Moeraki rocks!

Robyn and I have just returned from Moeraki where we spoke, at the invitation of the Hampden Community Energy group, about some of the activities we do down here that help local communities to become self supporting. The Hampden group were very lively and active in getting programmes going in their area and are planning a trip south soon to look at how our farmers market, native plant enterprise, community orchard, food cooperative etc. are going. Moeraki and Hampden are quite a distance to travel to, but linking the two communities has already proved to be valuable as a source of support and ideas.

Branding

I'd like to float an idea for a brand for the promotion of our region.

Abundant Southland

We are brimming over with abundance here - our farming prosperity, plentiful supply of water, oil and gas reserves attracting enormous interest. It's a strong, positive brand. What do you think? All comments welcome!

Biochar

In todays announcement outlining investments it will make 'planning sustainable management and adaption to climate change', the Government says it will invest 10 million dollars in research into 'biochar' - incorporating charcoal into soils to reduce nitrious oxide emissions. I hope they will send some of that money to Southland, where I've already flagged interest in the concept through the 'letters to the editor' column of the Southland Times. 'Biochar' manufacture and the resulting 'terra preta' soils are ideas that I will press the Council to pursue if I get the chance. To read more about the idea, click here and here.

Proud Southern Gardener

I'm pretty happy to have been voted Southland finalist for New Zealand Gardener of the Year' (NewZealand Gardener Magazine October edition) Thanks very much to those who nominated me - I know there are plenty of other gardeners in Southland who deserve the award, but I'm pleased to represent the region this time. If you would like to see a Southlander win the national title, this e-address lets you vote and I think it would be a great promotion for us southern gardeners to be noticed on the national level - after all, many northerners think it's too cold to grow successful gardens down here. How wrong they are! Here's a link to the Scoop news release.

Chalk advertising

Driving home from last night's candidate meeting in Invercargill, I saw that someone had been busy chalking my blogspot address onto walls around the town. I've been posting cards with the url around a number of businesses and institutions in Invercargill, including the SIT, Teacher's College campus and some high schools, so I'm guessing that some supporters came up with the idea of using the town's walls to show their support. I appreciate the support of the younger groups and hope that no-one is put out by their creative burst!

Fish and Game public meeting

If you would like to see the candidates put through their paces over water issues, the meeting on the 20th September, 7:30 pm at The Invercargill Workingmen's Club is the place to go. We've been sent three questions to mull over and prepare for the night. They are (in short):
1. Should New Zealand's lowland streams, rivers and lakes be safe for contact recreation?
2. Should primary industry be responsible for avoiding their adverse effects on freshwater?
3. Should commercial users of large amounts of water pay a resource rental for that water?

These are very apt questions and debate could be brisk, unless all candidates (and there could be as many as 16 attending!), say the same thing! I'd like to ask what each of those standing has done personally to improve water quality in Southland. That might be revealing.

Number Four

Samantha Telfar - "When making decisions about the environment, Robert looks for solutions that will last longer than just our lifetime".

Number Three

Merren McKay - " I've noticed that not only does Robert achieve, he does so with integrity and commitment in a sound, practical way".

Number Two

Robbie Fraser - "I work with Robert and know that he takes the task of protecting the natural environment seriously".

Supporters

While putting together ideas for a flyer to post around town (in the time honoured tradition of candidates for any election) I asked four generous friends if they would be happy to write a supportive sentence or two and sit for a photograph and here they are! Many thanks to Winnie Solomon, Robbie Fraser, Samantha Telfar and Merren McKay.

Winnie Solomon - "Robert knows the value of rivers, forests and sea to both Maori and Pakeha. His work at Te Wai Korari wetland is an example of his commitment".

Women Standing

Last night's forum in Invercargill showed that there are lot of women interested enough in local body politics to stand up and voice their opinions. I was interested to hear the Environment Southland candidates highlight water quality as the key issue. This ties in with the call by Fish and Game Southland for a forum on the 20th of this month to hear the views of all of the Invercargill/Rakiura candidates on freshwater. If you are interested to hear what each of the candidates has to say, come along to the Workingmen's Club at 7:30 pm. I'm looking foward to the chance to 'make a splash' with the freshwater topic, that's for sure!

Two Meetings

Last week I spoke to the Invercargill Herb Society about Open Orchard, the project to bring back Southland's apple orchards. We discussed a wide range of ideas including the future of Southland's home vegetable gardens, how young people often seem unaware of how their food is produced and the increasing rarity of drinkable water. The evening was a very enjoyable one and we covered a lot of ground! Thanks to the organisers for a very productive time.
I spoke again this Wednesday to a landusers group at the Aparima dairy farm of Peter and Glenys Williams about the progress of Open Orchard and the value of apples to Southland's farming community. We had a close look at the Williams' new 'old' orchard, planted with reliable, tried and true Southland apple varieties and were impressed by the progress the trees were making. Most of the people at the meeting bought heritage apple trees to plant at their homes and again, it was an enjoyable and productive time.

Diesel Factory

In the latest edition of the Southland Express, it was announced that, 'Solid Energy plan to build a lignite to diesel factory in Southland'.
This sounds like a 'dirty' industry.
Solid Energy must assure Southlanders that their plans will not put a black mark against our name.
Southland trades on a clean, green image. The development of a lucrative new industry mustn't put that at risk.