Transition Pt Chevalier Meeting - 12 February 2013

Present: Deryn, Keith, Yolanda, Ellen, Ally, Niki, Guido, Bruce, Chris, Walter

Apologies: Adrienne, Jenny, Tanya, Crea

The farmers market in Sandringham is working really well, although sometimes the produce is sold out before 12. If anyone wants to bring it to Pt Chevalier, that would be most welcome – contact Ellen. The concept is to have the farmers market weekly in a different location each time.

E-waste for recycling. Yolanda talked about The Abilities Group on the North Shore – they will take any e-waste including TVs and recycle them for free. It is staffed by people with disabilities.

Battery recycling – Guido is attending the meeting run by the council on this issue next week. This is a follow-up to a previous meeting (attached below the meeting summary). In further discussion about batteries, Ellen talked about her experience playing a waste game with adults who sort cards with different types of waste into the proper disposal site. She observed that most people consider that all batteries should go in the Hazmobile (which is not the case). We discussed whether batteries can be sent overseas for recycling, there was some confusion over this. Ellen is going to send an email suggesting they can’t be. We were puzzled as to why alkaline batteries can’t go to Pacific Steel for melting down in the furnace, if they do not contain toxic materials (and thus are currently disposed of via landfill). We also discussed the benefits of using rechargeable batteries for devices that are used regularly, such as bike lights.

Auckland Council – Niki reported on a meeting with Liz and Viv from Auckland Council and Judith from Mt Eden Village People. This is an initiative to promote Transition Towns in Auckland, and offer them as a model to other communities. At present the structure is likely to involve a presentation session and workshops. Mt Eden Village People could offer a tour, but we weren’t sure if that could work in Pt Chev. We could perhaps offer a workshop on community creative ideas. This could be more “conversation” style. Ellen also noted her request that the Sandringham group be involved in further discussions.

Money – We now have $2,452 in account for Transition Pt Chevalier. This account is a sub-account of Niki and Keith’s Kiwibank accounts. Niki will keep records of all transactions and the state of the account will be reported at each meeting. Currently some of the money (about $200) has been designated for  the fruit trees.

Skypath over the harbour bridge – cycle/walkway anyone who is keen on it this to submit an email to council by the end of tomorrow – February 13.

Green for go in Waitemata – Wednesday 20 February, 4-7pm, 51-61 Elgin St, Grey Lynn (Rugby Club). This is a “fun” consultation on having greenways throughout the district that are walking and cycling networks. There will also be a tour of a greenway near the rugby club.

Green Ideas magazine – Ally talked about an article in the magazine which Niki had helped write, suggesting people adopt reusable drink bottles and coffee cups. Ally also showed a NZ made, hightly attractive reusable coffee cup that she is hoping to Waitemata Health Board will sell in its cafeterias.

The Infinite Game –  Niki discussed the Infinite Game as a metaphor for living. Finite and Infinite Games is a book by by James Carse. Niki will offer a session, probably on a Sunday at 6pm that will open a conversation about the Infinite Game as a way of capturing the essence of “sustainability”. This session will have a game structure. Watch for an email from Niki to follow.

Fruit trees – Ellen talked about a political push towards getting fruit trees on verges, a move which Ellen described as currently resisted by Auckland Transport.  One of the problems seems to be the structure of Auckland Transport and its separation in key respects from Auckland Council and thus the direct influence of councilors.

The Annual Auckland and Albert-Eden Plans are calling for submissions.www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annualplan. Everyone is encouraged to make a submission on issues of concern to us – commonly people from TPC raise cycling and walking, green space (e.g. fruit trees on verges) the desirability of more community-based focus etc. Every tiny contribution counts!

Workshop this Saturday - Crea is part of a group offering a workshop aligned to Awakening the Dreamer this Saturday. Watch for email.

Permaculture Hui -  Ellen is going to the Permaculture Hui in the second weekend of March in Taranaki. You could discuss transport to get there with Ellen. Niki will be there too.

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