Oct 2008, Sierraclub.org).
  
  
• US: Every corner is used to grow food - their home is 1/5 acre and their garden 1/10 acre. (California Heartland - Path to Freedom. Episode 908. Text and 4 min video).
  
  
• Dexters, Lowline Angus, mini-Herefords: just right for the garden: the rise of the mini-cow. (17 August, Times online).
  
  
• Eric Lombardi's zero waste park (25 August, Worldchanging).
  
  
• Australia: Almost half of Australia untouched by humans. (26 August, Reuters).
  
  
• UK: Nature reserve surrendered to rising seas. (25 August, The Independent).
  
  

• US: Young eco-warriors recognised for achievements. (19 July, world-wire.com).
  

• A new sort of solar cell is in the making: infra-red. (21 August, The Economist).
  
  
• Green tech 'Formula Zero' race. (26 August, BBC News).
  
  
• 13 Magnificent renewable energy successes and failures. (20 August, ecoworldly).
  
  
• Neanderthal man maybe not as stupid as he looks. (26 August, The Independent).
  
  
• Australia: (Some)'Roos on the brink of extinction. (11 August, news.com.au).
  
  
• Recovery dawns for humpbacks and southern right whales. (14 August, Environment News Service).
  
  
• Japanese research: worrying loss of blubber in whales. (26 August, The Guardian).
  
  
• Toronto: Black hole for bikes. (21 August, New York Times).
  
  
• Wind-powered Greenbird: Brits bid to blow away world speed record. (21 August, the Independent)
  
  
• Green gym uses human-powered energy. (27 August, CleanTechnica.com).
  
  
• 2008 Environmental photographer of the year competition. 15 pictures. (August, guardian.co.uk).

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• LEARNZ: See the latest virtual Social Studies field trip for schools:

  Renewable energy - Term 3
  Background info here: http://www.learnz.org.nz/
  
  

• Otautahi critical mass:

  Monthly bicycle ride to celebrate cycling and to reclaim the streets for bikes.
  When: 5.30 pm Friday, 29 August.
  Meet: Cathedral Square.
  After that: food - & films about cycling.
  When: 7.00 pm.
  Where: Otautahi Social Centre, 206 Barbadoes St. All welcome.
  (Critical Mass is the last Friday every month. background info here).
  
  

• Event: Christchurch Vegetarian Centre pot luck meal.

  When: 7.00 pm Friday, 29 August.
  Where: Horticultural Centre, Riccarton Ave.
  Cost: $2 and a vegan dish to share (bring plate and cutlery).
  Contact: info@vegetarianchristchurch.org.nz
  or 021 026 23946.
  
  

• Film: "The Imam and the Pastor: reconciliation between Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye".

  Peace-making in a war zone: Nigeria (info here).
  (40 min). To be followed by Christian and Muslim responses.
  When: 6.15 pm Friday, 29 August.
  Where: 201 Peterborough St. (Madras corner)
  Cost: Koha
  Contact:The Nawawi Center. info@nawawicenter.org
  
  

• Native tree planting day: Cashmere Stream.

  When: 10.30 am - 12.30 pm Sunday, 31 August.
  Where: sign-posted from Worsleys Rd.
  (info here) ECan (re-scheduled after rain last week).
  
  

• University of Canterbury & WEA combined election year lecture series: This week's talks:

  Tuesday, 2 September: MMP: What have we let ourselves in for?
  Speaker: Prof Nigel Roberts, Victoria University.
  Thursday, 4 September: Prime Ministers, Leadership and Elections.
  Speaker: Dr Margaret Haywood, Victoria University.
  Times: WEA 1.30 - 3.00 pm, UC: 7.00 - 8.30 pm.
  Cost: $5.00.
  Registration: WEA 366 0285, & UC at
  UC Opportunity 3642470.
  
  

• NZ Foreign Policy - Party views: Labour.

  Speaker: Brendon Burns.
  When: 5.30 - 7.00 pm Wednesday, 3 September.
  Where: Lecture Room 108, Law School building, University of Canterbury. (Map here: L).
  Contact: Stuart McMillan 332 2804.
  Sponsor: NZ Inst of International Affairs.
  (first talk of three - see under News and Links).
  
  

• AGM: Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust.

  Guest speaker: Tony Marryatt, CCC CEO: Our estuary post pipeline - What's next?
  When: 7.30 pm Wednesday, 3 September.
  Where: Mt Pleasant Community Hall.
  All welcome. Light supper.
  
  

• 2008 Charles Fleming Lecture Tour: Science for Conservation.

  Speaker: Professor Mick Clout, Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, University of Auckland.
  When: 8.00 pm Wednesday, 3 September.
  Where: C3 Central Lecture Theatre Block, University of Canterbury.
  abstract & info here. Sponsored by RSNZ.
  
  

• Nga Kete a Rehua: Inaugural Maori Research Symposium - Te Waipounamu:

  When: 4 - 5 September.
  Where: University of Canterbury.
  more info here.
  
  

• Sanford Science and Technology Fair - Caroline Bay Hall, Timaru.

  Open to the public: Thursday, 4 September.

• Lincoln University Canterbury-Westland Science and Technology Fair.

  Open to the public: Monday, 8 September.
  more info here.
  
  

• EARTHWISE, Plains FM 96.9

  Each Monday & Wednesday at 10 pm.
  Conservation, environment and peace with justice.
  This week's interview: Dr Tony Raizis, cancer molecular geneticist at Canterbury Health Laboratories: What is cancer and why is there so much?
  Presenters: Martin and Lois Griffiths.
  
  

Coming up:

• Tutakitia te iwi kainga/Conservation week.

  When: 7 - 14 September.
  Canterbury region events.
  National events.
  Department of Conservation.
  
  

• Talk: Building Design for a small planet:

  Understanding, implementing and inspiring sustainable development in America and beyond.
  Speaker: David Eisenberg, co-founder and executive director of the Development Centre for Appropriate Technology (DCAT). Also: see Director's message here.
  When: 12:00 - 2:00 pm Monday, 8 September.
  Where: City Council Chamber, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, 163-173 Tuam St.
  
  

• Talk: Controlling Stoats and Rats for
  Conservation in New Zealand.

  Speaker: Dr Craig Gillies, DOC Predator Ecologist, Hamilton.
  When: 7.30 pm Tuesday, 9 September.
  Where: Community Hall, Jetty Road, Governors Bay.
  

• Organic gardening workshop: Planning the Spring garden, propagation & fence weaving.

  Tutors: Holger Kahl and Mareile Stoppel.
  When: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday, 13 September.
  Where: Port Levy Rd, Purau.
  Info and registration: Holger 03 329 3299 or Mareile 03 3294 798.
  
  

• AGM: CAFCA (Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa).

  Followed by: screening of Nicky Hager interview. (Special feature from Alister Barry’s DVD: The Hollow Men).
  When: 7.30 pm Monday, 15 September.
  Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester Street.
  
  

• International Parks and Recreation Congress: Making Connections - Make a Difference!  

  When: 15 - 18 September 2008.
  Where: Christchurch Convention Centre.
  Registration & info at http://www.ifpra2008.com/Contact: Diana Sexton 941 6628 or diana.saxton@ccc.govt.nz
  Hosts: NZ Recreation Assn. & CCC.
  
  

• Event: Carbon Crusaders: running/walking & planting at Bottle Lake Forest Park and Travis Wetlands.

  more info here.
  When: 20 September.
  
  

• Travis Wetland Trust & CCC community planting day: matai-totara forest in the wetland.

  When: 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Saturday, 20 September.
  Where: meet at Beach Rd Education Centre.
  Bring: gumboots, water, warm clothes.
  BBQ at 12 Noon to follow planting.
  Contact: John Skilton, Ranger, 027 496-8935.
  
  Also:

  Travis Wetland Trust: planting and weeding.

  When: 9.00 am every third Saturday.
  Where: meet at Beach Rd Education Centre.
  Bring: gumboots, water, warm clothes.
  Contact: Joe Greenaway 383 2073.
  
  

• World car free day.

  When: Monday, 22 September.
  more info here.
  
  

• Youth, Art & Activism: Two days of workshops:

  explore different media for sharing ideas and passions. (for 13 - 20 year olds interested in sustainability/active environmentally).
  29 - 30 September.
  Where: Te Wānaka o Õtautahi, CPIT Campus.
  Cost: $20.00.
  A sustainable future, waste free, fair trade event.
  Info and registration: http://artandactivism.wikispaces.com/
  
  

• Tertiary education institutions: Leading for sustainability conference.

  When: 1 - 3 October.
  Where: University of Canterbury.
  Sponsors: University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Christchurch Polytech Inst of Technology.
  more info here.
  
  
• Christchurch Antarctic Festival
  When: 26 September - 3 October.

Reminders:

• Otamahua/Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust Tree Planting:

  Last chance!: each weekend of August.
  New volunteers welcome but need to book in ahead. To register: Bev or Ian MacDonald at ihmacd@paradise.net.nz or ph 3325322.
  Further info: http://www.quailisland.org.nz/
  
  

• Free Home Composting Workshops: (Bokashi, Hot Compost, and Worm Farms).

  Where: 1: Opawa Community Gardens, 176 Opawa Rd (at Aynsley Terrace).
  When: 1.00 pm 2, 6 September. (1st & 3rd Saturday each month & 1st & 3rd Tuesday).
  2: Okeover Community Gardens, University of Canterbury.
  When: 12.00 - 1:30 pm, 10, 13 September. (2nd & 4th Saturday each month, 2nd & 4th Wednesday).
  How: Just turn up.
  More info: Annmarie Banchy 021 190 4559, or 942 7190 (evening), abanchy@paradise.net.nz.
  Sponsored by CCC.
  
  
  

• Bike trailer - one month's free trial:

  See how much fun and easy it is to carry loads without a car!
  Contact: Steven Muir
  Email: thepope@cyclingchurch.org.nz
  Ph. 03 365 8238.