Hey all,
There are lots of interesting and important things going on this week and over the next while:
- Save Maui's and Hector's Dolphins-Now!
- Gecko Clothes Swap-May 19
- Tuna Hikoi Tonight
- Claire's Transport Research Volunteers Needed
- Public Transport Forum – May 16
- Manawi Karioi Ecological Restoration Project Working Bee
- Whatever happened to Oceans policy? Regulation of the Exclusive Economic Zone - 15 May
- Urban Permaculture
- Downtown Eco-therapy
- Welligton City Council Draft Annual Plan Submissions
1. Save the Dolphins! Maui's and Hector's dolophins face a challenge for their survivial as Cabinet makes a decision in the next fortnight. You can show our support for the right decision by emailing Helen Clark through http://www.careforthewild.com/default.asp and join the protest at Parliament, meeting at the gates 1.15pm, Wednesday May 14, going up to Parliament, dressed in black, with a wreath for the 111 Maui's dolphins that remain, and which will become extinct if Cabinet make the wrong decision.
2. Clothes Swap! Gecko will be having a clothes swap on Monday May 19 in the quad from 11am – 1pm. If you can help by being on the stall, please let us know. You can bring in clothes for the swap all next week and drop them in the box at VUWSA reception, on the ground floor of the Student Union Building.
- I'm about to start a pilot transport behaviour change programme, working with the Regional council and the Sustainability Trust, in July for my Masters and am in need of some people who want to help out and get some experience while they're at it. We work with households individually helping them to reduce their car use.
There would be some free training available and it would look great on the old CV for people thinking about getting involved in transport issues or even community relations. Please contact claire.pascoe@gmail.com if you are interested.
- Tuna Hikoi, Turnbull House, Bowen Street, Thursday 8 May (tonight) 7pm. The tour is to enale people to have greater awareness and involvement in tuna(eel) and fresh water conservation locally, though attracting suport and assistance for portectionand sustianable management of tuna populations. It will be an opportunity to meet and discuss what people think needs to happen in Wellington and what can be done to support healthy freshwater life. Register at admin@nzaee.org.nz
5. Public Transport Forum
During the consultation process for the Vic Commute Travel Plan there was a lot of comment regarding the state of public transport in the Wellington region. Greater Wellington Regional Council funds the bus and train services and build public transport infrastructure. During March and April they held seven community forums around the region to discuss options for public transport. Given the interest generated from Vic Commute another forum has been arranged especially for Victoria. The forum will be held:
Friday 16 May, 12:00 noon, HU LT 119
Peter Glensor, Greater Wellington Regional Council deputy chair and Public Transport Committee chair will be presenting at the forum. A massive investment has been made in recent years on public transport infrastructure and services across the region. More is planned and there are several possibilities for future investment that Greater Wellington would like the community and ratepayers to think carefully about.
The University is already working with Greater Wellington and the public transport providers to try and improve the level of service to the University. This is an opportunity for staff and students to make suggestions for future improvements and gain a clearer understanding of the public transport matters that will be grappled with by Greater Wellington in the immediate future.
Anyone who is interested in public transport matters is warmly invited to attend.
- The next working bee at Manawa Karioi Ecological Restoration Project is on Sunday 11 May (coordinated by Ross 021 0276 4154), from 10am to 3pm, or longer for those who are keen. Meet at the nursery, which is signposted on the driveway from the end of Danube Street, at 10am.
We will be doing a variety of jobs such as nursery maintenance, weed control, planting and track maintenance. Working conditions are usually very pleasant, but we may encounter some gorse, steep hills, wet grass, sunshine, rain or cold wind, so bring suitable clothing and footwear!
For more information, including a map showing how to find us, see our website www.mk.org.nz
Turnbull HouseCommences 7p
7. Whatever happened to Oceans policy? Regulation of the Exclusive Economic Zone - 15 May (Re-scheduled from March)
What has become of the Ocean's Policy? It has shrunk to an EEZ regulation policy. Why do we need environmental regulation? Your chance to hear about and discuss this. Topics include the fate of the Oceans Policy, some key issues and proposals.
Date: Thursday 15 May 2008
Time: 6.00 - 8.00 pm
Venue: Reception room, Ground floor, Turnbull House, 11 Bowen St, Thorndon, Wellington (right opposite the Beehive and just one down from the northern end of the Terrace)
Presentations will include discussion time and an opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be available on arrival.
Attendance to both events is open. It would help us if you could RSVP to the ECO office (ecooffice@inspire.net.nz) if you will be attending.
8. Urban Permaculture – There is a workshop on urban permaculutre being run on May 21, 7.30pm at the Brooklyn Community Centre, 18 Harrison st, Newtown. Free!
9. Downtown Eco-therapy.If you would like to help out with a downtown eco-therapy session down at Pipitea Campus (which will involve helping people to come along and pot plants for a nursery and reconnect with nature) on May 28 please email Aaron. aaronpackard@hotmail.com
10. Remember to have a look at the Wellington City Council Draft Annual Plan and have your say with the online petition form.
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/haveyoursay/publicinput/dap/2008-09dap-overview.html