While we sleep, our body slows down to rest and rejuvenate. Fasting three hours before hitting the Land of Nod, assists your body to work most efficiently in the art of regeneration. When you feel ready to tuck in, wallow in a wake-up breakfast that allows your body to attain the nutrients it needs to help you propel through your day.

Personally, I like to start my day with a glass of water spiked with fresh lemon juice, followed by a glass of sunshine … but my beloveds like to get through at least three courses. Depending on the day ahead determines the state of play. Slow-releasing food in the form of perky porridge, grawnola or pancakes fills them with bliss and supports very important playing, energy levels and the ability to concentrate on longer tasks. For special occasions, I love to create magical mornings starting with chocolate cake, ice cream or mousse. For quick, ‘we gotta get outa the house now breakfast’, buckwheaties cereal with nut milk, raw breads with living jam and a green smoothie or nut milkshake help us to fly. I purposefully fill my pantry and fridge with health-full ready prepared delights so that I can throw morning saviours into the magic box in preparation for another round.

My heart sings out watching the girls start their day with a glass of sunshine juice. Deliciously pinkalicious thanks to beetroot, I cram in every green vegetable I can lay my hands on and allow the sweet root vegetables to carry the chlorophyll from the leaves and green powders into hungry tummys. The eldest downs hers in one, leaving my three year old to watch the essence of life spiral around the curly wurly straw as it delivers her life force hit in one. Chase-slurping a spirulina tablet around the bottom of their glass gifts us with giggly girls and kicks off our day with purpose.

Our breakfasts are so fantastic we often eat them for pudding. And our puddings are so scrumptiously perfect to end a meal with, we love to start the day with them.

These are two of my favorite raw breakfast recipes. Nutritional bombs they compliment one another with minerals, enzymes, co-factors and high quality protein. I only use a tiny bit of raw chocolate and I could live on just this smoothie alone. The raw chocolate and maca is a great replacer for coffee and when you use warm water or tea you have a nice warm drink.

Wake-Up tea

1 tsp of raw cacao powder
1 tbsp goji berries, soaked
1/2 tsp maca powder
1 tsp bee pollen
1 tbsp hemp seed powder
1 tsp raw honey (or yakkon root or few drops stevia)
1 tsp green powder (green blue algae,spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass)
few leafs of wild greens, (I use dandelions, nettles or miners lettuce)

2 cups of your favourite warm herb tea or water and cinnamon or cayenne powder to taste.

Blend all ingredients together and ‘yehaa!’ your way through the day.

Perky Porridge (Serves two sunshiny girls)

250g sprouted buckwheat

1tbsp raw honey/raw agave nectar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp tahini

1tbsp chia seeds, ground

1 tbsp flax seeds, ground

1 tbsp sunflower seeds, ground

Boiling water

1/ Break down the buckwheat in the food processor until the groats are mushed-up mash.

2/ Add the tahini, seeds, cinnamon, honey and process again until well mixed.

3/ Keep the machine running and add enough water to reach your preferred consistency.

I like to add seasonal fruits. My favourite at the moment are figs and feijoas. Serve in coconut shell halves and watch breakfast whirl around the table!

By Dr Sarb Johal

Lots of things happen in our lives that we take pretty seriously. And sometimes, that is totally appropriate. But taking every little setback to heart can seriously deplete your energy.

A problem-solving state of mind can help us to try to do everything we can to resolve a bad situation. But once we get to the point where we can do no more, or we run up against barriers or setbacks, that problem-solving state of mind isn’t so helpful any more. In fact, we can end up trying to change things that aren’t so easily changed, which is a recipe for worry, anxiety and frustration.

At this point, the most helpful thing you can do is to seek out ways to try to flip yourself out of this problem-solving state of mind. Humour and laughter are brilliant for this. Your mind perceives the world differently when you aren’t weighed down by negative emotions like worry and anxiety. You can see what’s going on in a difficult situation much more easily when you’re able to tune into the lighter side of life. That’s why comedians and sitcoms are so popular. It gives you a way of observing the absurdities of every day life from a lighter perspective. Being able to laugh at them, and with them, can feel great.

How can you find a way to tune into the lighter side? I carry around a few comedy shows and podcasts on my phone / laptop etc which I can tune into every now and again. A good laugh helps me to forget what I was worrying about and helps me to reset. Sharing a joke or funny stories is another good way to flip your mind out of problem-solving mode when you notice it isn’t working for you, as is catching up with friends at the end of the day. But be mindful that is doesn’t turn into a rehash of problem-solving and trying to figure out why something didn’t work. Don’t forget that flipping your mind to the lighter side can give you a fresh perspective.

Let me know what you think, or what has worked for you in trying to flip to the lighter side.

Dr Sarb Johal is the Director of Equanimity Limited and Associate Professor of Disaster Mental Health at Massey University’s Joint Centre for Disaster Research. He spends quite a lot of his work time providing advice to the Ministry of Social Development and CERA on aspects of recovery from the Canterbury earthquakes. When not working, Sarb spends a bit of his time writing and running, though not at the same time. He has completed numerous half-marathons, 4 international marathons and 1 ultra-marathon from 2010-2012. He is a certified Leader in Running Fitness, and is also training to be a Personal Trainer. 

You can read more of his thoughts on health, wellbeing and mental fitness at completecoach.wordpress.com

The Mokihinui River - will it remain in its natural state, or be hydro dammed?

22 May 2012 – Wellington

Forest & Bird media release for immediate use

Forest & Bird welcomes victory for Mokihinui River

Forest & Bird welcomes Meridian Energy’s announcement that it will abandon its plan to dam the West Coast’s wild and scenic Mokihinui River. “This is a great victory for conservation, and a courageous decision by Meridian,” Forest & Bird Forest & Bird Advocacy Manager Kevin Hackwell says.

“We are pleased that Meridian has made the right decision for a very special part of the West Coast, and for the future sustainability of the coast and New Zealand.”

Forest & Bird Top of the South Field Officer Debs Martin says: “The Mokihinui is a wonderful wild river that is home to endangered blue ducks, eels and native fish. The forested river valley supports many native animals, including kiwi and bats.

“This is one of New Zealand’s largest and most pristine wild rivers, and it was critical for Forest & Bird that we save this from damming. This dam would have flooded the greatest area of conservation land in New Zealand.”

Kevin Hackwell says the decision will be good for the long-term economy of the West Coast. The Mokihinui dam would have been remotely operated from outside West Coast so the area’s economy would have had a merely temporary boost during construction. “The future is in adventure and eco-tourism, and a cycleway along part of the Mokihinui is already being built.”

We hope this decision will be the end of big hydro proposals on the last of our remaining wild rivers, he says.

Forest & Bird says it is now time to properly protect the Mokihinui River by adding it to neighbouring Kahurangi National Park. “We are keen to avoid future conflicts over high-value publicly owned land that is stewardship, or essentially unclassified, land,” Debs Martin says.

Forest & Bird President Andrew Cutler says this is great news for the thousands of members and supporters of Forest & Bird, and thousands of other New Zealanders who have given time and money to fight this dam proposal.

“It’s great to see that grass roots campaigns can still win against developments backed by huge businesses. That gives us confidence as we now refocus on stopping the open-cast mining of the unique Denniston Plateau on the West Coast by an Australian mining company.”

Contacts:

Forest & Bird Top of the South Field Officer Debs Martin, 03 989 3355, 027 684 0599

Forest & Bird Advocacy Manager Kevin Hackwell, 04 801 2215, 021 227 8420

Local Good News/Golden Bay

Sruti Stojchevski is conducting a social experiment from the Golden Bay Community Organic Gardens. He’s serving up fresh food, lovingly prepared daily according to Ayurvedic principles from mostly local organic produce, at his cafe ‘Space of Love’.

Now here’s the interesting part, as a customer: once you’ve finished your meal, you get to choose how much you think the meal was worth and deposit your koha anonymously into “the magic box” on the counter.

What a concept. Sruti calls it ‘the Gift Economy’ and he finds it seriously fascinating to watch how people deal with this relatively new approach to customer service. He successfully ran a cafe along the same principles from New Brighton, Christchurch until the earthquakes meant he no longer had a cafe. Sruti moved to Golden Bay and took a leap of faith in setting up the Space of Love within a much smaller, but close knit community.

Playing an important role in his venture are the high quality foods he uses. Many of the ingredients Sruti are from the organic community gardens (which are literally right beside the cafe), and he sources his organic grains, nuts, flours, seeds and more from a local organic wholesaler.

Sample menus include ‘Italian Calzone with Pumpkin Coconut Soup’; ‘Rosemary Yogurt Baked Potatoes with Green Mung Dal and Zucchini in Cashew Tomato Sauce with Paneer Cheese’ and ‘Vegetables au Gratin with Basmati Rice and Tamarind Chutney’.

People have been known to eat his food and return to work alongside him in the kitchen to learn his recipes.

So this cafe, which obviously serves a well balanced, professionally designed menu, just happens to one hundred percent reliant upon, well, people’s feelings at the time of payment. I just had to ask, does this new style of business work financially?

Well, yes. Sruti covers all his business costs, and supports himself with the Space of Love.

“I’m not earning much, but I always seem to have enough,” he says

“People pay according to how happy they are with what they have received; instead of always being told how much to pay here they have the opportunity to value the
quality of food, service and the ambience; besides that the other consideration is people are donating according to their means”.

Sruti doesn’t like to place a figure on how much he charges for the service he offers the community, he leaves it to people to be “guided by their conscience.” And he says the thousands of people he’s served have generally all given enough to keep him in business.

“Everyone is welcome to contribute in their own way. We wouldn’t want people to feel that if they are on a tight budget that they can’t afford to eat the food we serve. I am happy to feed one and all, and no one should feel excluded. I say that not because of naivety but out of deep conviction that no one should go hungry.”

Apparently younger people tend to ‘get it’ much easier than those aged sixty plus. Those of the older generation have been known to stand and ask Sruti to give them a figure, any figure.

The figure I finally did wrangle out of him was anywhere from five to fifteen dollars (well actually I found it in an article that was published about him in the Christchurch Press and Sruti nodded). He said that over the past few years in Christchurch there had been a handful of people who continuously gave a coins or two, meaning that others were paying their way. In those very rare cases he would watch them for a while, and if they kept coming back to eat and pay very little, he personally sat down with them to try and work out a way to even up the exchange, wanting everyone to feel welcome at his cafe.

“I want to develop and encourage ideas of trust, generosity and respect,” says Sruti.

The concept of paying what ever you think the meal is worth is a novel one for us Kiwis. I must admit that when paid for my (delicious) meal at the Space of Love I gave ten dollars while somewhat nervously hoping it was ‘enough’. Sruti expressed nothing but generosity and happiness that I was enjoying the food, and suggested I take another helping, and I got the sense that it really didn’t matter what I gave, he was simply there to feed people.

Sruti loves his work, he enjoys the freedom of changing the menu as his moods change, and he loves watching his unique ‘social experiment’ play out. For him, this is the ultimate job.

“It’s really easy, you’re just being yourself, living life right for you and if others feel inspired, then that’s great.”

The Space of Love is open week-days from noon until four in the afternoon. Sruti also sells Ayurvedic supplements from the Space of Love and offers cooking lessons.

Check out www.spaceoflove.co.nz for more details.

Read the inspiring stories of our sponsors:

Billy Kerrisk, Ray White Real Estate New Zealand, Golden Bay branch

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Billy Kerrisk,

027 608 5606

billy.kerrisk@raywhite.com

Golden Bay office 03 525 7219

Sonaz Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

Tui Balms is a worker-owned cooperative that began 27 years ago in Golden Bay with Tui Bee Balm, a remarkable healing balm made of beeswax and other natural ingredients.  An effective skin healer, Bee Balm has since become a New Zealand icon, the country’s favourite baby balm and the flagship of our popular range of natural skincare and healing balms. Our range of massage Balms with aromatherapy essential oils is the supreme medium for massage.  Tui Balms donates to charitable trusts in New Zealand. Last year, we donated over $30,000 to New Zealand charities! Find Tui Balms at your local health store or organic shop.

www.tuibalms.co.nz
contact@tuibalms.co.nz
ph 03 525 9654.

HealthPost is New Zealand’s favourite online retailer of natural health supplements, proudly based in Golden Bay. Established more than 20 years ago, HealthPost is still in ‘The Bay’ because, basically,we like living here! Our rural location poses logistical challenges from time-to-time (flooded rivers and road wash-outs!) but the dedication and ingenuity of our 38-strong team always gets us through. We’re committed to balancing profits and principles, donating more than $60,000 to charity in the past two years through our ‘doing WELL’ programme. We’re passionate about the products that

we sell and proud to be able to help people live WELL.

SPONSOR A GOOD NEWS COLUMN FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.

The (happy) end.

Local Good News Report/Christchurch

Places of Tranquillity

“We’ve lost our places of tranquillity.”

This was a feeling expressed to Michelle Whitaker, Coordinator of Healthy Christchurch, at a public forum following September 2010. The beaches were largely inaccessible for leisure because of sewage outflows, and likewise the rivers Avon and Heathcote; most of the Port Hills walking and cycling trails were closed due to risk of rockfall; parks and gardens across the city were closed or damaged. Some aspects of that situation have moved on … but by no means all. Where could Christchurch people go to simply ‘be’, to heal? Where would we find our tranquillity in this devastated city?

It is characteristically Michelle to see such a statement as more than a sad reflection of the state of the city but as a call to action … as another project to get her teeth into. As she says, “I see opportunities really easily.”

Well, that’s just lucky for the rest of us.

In fact, Michelle even combined this with another issue in the community she had perceived – the feelings of isolation and ‘invisibility’ experienced by Christchurch’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities – and the Places of Tranquillity project was born.

It’s a simple idea. Create six places of reflection – gardens or public spaces – in ‘gaps’ that currently exist along the River Avon as it flows through the central city. Make them a walkable distance from each other, further connecting people back to the river, and make them diverse in their expressions of culture or spirituality. After all, there are a lot of spaces where buildings used to be, and a stated objective in the Draft Central City Plan to create more green spaces and to better use the asset of the Avon River/Otakaro in the CBD.

As Michelle says, “It’s about showing some hope and beauty and some nurturing greenery.” In fact, for anyone working in the city, from returning workforces or even the current teams of demolition workers, these spaces will offer an oasis of calm and peace and positivity amidst all the rubble and negativity. “After the February quakes”, Michelle points out, “most of the city workforce made their way to parks and open spaces, to gather and to feel safe away from tall buildings.”

To give the spaces a global feel that will reflect the range of Christchurch’s cultural communities, each of the six will represent the philosophies, religions or kaupapa of a different continent or region – from Maori/Pasifika to Latin America, Northern Europe, Africa. Working with Year 2 students from the Landscape Architecture course at Lincoln University, six or seven proposals for each of the regions are now designed and available to be voted on by anyone in Christchurch. The winning designs will then be further developed in partnership with those communities and then created in vacant spaces in negotiation with land owners.

The concept is so beautiful that I want to jump forward in time to see the completed projects … but the process itself is fascinating enough. It has the potential to pay
dividends for so many people.

The quality of the students’ work is outstanding and their engagement with the subject a real benefit to their academic development. This is not, however, merely an academic exercise but a real, practical example of how to work closely with clients to create a finished piece of work. Those students whose designs are not selected may continue to support the work of the ‘winning’ selections. Throughout the students are in partnership with the communities and the final plans may indeed incorporate different ideas from a range of the designs. It is a collaborative and evolving process that offers a fantastic action learning opportunity.

Communities that have felt faceless or left behind in the wake of the devastation have been given a voice to express their culture and, as a result, have been brought into one small part of the recovery. “It’s an opportunity,” says Michelle, “to raise the profile and visibility of those communities who are often the last to be engaged with.” These spaces will provide a public platform to express the cultural diversity of Christchurch’s population and the variety of experiences of our disaster and the responses to it. They might even become a vehicle for those diverse communities to explore shared understanding and mutual experiences.

Cross-cultural dialogue is just one aspect of the potential but Michelle is really excited by the prospect of a variety of barriers being broken down through this project. In our increasingly secular Western world, she points out, “people often need to be given permission to explore some of the spiritual aspects of their experience.” Often this can be provided through the lens of a different culture or a different expression of the same experience.

Ultimately, this is about the CBD, but the principle of creating public spaces of reflection is transferable. Michelle would love to see more out in the suburbs and hopes that the ongoing development of these Places of Tranquillity will inspire other communities to do the same in their local area. All through the residential red zone there’s a clamouring for the Avon/Otakaro River Park to replace the suburban dwellings as they are demolished.

Perhaps this might be just the start of the emergence of a whole network of peaceful spots along the river, of places where people can go to seek moments of calm, of reflection …

… Of tranquillity.

Designs are on display at the Community & Public Health offices at 310 Manchester Street until 21st May after which they will move to the Christchurch Migrants Centre, 166 St Asaph Street, for another week. Anyone is welcome to come along and vote for their favourites and you can also view and vote for your favourite designs online and even get involved in the continuing evolution of the project. Check out all the information at http://www.healthychristchurch.org.nz/focus-areas/places-of-tranquillity.aspx

For more information on Healthy Christchurch, they are on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HealthyChristchurch

Read the inspiring stories of our Christchurch sponsors:

Social Innovation is a small, hardworking community engagement agency based in Christchurch. They work with leading non-profits, changemakers, progressive companies and government to mobilise everyday New Zealanders. Their expertise in this area comes from grassroots innovation on large-scale community action projects, including the Student Volunteer Army, A Day at the Beach Festival, Love your Coast and a number of other public participation initiatives. They know how to scale initiatives and achieve big results with large numbers of stakeholders.

They have developed an integrated blueprint for community organising in the 21st century, drawing inspiration from kiwi folk heroes like Kate Sheppard combined with the sheer power of modern technology. At the heart of what they do is supporting everyday New Zealanders to take action and participate fully in public life, in turn increasing the proportion of citizen’s who know that they can make a difference to the way things are.

Their services include strategy, leadership training, volunteer coordination & management, media and communications, project management and fundraising. Find out more at www.socialinnovation.org.nz or make direct contact via their studio-line on 03 337 0861

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Ph:  03 337 0861 or info@socialinnovation.org.nz

YTONG® is an alternative building system made from light-weight Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). It was invented in Sweden in 1923 and further developed under the YTONG® brand it turned into a world-wide success.

Environmentally friendly and non-toxic – From the manufacturing process to shipment, construction, and waste disposal YTONG® is in ecological balance.

Good sound absorption – effective sound barrier – The natural air cushion formed in the high-pressure steam curing of AAC can absorb the most possible noise.

Ensures high standard of well-being – YTONG® reduces temperature differences and humidity fluctuations and so ensures a comfortable and healthy room atmosphere.

Excellent workability – It is easy to erect a solid masonry structure quickly and precisely. Only few tools and implements are necessary.

Outstanding thermal insulation – Keeps buildings cool in summer and warm in winter saving on heating and air-conditioning.

YTONG® is fireproof and has a high fire rating – AAC is resistant to high temperatures for a longer period of time than any other solid building material. YTONG® is especially chosen for fireproof walls in commercial buildings.

Performs well in earthquakes – Thanks to its low weight and its plastic deformation properties the destructive force of earthquakes can be minimised.

By Christine Reitze, organiser of Container Love

Christchurch residents have created a giant ‘Container Cosy’ to brighten up the shipping containers they found in their neighbourhoods after the Christchurch quakes.  Pieces of the Cosy were donated from people all over the world.

I am originally from Frankfurt in Germany and always wanted to live by the sea.  That’s why Sumner has been my home for about 10 years now and I love it!
I work in a beautiful clothing and design shop in Sumner and also have a wee business creating bags and accessories out of upcycled materials called retreasured.

The shipping containers came to live with us after June’s 2011 aftershock and I thought right away how daunting and unpleasant they look and that we have to “decorate” them. I had a few ideas but in the end decided on the Container Cosy because I wanted the art to be a community project so that people can contribute and feel they can make a change to people’s lives after the earthquake (cheer them up).

I also felt it is about time for people to make use of public space. And of course my motivation was to make people smile once they saw the cosy. Many Christchurch knitters and crocheters also told me that making the square (doing craft) helped them to stay more grounded in these stressful times.

I started the Container Love project in late August by setting up a Facebook page and distributing Posters all over Christchurch (mainly libraries craft and wool shops) I asked people to knit or crochet a 30cm by 30cm square out of there left over wool (because crafty people always have some bits and pieces of wool left) and send it to me. People also donated scrap wool and a wool company gave me a big bag with wool they could not sell.

I also got asked to do two radio interviews and had an article in a local paper, which really helped to get the project moving, because I needed 840 squares!  Just to connect people a bit, I also organised two knit ins which were real fun.

People from mainly New Zealand but also Germany (big parcel with 100 squares), Sweden, Canada, Australia, Iceland and the UK had sent me their beautiful squares (not always 30cm by 30cm though) Once I reached the required amount I let people on Facebook know and started to lay them out in panels on the floor to get a nice design and then sew them together on my sewing machine. First the individual panels and then the whole lot!

Image: Lilith Crawford (used with permission)

The Container Cosy needed a wooden construction made out of slats underneath it for which a organised a small donation campaign to collect $ 500 to use for material cost and installation (had 2 builders helping me).  So the whole project started in end of August and the Cosy was up on the 8th of May for the Sumner Street Party.

I saw so many male, female of all ages and of course children at the party going up to the Cosy to touch it, looking at the individual squares and smile, so I am happy that
with the help of so many people we have achieved what we wanted to do.

I have a few ideas for the future (and about 50 squares left) but definitely not as big and time intense as the cosy because that was like a part time job!  Also in the future I would like to see the Container Cosy in a museum together with other earthquake related art like in the Canterbury museum or Te Papa.

Container Love on facebook.

Weekly Local Good News Report by Charlotte Squire.

Stay tuned for the launch of weekly Local Good News Report/Christchurch May 4th!

Scroll down to meet our awesome Golden Bay sponsors.

Golden Bay’s Local Good News Reporter Charlotte Squire discusses Golden Bay’s proposed democratic school ‘Kahurangi School’. She investigates the reality of sending her son to a Democratic School, asks how it’s run on a daily basis, and whether he’d benefit from“going Democratic”.

This October my sturdy, sensitive, funny, people-person son will turn five. He’s looking forward to school, and here in Golden Bay I’m (possibly) faced with the choice of sending him to the new Democratic School, or the highly respected Motupipi Primary School. I say ‘possibly’ because at present, a Democratic School is under consideration for funding by the Ministry of Education.

Personally, I did O.K. at school. I was an average student, but towards the end of my college years I lost confidence because I had no idea what I wanted to do. I can look back now and see that basically I learned to follow, to blend in, and to please my teachers, rather than to recognise, and honour my key strengths, emotions and needs, hense the confusion towards the end of school. Yes, I know, things could have been far worse, but times are changing, and I wonder where my life would have gone if I’d grown up within a culture where personal awareness was highly valued?

 So apparently, the Kahurangi School can offer this and much more to my son. Well that’s a nice theory, in a vague kind of way, but what does it mean and, is it true? Would he have any guidance at all within his ‘child lead’ education? Who will ensure he has just as many opportunities as the average Kiwi school kid his age has? Will he exist in a bubble of sensitive, soft, you-can-do-it-ness and emerge an innocent adolescent with little chance of making it ‘in the real world’?

I put these questions to Pew Singh. Pew’s the Chairperson of the Kahurangi School Educational Trust, the organisation who have submitted the application to the Ministry of Education. Pew has a Dutch wife, so I knew he could handle brutal frankness.

“Students have the main input into learning what they learn and who they learn with,” said Pew when we sat down for an early morning chat.

“That’s great,” I said, “but how does that actually work, on a daily basis?”

That’s all it took. Pew lit up and dished out some very useful information.

“Every term students, parents and teachers meet to create Individual Educational Programs (aka I.E.P.s). These are generally only used for special need kids in mainstream schools. So in a Democratic School every child has an I.E.P, and they’re based around the child’s passions, interests and needs.

“At that meeting, certain goals are created based around the passions, interests, and needs of the child. The term that’s been coined for this by Unlimited and Discovery Schools is ‘P.I.N.’ and the kid’s goals have to meet all the essential areas of the curriculum.”

“Oh!” I said, “A system! This is what I need to hear! So what about follow through? What sort of guidance do they receive to reach their goals?”

“The goals can be met in three ways, firstly via a personal project that they carry out within a group at school, at home, or out in the community. Secondly it can be within a standard classroom based format. And thirdly, their goals can be met through mentorships where school management create relationships with businesses, parents and community groups.

“There are systems in place to monitor students. Every day the home base teacher meets twice a day with students to check in with them. Kids have home groups, which are made up of about twelve kids and in those circles they check in, about everything. They discuss what’s going on for them emotionally, socially, at home and this information is all considered important. Kids get to change their home-based teacher if they they don’t feel a safe connection with that person.”

“They can change their teachers if they don’t feel comfortable with them?” Insert incredulous facial expression.

“Yes, in the beginning of the year, the teacher will give presentations to students telling them what they’re passionate about and what their interests are and it’s up to the students to decide who they go with. It’s all about connections between the students and the teachers, and that can change at any point. It’s flexible. If it doesn’t work, then it’s not good for any body, so you change it.”

Pew said that parents are expected to be very involved in the learning process too. They’re required to be part of the I.E.P. This includes helping their children to set goals, and working with them to reach them.

“Parents can be involved to the point where they can even take a class, and students can too, if they put a lot of work and time into a project they can share their findings with the class. Though this is always guided by the teacher who knows those students and will say ‘this is what the students need, can you deliver a class touching on these points?’. For example, as a parent and an Internet Marketer I could take a class on online marketing – so the teacher and I would discuss how to bring in those certain areas of learning into my IT class.”

It turns out a high percentage of Golden Bay students and parents are behind the idea of a democratic school.

“We’ve got the parents of 157 kids on board, that equates to more than twenty percent of the student population of Golden Bay, that’s huge and that shows that we have a section of the population who feel there’s a need for something else that isn’t provided by the current schools in Golden Bay.”

“Everyone’s a teacher, and everyone’s a learner. Every teacher in the democratic school knows they’re learning from the students as well.

“Conflict resolution is seen as a learning opportunity, not as a reason to stop, but to discuss what’s happening, where it comes from and how to prevent it from happening again. Children learn how to deal with conflict in a healthy way. And this is not only about children, it’s for the teachers too.

“We’ve giving kids schools and tools so they can go into the real world and prosper. And this is a hard thing for the students, it’s not always easy. Students have to make choices and decisions every day and take responsibility for their choices. That’s preparation for life.”

I left that conservation wishing I’d known some of this information a long time ago. I feel much clearer about the reality of sending my son to the Kahurangi School (which by the way has some of the “best innovative education minds in the country supporting it”, according to passionate Pew). That sense of knowing himself, being clear about his passions, interests and needs, I really want that for my son.

The Ministry of Education currently funds three innovative and progressive schools under Section 156 of the Education Act 1989 for schools with “special character”. There are also several other parent initiative groups around the country that are trying to establish democratic schooling in their communities. You can find more information about Kahurangi School (including their application to the Mininstry of Education) and democratic education at http://kahurangischool.co.nz.

Charlotte Squire

Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this Local Good News Column:

Tui Balms is a worker-owned cooperative that began 27 years ago in Golden Bay with Tui Bee Balm, a remarkable healing balm made of beeswax and other natural ingredients.  An effective skin healer, Bee Balm has since become a New Zealand icon, the country’s favourite baby balm and the flagship of our popular range of natural skincare and healing balms. Our range of massage Balms with aromatherapy essential oils is the supreme medium for massage.  Tui Balms donates to charitable trusts in New Zealand. Last year, we donated over $30,000 to New Zealand charities! Find Tui Balms at your local health store or organic shop.

www.tuibalms.co.nz
contact@tuibalms.co.nz
ph 03 525 9654.

HealthPost is New Zealand’s favourite online retailer of natural health supplements, proudly based in Golden Bay. Established more than 20 years ago, HealthPost is still in ‘The Bay’ because, basically,we like living here! Our rural location poses logistical challenges from time-to-time (flooded rivers and road wash-outs!) but the dedication and ingenuity of our 38-strong team always gets us through. We’re committed to balancing profits and principles, donating more than $60,000 to charity in the past two years through our ‘doing WELL’ programme. We’re passionate about the products that

Golden Bay artist Dean Raybould captures HealthPost, Collingwood, with motifs from the company’s story and the unique local environment

we sell and proud to be able to help people live WELL.

www.healthpost.co.nz

Billy Kerrisk, Ray White Real Estate New Zealand, Golden Bay branch

TIDY AS – AND OH THE SERENITY!

The picturesque Aorere Valley has so much to offer and this 7.7 hectare lifestyle block with a barn conversion style dwelling is a real gem. Everything is done; tight and tidy fencing; clean pastures; good water; established fruit trees and productive vege garden.

The large hangar shaped barn has been converted at the northern end into a comfortable home with some great features – my favourite is the scullery, a wet area currently set up for sausage making, meat packing and beer brewing. If… Read more.

Billy Kerrisk,

027 608 5606

billy.kerrisk@raywhite.com

Golden Bay office 03 525 7219

Sonaz Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

SPONSOR A GOOD NEWS COLUMN FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.

The (happy) end.

Local Good News Report by Charlotte Squire.

Scroll down to meet our awesome Golden Bay sponsors.

Starting up an alternative currency in your community? It’s a great idea, but will it fly? Perhaps so with some serious vision and commitment behind it. And the good news is that your chances of sustainable, long-term success just increased notably thanks to the new ebook ‘Get a HANDle on HANDS – How About Non Dollar System – Golden Bay’s Local Employment and Trading System’ which was created by members of New Zealand’s most successful complementary currency.

Contributed to by twenty-four authors, all members of HANDS (a word which, you will note, after twenty-three years is so established it’s become a word in itself) the ebook is intended to be a guide to everything you might need to know about establishing and sustaining a robust Kiwi complementary currency.

And believe me, these guys would know. With a participation rate of around eight percent of the Golden Bay population (which is the highest in New Zealand), this system has developed into its third decade thanks to the inspiring commitment of a core group of people, many of whom contributed to this guide.

Editor Joanna Piekarski says she hopes the ebook will help people nationwide better understand and utilise their complementary currencies, while also offering insight to community groups wanting to start their own.

Says HANDS Committee Member Murray Rogers in the Forward of the ebook: “Golden Bay is located in the northwest corner of the South Island. Its relative isolation, natural beauty and many freethinkers continue to attract an eclectic mix of savvy, creative people.”

And a savvy bunch they’ve proven themselves to be, repeatedly. Though it may sound like an easy stroll through a field of wild herbs, it’s no small feat setting up a complementary currently that not only attracts participation, but develops into a strong, interconnected community. While the benefits of a complementary currency with the core aim of strengthening community are numerous, one obvious challenge is that the core group steering the project need to be highly committed, often only receiving ‘satisfaction’ for their time.

The ebook tackles some sticky issues. Listing chapters such as Understanding Zero, Secrets of HANDS Success, HANDS Standards of Value, HANDS Bookkeeping’ for GST Registered Businesses, Free Membership for Community Groups, HANDS vs Banks, I Don’t Want to Spend Any HANDS Because I Can’t Seem to Earn, Beyond L.E.T.S money to revitalise the economy, and much more, this is a comprehensive guide to New Zealand’s most crank’n little currency.

And every community is different, says Joanna Piekaski

“We encourage people to copy and share information from this ebook freely as we hope that it will be of help to other communities. But each area has its own specific needs and that’s something you’ll work out in your own way at your own pace. This is by no means the definitive recipe for a complementary currency. But we do hope it will help.”

And in doing so, a rich, inclusive community develops.

Says HANDS member Rebecca Reider:

“When I log onto our community exchange website, I feel subtly rich. My list of HANDS transaction, whince I joined the ystem two years ago, brings a tickle of heart warmth to the cold glare of the computer screen. When I glance at the names of friends and acquaintences in Golden Bay whom I’ve been able to trade with, I can see that my richness in this system is not about what numerical amount hovers at the bottom line of my account. Instead a feeling of abundance and interconnection arises in knowing that I am in relation with so many valuable people around me.”

To buy the ebook ‘Get a HANDle on HANDS – How About Non Dollar System – Golden Bay’s Local Employment and Trading System’ from Happyzine for three New Zealand dollars, click on this link.

For more information about the ebook or HANDS contact Joanna Piekarski – 03 525 8448. Email: rojoanna@ihug.co.nz

Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this Local Good News Column:

Tui Balms is a worker-owned cooperative that began 27 years ago in Golden Bay with Tui Bee Balm, a remarkable healing balm made of beeswax and other natural ingredients.  An effective skin healer, Bee Balm has since become a New Zealand icon, the country’s favourite baby balm and the flagship of our popular range of natural skincare and healing balms. Our range of massage Balms with aromatherapy essential oils is the supreme medium for massage.  Tui Balms donates to charitable trusts in New Zealand. Last year, we donated over $30,000 to New Zealand charities! Find Tui Balms at your local health store or organic shop.

www.tuibalms.co.nz
contact@tuibalms.co.nz
ph 03 525 9654.

Golden Bay artist Dean Raybould captures HealthPost, Collingwood, with motifs from the company’s story and the unique local environment.

HealthPost is New Zealand’s favourite online retailer of natural health supplements, proudly based in Golden Bay. Established more than 20 years ago, HealthPost is still in ‘The Bay’ because, basically,we like living here! Our rural location poses logistical challenges from time-to-time (flooded rivers and road wash-outs!) but the dedication and ingenuity of our 38-strong team always gets us through. We’re committed to balancing profits and principles, donating more than $60,000 to charity in the past two years through our ‘doing WELL’ programme. We’re passionate about the products that we sell and proud to be able to help people live WELL.

www.healthpost.co.nz

THE PRESSURE IS ON!  MUST SELL!

Vendors have a contract on another property and are keen to pull off the deal. Do not miss this chance to buy a four bedroom home off the main street and settle your family close to the schools and amenities of Takaka.  Inside this 1950′s solid timber home the rimu floors glow in the sunshine; a new woodburner, heat transfer kit and insulation above and below will ensure your comfort this winter and the woodshed is chocker!  Outside the deck is a great place to entertain or just laze in the sun … Read more.

Billy Kerrisk,

027 608 5606

billy.kerrisk@raywhite.com

Golden Bay office 03 525 7219

Sonaz Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

SPONSOR A GOOD NEWS COLUMN FROM YOUR COMMUNITY.

The (happy) end.

Applications are invited for the positions of Intern-Writers and Intern-Sub Editors for Term 2 (Monday 23 April – Friday 29 June) of the 2012 New Zealand school year. 

Intern-Writers

Some previous writing experience is necessary, though a natural aptitude and love for writing is the most important attribute required.  Intern-Writers who are accepted into the Happyzine programme must be prepared to submit four pieces of work (articles or blogs) during the course of one term, including at least one good quality image.  Intern-Writers will experience: working to dead-line, researching and writing seriously positive pieces of work, interviewing, transcribing, crafting a well structured piece of writing, submitting work that’s in alignment with the Happyzine ethos and is of high quality, and having their work Edited.

Writers can live anywhere as all work and communication will be online, though some familiarity with the New Zealand culture and language is preferred as our audience are primarily Kiwi.

Positions available: 5

To apply send one 300 word article and one image to charlotte@happyzine.co.nz

Intern-Sub Editors

Sub Editors must have proven writing experience and a passion for creating flow, structure and excellent grammar and spelling within written pieces.  It would also be useful to have some experience working in the back-end of blogs.  Sub Editors will be required to edit four to six original articles or blogs and to post up press-releases so that they’re ready to be published on Happyzine.  These tasks include checking spelling and grammar, ensuring the story flows and makes sense, ensuring the story sits well within the Happyzine ethos, polishing structure and checking that articles are factually and ethically right for Happyzine.  Sub Editors will need to work to dead-lines and will need to have an excellent eye for detail.

Sub Editors can live anywhere as all work and communication will be online, though some familiarity with the New Zealand culture and language is preferred as our audience are primarily Kiwi.

Positions available: 3

To apply send a cover letter and an example of a previously written article to charlotte@happyzine.co.nz

Intern Positions will be available during each New Zealand school term.

Term 1 – Monday 30 Jan and Tuesday Feb 7 – Thursday April 5

Term 2 – Monday 23 April – Friday 29 June

Term 3 – Monday 16 July – Friday 28 September

Term 4 – Monday 15 October – no later than Friday 14 December

Note: Intern positions can be planned to work with course requirements.