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.

Herald in the new generation of socially and environmentally responsible media.

Thanks to your messages of support and appreciation, all Happyzine members are invited to pay the super affordable price of $1 per week for their good news fix.  All paying members will automatically become members of Club Happyzine, which means they’ll automatically go in the draw to win great green gifts.

Every single cent will go towards supporting a world-changing, independent and highly positive media source on a mission to inspire positive environmental and social development, by sharing the inspiring stories of New Zealand and beyond.

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Editor and Founder

www.happyzine.co.nz

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.”

http://shop.greenpeace.org.nz/?link=button

As the Rena oil spill in the Bay of Plenty demonstrated, we must always be vigilant in protecting our beautiful and fragile environment from activities which threaten it.

This year’s Greenpeace calendar features beautiful pictures of endangered animals, stunning landscapes and brave activists. All images were taken by Greenpeace photographers in the field and help tell the story of our work on behalf of our planet.

Each month features a successful campaign that you helped to make possible and a reminder of what still needs to be done.  Plus we’ve included monthly eco-tips to help you green your own life.

If you are looking for an inspirational Christmas gift or just want something to lift your spirits each day order your Greenpeace calendar now and help us to continue making a difference.

Order Now!

Order your 2012 calendar online now or call             0800 22 33 44       to order by phone.

Yours for a green and peaceful 2012,

Maeve, Nick and the whole crew at Greenpeace.

What is World of Difference?

The rowing movement exercises the upper body so helping prevent Lymphedoma a building up of fluid usually in the arm in women who have had breast cancer, so here they are out training in a dragon boat. There was a time when not one of them could ever have imagined doing such a thing. Their focus now is the 2012 competitions where they hope to add a gold medal to the silver and bronze collected last year. Nothing can hold them back they are a very determined bunch. Their one draw- back is that they cannot practice on the harbour all year around as they do not own their own boat.

On the way back from Nationals earlier this year a plan was hatched…to create a calendar – not just any calendar. A calendar with team members posing “Calendar Girls” style with dragon boat props…  After a bit of encouragement, lots of laughs and a glass of wine these lovely ladies strip and show the world that their bodies are beautiful and breast cancer is a very real thing and they have survived! Photographer Greg Young generously donates his services.  Design layout decisions follow plus a few sleepless nights, finally the deadline arrives and the calendar rolls off the press.

What comes out is tasteful and fun, showing that these brave women are getting on and living life; that they are vibrant, fabulous, gorgeous and sexy despite what they
have been through. Perfect they are not with all shapes, sizes and ages. They are real women showing how indiscriminate this disease can be.

The Wellington Breast Cancer Survivors “Celebration of Women” Calendar 2012 will be launched on the evening of October 13 . Winnie Laban, herself a breast cancer
survivor speaking.

You can purchase “A Celebration of Women” Calendar 2012 from Iona.Elwoodsmith@gmail.com or online at WWW.gregoryyoungphotography.com

Joyce Elwood-Smith
Proud Mother-in Law of Miss October

Review:

“Her poems touch on our kind of lives, our kind of thoughts – the wonder of our bodies and our sexuality; a revered and beloved Mother Nature; conscious environmentalism; our universal connection; the pitfalls of globalisation and capitalism; spirituality.

“as though a soul could be defined by he or she as though there was a line between you and me as if my veins don’t grow into roots of a tree as though my blood’s not a drop of water swimming sea”

She skilfully combines rhyme and rhythm, the political with the personal. Juxtaposing images of beauty alongside images of destruction – an underlying message that we need to hold onto our heart intentions, hold dear our Planet, our Mother. Rethink the messages we are constantly bombarded with and decide our new realities, a new future.

“So hold the sufferings of this world in your heart brother.  There’s a lot to fit in so you’ll have to expand.  And stand.  Stop the mines! Hold the lines!  Reject their mutated seeds!  Resist their currency!  Plant a garden, feed the community, save the bees let grow the weeds let go the whole concept of weeds!”  Reviewed by by Hannah Schenker.

Happyzine – using media as a social and environmental change tool – the new generation of media.

“My dream is that one day hundreds of thousands of people will wake up each morning and check out the latest inspiring news about our communities and the planet on Happyzine – stories of leadership, unsung heroes, heart warming environmental change, positive community progress and green innovation that had previously passed by untold, or un-noticed.  My dream is for Happyzine to help shape a positive, healthy future for our babies.  My dream is for positive inspiring news -  stories of hope, equality, perseverance, visionary change, generosity and positivity to become mainstream! If you can even afford $1 per week you would make a positive difference for Happyzine.  You’ll become a member of Club Happyzine (which means you occasionally get offered free eco-friendly stuff) and you’ll be helping  Happyzine keep pumping out these future shaping messages, every day.”

Charlotte Squire

Founder, Happyzine.

Share your loose change with Happyzine each week as we change the face of mainstream media.

Pay what you can afford, every little bit makes a huge difference and will be put to great use.

Suggested scales:

Students or people on low income: $1 – $5 per week

People in workforce, on low income: $5 per week

Those earning middle range income: $10 – $20 per week

People fortunate enough to be on ‘high income’ (you decide!): $20 – $40 per week

One off donations are also greatly appreciated.

Kiwi’s can start A.P.s immediately to: 38-9006-0747456-00

Living overseas and like to contribute?  Happyzine accepts paypal.  Email charlotte@happyzine.co.nz to set up payments.

Happyzine is dedicated to inspiring positive community development and environmental change via good news.

Draw closes 7pm, Friday 30th September.

As a world leading adventure travel company, World Expeditions has partnered with UNICEF NZ to help raise funds and generate awareness of UNICEF projects in Nepal.

The UNICEF Sherpa Everest Trek is a 19 day adventure that departs New Zealand on 19 March, 2012.  The experience offers breath-taking mountain views, weaving through the famous Buddhist villages and monasteries of the Sherpa people, and the opportunity to visit local UNICEF projects.

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director at UNICEF NZ, said “It isn’t often people get the opportunity to see what we do for children across the globe. By joining the Sherpa Everest Trek you’ll have the unique opportunity to raise funds and meet the children who will directly benefit from your generous support.”

One of the projects the chosen ‘trekkers’ will visit is ‘The Urban Out of School Programme’. The project gives children aged between 10 and 14, who are not able to attend school because they are involved in child labour or are street children, a chance to learn basic literacy and numeracy as well as life skills.

Thanks to the  following environmentally responsible businesses for supporting Happyzine:

ECOtanka

• Eco-friendly –  Reusable for years upon years
• Safe & non-leaching – BPA free (bisphenol-A)
• Solid food-grade stainless steel – Super hygienic & clean

www.ecotanka.com

Tali Emdin, General Manager of World Expeditions NZ, hopes this trip will generate more awareness around UNICEF’s work in Nepal and inspire more people to consider charity travel as a way of seeing the world.

“Charity travel offers so much more to the regular travelling experience.  You get to support an organisation that you have just seen doing so much for the community you visited.”

“By accepting the challenge to trek high in the Himalayan Mountains you will help raise funds for UNICEF supported projects in Nepal and ensure the children you meet receive the education necessary to grow and thrive.”

The UNICEF Sherpa Everest Trek also features travel to Namche Bazaar, visiting Thyangboche Monastery and exploring off the beaten trails towards the alpine camp beneath the peak of Ama Dablam.

For more information on this Charity Travel adventure challenge and other World Expeditions packages, please call 0800 350 354 or visit www.worldexpeditions.com

-ENDS-

Thanks to PlanBig.com.

Animals play an important role in our lives with research showing that people who surround themselves with animals reap a number of benefits such as better health, work productivity and increased happiness.

Our animal-loving planners are playing their part to help our furry friends and there are many ways in which you can support them. Find out more about what they are doing below!

Paw-fectly yours dog training school

Myrianne Hamon has a passion for dogs and dreams of one day running her own puppy training school. She is already a certified Canine Myofunctional Therapist and is looking to become a qualified dog instructor in the hope that she can help dog handlers to train their dogs and prevent them from going to the pound. Find out if you can help Myrianne achieve her dream here.

Let’s get farm animals out of the cage

Pegs is passionate about animal rights and wants to improve the lives of caged animals in the meat, wool and egg industry that do not have the opportunity to live a cage-free life as nature intended. She wants to ban inhumane farming practices and educate people on how to make better choices when buying their food. Show your support here.

Doggies of Destiny on a mission from DOG

Doggies of Destiny aims to raise $100,000 for Assistance Dogs Australia, an organisation that trains Labradors and Golden Retrievers to help people with physical disabilities. They plan to drive across Australia, visiting every state, major city and small community from Sydney in 2012 to raise the funds. Check out their plan here.

DREAMING GREEN – CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING, SUPER INSPIRING ONLINE GREEN DREAM COURSES, INCLUDING A GREEN DREAM COURSE FOR PARENTS!

Check out this project and leave your comment on PlanBig.com

By Alison Triffett

Plan Description:

I want to create a FeelGood Calendar – 365 Acts of Kindness – with contributions from REAL people (and credits to those people). One deed per day to make both giver & receiver feel amazing. I’ll use the power of Social Media – Twitter & Facebook, Blogs etc to really help spread the love. Please help me!

My Big reasons are:

We all focus on the things that irritate us far too quickly. We can shift our focus onto ways we can harness some personal power by doing kind deeds for strangers. Expecting nothing in return, just seeing the smile on the recipient’s face (or imagining how they must feel when they receive your good-deed) creates a huge feel-good-factor for the giver! At Christmas, advent calendars are everywhere. And they are all about what we can GET each day in the lead-up to Christmas. If Christmas is supposed to be about giving, why are their none for sale that actually give children tasks to do each day – acts of kindness that they can give to others instead of expecting to receive something for every little “door” they open on their calendar. This idea really showed me how easy it is shift focus off ourselves and to think about spreading happiness to others. It can bring to our consciousness EVERY day, the little ways we can make a big impact and bring more happiness to others with very little effort, other than just looking for ways to do it! If we bring it to “front of mind” it can become almost addictive – you look at life differently, looking for ways you can do good deeds and make other people’s days much happier.

My plan will be a success when:

I have 365 unique Acts of Kindness contributed – one for every day of the year – all contributed by real people (with a name/contact provided as “credit” for their contribution. I don’t want to just get on a website and steal ideas from other sites. It’s the involvement of others’ contributions that makes it real and authentic. Up ’til now, I have had a number of ideas contributed,but too many duplicates. I want each idea to be unique/individual with a ‘contributor’ name attached…If I get more than 365, it can just keep going to cover 2 years or more. Now THAT would be amazing!

Contribute your Act of Kindness via the PlanBig site now.

Check out Happyzine’s dream to attract 100,000 subscribers to its good, green news.

For five days this August, thousands of Kiwis will be living below the international poverty line of $2.25 a day to cover their food budget. This difficult challenge is part of a new fundraising campaign called Live Below The Line, aimed at combating extreme poverty around the world.

These participants will use their daily experiences to bring extreme poverty to the centre of conversation in homes and workplaces. They will gain a better understanding of the daily challenges faced by those trapped in the cycle of extreme poverty, and at the same time, they will be fundraising for 5 different charities that are fighting poverty in a myriad of different ways.

These charities are Oxfam, Volunteer Service Abroad, Global Poverty Project, P3 Foundation, and Christian World Service.

Thanks to the  following environmentally responsible businesses for supporting Happyzine:

ECOtanka

• Eco-friendly –  Reusable for years upon years
• Safe & non-leaching – BPA free (bisphenol-A)
• Solid food-grade stainless steel – Super hygienic & clean

www.ecotanka.com

Will Watterson, Director of the Global Poverty Project, says “These participants will all be challenged. They will struggle without caffeine, and have a faint feeling of being not quite full for the whole week. They will pool money with flatmates, colleagues or family to make that $2.25 stretch just a little further.”

“They will do all of this because whilst they choose to struggle to Live Below the Line for one week, there are 1.4 billion people who have no choice other than to do it every day. Think about that figure – 1.4 Billion – that is over 300 times the population of New Zealand – living every day to live in the most abject poverty.”

For people who live in extreme poverty that $2.25 has to cover far more than food and drink. It has to cover everything – health, housing, transport, food, education. It is impossible to imagine, but it is the incomprehensible reality for an incredible number of people.

Many might think that $2.25 goes a lot further in developing countries. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The $2.25 figure represents the amount someone living in extreme poverty in New Zealand would have to live on, for all of their needs.

“We’d love a lot more people to get involved” says Watterson. “When they ran Live Below The Line in Australia earlier this year they raised AUS$1.4million for crucial anti-poverty initiatives. Wouldn’t it be great if we could match that! The difference it would make for those living in poverty would be immense”.

Anyone wanting to take the Live Below The Line Challenge, or support someone who is, can find out more at www.livebelowtheline.co.nz.

PREPARE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE PLANET – CHECK OUT THE HAPPYZINE GREEN DREAM COURSES

by Will Watterson

For 5 days in August, thousands of people across New Zealand will spend just $2.25 each day on food, and use their daily experiences to bring extreme poverty to the centre of conversation in homes and workplaces.

When I returned from a trip to a Burmese refugee camp in 2001, I knew my life was fundamentally changed. It was no longer just coffee (fairtrade organic) that got me up in the morning, but a passion to see a world free from poverty… one where human beings flourished.

In my ten years in community work I’ve been constantly blown away by the power that everyday people have to bend their natural creativity and passion towards fundamentally changing the world around them. There’s something special too about Kiwi ingenuity… that wonderful neighbourlyness that we are so well known for around the world.

As Director of the Global Poverty Project here in New Zealand, I’d always dreamed of finding a way that Kiwis could engage with bigger issues like poverty in a way that moved them to focus on the positive.. what is working, what can be achieved, and how we can be part of the solution.  It’s not surpsing then that this week in one of the most exciting weeks of my life to date!

The reason I’m excited is that we’ved just launched our flagship campaign, Live Below The Line (LBL). Quite simply, LBL allows thousands of people in New Zealand to better understand the daily challenges faced by those trapped in the cycle of extreme poverty, and builds a movement of passionate people willing and able to make a meaningful difference for those who need it most.

Thanks to the  following environmentally responsible businesses for supporting Happyzine:

ECOtanka

• Eco-friendly –  Reusable for years upon years
• Safe & non-leaching – BPA free (bisphenol-A)
• Solid food-grade stainless steel – Super hygienic & clean

www.ecotanka.com

The week of Live Below the Line is a week like no other. For 5 days in August, thousands of people across New Zealand will spend just $2.25 each day on food, and use their daily experiences to bring extreme poverty to the centre of conversation in homes and workplaces. We’ll all be challenged, we’ll struggle without caffeine, and have a faint feeling of being not quite full for the whole week. We’ll pool money with housemates, colleagues or family to make that $2.25 stretch just a little further! Money raised by participants through sponsorship gets directed to whichever one of the participating charities lights them up the most.

What excites me about LBL is not just that it will be a whole lot of fun (read: biggest flat budgeting mission EVER) but that it demonstrates what I believe is the future of the charitable sector – moving away from a ‘silo’ mentality into a spirit of working together. For LBL this year, five different aid organisations have come together under a common banner to offer a fun and education way of engaging with an issue that is usually a bit of a ‘downer’ for most of us. If that isn’t good news, I don’t know what is.

–

If you’d like to get involved in Live Below The Line, simply visit www.livebelowtheline.co.nz and sign up to get involved!”

- Will Watterson is the NZ Country Director for the Global Poverty Project, and the Campaign Manager for Live Below The Line NZ

Check out our upcoming Happyzine courses:

Green Dream Launch Pad Course – August

Green Dream Launch Pad Course – for Parents!

And you thought blasting out of the rough was tough?

Stars on Pars – new night golf event coming up in Wellington Supporting Special Olympics New Zealand Focused on changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Try finding your ball in the dark first.

Stars on Pars has teed off up north and is about to captivate Wellingtonians. If you think you are up to the challenge register now.

Teams of eight, made up of four players and four supporters, register to play at four Ambrose event.  They complete nine holes of the 18 with special competitive grade glow-in-the-dark balls. They can draw on their supporters to help them find wayward balls on the course. The courses are unlit – but there are ways to get around that using glow-sticks, the occasional torch or other cunning ploys to get ahead.

Stars on Pars has been created for Special Olympics New Zealand – the organisation that focuses on giving everyone a sporting chance especially those with intellectual disabilities. Kathy Gibson, CEO for Special Olympics New Zealand and herself a keen golfer, is thrilled to see this event get off the ground. “Our mantra at Special Olympics is to ‘be brave in the attempt’, and golfers taking part in this series will certainly need their wits about them as they drive their specially designed glow-in-the-dark golf balls up the fairway.”

Thanks to the  following environmentally responsible businesses for supporting Happyzine:

ECOtanka

• Eco-friendly –  Reusable for years upon years
• Safe & non-leaching – BPA free (bisphenol-A)
• Solid food-grade stainless steel – Super hygienic & clean

www.ecotanka.com

While part of the team entry fee of $1400 goes towards the costs of the tournament, the teams are encouraged to fundraise the remainder and more. “Given the current economic climate we need to think outside the square to create an event that is appealing as well as worthwhile. We’re targeting $100,000 to support our nationwide programme for more than 5800 athletes, including our top level golfers who boast some very impressive handicaps,” says Kathy Gibson.

Teams should get their registrations in now – Stars on Pars looks set to become the winter event that will demand the absolute best from everyone taking part, in more ways than one.

By the way, for how to deal with getting out of the rough try the training tips below from The Cut –New Zealand’s Number 1 Golf Magazine and supporter of Stars on Pars.

Green Dreamer? Check out our two August Courses: Green Dream Launch Pad (one month)  and the Green Dream Launch Pad for Parents (ten weeks).

The annual Polar Plunge is back with hundreds expected to turn out for a mid-winter swim on Petone Foreshore, Saturday 16 July.

It is a chance to celebrate the cooler months with a chilly dip and win great spot prizes.

Thousands of dollars worth of prizes are up for grabs including a 5-burner BBQ package and a $250 voucher both from Mitre10 Mega

There is also an incentive to dress up for the occasion with prizes for the best dressed individual and group.

The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser for local charity Wesleyhaven Vilage in Naenae and is organised by Hutt City Council with support from Mitre10 Mega and Classic Hits.

Entry is by gold coin donation.

Online pre-registrations are open at www.huttcity.govt.nz/polarplunge.

All entries received before 5pm on Wednesday 13 July will be entered into a special prize draw on the day.

Thanks to the  following environmentally responsible businesses for supporting Happyzine:

ECOtanka

• Eco-friendly –  Reusable for years upon years
• Safe & non-leaching – BPA free (bisphenol-A)
• Solid food-grade stainless steel – Super hygienic & clean

www.ecotanka.com

Registrations on the day open from 11am.

For further information contact Thomas Buchanan, major events coordinator on 04 560 0306 or email thomas.buchanan@huttcity.govt.nz.

The Corporate Style Club is an event that wraps together networking, fashion and tips for men and women who want to look good in their corporate settings – regardless of where that might be right now.

This fashion happy hour is the brainchild of Flair Image and 360 Degree Events – both local companies who are dedicated to helping the city rebuild. and believe that bolstering the confidence of the workforce will help.

“When we look good, we feel like we can take on the world,” says 360 Degree Events director, Karen Hamilton.

“The show will combine a professional runway show focusing on corporate looks for males and females with style tips and advice from Stephanie Rumble of Flair Image. She will show people how to select a combination of corporate items to enable you to create many different looks.”

As we pack ourselves into portacoms, spare bedrooms, and shoebox size offices, it can be challenging to maintain the professional demeanour we possessed on the morning of February 22. “Our office space might not be what it was, but looking the part and dressing well goes a long way towards boosting your confidence,” adds Stephanie.

Thanks to the  following environmentally responsible businesses for supporting Happyzine:

The Organic Green Grocer.

Nelson’s busy organic shop – healthy food, happy people, great service, caring for the environment.  Corner Tasman & Grove Streets, Nelson.  Ph 03 548 3650.

www.organicgreengrocer.co.nz

“When people look professional, they feel professional and when they feel professional they are more likely to present themselves to others in a confident manner … this will go a long way towards helping us rebuild the city we all love.”

Local designers, some who were, or still are without premises, are supporting the Corporate Style Club. Among them, Working Style who continues to work from the boot of a car – going into offices to custom fit men into suits.

The first fashion happy hour starts this Friday at 5.30pm at Elevate on Colombo Street. Tickets are available at www.corporatestyleclub.eventbrite.com.