Oxfam has extended this year’s Fair Trade Me celebrity auctions for a very special one-off auction with one half of New Zealand’s fourth most popular folk-parody duo, Oscar-winner and FIGWIT himself, Bret McKenzie. The auction launches today on Trade Me and coincides with the start of Fair Trade Fortnight.

McKenzie has generously placed himself on the auction block for Oxfam and the highest bidder will not only receive a guitar signed by Bret and his Flight of the Conchords partner Jemaine Clement, but also a sit down and a chat with Bret over a fair trade cuppa in Wellington. Sounds like a fair trade to us!

The auction follows on from the successful Fair Trade Me auctions in April that saw Kiwis bidding on Coffee Break dates with Sir Graham Henry, actors Shane Cortese and Michelle Langstone, Starfish fashion designer Laurie Foon and restaurateur Steve Logan. The auctions have been held in conjunction with Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break to help raise awareness of fair trade as well as funds for Oxfam’s work with communities throughout the developing world.

“Buying Fairtrade products is a simple way of making the world a better place. So go and buy them now. Stop what you’re doing and buy some Fairtrade goods,” said McKenzie.

“Move away from the computer. Stand up. Put some clothes on and go to the shops and get some Fairtrade stuff. What’s wrong with you? Why are you still reading this? Are you addicted to reading? Get a friend to help you stop reading. Meet them at a cafe and have a cup of Fairtrade coffee and talk about your reading addiction. Get moving. Hurry, before it’s too late to make the world a better place.”

McKenzie is right: buying fair trade is an effective way for shoppers to help growers work their way out of poverty—through better prices, decent working conditions, environmentally sustainable farming methods and investment in local community development.

Last year 40,000 New Zealanders celebrated fair trade by taking part in Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break, and this year has seen a record number of people, schools and workplaces sign up to host. All proceeds from the auctions and Coffee Breaks support Oxfam’s work towards a fairer, safer, more sustainable world. Find out more about Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break at www.oxfamcoffeebreak.org.nz.

Kiwis have ten days to bid on Bret at www.trademe.co.nz/stores/oxfam

In conjunction with the auction Oxfam has also extended signups for its popular Coffee Break event, being held all over the country. Limited packs are available to those who would like to host a fair trade Coffee Break and raise money for Oxfam’s work. To sign up, please visit www.oxfamcoffeebreak.org.nz – packs limited to first 200 hosts to sign up before May 11th.

Media Release

Tuesday 1 May 2012

For immediate release

CARROTMOBBING CAFES DURING FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

Last week, cafes selling Fairtrade certified coffee in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton participated in a bidding war to win the right to be mobbed by a mass of local consumers.  The ‘Carrotmob’, organised by social enterprise Conscious Consumers, rewards cafes that are demonstrating ethical practices.

“The Carrotmob concept is simple”, says Ben Gleisner, National Director of Conscious Consumers. “The cafés that pledges the highest percentage of money spent by the mob wins”. The pledges will help set up a solar power system to run the small office of a Fairtrade coffee farm in Papua New Guinea.  “Everyone benefits from a Carrotmob, and it is a whole lot of fun in the process”, Ben says.

In Auckland, the bidding was won by Cosset Café in Mt Albert with a pledge of 70%. This means for every $1 spent by the mob, 70 cents will go to the PNG solar power system. Kellie Gray, owner of Cosset, says “we’re really happy to have won Auckland’s first Carrotmob. We figured a big bid means we get to not only facilitate the cause but also truly donate ourselves and show we care”, she says.

In Wellington, Celcius Café in Petone won a tightly fought tussle with a bid of 45%. Co-owner of the café, Steph Fry, says “the auction was heaps of fun. We only just missed out on New Zealand’s first Carrotmob last year, so we’re totally stoked to have won this time”.  Steph encouraged everyone in the city to jump on the train out to Petone on mob day. “Our café is only 5mins from the station”, she says.

In Hamilton, the bidding is on hold due to a shortage of cafes stocking Fairtrade certified coffee. “We were in discussions with a few cafes that were looking to move to a Fairtrade coffee blend to be part of the event” says Ben Gleisner, “but we are yet to see this commitment on paper”. Sam Taylor, organiser of the Waikato Fairtrade Collective, says “it is a huge marketing opportunity for a café out there – we have heaps of people wanting to support the event and provide on-going business to the winning café”. The organisers are encouraging any Hamilton café that wants to take part in the Carrotmob to contact them this week.

Over 3000 people have been invited to the events (2-4pm on Sunday 20 May) through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Further details on the website: www.consciousconsumers.org.nz

Contacts

Ben Gleisner – (National Director of Conscious Consumers and Carrotmob NZ spokesperson)

0275162942 or info@consciousconsumers.org.nz

Links:

www.consciousconsumers.org.nz

www.carrotmob.org
The office of the PNG coffee farm that will receive the solar-powered system – photo taken yesterday!

For immediate release

20 April 2012

Cutting edge comedy, laughter and kiwi comedians combine for Amnesty International’s Secret Policeman’s Ball NZ

THE FREEDOM TO LAUGH

“The freedom to laugh to me means that you are allowed to do it no matter where you are in the world and no matter what it is you are laughing about,” said self confessed comedy nerd Rhys Mathewson.

“Comedy is the great thing that unites people.”

And for one night only the freedom to laugh will unite Amnesty International and a stellar line up of kiwi comedians as the world famous Secret Policeman’s Ball comes to New Zealand for the first time ever.

On Sunday 6th May at Auckland’s Comedy Chamber Rhys will join forces with the top of the New Zealand comedy crop, including Raybon Kan, Urzila Carlson, Wilson Dixon, Ewen Gilmour, Penny Ashton, Nick Rado and Simon McKinney, to tell a story about freedom of expression.

Launched by funny man and Monty Python member John Cleese back in 1976 the Secret Policeman’s Ball has had people rolling in the aisles in the United Kingdom for 35 years, and finally it’s time to do the same in Auckland.

While Urzila told Amnesty International she had heard of secrets, policemen and balls before, “but not together”, she has assured the organisation she has done her research and with her title of ‘Best Female Comedian’ at the 2010 and 2011 NZ Comedy Guild Awards she’s sure to come through with the laughs.

The freedom to outrage and provoke is essential to every comic, but in some countries “free speech” isn’t so free when it can cost you your liberty.

In Myanmar, comedian and satirist Zarganar was banned from performing publicly and was later sentenced to 35 years in prison for speaking out against the government.  He served four years of his sentence before being released in a prisoner amnesty last year.

Around the world, many more artists remain under lock and key.

“If I was not allowed to tell jokes I would go crazy,” said Rhys.

“I would be sitting alone in my flat playing Xbox and becoming the biggest hermit in the world”.

Amnesty International said that here in New Zealand we enjoy the ‘freedom to laugh’ so they are inviting New Zealanders to join them and the great comedians they have on board for one night of side splitting, cutting edge comedy.

The organisation wants the comedy show to draw attention to the plight of those artists currently in prisons and add weight to the campaign for freedom of expression as a human right for everyone.

What: The Secret Policeman’s Ball NZ as part of the 2012 NZ International Comedy Festival

Who: Rhys Mathewson, Raybon Kan, Urzila Carlson, Wilson Dixon, Ewen Gilmour, Penny Ashton, Nick Rado, Simon McKinney and Amnesty International.

        Where: Comedy Chamber @ Auckland Town Hall , Queen St, Auckland

When: Sunday 6 May at 7pm

Tickets: $35 from http://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/auckland/show/starring-urzila-carlson-wilson-dixon-rhys-mathewson-more

More information at www.amnesty.org.nz/secretball

Michelle Langstone is known for her stints on Shortland Street, Street Legal, McLeod’s Daughters, Power Rangers

Oxfam

CELEBS GIVE FAIR TRADE A FAIR GO WITH OXFAM

Kiwi celebs are up on the auction block this week to promote fair trade with Oxfam. The organisation’s Fair Trade Me auctions launch today on Trade Me, and for 10 days New Zealanders can bid for the chance to win fair trade coffee dates with their favourite celebrity or notable New Zealander.

Bidders can choose from five fantastic Fair Trade Me auctions including: a coffee with Sir Graham Henry at his favourite café; a cuppa on the set of Nothing Trivial with Shane Cortese; a morning learning culinary skills with chefs at top Wellington restaurant Logan Brown, followed by a degustation lunch with owner/chef Steve Logan; a visit to the Degas to Dali exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery and lunch with Almighty Johnsons actress Michelle Langston, and; a one on one mentoring session and goodie bag from Starfish eco-fashion designer Laurie Foon.

The Fair Trade Me auctions, held in conjunction with Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break, help raise awareness of fair trade and funds for Oxfam’s work with growers and producers throughout the developing world.

“Supporting the Oxfam Coffee Break campaign feels good,” says Wellington restaurateur Steve Logan. “It’s helping the little guy over the massive corporations and faceless shareholders. It’s easy to help just by choosing everyday Fairtrade-labelled products like bananas or coffee over others.”

Sir Graham Henry agrees: “It’s a pleasure to help struggling growers in developing countries get a better deal and in doing so meet some interesting people for coffee and a chat.”

Buying fair trade is an effective way for shoppers to help these growers work their way out of poverty—through better prices, decent working conditions, environmentally sustainable farming methods and investment in local community development.

The celebrity Coffee Breaks will take place with winning bidders during Fair Trade Fortnight, May 5-20, along with Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break. Coffee Breaks are social events hosted throughout the country in homes, workplaces, community centres and schools. Hosts sign up to receive free Fairtrade Certified goodies from Oxfam, including Caffe L’affare coffee, Scarborough Fair tea, Kokako drinking chocolate and Whittaker’s chocolate. In return, they invite friends, co-workers and schoolmates to share the treats and learn about fair trade.

Last year 40,000 New Zealanders celebrated fair trade by taking part in Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break, and this year Oxfam expects even more people to join in. All proceeds from the auctions and Coffee Breaks support Oxfam’s work towards a fairer, safer, more sustainable world. Sign ups end April 20.

The call is out! The 2012 Speight’s Brewery Environment Fund is now open for applications, and is seeking Dunedin-based conservationists to collect a share of the funding pool.

Dunedin-based for over 135 years, the Speight’s Brewery has a strong sense of pride in looking after its home region, and wants to support Dunedinites who wish to do the same.

Any Dunedin not-for-profit group that is passionate about caring for the environment can apply for The Fund’s support of their eco-friendly project.

Some past winners include:

Kaikorai Valley College: Kaikorai Stream Restoration Project.
The Kaikorai Valley College will use their share of The Fund to improve the native biodiversity and water quality of the Kaikorai Stream.

Nick and Stephanie Scott: Waikouaiti River Tributary Fencing and Planting Project.
Nick and Stephanie have allocated their funds to help them to protect and enhance a stream on their property via a protective fence and native plants creating an improved habitat for native species such as trout and whitebait.

Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Trust: Possum Control Programme.
This not-for-profit organisation is out to protect the beautiful landscape that is the Otago Peninsula, by putting in place a ‘Speight’s’ bait station line, to keep pesky possums out.

Tomahawk-Smaills Beachcare Trust:  Tomahawk Creek Restoration Project.
The Trust will use eco-source seeds from the Otago Peninsula to improve the Tomahawk Creek for its residents, such as blue and yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions.

“We can’t emphasise enough how keen we are to get as many entries as possible. Every year, Speight’s has a significant pool of money for The Fund, but it doesn’t always all go. If you have a project that fits, we’d love to give you the boost you need,” says Chris Snow, Speight’s Brewery Tour Manager.

“It’s always hugely exciting to see the great work that winners of The Fund do for the Otago environment. I’m really looking forward to watching this year’s winners make their impact,” adds Nigel Smith, Convener of Judges.

An annual donation of $25,000 by Speight’s makes up the base of the Fund (with an additional $21,603 leftover from last year’s Fund) and the remaining $6,942 comes from donations received for water taken from the Speight’s Brewery spring-water tap, and the money made from the sale of reusable water bottles at the Speight’s Brewery Tour store.

Applications can be made through the Speight’s Environment Fund website directly or you can download an application form and email it to applications@speightsfund.co.nz. Applications close 30 April.

www.speightsfund.co.nz

Picture by Tim Cuff 021 110 5786 - 11 December 2009 - track maintenance and building at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, Nelson

New Zealand is positioned to take a lead on global environmental issues, according to former Microsoft CFO Chris Liddell who is addressing business leaders in Nelson this week.Liddell is speaking to the Institute of Directors on Wednesday night, as the guest of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.

He has an impressive CV that includes a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from Auckland followed by Master of Philosophy from Oxford. He was recently vice chairman and CFO of General Motors. Previously he was CFO of Microsoft, CFO of International Paper and CEO of Carter Holt Harvey. He was also the former chairman of Project Crimson, a director of the New Zealand Rugby Union and a trustee of the New Zealand Sports Foundation.  He is currently involved in a number of philanthropic projects in New Zealand and is a trustee of the New Zealand Institute.

Liddell says people tend to overestimate the short term impact of trends and underestimate the long term impact.

“In the long term it is clear that environmental issues will be a significant threat to both global growth andhuman wellbeing, he says.

“They will also however be an opportunity for some countries to take, and benefit from, a leadership position. New Zealand could be, and should be, one of those countries.”

Hudson Dodd, recently appointed GM of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust, says having Liddell speak to the Institute of Directors and other business leaders in Nelson is a great opportunity for them and for The Brook Sanctuary project.

“We are ramping up our public profile as part of our capital fund raising campaign for funds to build a 14km pest-proof fence around the sanctuary watershed,” he said.

“Chris Liddell is an inspiring Kiwi, a prominent corporate figurehead, a philanthropist, and a conservationist who can see a strong role for New Zealand as we deal with the issues facing the planet.”

The talk on Wednesday night is only open to members and offered to the Institute of Directors, with pre-registration required and available through their web site: www.iod.org.nz. $5 from each registration fee will be donated to The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust.

The Sanctuary is a haven for all animals, with a focus on three main areas of work:

Native Birds

We rehabilitate and release native New Zealand birds back into the wild.

Rescue Animals

The Sanctuary is a permanent home and refuge for abandoned, abused, and forgotten animals.

Battery Hens

We rehabilitate and rehome ex-battery hens throughout the Auckland region.

Check out the website for the story of the Animal Sanctuary.

View this video below to learn about what we do:

The Department has facilitated this initiative which has been driven by a large group of Prisoners who want to make a tangible contribution to the Christchurch Community. Naturally their capacity to contribute is limited due to their circumstances and utilisation of their artistic talents is a positive way to realise their goal to help others who have suffered.

The completed artworks include acrylic paintings on canvas and larger carved/painted pieces on wood, sculptures in clay and paper, pencil drawings, and traditional and contemporary carvings that have been carved from wood donated from Christchurch’s red zone.

Could you please take the time to send on to work colleagues, friends, family or people you feel may be interested. There are a number of amazing works of art that have been donated by prisoners, which are available for purchase on the night, some of these are fitting and relevant for the business environment and we are hoping that sales generate a good contribution for the relief fund.

Welcome one and all to our first school fair. On the 31st March at Onekaka Hall from 12noon until 8pm there will be a fun day out for families and friends.

There will be something for everyone including children’s zone and activities, food and beverage stalls, live music, public speaker, information space, all day raffle prizes and more.

All proceeds from this event will go towards actualising Kahurangi School.

We are requesting the support of our community to enhance the success of the upcoming event. If you can help in any of the following ways it would be most appreciated. On the day volunteers, performers, stall donations, such as baking, food and beverages, bric-a-brac, craft, books, toys, and clothes. In addition any gifts for raffle prizes would be fantastic.

Please contact the following organisers; Nick (Music) 525 7138, Sybille (Children’s activities) 525 7138, Guinevere (Donations and all other matters) 525 9740.

I’m an educator, teacher, advocate, campaigner and celebrator on everything to do with global, social and environmental justice. I have been extremely lucky to volunteer, teach, learn and travel to over 50 countries and mainly in developing countries. From these experiences I have learnt we are all wonderful humans in a beautiful world and should be treated with the same amount of respect, interest and love. Everything I do is based around this and always in a happy, positive, can-do, fun approach.

My latest exploit to inform and inspire others to foster this connectedness is a cycling tour in April and May in north-western America.

Representing the Global Poverty Project and the Live Below the Line campaign I will ride 1000 miles giving global awareness presentations and eating on less than US$1.50/day (the definition for people living in extreme poverty [for everything]). Join me for the ride – http://lunnyLBTL.wordpress.com

After first falling in love with this country as I rode around the South Island in 2009 my ultimate dream is to settle in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2013. I will aim to establish a youth and schools presentation and program for the Global Poverty Project as I have done in Australia for the past two years.

Aotearoa New Zealand is my ultimate destination to:

• Integrate into a community – suggestions welcome but will have to beat Paekakariki
• Promote community participation, active citizenship and volunteering,
• Establish a sustainable living model and education project (have the proposal on the sketch pad if you want to know more)
• Run, walk, bike on every possible trail this beautiful nature has to offer
• Find a nice Kiwi lass! I’m 33 fit, health and love the world…!
• Learn

For this year get yourselves familiar with the Global Poverty Project and in particular the Live Below the Line campaign in September, follow my journeys through my blogs and think about informing and inspiring your youth and community with a 1.4 Billion Reasons presentation in 2013 when I will be back to settle in this pure natural and human country.

Many Thanks

d’Arcy.

If you are interested in why I would ride 1000 miles Living Below the Line then please read below:

WHY

• I am not doing this to self promote, fish compliments or impress anyone
• This trip is a product of experiences, learning and inspiration from the past 11 years of travel, volunteering and learning, especially in developing countries
• I want to advocate and be the middleman

o        Hopefully for the first time people will be drawn to do Live Below the Line from May 7-11 (AU, US, UK) and September 20-24 in New Zealand

o        Others will be able to see if I can do it riding for a month riding a bike, Live Below the Line is possible for them for five days

o        Hopefully they will also see it will be a great experience with lots of learning, empathy and inspiration

o        What I am doing is beyond the campaign but it is nothing compared with the 1.4 billion people in the world who live in extreme poverty every day with no assurances of an end

• I love simplicity and seeing the world in that light – I know I will learn a lot with powerful perspectives and insights
• I want to show the amazing resilience, resourcefulness and unrelenting hope and hard work of people who live in extreme poverty
• I want to empower the people who live in extreme poverty – so we see them as truly remarkable

o        From this point we can understand and take action in support – not through pity, guilt or sadness

• There is no better way to see a place and it’s people than on a bike sharing stories and lives
• I’m a human just as important and insignificant as anyone else and this is what I do, just as others do with equal commitment and purpose as students, parents, workers, volunteers, etc…
• I want to see everyone have access and opportunity, voluntary simplicity and a perpetual smile as I am lucky to have
• Offer an example for more people to live within the capacity of our environment, and enjoying it
• Advocate nature, cycling, simplicity, sustainability, healthy lifestyles, community interaction
• Hits and giggles – the world is a wonderful place to have fun… why not!
• I live, learn and act to see a world without extreme poverty anymore

Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break is enjoyed each May during Fair Trade Fortnight when people throughout the country get together to taste the Fairtrade difference and fundraise for Oxfam’s work towards a fairer, safer, more sustainable world.

Coffee Breaks are easy to organise, fun and completely flexible to suit your location.  Coffee Breaks can be hosted in your home, workplace, school, community hall, local park – wherever!

In 2011 more friends, workmates, students, community groups and families got together in support of Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break than ever before with over 1000 Coffee Breaks hosted and more than 40,000 people taking part.

In 2012 more hosts and participants than ever will take part in something big. Join them by hosting your very own Coffee Break this May and together we can celebrate fairness in good company.

Money raised at your Coffee Break will make a big difference in the lives of people across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Let us show you how.

Sign up now

Volunteer roles like this are a life changing experience and they give opportunities to gain skills, experience a different culture and set you on the path to job opportunities that do good…Sound like something you’d be keen to do? Check out the job roles at BERUDA in the latest jobs.

Past BERUDA volunteer, Michelia Ward (current role Trade Aid Development Manager)

In August 2011, I went back to Cameroon for the first time since 2003 where I spent the year as a volunteer for BERUDA in a small rural community off the tourist trail. In 2003 I had no idea what I was going to find, whether it was even a legitimate organisation and how long I was going to stay. This time I went knowing I was going to spend two weeks catching up with all the people I had thought about a lot of over the last 8 years and that it was going to be hard to leave when my two weeks were up.

I had timed my return to coincide with the wedding of the BERUDA Director’s daughter. Joy and I had become close during my stay and we had stayed in touch. It seemed like the perfect excuse to book my flight back – and it was. I was treated like a VIP having come halfway around the world for it, and it really is halfway around the world – if you don’t want to travel non-stop and do it in around 40 hours which I did this time, then you can take the route I took in 2003 which involved 8 flights, 6 days and three stop offs to check out the various countries along the way! The wedding itself was a cultural experience with nothing going to plan, nothing on time, yet with amazing dancing, singing, speeches and the most good fun I could’ve imagined. I was introduced as the bride’s sister and told I was now a ‘daughter of Kom’ (Kom being the name of the local culture) so I felt honoured and accepted and welcomed in a way I hadn’t dared to dream of.

I spent the rest of the time in the village, attending meetings and events organised by BERUDA and collecting information so I could bring their website up-to-date (www.beruda.org). I set up the website on my return to NZ in 2004 because they didn’t have one when I first went over. Since that time, many many volunteers have visited – either to volunteer or to participate in responsible tourism projects – and the facilities for volunteers now are world class compared to what I had in 2003! Mobile phones now get service and there is internet in the village for a start. There are more than four types of vegetables available and more than three books in the bookshelf (two of which were in German, and War and Peace which kept me company as my only form of solitary entertainment). Now volunteers use wifi and bring laptops and TV series, and I think the balance of living in a traditional village while still having access to news from family, friends and English movies now provides an easier experience, albeit still challenging our western comfort zone!

Before leaving I decided to go back and do a home-stay with one of the families that I trialled when we set up the responsible tourism programme. It was a Fulani family – the other main culture living in the area – who live higher in the mountains than the lower dwelling Kom, and whose religion is Islam. Fulani used to live nomadic lifestyles but have now staked their claim on the hills surrounding Belo. Al Haji Sali remembered me and was incredibly excited that the girl who had started the process of him receiving visitors from around the world, had returned. A homestay with Fulani gives you the chance to ride horses around the mountains and see the beautiful views that would take you hours to get to on foot. Two of the boys from the family were our guides and on the way home we became part of a cow herding process as they brought the cows home for the night, it was a great experience to be a part of.

I had the chance to visit orphans living with grandparents and extended family who had received goats for breeding to help with school fees and hospital bills. I visited widows groups being given lemon trees to plant for health and income generation purposes and other widows being given microfinance loans to start small businesses. I heard plenty of singing and laughter and everywhere I went I saw small bits of progress. However considering it has been eight years I was aware that the progress has been slow, and this is because funds are short, organisations like BERUDA are rare in this part of Cameroon, corruption is high and infrastructure is scarce.

Change is happening but it could do with a little hurry up… I came back reinvigorated to support BERUDA as best I could from New Zealand and hope that the progress continues and that the village can continue to increase their income, health and education levels to ensure the rich Kom culture thrives and survives.

If anyone reading this has an interest in being considered for a volunteer opportunity with a great organisation like BERUDA, check out the job descriptions available at www.dogoodjobs.co.nz:

Responsible Tourism – http://dogoodjobs.co.nz/jobs/responsible-tourism-role/

Marketing and Sales – http://dogoodjobs.co.nz/jobs/marketing-and-sales-role/

or learn more at www.beruda.org

1. What’s the purpose of Litefoot Trust?

Established in 2008, Litefoot is a charitable trust that seeks to inspire New Zealanders to become environmental champions. Fronted by seven of New Zealand’s top sportspeople, Litefoot seeks to inspire Kiwis by example, to make simple lifestyle changes to reduce their environmental impact, ensuring that future generations are able to enjoy the beauty of clean, green New Zealand.

Their mission? To activate the sports and business communities of New Zealand so that they collectively reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million tonnes. Their approach? A positive, inspiring message that simplifies and reframes environmental action as a fun way to free up resources for sport, communities and future generations.

2.  What’s Litefoot Trust‘s background, what inspired its beginning and how has it grown over time?

Intrigued by the pulling-power that high-profile sportspeople carry, sports marketer Hamish Reid and pro-golfer Michael Campbell began conceptualising Litefoot back in 2005. “Sports heroes cut a direct track to the hearts of billions of people across all cultures. We admire attributes like dedication, loyalty, perseverance, teamwork and winning in the face of seemingly impossible odds,” says Hamish. The question was, could sports heroes, by taking action in their own lives, engage a broad spectrum of people in addressing their own environmental impact? Could tangible action be infused with the spirit of sport – teamwork and competitiveness – to boost uptake?

Fastforward six years, and seven Litefoot Ambassadors – Michael Campbell, Barbara Kendall, Brendon McCullum, Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell, Daniel Kereopa and Conrad Smith – are each undertaking a personal ‘Rapid Revolution’ in order to reduce their personal impact upon the environment. Their emissions-generating activities are recorded and each month, and the results are reported in a league table through which the Ambassadors compete for podium position. Litefoot seeks to make the efforts of the Ambassadors highly visible through the use of web, social and traditional media so that many New Zealanders are inspired to follow their lead. But it doesn’t stop there. Litefoot’s awareness-building programme is complemented by three action-oriented business and community engagement programmes: Liteclub help sports clubs measure and reduce their environmental impact. Team Challenge is all about teams in workplaces competing to reduce their impact at home, and Bluprint is the consulting arm of Litefoot, coaching top organisations to thrive in the context of a rapidly changing world and to achieve great environmental and social goals that boost economic performance.

3.  Can you describe some exciting change Litefoot Trust has helped facilitate, or is currently working on?

Transformation toward a more sustainable future requires not only Governments and businesses, but citizens to understand, embrace the issues and take action in a personal way. The environmental sustainability challenge is therefore a great challenge of communications to the masses. It is Litefoot’s ongoing ambition to affect measurable, reportable change across business and community scales.

The vision is being realised – Liteclub will have 330 clubs participating in the programme by 2014, Team Challenge will have more than 50,000 employees competing in teams at launch mid-year, and Bluprint is consulting to top organisations such as NZ Rugby Union, Les Mills and the International Olympic Committee.

4.  What are the future aspirations of Litefoot Trust?

We imagine moving people to change our world by inspiring sport-loving Kiwis to be lite-footed. This means being quick and nimble on our feet so we’re able to respond to inevitable change. It means being lite on the land and feeling uplifted and positive whilst doing so. It means doing more good than harm. If enough of us take action we’ll quickly move toward solutions that allow life to thrive – zero waste, 100% clean energy, faster adoption of clean tech, regeneration of depleted land, restoration of lost waterways. Litefoot’s key message is that if we all take small steps, we’ll make big leaps together.

5.  Would you like to share anything else about Litefoot Trust?

We seek proactive, engaged sports clubs to join our Ministry for the Environment and ASB Community Trust funded LiteClub programme. Are you (or a family member or friend) a member of a sports club?

If their sports club interested in saving money by signing up to LiteClub, please ask them to get in touch with us (email liteclub@projectlitefoot.org). LiteClub is an entirely free service for sports clubs.

www.projectlitefoot.org

By the team at the Hikurangi Foundation

Mark your calendars, 14-21 April 2012 the inaugural Tour of New Zealand cycle ride hits the road.

The Basics

The Tour of New Zealand is an 8-day, epic road ride taking in km after km of iconic NZ scenery (and keeping to the quieter roads where possible), described by organisers as, “the most dramatic, accessible multi-day cycling stage race ever to hit New Zealand. It’s an 8-day amateur event designed to celebrate everything good about cycling, scenery, competition and community, played out on some of the best roads the country has to offer.”

You choose to cycle either the North or the South Island, 716 km Cape Reinga to Wellington, or 777km Bluff to Picton. Then on day 8, riders from both islands will converge for a final showdown round the Beehive.

And, it’s not just about soaking up the scenery while feeling the wind in your hair…

When you fill in your online entry form, you’ll have the chance to tick a box to say that you want to ride to raise funds for the Hikurangi Foundation. Tick the box!!  Why?  Well…

Turn your ride into a Hikurangi fundraiser and 100% of the money you raise will go directly back to enabling better and safer cycling in New Zealand, supporting community-led cycling projects and innovative transport solutions.

We’re looking to get as many bikes on the Tour as possible, so there are many options for how to tackle the ride.  You can enter by yourself or as a team with anywhere from 3 to 70 people!

Team Rules

Teams must have between 3 and 5 cyclists on the road at all times.  Whether those are the same people for the full Tour, or you ride it as a relay, is up to you.  You can change riders daily, halfway through the race, or even swap riders partway through a day. For example, you could enter a 3, 4 or 5 person team and ride every km together, or enter a team of 15 and take it in turns.  The possibilities are endless.

You need not be Lance Armstrong to enter (though if he calls we’re not turning him down).  The Tour can be ridden as a race, competing for the daily stage winner prizes, or you can take it on for the pure challenge of crossing the finish line, not to mention the pure joy of seeing the gorgeous scenery New Zealand is so famous for, at a pace that allows you to take it all in, and looking pretty fit as a result!

Put your pedal power into work to support community cycling projects and smarter mobility

The Tour of NZ isn’t just another cycle race; organiser Peter Yarrell wanted to put together an event that showcases New Zealand’s incredible cycle touring potential, AND puts all its pedal power to good use. Hikurangi and Tour of NZ are partnering together, so that the Tour isn’t just about one great bike ride, but being a fundraising event means that it’s also about supporting community cycling projects and community-led innovative transport solutions to create lasting effects for years to come.

When you fill in your online entry form, you’ll be asked to select which charity that you want to ride to raise funds for.  This is your chance to select the Hikurangi Foundation. Tick the box!

Sign Me Up!

This is the first year of the Tour of New Zealand, which you have to admit is a little bit special.  Make sure you can say, “I was there when…”

Enter ASAP at www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz.  Signup now! All early entries get a bottle of wine (not guaranteed to help your training).

Entering early also gives you plenty of time to sort out your accommodation and transport – and of course find a good support crew driver or two.  Please let us know if you have entered or are considering it but would like some advice.  The more the merrier!  We have some savvy cyclist friends who have agreed to help us help you – with training and nutrition guides, and be on call for general questions.  Hikurangi will be entering one team on each island so we’d love it if you rode with us!

The Nitty Gritty
Individual entry is $500. Team entry is $400 per bike on the road. E.g team of 3 equals $1200, team of 4 equals $1600, team of 8 with 4 riders on the road at any one time also equals $1600. Tight budget? Enter a bigger team and split the cost between more people! Plus, there is a special reduced entry fee of $300 per bike on the road for student teams.

See full details, including race maps, and sign up online at www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz and select Hikurangi as your preferred charity! You’ll be supporting projects that will help to spark a positive cultural shift for cycling in New Zealand.

Download the pdf of this information here.

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Editor and Founder

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My name is David Visser, and I’m from Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand. My elder brother Wilf is living with a rare and fatal motor neurone disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  In his earlier years, Wilf was a top athlete in both cycling and running, representing South Africa twice at the Commonwealth games. At his peak, he completed the half marathon in 1hr 7min. He started showing symptoms of ALS in 2008. He is only 51 years old, with a wife and a young son, who are doing their best to keep things together in the face of this terrible disease.

My elder brother Wilf and I are very close. He’s my brother in the truest sense of the word. As I think about the losses he suffers on so many levels, like missing out on teaching his son great running and cycling techniques, or playing games with his family and friends, I feel a deep sense of grief. My heart breaks as I pour myself out before God but my brother is so strong. He has always been inspiring, but since his diagnosis, he has turned to God, who’s been knocking at his door for a long time. Now my brother is more inspirational than ever, a living testament to overcoming tragedy. He inspires everyone he meets. What more can I say, he’s so cool, he’s my brother.

What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS]?
ALS is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. In ALS patients, nerve cells waste away and die, and can no longer send messages to muscles. This leads to muscle weakening, twitching, and eventually an inability to move the arms, legs and body. The condition slowly worsens until, when the muscles in the chest area stop working, it becomes hard or impossible to breathe on one’s own. ALS affects five out of every 100,000 people worldwide and in New Zealand, there are about 300 ALS sufferers. There is more information on the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association of New Zealand’s website, http://mnda.org.nz.

The fundraising project:
I’m blessed to be able-bodied, and feel compelled to do something to raise awareness and support for those suffering this terrible disease here in New Zealand, and in the process, help my brother too. He can no longer work, has a young family, and has had to make several modifications to his home to accommodate his ever-increasing disability.

I’m passionate about riding my motorcycle, so I’m planning to ride the length of New Zealand, from Bluff to Cape Reinga, in three days, to raise both money in support of my brother, his family and the Motor Neurone Disease Association of New Zealand. All funds raised goes directly to my Brother and his family (65%) and to MND NZ (30%) who have shown strong support of this idea. The remaining 5% goes to the http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/fortheloveofmyBrotherWilf website administration.

I have a fundamental belief that we can make a difference in the world.

I have planned the ride for the 4th, 5th and 6th Feb 2012 (Waitangi Weekend).
Friday 14 October 2011
Saturday 4th, Bluff to Picton.
Sunday 5th, Wellington to Tauranga.
Sunday 6th, Tauranga to Cape Reinga.

To ensure the full distance is being covered on my ride, I’ll ask the local police to officially see me off in Bluff and again in Picton, with the same when leaving Wellington and arriving in Cape Reinga.

How to donate to my Project,

1. Online using this link http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/fortheloveofmyBrotherWilf
2. By direct credit to the following dedicated Bank account for this project
National Bank
06-0565-0829326-00
3. By cheque made out to: Motor Neurone Disease Association
NOTE: on the back of the Cheque the project name “for the love of my brother, Wilf’
• Mail the cheque to
o Motor Neurone Disease Association
o PO Box 2176
o Wellington
I’d be happy to take any questions
Regards
David Visser
david.visser@paradise.net.nz
0297724545

Click here to view the embedded video.

UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)

Media Release

22 November, 2011

Jonah Lomu Becomes New Ambassador for UNICEF NZ

-       www.inspiredgifts.org.nz –

Rugby legend Jonah Lomu has taken on an important new role as Ambassador for UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund). He joins famous Kiwi supporters of the children’s charity like Hayley Westenra and Mike McRoberts, as well as global sports stars such as Novak Djokovic, Fernando Alonso and Manchester United FC who all represent UNICEF in their home countries.

Jonah said, “My kids mean the world to me and I’m doing everything I can to give them the best start in life, but there are so many children around the world who are disadvantaged from the time they are born.

“I want to help change those kids’ lives and becoming an ambassador for UNICEF NZ is the best way for me to do that. It is an amazing charity doing so much in New Zealand and globally to make a difference for children – I’m so proud to call myself an Ambassador!”

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director of UNICEF NZ, said “Jonah Lomu is a hero to so many New Zealanders, young and old, so we’re very excited that he has joined the UNICEF team to help save and protect children around the world.

“Jonah is in great company with so many global sports stars acting as UNICEF Ambassadors. We strongly believe in sport and play because they are vital elements in the health, happiness and well-being of children and young people, so Jonah is the perfect fit. We’re looking forward to a long partnership together.”

Jonah’s first job as Ambassador is fronting the charity’s Say No to Naff campaign, which encourages people to buy an Inspired Gift from UNICEF NZ this Christmas instead of giving ‘naff’ presents to loved ones!

A UNICEF Inspired Gift has the potential to last a lifetime for children and their families in developing countries. All you need to do is choose an item, from polio vaccines to story books, and UNICEF guarantees it will be delivered straight to a child that needs it. Loved ones then get a personalised card letting them know about the thoughtful purchase made in their name.

Jonah added, “We’ve all received (and probably given!) the odd dodgy Christmas gift in our time, so this year why not Say No to Naff and instead buy an Inspired Gift from UNICEF? You’ll be changing kids’ lives in over 60 countries all over the globe from Cameroon to Cambodia – that’s the kind of gift I think all of us would want to receive under the Christmas tree.”

Dennis McKinlay said, “Last year Kiwis purchased almost a million litres of clean water (through the provision of water purification tablets), 1000 story books, 13,000 polio and measles vaccinations and 50,000 school exercise books! Inspired Gifts from UNICEF are a real way to make a tangible difference and we guarantee that each item will be delivered to the field where the need is greatest.

“So why not follow in Jonah’s footsteps, Say No to Naff and say Yes to an Inspired Gift by going to www.inspiredgifts.org.nz .”

Date 19 Nov 2011

White Ribbon Ride

The White Ribbon Ride against violence to women begins today and travels to over 80 communities with events in each location. The ride began in 2009 and for the first time includes the South Island. Led by the Patriots and Te Ahi Kikoha (The Sharpened Flame), the ride deliver excitement and messages for a violence free world.

What:                                     White Ribbon Ride

Where:                                  Across New Zealand. Itinerary attached

When:                                    Saturday 19 November to Sunday 27 November

Background:

The North Island ride travels down from Hamilton to Porirua where it splits into and East and West Wind travelling back up the country to Auckland and then through to Bream Bay. The ride is organised by the Families Commission as part of the White Ribbon Campaign.

The South Island Ride travels down the East Coast and back up the West splitting at Westport, with one side travelling to Christchurch while the other goes north.

Further information on the White Ribbon Ride here

UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)

Media Release

9 November 2011

UNICEF NZ Launches New Book to Champion Kiwi Kids’ Rights

UNICEF NZ is launching a new children’s picture book ‘For Each and Every Child’/ He Taonga Tonu te Tamariki’, to celebrate and champion the rights of children in New Zealand.  The book’s launch coincides with the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC).

During the week beginning Sunday 20 November, the book will be launched at libraries, schools and childhood centres across New Zealand. The ‘Read & Rights’ events will introduce the book to children in their local communities so that children can learn about and discover the relevance of their own set of human rights

‘For Each and Every Child/He Taonga Tonu te Tamariki’ is illustrated by New Zealand artists and written in a way that children will understand and enjoy. The book features Maori text alongside the English, with a foreword written by Chief Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft.

UNICEF’s National Advocacy Manager, Barbara Lambourn said, “‘For Each and Every Child – He Taonga Tonu te Tamariki’ is a unique and inspiring book with an important message. It celebrates our children’s rights and gives us the opportunity to tell Kiwi children, their families and their iwi about those rights through their own language and imagery.”

Last year UNICEF NZ joined forces with child advocates in Christchurch to trial ‘Read & Rights’ events which aimed to raise awareness of reading about and discussing children’s rights using a UK version of the book. With more than 400 children and 100 adults, including 64 early childhood students, the response was very enthusiastic and paved the way for a New Zealand edition of the book produced by Learning Media.

Ms Lambourn added, “Getting children to read about and understand their rights is very important in raising awareness of the concept and we’re thrilled that local libraries and early childhood centres are working with UNICEF NZ to make this happen.

“The book’s launch and accompanying ‘Read and Rights’ events coincide with the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention On the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989 – one of the most key events for children in history. Please get involved with an event near you and help ensure everyone understands the important of our children’s rights,” Ms Lambourn said.

UNCROC was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989 and subsequently by New Zealand in 1993. To find out more about For Each and Every Child – He Taonga Tonu te Tamariki and events happening in your area, please visit http://www.unicef.org.nz/ReadAndRights

When ZM breakfast host Polly Gillespie raises a glass to celebrate her birthday next February, it’ll be filled with juice.

She’s taking part in FebFast, which challenges New Zealanders to give up drinking alcohol for a month in February to raise money for charities working with young people affected by drugs or alcohol.

“I love a good drink or two but FebFast is a chance to take a break from the booze after all the socialising that goes on in December and January,” she says. “And it’s about giving a helping hand to community organisations which are doing some really challenging work with young people.”

Polly is encouraging others to join her in FebFast. Details about how to register can be found at www.febfast.org.nz.

Nearly a thousand people took part in the first FebFast, which was held in February 2011 and raised more than $100,000 for youth charities in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. People raised money via sponsorship, either individually or in teams of friends, family or workmates.

Polly was an ambassador for FebFast 2011 and says it was a real eye opener seeing people’s reactions when she told them she was giving up alcohol for a month.

“We have a very celebratory culture in New Zealand and we do everything with alcohol. When you don’t drink, people are almost offended by it. It’s like ‘oh, you’re no fun!’.

“I found it really disappointing that nobody I knew personally jumped on board to take part in FebFast with me last time. It’s as if it’s too hard to ask ourselves these questions about how much and how often we’re drinking. I’m hoping it will be different this time round though – I want lots of people to do FebFast with me!”

She says taking part in FebFast made her realise she wanted to be more in control of her drinking.

“It’s about being more aware and being responsible for what you’re doing.”

FebFast Coordinator Catherine Milburn says FebFast is all about participation, having fun and focusing on health and personal reflection.

“It’s about pressing pause on our busy lives and creating some space to think about the year ahead, and about raising money to support the valuable work being done with young people around the country.”