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Friday 1 July 2022
Hui seeks new ways forward
Andy Williams speaking about Ellis Creek Farm during day one of presentations on farming diversity. Photo: Sol Morgan. SOL MORGAN
The 7th Annual Hui dedicated to “New Ways Forward” started on Saturday 25 June with the sun shining. Debbie Pearson and Sol Morgan opened the day with a summary of the recently launched Mohua 2042 Sustainability Strategy, which set the scene for the weekend. Innovative energy solutions were presented by Steve Keel, Frank van de Plas, Paul Sangster and Rita Davies. During the panel discussion, several suggestions were made to improve Golden Bay’s energy generation potential, including micro-grid solar arrays on town businesses and housing clusters, biogas (methane) production, rocket-stove heating and energy-efficiency tips. Paul Sangster was adamant that the most efficient way to generate power in Golden Bay is through hydro. “Not only could we be self-sufficient in power, but profits generated could go back into the community like it does with the Pupu Hydro [sic],” said Paul. There was interest in forming a local working group to look into possibilities. After lunch, farming diversity was explored with Ross Wright (Golden Bay Dolomite),
Avner Cain, Amy Williams and Maria Koch, all sharing their knowledge and experience. The following panel discussion – which also included Dorje Strang (aquaculture) and Ashburton hemp/seed farmer Andrew West – agreed more education was needed, both with land owners about possibilities, and with the public on supporting local producers. Opportunities discussed included hemp, tree crops, seaweed and different timber species. All expressed the view that more open days were needed for greater knowledge transfer. On the Saturday evening an appreciable crowd celebrated Matariki, with performances from the local DramaLAB street theatre show and the fire-twirling group. Sunday’s listeners heard about local initiatives that supported mental wellbeing (especially youth) in our community: the Mama Love Collective, growing and cooking food for young mothers; Rites of Passage Foundation offering powerful ritual; Youth Habitat offerings; and Possibility Management emotional evolution work. The Mental Wellbeing panel, held by Tristan Girdwood, also highlighted the need for a transformation of the current mental health system. All agreed
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a local focus was best, developing better networking and teamwork. This led into the last theme of SelfOrganised Communities, led by Rita Scholten, which covered topics like affordable housing and land sharing, agorism (thriving without money), local garden co-ops, seed exchange and community directory all focusing on working together. The panel also including sawmiller Tim Eckert and home-school parent Martine Baanvinger, and clearly showed the power of collective action around local wood supply, education, simple housing options, food-growing groups, and trading without money. A local directory is being formed to collate people’s skills and offerings to better support actions needing to happen. For more information contact Rita at henricascholten@ gmail.com. “I was so impressed how diverse the participants attending were over the two days,” said Rita. Martine Baanvinger, as centre engagement coordinator, said in conclusion, “I am super happy with the turnout, and hope everyone came away feeling more empowered.”
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The ongoing Waimea Dam saga took another not entirely unexpected turn last week when a further cost blowout and delay was announced. The latest $10m hike comes on top of the $20m increase revealed in February and takes the current estimated cost of completion to $195m. Critics’ long-standing forecast of a $200m dam now appears to be just one more minor hiccup away – and could even prove to be an underestimate of the final cost; in his explanation to Tasman District Council last week, Waimea Water Limited CEO Mike Scott warned of residual risks such as extreme weather events and contract disputes which could add yet more to the final bill. As the cost has increased, the completion date has moved further away. According to WWL’s original schedule the dam should have been commissioned and operational months ago, but the latest projection is for February 2024 which puts the project two years behind plan. A lot has happened since the public consultation exercise on the project’s governance and finance in 2017. Back then, the scheme was costed at $75.9m with a quoted “P95” confidence, but serious geological issues, Covid-19, contractual disputes, and global supply chain issues have conspired to send costs rocketing skywards. The good news is that, despite the $10m increase in costs, the council’s 2022/2023 annual plan budget has been adopted without amendment. The additional costs will instead be considered in the 2023/2024 annual plan.
Have a say on 3 Waters
In order to help ratepayers understand and provide feedback on the Water Services Entities Bill – a piece of legislation giving effect to the Government’s Three Waters Reform Bill – TDC has arranged a series of webinar and drop-in opportunities. While the first of those webinars has already taken place, there is another scheduled for next Tuesday 5 July at 7pm. Recordings of both discussions will be available for viewing after the event. There is also a drop-in session at Motueka Library next Thursday 7 July between 4.30-7.30pm. TDC says is keen to gather feedback from the public to help ensure the best outcome for Tasman. “We would like to hear your views on the Bill before developing... Continued on page 2
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