The EVCNZ Noticeboard

Eco-Village and Cohousing related notices
Information can be displayed here about upcoming events and project updates etc. Just type in your relevent notice and it will be displayed below.
Additionally you can have notices emailed direct to you, or be removed from such.

Notice Listings


OTAMATEA ECO-VILLAGE—
Otamatea Ecvo-village, Oneriri Road, Kaiwaka, will be hosting an OPEN DAY on Sunday 22 April. Join the guided tour at 10am which will take you around houses and gardens under construction.
See examples of permaculture, alternative building materials and power systems, composting toilets.. and lots more. And meet the people who are doing it. Please bring picnic for lunch at 12.30pm. Directions: Travel North to Kaiwaka on SHI and turn left into Oneriri Road opp the Three Furlongs Pub. Go 3.4kms and turn right at the eco-village sign - go another 2.5kms and follow the car park signs. Look forward to meeting you! Phone Lynne 09 431 2921 for more details.
12 Mar 2001
Woofers Wanted—
Hi

We require Woofers (workers on organic farms) for our continued development of this ecovillage project.

The tasks are varied but mostly land based with something to suit everyone, such as; gardening, native tree nursery, domestic stuff, building, labouring & timber work, as well as general farm work.

The Te Hue Valley is in the southern Coromandel Ranges about one and a half hours from Auckland. It is stunningly beautiful, tranquil, and fun.

We can offer comfortable accommodation and are open to medium term stays; 2 weeks - 2 months.

Email: woofers@ecovillage.co.nz or phone (07) 82 4866.

www.ecovillage.co.nz
23 Feb 2001
Kookaburra Park Eco-Village—
Hi. My name is Barry Davies. I was born in Auckland N.Z.Moved to Australia Qld.I have been helping to establish an Eco-Village in a rural Part of Queensland called Gin Gin.We are now 7 years wiser.Have over 100 residents great wild life and the fauna is flurishing.Our bird life is ammasing.If any one wants to follow our progress.Look at our web site
http://kookaburra.eco-village.com.au
Keep up the good work.Barry Davies
22 Feb 2001
lifestyle opportunity—
Ready for something else? Here is an opportunity to try a lifestyle change without burning your bridges. Couple or family welcome.

WE PROVIDE:
*Opportunities to learn skills of earthbuilding and alternative technologies, actual local project well advanced and near completion.
*Your own historic 3 bedroom kauri cottage.
*A place in the Hokianga to live and work.
*Established permaculture property with gardens,orchards, livestock.
*Teamwork, guidance and help to establish yourself.

YOU PROVIDE:
*Energy and motivation to enjoy life on the land.
*Willingness to learn about organic farming and permaculture.
*A desire to be involved in a strong Maori community.
*Commitment for 6 months hands-on.
*Minimal weekly rent and expenses.
*Capacity to share the products of the property.
*Good ideas on self-sufficiency and a sense of humour.

To investigate this further phone Miriam Tyler 09 401-4882. Response before the end of Feb appreciated.
1 Feb 2001
Possible Cohousing Development near Thames—
Expressions of interest are invited from persons or families who might be interested in living in this location.Please respond to beehive68@hotmail.com
11 Jan 2001
Cohousing on Auckland's NorthShore—
We have been following with much interest the development of cohousing in New Zealand and in particular have been very excited to see what is happening at Earthsong at Swanson.
This notice is to gauge how much interest there is in developing something similar on the North Shore, probably Albany - North but within commuting distance of Auckland. If this sounds like you and you would like to put forward your ideas please contact us at northshore.cohouse@voyager.co.nz

22 Dec 2000
Community design course Nelson Feb 2001
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY
This is an advanced training course for sustainable land use designers, community development workers and regional planners. It aims to equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge to work effectively with neighborhood, co-housing, ecovillage and bioregional design. It is applicable to urban or rural communities and land based businesses or institutions, such as schools and marae.

Dates: Sun 25th Feb - Sat 24th March 2001

The course is comprised of four week long interlinked 'modules' as described below, with each week being located within a different community in the Golden Bay bioregion of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) of Aotearoa/New Zealand

Week 1: on the mountain - Anahata Retreat Centre.
Week 2: by a river - Rainbow Valley Community
Week 3: by the ocean - Tui Community.
Week 4: up a valley - Onetahua Marae

Cultivating our ability to work with 'the three harmonies' (harmony with the self, harmony with others, and harmony with the natural world) weaves throughout the course. The creation of integrated and harmonious human settlements is our ultimate design goal

The tutors for each week are:
Week 1: Design for Cultural Sustainability
* Robina McCurdy, Daniel Nepia
+ Kaya Singer, Brook Weatherall

Week 2: Design for Physical Sustainability
* Richard Walker, Ro Piekarski
+ Bruce Geddes, Robina McCurdy

Nature Attunement Weekend
* Labetia, Eshana
+ John Massey, Peter Cumming

Week 3 & 4: Design for Sustainable Settlements
* Peter Cumming. Robina McCurdy
+ Daniel Nepia, Eshana, Ro Piekarski,

Participation in weeks 1 and 2 is a pre-requisite for participation in weeks 3 and 4. However it is possible to participate in weeks 1 and/or 2 independently or together without doing weeks 3 and 4.

COST: includes all food and facilities. As we will be functioning as a 'community within a community', you will need your own tent. Camping style significantly reduces costs. A limited number of indoor sleeping spaces are available at extra charge.

Week 1: 6 days $ 420
Week 2: 5 days $ 380
Weeks 1 & 2: $ 720
Nature Attunement Weekend: 2 days $ 180
Weeks 1 & 2 plus Nature Attunement $ 900
Course Total: 28 days $ 1500

ENQUIRIES & REGISTRATION
To register please send your name and contact details, plus a little about your relevant background and interests. Send a non-refundable deposit cheques to Earthcare Education Aotearoa (E.E.A.) of $100 (whole course) and $50 (one week) to:
EEA C/o Juniper, Anahata Retreat Centre, RD1 Takaka, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Ph 03-5258488, Email: anahat@voyager.co.nz
(if you are communicating by email, please cc also to robina@win.co.nz)
Dec 2000


PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE COURSE OTAMATEA ECO-VILLAGE
Kaiwaka 9 - 23 February 2001. The aim of the course is to interpret your environment, and then apply sustainable solutions. We have a strong collective of leading permaculture teachers bringing their combined experience to support you.

Contact: Sabine 09 431 2231 email: pukahu@xtra.co.nz
or Lynne 09 431 2921 lynne_hindle@xtra.co.nz
Dec 2000


Little River Eco-Village—
Does anyone know if an eco-village has been established at Little River south of Christchurch? Please reply to:

M.J.McLoughlin@massey.ac.nz

Message posted 16th November 2000


16 Nov 2000
Moderation! and news—
After too many mistakenly placed messages to this notice system, I have decided (unless there are any objections) to "moderate" or edit notices in future prior to circulation.

Apart from that... on the news front... some might know that Auckland City Council have recently got interested in "3rd sector" or co-op type housing. There is a workshop planned for end October (contact Sigrid Shayer ACC). This initiative and the Auckland Regional council's one on affordable housing, and Te Puni Kokiri/Housing Corp's Kapa Hanga Kainga (group self build) perhaps while having some element of tokenism about them have I feel some value. If there is any interest in any of these ill happliy dig out some contacts /material.

Otherwise, keep an eye on Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood's website (www.ecohousing.pl.net) construction is only 2 weeks away!

Peter
Web Admin
EVCNZ
10 Oct 2000
Spiritual Commune—
Like-minded entities are invited to discuss the involvement of creating a small initiative unit, for setting up a non-sectarian universal environmentally friendly spiritual commune. 10 acres of good organic land is being set aside for tree planting, aiming towards the growing of a conserved forest santuary for spiritual cultivation. The place is located at Rolleston, 12 km out (south) of Hornby, Christchurch.

Prospective participants would be equipped or striving toward being equipped with the following qualities:
- amiableness
- extensive open-mindedness,not subject to many boundaries physical or mental
- not ready to destructively judge
- keenness to work exhaustively around obstacles
- bent on actively encouraging harmonious existence among all sentient beings
- bent on achieving heightened spiritual awareness

If you think you're it, please contact me at: upekkha@xtra.co.nz
May all find peaceful solitude within
Boon
7 Oct 2000
Apologies for notices dysfunction--
The notices script suffered from a Y2K bug which escaped my attention, until recently. Some notices below have been posted from back up files today only. Last years notices are also now archived.
3 Oct 2000

My Unfolding Website [Kibbutzim]
As one of the first persons to discuss with the Late Norman Kirk the concept for Kibbutzim in New Zealand I have opened a website http://www.geocities.com/heretaunga_2000/ohu-kibbutzim.htm that includes these concepts.
It was while Norman was away in Singapore attending the Socialist International meeting, of which he was chairperson that I posted to his office the publication. THE KIBBUTZ A New Way of Life by Dan Leon. Seeing he had just come from taliking with Golda Meir in Singapor, Norman was profoundly interested in the concept for New Zealand. As a way youth and others could experience the adventure their forefathers had in opening up land for settlement that could reach a degree of self-sufficency that would draw in many who would otherwise be unemployed, or as a Nuclear family life-style make up for those who missed out on a good family bonding, having come from perhaps battle-field family conditions. Peter Kelsey was the liasion between interested groups and the Government through the office of the Lands and Survey.
Kerry Burke was our coastal representitive at the time, and we had access then to 2.5 square kilometres of land for a rental of $300.00 annually. The blow came when Norman demised and the whole concept was shelved by the following National Government. Further documents be added to my website regarding this and I have added the site http://www.converge.org.nz/evcnz/ohu.html with its associated links to mine.
Robert
3 Oct 2000

Beachcomber Community—
3 Bedroom Unit, $145.00 pw, available now. Our three bedroom units do not come up for rent very often. If you have been interested in our community, only to find that the living space available is too small - this is your opportunity. At present we are 10 adults and three children, living in an old 8 unit motel. Our property is owned by a Trust, and managed largely by us. We have flexible expectations - participation in the community is welcomed, but not mandatory. We have a potluck dinner once a month, meetings once fortnightly, as well as spontaneous video nights, scrabble games, working bees and so on. The units are a little shabby, however the Trust is working with us on outstanding maintanance issues. We find them good to work with. We also have hundreds of litres of donated paint - should you wish to freshen up your living space as some of us have done - a little creativity makes such a difference! We also have small private gardens - yours to plant what you will! We are close to a bus route, walking distance to several shops, and of course, the sound of the sea is our constant companion. email: beachcomber@caverock.net.nz phone (03) 388 5779
29 Aug 2000

License to Occupy - Legal form—
If anyone can assist in sending a copy of an agreement as above or similar would be much appreciated
Thanks and Best Wishes E-mail avagonz@zfree.co.nz
25 Aug 2000

Please Support Basque Park—
Help! St. Benedict's Community Garden in Basque Park, Auckland, needs your support. The St. Benedict's Community Garden was created to give local residents a place to grow their food organically, using "Permaculture" techniques. The Garden has since developed into a valuable educational resource. In 1999, the Eco-Culture Festival was held at the Garden and had around 3000 visitors. In addition the Simple Living workshop series has been a resounding success teaching central Aucklanders how to grow food organically, how to build using eco-friendly materials, how to prepare wholesome food, how to prune trees, how to compost and many other practical skills. The greater Auckland community use the Garden as a working example of permaculture and organic growing. Basque Park is currently being redesigned. On the 18th July the Auckland City Council will be deciding whether to retain the St Benedict's Community Gardens in Basque Park. You CAN make a difference to this decision. Please write a letter of support ! Even you don't use the Gardens or don't live in central Auckland, the Gardens are of national importance so your support does count. Write your letter to: Judith Dickens, Chair, Hobson Community Board, 18 Maitai Road, Greenlane, Auckland. And please send a copy of your letter to: Karla Brodie, St Benedict's Community Gardens, 11 Couldry Street, Newton. If you would like more information please call Karla Brodie on phone 377-8431. Thank you !
4 Jul 2000

ANAHATA—
ANAHATA is the name of our new ecologically-oriented residential intentional community. The basic commitment of members of ANAHATA is to live authentically and responsibly, in harmony with one another and with all of our natural environment : we aim toward personal growth, social responsibility to and accountability for our relationships with one another and the community at large, practicing ecological awareness and a way of life that is sustainable for the present and future generations. We strive for the unity of purpose and fellowship that will provide strength and cohesion for the whole, while fostering a diversity of spiritual paths that provide for variety, colour, and personal freedom of choice for the individual. We are open to communications with -- and will arrange visits for -- mature, committed 'pioneer' community-building types who are keen to get involved 'at the ground level' to set the foundation and ethos for a new intentional community on the northern boundary of metropolitan Auckland. See PROJECTS for a more complete description. ANAHATA PO Box 258 Albany Village
(Auckland) Aotearoa/NZ
Tel +64 9 415 9468 fax +64 9 415 8471
E-mail: anahata@i4free.co.nz
3 Jun 2000

Beachcomber Community - Unit to rent—
Beachcomber Community has a two bedroom unit for rent. $135 per week. It is one of the nicer units, having a North facing window and a little extra garden space. Interested? Then read on, a letter below that may give you an impression of what we are about. Some of what we are about anyway.

Living space on organic farm—
Hi, we live on an amazing piece of land in the Nelson region, overlooking Motueka,and we have a two bedroom flat we have just built,which is really tastfully constructed,and looks out over native bush.We are looking for community minded people to live in it, it is totaly self-contained and private,but some interaction with us enevitable and for us desirable.the farm is 80acres and has extensive orchards, pasture, woodlots, bush and has been operated as an organic farm for the last 13 years. The nearest house is 1km away and we have 6km of metal road to reach us,Motueka is 20mins. away,and the Kahurangi National forest is on our doorstep.$140/wk For more info, ROB.KNOWLES@xtra.co.nz
7 May 2000

Handbook progress—
Those that are following the eco-village/ sustainable land development handbook may want to know that the first meeting is to be held on 5 April 2000. Doug Craig is to be the EVCNZ rep on the handbook copmmittee. Doug brings a wealth of experience and is ably suited for this task. Any groups/ individuals that wish to ensure particular points are made at this meeting should contact Doug at: dcra006@student.auckland.ac.nz and/or; ph 09 3737599 X 6420 and/or; fax 09 3737652 and/or; c/- Planning Dept, Auckland University Private Bag 92019 Auckland Any donations toward his travel costs i am sure will be gratefully accepted.
Gota fly, Peter Scott EVCNZ
23 Mar 2000

February Issue Chip'N'Away—
The latest (14th) issue of Chip'N'Away, a quarterly newsletter about making Intentional Community in Aotearoa is now being circulated. This is a paper format newsletter distributed to members and supporters of Heartwood Community Inc. in Canterbury and about 40 commmunities and formation groups around NZ. This includes not only eco-villages and co-housing groups but also older alternative life-style communities - any group that choses to live in community in an open democratic, non-violent, way respecting of individual rights. The latest issue include articles about Awaawaroa Eco-village on Waiheke; an open day at Otamatea Eco-village on the Kaipara; various parties at Chippenham Community & Pete Street Housing Co-op (Chch) and Awaawaroa; toxic food etc and children; the coming visit of UK researcher Lucy Sargisson to the Coromandel; the planned Eco-village Handbook; the establishment process of Beachcomber Community (Chch);link ups and gatherings between communities here and in USA, and the editor's homely ramblings on shared living. Current address (to be updated) is weekender@inet.net.nz and a donation is requested of individuals who would like copies posted.
29 Feb 2000

Otamatea Eco-Village Update—
Otamatea Eco-village has been on the go since 1995 when the founders had the idea of purchasing a large block of rural land to share between like-minded families (our motivating philosophy is the use of permaculture principles in all aspects of living). Once the 251 acre block was found in Oneriri Road, Kaiwaka, on a lovely peninsula deep within the Kaipara Harbour, it was all-systems go to purchase the land, find interested people to purchase shares, gain Resource Consent and subdivide the land into fifteen five-acre sections (with 176 acres of common land) using Unit Titles. Now in early 2000 ten families have joined the village and it promises to be - yes -another busy year. Two families have already built and live here full-time, with at least four others building and living here by the end of the year. As there are still have five freehold Units for sale, it was decided to hold an Open Day on 13 February. This had two aims - to let all the neighbours we have bumped into (Kaiwaka is a very friendly district) have a look round - and hopefully to attract more shareholders from further afield through national advertising. Close to a hundred people came from near and far and the two guided tours, which were guaged to take ninety minutes each, ran well over time. This was because of the huge interest shown in what’s happening here, particularly with use of alternative building methods such as straw bale and recycled materials and the use of alternative power systems. Visitors enjoyed the emerging gardens too, and talks over lunch and afternoon tea with eco-villagers. All in all it was a great day, lovely weather, lovely people and positive feedback. Sometimes, because we’re doing things away from the mainstream, it can feel a bit isolated, so this day was a wonderful validation for us. Visitors, WWOOFers and potential eco-villagers are welcome - we need more people with energy and capital - so if you’re up this way come and met us (please phone first). If you’d like more information visit the Website of the Eco-village & Co-housing Association of NZ at www.converge.org.nz/evcnz or contact Lynne 09 431 2921 email: otamatea@clear.net.nz
25 Feb 2000

Eco-village Handbook—
Greetings, Some might know weve got involved with the ecovillage handbook project. The project will take about 2 years to complete and will be developed in accordance with standards NZ protocols. The terms of reference are online at http://www.converge.org.nz/evcnz/sldh/terms_ref.html ....FYI. Regards, Peter Scott
15 Feb 2000

Converge Website—
if you are interested in the websites of many environmental and community organisations in New Zealand, take a swing by Converge sometime.
http://www.converge.org.nz/converge.html
Oct 3 2000




 
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