Waiheke CSA meeting at the cinema

It's remarkable how much we are all doing in this community at this time, and how so many projects are being progressed, nurtured, fought for, and otherwise held as an intention. I trust that whoever was meant to be at the cinema last night were the right people, and certainly the mood, discussion and sharing which took place left me feeling that we had planted a strong seed into fertile ground.

After Eleanor, Rob Fenwick and myself sat at the front of the assembled masses (about 25 people at a guess) and expressed our views of where this moment might lead us, we saw some video clips. The mood of our offering to everyone was soft and respectful, honest and passionate. The films in turn echoed that, as did the dialogue with everyone which ensued mostly at the end, when everyone had most off the information they needed.

A clip about a long time established CSA project in the US, was followed by a few minutes from the film "Home" about agriculture and energy, and where we have evolved from and to in our current food systems. A visually stunning piece of film that will be screened in its 87 min entirety very soon.

Then I offered the Powerpoint presentation on the Waiheke CSA. This was done by Denny and Crystalyne who were on the recent Waiheke full time permaculture design certificate course. It was helpful in clarifying and brought forth good questions from people. Then a second short clip of a new CSA also in the US, showed another perspective from a new farmer.

That completed around 9pm, and then we engaged with each other as people who needed to talk with others made connections to dicusss all sorts of things the evening had brought up. It was clear that we have an opportunity and that there is a need for people to step in and help make this work.

I think we will see more input from others in the coming weeks, and I feel it is my job to connect with each person who was there to see what form of support they want and can offer. I particularly asked Denny to help with the numbers. Prashanti, who has a lot of practical wisdom in the area of growing food, told us of the piece of land she has just moved onto which she wants to see used for CSA food growing. She also understood that if she wants to help this Te Matuku Bay project, there is lots of opportunity for her to do so.

Here is a link to view the plan as it stands today.
If you look at it on Friday it will probably have been updated some more.
http://docs.google.com/View?id=df59fmbx_650gx5b2zdw

Travel well Eleanor, and I look forward to seeing you when I'm looking at you - perhaps by September.

Feedback appreciated,

James