Minutes of Meeting 10 April 2012

Present:  Jenny, Geoff, Deryn, Ana, Francisco, Adrian, Ally, Anne

Apologies: Keith, Nikki, Yolanda, Crea

Chair: Deryn. Minutes: Anne

Coffee Ground Collection Update – Ally has been collecting coffee grounds from 'The corner cafe'. In principle its easy, but ensuring full buckets don't linger at the cafe is quite a big time commitment. Could anybody else help? Contact Ally.

Dead Battery Idea – As disappointingly there is no battery recycling in NZ, maybe it could be productive to support other groups pursuing legislation. The kind of laws in mind are similar to what operates in Europe where producers have to organise their recycling and disposal of their products. e.g. In German supermarkets there are bins for batteries and neon bulbs.

Garden Update – Jenny reported that more good planting is happening and there are even courgettes and pumpkins being harvested.

Music Update – Francisco reported the group is sleeping until Spring due to study commitments.

Public Food Trees – Ana has a good energy for getting some fruit trees planted on verges and unused spaces. Perhaps raising public awareness for looking after the trees via a stencil art campaign or other events. Watch this space!

Shopping Bags – Ana is also really keen to run a shopping bag sewing workshop where people can come and make a set of bags suitable for filling with things from the bulk food/fruit/ coop/ shops. Date and venue to be announced next meeting.

House needed – Adrian and his partner and child are looking for a sunny 2 bedroom place to rent here in Pt Chevalier. Preferably, it would have a backyard and garden!

Asset-mapping -Geoff outlined what asset mapping is and suggested that perhaps we could try this in Pt Chev. In the ensuing discussion Jenny suggested 'Freetrade?' a website that lets people offer things for free could be useful.

Denniston Plateau – Ally gave us a moving account of the struggle the South Islanders led by Rod Morris are having, trying to save the Plateau from mining interests. The area is almost predator free and home to a wide ranging and unique biodiversity. Ally will follow up with more information, but listen out in the mainstream media for actions.

Elizabeth Sahtouris – Deryn is preparing a report for us on the talk.

Fruit Trees – Anne has maybe half a dozen cherimoya trees that have sprung up, lots of raspberry canes and a few rogue lettuces. Any takers nicden@woosh.co.nz

PPT important submissions to be made. Mixed Ownership Model Bill & Crown Minerals Act Review see email which will follow. submissions due Friday 20 April.

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