  Events 2008
Things to do around the Manawatu
May community efforts continue to benefit people and environment
JULY - AUGUST
July
Wednesday July 02: Beach Patrol Otaki Beach South
With Forest and Bird Horowhenua. For more info contact Joan Leckie 06 368 1277
Wednesday July 02: Green Drinks – The Sustainable City Plan
Green drinks is a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Finger food and a free drink are provided. Gold coin donation requested.
GUEST SPEAKER/S for this month are Kim Penny and the Sustainable Ciity Group. Sponsored by RICOH.
HAVE A GO AT RUNNING A PRINTER ON PEDAL POWER! One company that has discovered a novel way to cut back on its carbon footprint is RICOH. Its employees' pedal power is being used to run a central printer in its office. Staff are encouraged to jump on the exercycle for at least five minutes a day. That pedalling power turns a dynamo and charges a battery that in turn powers the printer.
VENUE Zoe's Bar at the Kingsgate Hotel
TIME 5 pm onwards, guest speaker 6 pm
To be put on to their distribution list, and to RSVP contact Heather: heather.millar@millenniumhotels.co.nz or phone 06 350 0702 www.greendrinks.org
Thursday July 3: Science Cafe - Nanotechnology Myth or Reality, Good or Bad?
What is the role of nanotechnology and what role will lit play in the future? Are we on the cusp of a Nano Revolution or are the claims more to do with science fiction that science?
The speaker for this topic will be Prof Richard Haverkamp, Institute of Technology and Engineering, Massey University. Te Manawa, starts 6.30pm.  Science Cafe July 3.pdf(118.18 KB)
Saturday July 5: Planting at Tawhirihoe Scientific Reserve, Tangimoana Beach.
This is part of an on-going sand dune restoration project at the Reserve.
Re-vegetation is an important part of the restoration process. Our native sand-binding grasses, Pingao and Spinifex, have some unique characteristics that help with sand dune restoration. The plants spread by putting out rope-like runners across the sand, providing some flexibility on the surface for sand to move on and off the beach with the weather. As a result, dunes with Pingao and Spinifex growing on them tend to be quite low and well-rounded, making them less vulnerable to erosion.
The Manawatu coastline is a pretty special part of New Zealand's heritage. DOC is working hard to preserve it, but needs your help. For further info contact Kelly Stratford: (06) 350 9708 Email: kstratford@doc.govt.nz
Tuesday July 8: Non-stop godwits! Branch night for Forest and Bird Manawatu.
Speaker is Phil Battley from Massey University. Held at Te Manawa from 7.30 pm. All welcome. Gold coin donation.
Tuesday July 8: Rural/Urban Connections - New Zealand's life blood:
Will tackle the issues of town/country relationships. There is a charge of $100 (reduced to $20 for students and superannuitants). Ag/Hort Lecture Block, Massey University, 9am - 4pm. For further information and to register, visit http://www.agscience.org.nz
Tuesday July 8: Agmardt Political Forum:
Follows on from Rural/Urban Connections above at the Ag/Hort Lecture Block, Massey University (from 4 - 6pm). A panel, consisting of the science spokesperson from each of the political parties, will present their science manifesto and answer your enquiries. Free entry, but you do need to register in advance. For further information and to register, again visit http://www.agscience.org.nz
Thursday, 10 July 2008: Intercultural Awareness and Communication (IAC) Training Programme - “Do Cultural Differences Really Make A Difference?”
People from NGOs in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region welcome. Training provided by the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the Department of Internal Affairs
Hosted by: Palmerston North Community Services Council and Settlement Support. RSVP to Geraldine 3543809 or pncsc@inspire.net.nz, or to Shelley 3581572
Venue: Palmerston North Community Service Council: from 10am – 12.30 pm.
For further details about the IAC programme, go to www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz click on Resources, then on Intercultural Awareness Resources.
Sunday July 13: Trip to Rangitikei Reserves
Combined trip with Rangitikei and Manawatu Forest and Bird to Pryces Reserve, Silverhope Bush and QEII Reserve. For more info contact Hugh Stewart 06 327 8064
Saturday July 19: Workparty at Kitchener Park
Kitchener Park needs your help! Join Forest and Bird Manawatu at this important local podocarp forest and wetlands remnant - between Palmerston North and Feilding. Work party starts at 9.30 am and finishes about midday. For more info contact Alan Hawkins 06 323 0583.
Sunday July 20th: Pit Park Working Party
About 400 trees are ready to be planted! Everybody welcome! Wear old clothes, sensible footwear and bring equipment suitable for planting trees.
Featherston St Pit, from 1.30 to 3.30 pm. Afternoon tea provided. For more information contact Malcolm on 357 5570.
You can also find out about more about the Pit Park Project by visiting Pit Park People on our website.
Thursday 24th July: Meeting for Cycle Aware Palmerston North (CAPN)
CAPN will vote on a new name at this meeting - with a view to moving forward into the new era of expensive fuel and alternative transport in our city. If you are interested please complete this survey
 CAPN Name survey.doc(34.00 KB), and return by email to julied@actrix.co.nz by Monday 21st July.
All who who come can vote (no email votes). Also at this meeting you will hear from Patrick Morgan (from Cycle Advocates Network). Square Edge at 7:30pm.
Sunday 27 July: Residents Association Meeting: to promote removal of GST on food and rates. Belfast Poets Touring Group will entertain...
To be held at the City Council Chambers, The Square, Palmerston North at 2 pm. For more information see the newsletter FLAX Flax July 2008.pdf(214.05 KB)
Wednesday 30 July “Beneath the Surface: NZ's Freshwater Fish”
Palmerston North is to host a presentation from ecologist Dr. Mike Joy and NZ Green MP and spokesperson for Conservation Metiria Turei. They will speak about the threats to New Zealand's Freshwater fish, in particular the endemic endangered Longfin Eel. Freshwater fish under threat brochure.pdf(485.68 KB)
Massey: Mike and Metiria will speak at 12pm, Wednesday 30th July at Massey University-Social Sciences Lecture Block 1 (no film): Room SSLB1. Starting at noon. Contact Christopher on 027 392 5125 or chris.stitchbury@greens.org.nz for more details.
Te Manawa: Metiria Turei and Dr Mike Joy will speak. Included is the film 'Longfin' (24mins), produced by Lindsey Davidson and Melissa Salpietra, former students of Otago University's Natural History and Filmmaking Program. Melissa and Lindsey spent six months travelling around the South Island filming eels, and the people who are involved with them. This film centers on the life of an endemic New Zealand Longfin Eel.
Starts 7.30 pm. Supper will be provided and a gold coin donation appreciated. For more information contact: Margaret at organic_living@xtra.co.nz; ph 06 3582535
Thursday 31 July “Beneath the Surface: NZ's Freshwater Fish” (again)
UCOL: Metiria will speak again at Whanau Room UCOL 12pm-1pm on Thursday 31st July, where the film will also be shown. Contact: Marcia 3236209 mamadio@actrix.co.nz
August
Opens Saturday August 2: Te Manawa Exhibition: Notes on Nature
New work by Fran Dibble. For more info visit http://www.temanawa.co.nz/
Monday, August 4: Manawatu District Council: Levels of Service workshops
MDC would like feedback on the services they provide. This is in connection with the development of their long term (10 year) plan. The meeting is for at 2pm, at Manawatu District Council. Local environmental groups are invited. RSVP to Sarah Anderton by Friday July 25. See MDC Invite Level of Service Workshops.doc(45.00 KB) for full details.
Tuesday August 5: Spinifex Planting at Tawhirihoe Scientific Reserve
As part of an on-going sand stabilisation project at Tangimoana Beach, DOC has over 7000 native sand-binding Spinifex plants to be put out at the Tawhirihoe Scientific Reserve in Tangimoana this winter. One of the characteristics of the sand dune environment is the constant movement of sand - at Tangimoana, the sand has moved over the road, so it is no longer drivable. DOC is working with the Manawatu District Council to stabilise the sand before the road is cleared. Spinifex has some unique characteristics; because of the way it grows, it stabilises the sand but allows for some flexibility and movement of surface sand. As a result, dunes with Spinifex on them tend to be quite low and rounded, making them more resistant to erosion.
Planting between 10am and 2pm. For more information contact Kelly Stratford, Community Relations Ranger, Phone: (06) 350 9708, Email: kstratford@doc.govt.nz
Other group planting times may be organised by contacting Kelly.
Wednesday August 6: Food and Environment – it must be both
Lunch time talk will be given by Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, Foundation Chair of Pastoral Agriculture and Director, Massey Agriculture. Starts 12 noon, Sound and Vision Zone, the City Library.
Wednesday August 6: Beach Patrol for Foxton Beach North For more information: contact Joan Leckie, Horowhenua Forest and Bird. (06) 368 1277
2008 New Zealand International Film Festivals: Social and environmental awareness films coming to PNth August 7-24
Films about Sustainable Building, Eco-Communities and the Environment:
Garbage Warrior
Sunday 24 August, 11:45 am
Pete Seeger: The Power of Song
Friday 22 August, 11:45 am
Saturday 23 August, 2.00 pm
Sharkwater
Saturday 16 August: , 12.00 pm
Other films of interest:
Up the Yangtze
Thursday 14 August, 11.30 am
Friday 15 August, 6.00 pm
Let's Say…
Sunday 17 August, 2.00 pm
The Wave
Wednesday 20 August, 8.00 pm
The Hollow Men
Wednesday 20 August, 6.00 pm
Thursday 21 August, 11.00 am
It’s a Free World…
Saturday 23 August, 11:45 am
Sunday 24 August, 3.30 pm
The Visitor
Sunday 24 August, 5:45 pm
For more info on these and other films visit:
http://www.nzff.co.nz/
Thursday August 7: Te Manawa Science Café: Does animal testing have a place in science?
Speakers: Dr Peter Beatson, Author and Prof Kevin Stafford, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University. Starts 6:30pm. Free entry.
Tuesday August 12: Adventures with sub-Antarctic Sea Lions
This talk is part of Manawatu Forest & Bird’s Branch Night. Speaker: Wendi Roe. Held at Te Manawa, starts 7.30pm. Gold coin donation.
Sunday August 17: Pit Park People Workparty
Everybody welcome! Wear old clothes, sensible footwear and bring equipment suitable for dealing to weeds, releasing trees, shifting mulch.
Featherston St Pit, from 1.30 to 3.30 pm. Afternoon tea provided. For more information contact Marise on 354 0062.
You can also find out about more about the Pit Park Project by visiting Pit Park People our website.
Tuesday August 19: Charles Fleming Lecture, Biodiversity and Biosecurity (RSNZ)
The Charles Fleming Lecturer for 2008 is Professor Mick Clout from the Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, Univ. Au.
Invasive alien species now rank as one of the most serious threats to natural ecosystems and native species, worldwide. In isolated archipelagos such as New Zealand, invasive species may in fact be the most serious threat of all. Te Manawa, 7.30 pm
Wednesday August 20: Green Drinks: Massey….The Way Forward
Nibbles and first drink are free. Guest speakers are Stewart Davies and friends. Green Drinks August 20.pdf(197.83 KB)
Venue: Zoe’s Bar, Kingsgate Hotel, from 5pm to 7pm. Please RSVP to Heather Millar, 350 0702
Heather.Millar@millenniumhotels.co.nz
Thursday August 21: Intercultural Awareness Training (new date) “Do Cultural Differences Really Make A Difference?”
People from NGOs in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region welcome. Training provided by the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the Department of Internal Affairs. Hosted by: Palmerston North Community Services Council and Settlement Support. Venue: Palmerston North Community Service Council: from 10am – 12.30 pm.
For further details about the IAC programme, go to www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz click on Resources, then on Intercultural Awareness Resources.
Please contact Geraldine 3543809 or pncsc@inspire.net.nz to register.
Weekend August 23/24: Sixtus Lodge Workparty with Forest and Bird. Contact Midge Janssen for more info (06) 357 4877.
Coming up in September
Saturday September 20: Bird safe dog training day...
DOC is working with avian aversion trainer Jim Pottinger to organise a training day in the Palmerston North area for people interested in getting their dog bird safe certified. It will be on Saturday 20th September. Registration is essential and will be accepted on a first come first served basis (maximum of 25 dogs). The cost is $25 per dog. Venue to be confirmed.
To protect native birds such as Kiwi, Blue Duck and Weka, dogs entering Scenic Reserves, Forest Parks and named conservation areas must be permitted. In some cases, the dog must have a Bird Safe certificate in order to obtain a permit.
To register or find out more, phone the Department of Conservation on (06) 3509700 or pop in to the office at 717 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North
|
)
)
)
){kind=link}