[Scroll down page for Southland info]

Sustainable Living in Otago

CENTRAL OTAGO District is a partner in the programme. Your contacts here are Clair Higginson at REAP (see below) and Sophie Mander at the Council offices in Alexandra Ph. 03 440 0635 Email: sophie.mander (at)codc.govt.nz

REAP offer daytime and evening workshops in Alexandra and other towns. Details from Clair Higginson at REAP in Alexandra 03 448 6115 or 0800 267 327. Email: sustainability@coreap.org.nz

WAITAKI District is a partner in the programme. Your contact here is Gerry O'Neill  goneill (at)waitaki.govt.nz

Sustainable Living an evening course at Waitaki Boys High School in winter 2009. Future enquiries to Maxine on 03 434 0970 Email: ecowithmax@gmail.com

QUEENSTOWN LAKES District has been a partner in the programme, working through their education partners Wanaka Wastebusters Ph. 03 443 8606 ext 3. Emails: sophie@wanakawastebusters.co.nz  but in 2010 have needed to economise and withdrawn - let Stefan Borowy know if you'd like the council to rejoin next year!  stefanb@qldc.govt.nz 

DUNEDIN CITY Council is a partner in the programme. Your contact here is Jenny Neilson Ph. 03 474 3634 Email: jneilson (at)dcc.govt.nz 
Classes also organised 'in house' at Dunedin City Council for staff.

Recent courses were held at Middlemarch, St.Kilda, Dunedin City and St.Pauls.

The first four 2010 Sustainable Living courses just announced:
Central City daytime at Space2B (corner Filluel and St.Andrews) from Weds 3 Feb, 10am to 12 noon;
Central City evenings, at Space2B, from Weds 3 Feb 7-9pm;
Brockville community, held at Union Parish Hall (corner Brockville Rd and Caldwell) from Tues 2 Feb, 7-9pm; and
Course for students flatting, from Mon 22 Feb.

All courses are free but a koha/donation is welcomed ($35 to $45 suggested).
Maximum 14 places at each so advance registration is essential.
Book with Maureen Howard: 03 4739967 Email: mhoward@slingshot.co.nz or write c/o Water & Waste Services, Dunedin City Council PO Box 5045 and for background info see their website. < http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/sustainable-living/sustainable-living-course  >

Dunedin class series are often followed up by creating a 'sustainable suburb group' for participants who continue to meet at members' homes, on topics of particular interest and to share new skills. 

Dr Maureen Howard writes about the Dunedin courses:

"Evening courses to help people put sustainability ideas into practice, share practical tips that make a difference and can save you money. Find out how you can do your bit for for future generations of New Zealanders, and help the Planet by reducing your environmental impact or 'footprint'.

COURSE CONTENT: Introduction - Sustainability in the home. Making changes; Electricity - Efficiency and conservation, Renewables; Waste - Reduce/Reuse/Recycle; Composting; Shopping - Making better choices. Making your own cleaners; Gardening - Attracting wildlife, growing your own veggies; Water - Conservation, collection, reuse and keeping waterways clean; Transport - Travelling more sustainably;  Warm and Healthy Homes - Clean heating, condensation, building materials; Final - Community Focus."

Sustainable Living in Southland

ENVIRONMENT SOUTHLAND (Southand Regional Council) was until 2009 a partner in the programme.

Sustainable Living courses in the wider Southland region were coordinated through Southern REAP. 0800 111 117 or 03 236 6008  Email: enquiries (at)reap.co.nz  

Previous sessions included Organic Gardening on March 7 at Te Anau.  Book through REAP at  0800 111 117 or 03 236 6008  Email: enquiries (at)reap.co.nz   Previous REAP courses and day events held at Gore, Riverton, Winton, Mataura, Tuatapere and Te Anau. 

For Sustainable Living evening sessions at Aurora College, Invercargill, enquire through Annette Little 03 211 6040 or Email: alittle (at)auroracollege.school.nz   Previous sessions held in 2009 included March 11 How to garden naturally; March 18 Energy Efficiency, March 25 Reducing Waste and Sustainable Shopping,

Another venue involved has been Invercargill WEA, Ph. 03 218 8180.

Perhaps no course activity is listed here yet for your particular area of New Zealand? Nearly 30 councils, from the Far North to Dunedin, are already subscribers to the Sustainable Living Programme, but that's not all the potential. If you think your city, regional or district council might like to have access to and promote the programme, get in touch with South Island Coordinator Rhys Taylor now: 03 960 2656