Welcome

Hi & welcome to the webpage version of ecoNet.

Don't forget: keep sending us info for promoting your environmental events and causes. Also to pass on news of ecoNet Newsletter and our subscription address: eventdiary@environment.org.nz to others you think may find it interesting/useful.

Here's a selection of news and articles and bits and pieces of interest from around and about, and here and there, eg:

from here

Canterbury & South Island:

Interested in alternative energy generation or other energy issues? Lincoln Envirotown Trust (LET) wants to set up an energy sub group. LET also needs a new web manager (small remuneration possible). Contact Sue 329 5898. Have a look at their website: www.lincolnenvirotown.org.nz.

History on a plate: five plant foods that have changed the world - focus of an exhibition at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Information Centre. (19 November, CCC).

ECan's annual community water meetings: irrigation flow meter costs, declining groundwater levels, long-term plans for groundwater and lowland streams management - among the issues raised. (18 November, ECan).

New suburb-to-city cycling maps (19 November, CCC).

$1 million towards call for new water management specialists. (19 November, University of Canterbury).

Waimate's Punatarakao wetlands working bees having a big impact. (18 November, ECan).

Tekapo: Cass and Macaulay rivers: new didymo finds have DOC concerned. (14 November, DOC).

Wakatipu Environmental Society facing bankrutpcy after Environment Court decision. (20 November, Stuff/Southland Times).

Waitaki Lakes too polluted for swimming. (21 November, Otago Daily Times).

World Heritage status likely for Mackenzie Basin. (18 November, Otago Daily Times).

North Island & national:

Emissions 1990 - 2006: only five countries worse than New Zealand. (18 November, NZ Herald).

2008 Roger Awards: finalists named. (18 November, CAFCA).

Key says water allocation and storage separate from RMA. (18 November, Otago Daily Times).

ECO Inc: National-Act Agreement: a step backwards in environment policy. (16 November, ECO).

Wellington: More than 260 scientists attending international GMO symposium. (21 November, Dominion Post).

Bay of Plenty: Bid to ban toxic spray use gains ground. (18 November, Bay of Plenty Times).

Rutherford Foundation offers $250,000 research grant to bring NZ scientist back home. (12 November, RSNZ).

Winners of the 2008 RSNZ Manhire prize for creative science writing. Read the winning entries. (11 November, RSNZ).

2008 Rutherford Medal for Science awarded to Massey Professor David Parks. (11 November, RSNZ).

Waitakere Ranges Ark in the Park's Hihi chicks spread their wings. (17 November, Forest & Bird).

Fiordland: Whio-watchers hope for good breeding season. (20 November, Stuff/Southland Times).

How many sea lions (officially in decline) shall we let the southern squid fishery kill? Time for a change? Let the new Minister of Conservation know. (18 November, Forest & Bird).

Introducing: Tim Groser, new Minister of Conservation's official profile. (National.org.nz)

Wanted: for Bayer eco-minds youth forum 2009: three NZ students between the ages of 18 & 24, studying natural sciences, engineering & technology, social sciences or commerce/management to represent New Zealand at this international forum.

Primary school teachers: here's a suggestion (from a reader) for next year's Seaweek (1 - 8 March, 2009): How To: Teach the Sea from the Land. Lessons that mix science, writing, and art to bring the ocean to the classroom. (www.edutopia.org).

Cyclists have your say: Proposed Railway North cycleway extension: Tuckers to Northcote. Consultation closes 13 December. (20 November, CCC).

Re-linked awards, submissions, consultations etc:

• Two job offers: The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET) wants a Development Manager (30hrs/wk) and an Administrator (15hrs/wk). (WET is a charitable trust formed in 2003 to promote better management of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, to improve health and biodiversity of the lake and catchments, and to educate people about its values).
  For more info:  tina@developmentmatters.co.nz or 027 201 1000.
  Applications close 28 November.
  
  
• Wanted: submissions on the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. Until 23 January 2009. More info here.
  

• Last days!: The Starter Home Design Competition: for designers, architects and builders to come up with innovative plans for good quality, affordable homes. General entries close Wednesday 19 November; student entries Wednesday 26 November. More: http://www.dbh.govt.nz/designcomp
  
  
• Now open: 2009-10 Sustainable Management Fund. (Ministry for the Environment). Till 22 January 2009.
  
  

& from there

• US & Co: The Great Depression of the 21st century: Collapse of the real economy. (15 November, Global Research).
  
  
• US: financial crisis tab already in the trillions. (18 November, CNBC).
  
  
• energy, oil, car industry:
  US energy crunch comes home. Michael Klare. (15 November, Asia Times online).



US: Crash of US car makers risks 3 million jobs. (15 November, The Guardian).

UK: Greenwash: BP and the myth of a world 'Beyond Petroleum". (20 November, The Guardian).

Germany: 'Sun King' makes offer for GM's Opel cars. (20 November, The Guardian).


• UN: Killer smog cloud smothers sunlight across Asia. (13 November, Treehugger).
  
  
• Malaysia: Experts say half the world faces water shortages by 2080. (18 November, International Herald Tribune.
  
  
• EU lawmaker: use flower power to save honey-bees. (19 November, Reuters).
  
  
• UK: Game animals beware: it's the return of the poacher. As times get harder in the cities, armed gangs head for the country-side. (17 November, The Independent).
  
  
• US: Bark beetles killing millions of acres of trees. Loggers racing to get the timber first. (17 November, New York Times).
  
  
• Australia: 'Jelly balls' may slow global warming. (17 November, Sydney Morning Herald).
  
  
• US study: Nitrogen deposition associated with industry and agriculture can drive soils acid. Soils in Slovakia tell sombre tale - implications for Europe and North America. Recovery could only occur in geologic time. (17 November, EurekAlert.org).
  
  
• The human toll of climate change. (interactive map). (ScienceProgress.org).
  
  
• Australia: Wetlands at Murray River mouth as corrosive as battery acid. (14 November, New Scientist).
  
  
• Australia: Crocodiles no match for cane toads. (20 November, NZ Herald).
  
  
• "Breathtaking" new study: Evolution isn't just for living organisms. Mineral kingdom has co-evolved with life. (13 November, EurekAlert.org).
  
  
• Plumbing the oceans could bring limitless clean energy: potential to become biggest source of renewable energy in the world. (19 November, New Scientist).
  
  
• Solar powered plane to perform test flight. Round the world trip planned. (17 November, CleanTechnica).
  
  
• New cost-effective 80 tonne battery tested to store wind power. (18 November, CleanTechnica).
  
  
• Dumb eco-questions you were afraid to ask. (14 November, New Scientist).
  
  
• Top 7 reasons to buy used goods. (20 November, Energy Bulletin).
  
  
• UK: The woman with a tiny carbon footprint. (13 November, The Guardian).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using ecoNet

Is easy. Just send in to the editor information about an event, activity or submission you want to share and it will go in ecoNet....as long as it's appropriate of course.

ecoNet is put out (Fridays) by Christchurch Branch of NZAEE (NZ Association for Environmental Education), a non-profit, national organisation of people working to promote and support environmental education, lifelong learning and sustainable behaviour throughout New Zealand/Aotearoa.

How do I contribute?

Use the links below to:

• forward ecoNet address to others you think may like to receive it - it's free
  
• become a subscriber
  
• send us information for the weekly diary.
• contact us

 

 

• Advertisement: Support Lincoln Envirotown Trust:

  Buy:
  - the Lincoln native planting guide. (from Lincoln library).
  - mail box stickers: “No Junk Mail but Local Newspapers Please”. (from Lincoln Library).
  - the Lincoln calendar:  at outlets around Lincoln or from Sue: 329 5858.
  
  

• Ashburton River: annual bird survey.

  When:  Saturday, 22 November (Sun 23rd if Sat. weather bad).
  Helpers welcome.
  RSVP: Colin: codonnell@doc.govt.nz (work) or mohua@xtra.co.nz (after hours) or mobile: 025 673 1114. (before 18 Nov.)
  
  

• Organics workshop: planning & preparing summer, autumn & early winter gardens; practical: sowing carrots & corn, caring for tomatoes, preparing for leeks & celeriac, liquid fertilisers etc.

  Tutors: Holger Kahl and Mareile Stoppel.
  When: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Sat, 22 Nov.
  Where: Port Levy Rd, Purau.
  Bring: shared  lunch, afternoon tea.
  Cost: koha (suggested; $30 – $70).
  Info and registration: Holger 03 329 3299 or Mareile 03 3294 798.
  
  

• Diwali: Indian Festival of Lights:

  A taste of Indian culture and tradition. Food, fun and fireworks.
  When: 4.30 - 9.30 pm Saturday, 22 Nov.
  Where: Cathedral Square.
  Cost: Free.
  Sponsored by CCC and Indian Social and Cultural Club. 
  More info: eventfinder.co.nz
  
  
  

• Wellington: NZ's first climate change hui:

  When: 10.00 - 4.00 pm Sat 22 & Sun 23, November.
  Where: Newtown Community Centre, corner Rintoul and Colombo Sts.
  Contact & RSVP: climatecampnz@riseup.net
  More info: www.climatecamp.org.nz
  
  

• Public meeting: find out about the O Tu Wharekai project in the Ashburton Lakes.

  When: 5.00 - 10.00 pm Tuesday, 25 November.
  Where: Mt Somers Community Hall (in the domain opposite the hotel).
  RSVP: necessary for catering (finger food).
  Contact/more info: Janet Welsh 03 693 1010 or jwelsh@doc.govt.nz
  
  

• White Ribbon Day: International day for elimination of violence against women.

  When: Tuesday 25 November.
  Information here: komihana a whanau (families commission).

  White Ribbon Stall:

  When: 12.00 – 2.00 pm Tuesday, 25 Nov.
  Where: Cathedral Square. 
  Amnesty International & UNIFEM say no to violence petition: here.
  
  

• Talk: 90 years since the influenza outbreak:

  historical overview drawing on stories by people who lived through it
  Speaker: Professor Geoffrey Rice.
  When: 6.00 – 7.00 pm Tuesday, 25 Nov.
  Where: Bird Hall, Canterbury Museum.
  Free admission.
  
  

• SFF: Sustainable Farming Funds: information sessions:

  Tekapo: 10.00 - 11.30 am Tues, 25 Nov.
  Where: Tekapo community hall.
  Middlemarch: 1.00 pm Wed, 26 Nov.
  Where: M&WNZ Central Otago monitor farm field day.
  Winton: 10 - 11.30 am Thurs, 27 Nov.
  Where: ANZAC lounge, RSA hall.
  For more see under: News and Links, Issue 23. (archive)
  Also www.maf.govt.nz/sff/.
  
  

• Public Forum: Playing at being bad: the hidden strengths of troubled children and teenagers.

  Presenter: Mike Ungar, PhD.
  Where: Salvation Army Citadel, 250 Colombo Street.
  When: 10.00 - 12.00 pm Wednesday, 26 November.
  Contact/RSVP (by 24 Nov): shane.murdoch@barnardos.org.nz
  Cost: Free.
  
  

• AGM: Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust

  Guest speaker: - Mike Bowie, Lincoln University Bio-Protection & Ecology Division
  Topic: Why eradicate mice from our native habitats?
  When: 5.30 pm Wednesday, 26 November.
  Where: Beckenham Service Centre,  66 Colombo St.
  
  

• Green Drinks: the last for the year.

  When: 5.00 - 7.00 pm Thursday, 27 Nov.
  Where: Dux de Lux (upstairs lounge), Arts Centre.
  Background info here.
  
  

• Gardening talk: Beach garden.

  (about sand, salt spray & growing organics).
  Speaker: Charlotte McHaffie.
  When: 2.00 pm Saturday, 29 November.
  Where: 50 Cygnet St, North Beach.
  Cost: (non-members) $2.00.
  RSVP: 308 7353 or 021 037 5716 or organicschch@gmail.com.
  More info: Canterbury Soil & Health Assn blog.
  
  

• Garden open day: Kate Sheppard's house and garden.

  When: 10.00 - 4.00 pm Sat 29 & Sun 30, November.
  Where: 83 Clyde Rd, Fendalton.
  Cost: $5.00.
  Contact: Karena 353 0283 or 0275 498 279.
  (Kate Sheppard Memorial Trust fundraiser).
  
  

• Social bike ride: Hagley Park to upper Heathcote River.

  Exploring hidden gems along the way.
  When: 2.00 – 5.00 pm Sunday, 30 Nov.
  Meet: Armagh Street bridge entrance to Hagley Park.
  More info: spokes.org.nz
  

• EARTHWISE, Plains FM 96.9

  Each Monday & Wednesday at 10 pm.
  Conservation, environment and peace with justice.
  This week's interview: Robert Fisk: What chance for justice in the Middle East?
  Presenters: Martin and Lois Griffiths.
  

Coming up:

• International Symposium: Sediment dynamics in changing environments.

  Global change & erosion etc.
  When: Monday 1 - Friday 5 December.
  Where: University of Canterbury.
  More info: here and here.
  
  

• Lecture: The Tokyo Trial - best left in the dustbin of legal history.

  The judgement of Japanese war-time leaders for crimes against peace and war crimes ... victors' justice?
  Speaker: Prof Neil Boister, Law Dept, University of Canterbury.
  When: 6.00 - 7.00 pm Tuesday, 2 Dec.
  Where: Christchurch Art Gallery Auditorium.
  Free. All welcome.
  Final talk of 2008 UC in the city lecture series.
  More info: here.
  
  

• Workshop: Cultivating Sustainability – Christchurch:

  Psychology for sustainablilty advocates. Insights, models & tools to trigger & drive environmental behaviour change.
  Presenter: Tim Cotter, Psychologist, Australia.
  When:  9.00 - 4.00 pm Wednesday, 3 December
  Where: Travis Wetland Education Centre, Beach Rd.
  Cost: For-profits $250, Non-Profit/Government $200, Individuals/Community Groups $120
  More info: www.ecobob.co.nz
  Venues in other cities: here.
  
  

• Gig: Grassroots politics in folksong:  David Rovic and Alistair Hulett - Aotearoa tour.

  When: (time - don't know)  Sunday, 30 November.
  Where: Christchurch Folk Club, 277 Kilmore St.
  More info: indymedia.org.nz
  
  

• Meeting: Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.

  When: 9.30 am Friday, 5 December.
  Where: Aoraki Room, 4th Floor, Canterbury Conservancy Office, DOC,195 Hereford Street.
  Meeting open to the public & a public forum 1.30 - 2.00 pm.
  
  

• New Zealand Tourism & Hospitality Research Conference 2008: Re-creating tourism.

  The challenges & opportunities given climate change, environmental and ecosystem degradation, ‘peak oil’; rapid economic transformation...etc, etc.
  When: 3 – 5 December.
  Where: Hanmer Springs, Canterbury.
  More info here. (Lincoln University).
  
  

• Wellington conference: Renewables in the built environment

  When: 11 - 12 December.
  Where: Te Papa
  Info here: SEANZ08. (Sustainable Electricity Association NZ).
  
  

• 2009 Auckland conference: Property Rights and Sustainability.

  When: 16-18 April 2009.
  NZ Centre for Environmental Law (NZCEL).
  More info: see under News and Links: from here, Newsletter no 23: here (archive)
  

Reminders:

• Exhibition: Tchakat Moriori - heritage of the peaceful people of the Chatham Islands.

  Their distinctive artefacts, landscapes & homeland culture.
  When: till 12 December(?).
  Where: Canterbury Museum.
  
  

• Free Home Composting Workshops:

  (Bokashi, Hot Compost, and Worm Farms).
  Where:
  1. Okeover Community Gardens, University of Canterbury.
  When: 12.00 - 1:30 pm Sat, 15 November. (2nd & 4th Saturday each month, 2nd & 4th Wednesday).
  2: Lyttelton Community Gardens, 54a Oxford Street.
  When: 1.00 - 3.00 pm Sat 22 November, 10.00 - 12.00 pm Mon 24 November.
  How: Just turn up.
  More info: Annmarie Banchy 021 190 4559, or 942 7190 (evening), abanchy@paradise.net.nz.
  Sponsored by CCC.
  
  

• Nelson District: create your own eden.

  times & venues for upcoming free composting workshops & other waste recycling info.
  Sponsored by Nelson City Council.