OPINION: Dance for Me Daddy

by Pip Cotton

Following last month's 'Piano, Poetry and Plays' notice, there is now an initial group of five who are interested in pursuing the ideas expressed (Blueskin News, 1 April 2013, p8) and recently we had a read through of a play called Dance for me Daddy. It's a fun, high energy, though fairly simple, work (as yet unperformed) that involves the music and dress of the twenties and thirties. It is possibly beyond the initial group numbers to fully realise at this time, but with two or three more people I think it would come within reach. In the meantime it is suggested that we also organise some small-scale evenings with some original poetry readings, music and possibly bits of plays that people want to explore. The name being put forward for this enterprise is 'The Pudding Club ' which suggests that great food treats may also be at the heart of the matter! So if you are interested in becoming involved via poetry, music and/or plays, please call me on 021 035 8383 or find me at 15 Brown Street.

 In last month's Blueskin News I also offered to teach music, in particular to people wishing to develop skills playing in blues, jazz and folk styles. At this stage I have agreement in principle that music teaching can occur at the Playcentre after it finishes and the question of gaining access to a piano is being explored -- it all feels positive from that direction. I also recently met with a young man (12 years old) and his father following my offer to tutor music. What a treat to see a young person with so much promise driving his own music forward, pushing himself into the world of blues and jazz improvisation. I am looking forward to working with him in the future. I am sure there will be others too who, with some basic musical structures and strategies, lots of positive encouragement and opportunities to perform, will mature into lifelong music makers.

BLUESKIN RESILIENT COMMUNITIES TRUST

by Scott Willis

The start of the new financial year (1 April) is when the trustees of the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust (BRCT) set their annual work plan. This year, funding support from the Lottery Grants Board, the Otago Community Trust and the Hikurangi Foundation have ensured we can begin our year well. Our annual plan is ambitious and we want to thank these key supporters of our community work.

Our Annual General Meeting is earlier this year than in previous years, to keep in line with our financial year. BRCT's mission is "to strengthen our communities in the immediate, mid- and long-term future with emphasis on energy, food, water and community resilience". One of our long-standing trustees is stepping down at this AGM and BRCT is inviting expressions of interest from those in the community who would be prepared to serve on the trust. The range of the trust's activities can best be seen on the BRCT website: www.blueskinpower.co.nz. If you want more information or want to indicate an interest in serving on the trust please contact one of the trust's co-chairs by email: Chris Skellett: skellett@actrix.co.nz or Ross Johnston: ross.johnston@otago.ac.nz. The AGM date is Friday 31 May, and it will be held at 7:30pm in the Waitati Hall. All are welcome.

We also want to acknowledge the good work put in by the Waitati A&P Society at their recent Blueskin-on-Show day in Bland Park. They did an excellent job of pulling together the wide range of community organisations, local businesses, schools etc, and arranged perfect weather! Thank you for all your hard work. Most community interest at the BRCT stall was in: the Blueskin wind cluster, climate change planning, energy advice and the Solar Syndicate.

In March and April BRCT was invited to present in two national forums, the Wind Energy Association Conference and the Philanthropy Conference. Both forums provided good platforms but also, more importantly, opportunities to meet inspirational individuals, big-hearted philanthropists, and enthusiastic support organisations.

Visit us at at the office at 1121 Mt Cargill Rd, Waitati (on Waitati School grounds), or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blueskin-Resilient-Communities-Trust/180367402010248). Telephone us on 482 2048.

 

 

BLUESKIN ENERGY PROJECT

What happens if the aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point closes? What are the implications for the development of the Blueskin wind cluster?

These are big questions, and I'll give you my perspective as concisely as possible. Rationally, we could assume that if a big chunk of electricity (the smelter's share) could be switched on to everyone else, our electricity would get cheaper. But things are not quite so simple. As we all know, electricity price isn't just about the cost of generation. It is also about how it gets about, how it is stored, how available it is when we need it, and who owns it. If Tiwai Point closes in the next few years, as is very possible, it is likely that some of NZ's expensive thermal electricity generation will close. More capacity in the system will change the flavour of our electricity. (All of a sudden we will have much more renewable generation).

This is big picture stuff, and into that we have to consider other changes taking place, such as Electricity Commission work on changing transmission pricing, the capacity of the Cook Strait cable, lower South Island transmission and risk of peak demand. The short summary of all these elements is that the many new risks that the big generators are facing will offset most if not all the benefit of increased renewable electricity capacity after the closure of the smelter. Another big picture element we also have to take into account is the privatisation of our electricity generators. Privatisation has always brought higher electricity prices for consumers.

What about the Blueskin wind cluster implications then? Our generation project is tiny in comparison to Manapouri (hydro generation for the smelter at present), and as has been explained before, we can't use it directly to get cheaper electricity. The Blueskin Energy Project is looking at generating enough for 1000 households and building a social business, which will help with all those other things that build warm cosy homes. One of the key elements we'd like and are discussing with partners is a long-term power purchase agreement to de-risk the project. No-one expects the uncertainty over Tiwai Point, and associated risk, to be anything other than short term. The big picture then is that whether the smelter closes or not, it is unlikely to have much impact on the value of a long-term power purchase agreement, which is based on long-term trends, and which is helpful to de-risk the Blueskin wind cluster project.

For cheaper electricity, the Greens and Labour have recently announced a policy called "NZ Power" which they would implement if in power to guarantee lower prices. Here in Blueskin a number of solar installations are under way and more are planned over the year, both independently and via the solar syndicate, which will lower power bills to those houses. And of course we've got to keep on saying it: insulate, insulate, insulate!

Visit us at: www.blueskinpower.co.nz, or at the office at 1121 Mt Cargill Rd, Waitati (on Waitati School grounds). Telephone enquiries can be made on 482 2048  (the Wind Cluster) and 482 2207 (Energy Advice) and for any information about the solar project email Chris Le Breton at solar@blueskinpower.co.nz.

Making Waitati the Fairest of Them All

by Louise Bond

Waitati was recently declared the second fairest town in New Zealand by Oxfam New Zealand. Oxfam recently released its list of the top 20 fairest towns in New Zealand based on the number of Oxfam's Biggest Coffee Breaks held per capita over the past three years. Each year Coffee Breaks (or Chocolate Breaks for the young 'uns) are held around New Zealand during Fair Trade Fortnight (4-19 May, 2013) to raise funds that will support Oxfam's aim of a fairer, safer, more sustainable world.

Registrations for Coffee Break are now open, so let's get together and take the top spot. You can do this by signing up to host your own Coffee Break, or by signing up with your workplace, school, church, club, or sports team.

You can learn more and sign up online at oxfamcoffeebreak.org.nz. It costs just $10 to sign up and Oxfam will send you some Fairtrade Certified goodies, as well as provide you with resources and materials to learn more about fair trade and help promote your event.

BLUESKIN GARDEN CLUB

by Lyn Hastie

After a few years' absence Blueskin Garden Club members were back with tents, displays and competitions at Blueskin-on-Show Day on Saturday 13 April. The day was perfect and we were very pleased with the numbers of entries received.

Firstly, the Spud-in-a-Container Competition: In early December there were spuds available from the Blueskin Nurseries for purchase and growing. Fifty seven were purchased and taken home to be grown and nurtured. Forty were brought along for weighing in. Results were many and varied: Heaviest spud -- 1st= Emily Clements and Murray Hastie, 3rd Susan Hellyer; Heaviest crop -- 1st Murray Hastie, 2nd Eunice Hoogsteden, 3rd Mike Fitzgerald. A big 'thank you' to the staff at Blueskin Nuseries for stocking the spuds and especially to Mark Brown. We hope to repeat this again for next year's show so look out for info later in the year.

Scarecrow-making was very popular and it was great to use up all sorts of pre-loved clothes, shoes, wigs etc. The results will look pretty impressive in local gardens. Our plant stall was also popular to get a few bargains. The Otago Daily Times marquee was a very busy spot. We had a total of 246 entries which included flowers, eggs, baking, vegetables and baskets, pickles and jams, fruit and, of course, the speciality section which attracted 36 entries -- 5 biggest roots,18 longest beans,8 fattest rhubarb and 5 character carrots. A big 'thank you' to everyone who took the time to bring along their goods. We hope to continue taking part in the show in years to come. Thank you to the hard working A&P Committee members for organising such a great community day.

Our club's next get together is our Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 9 May at 6pm at the Carey's Bay Hotel. We will have our meeting, a two course meal, some fun activities to keep us all thinking and dress up to the 9's in jeans and bling! All replies to club email or phone 482 2896 by 2 May.

BLUESKIN RESILIENT COMMUNITIES TRUST: Climate Change Adaptation Planning Update

By Dr Niki Bould

The Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust has been given a Dunedin City Council (DCC) grant to develop an action plan setting out how to begin to plan for climate change adaptation in Waitati. 

We are in the process of connecting with members of our community through community groups, volunteer organisations and the A&P Show.  We are collecting ideas from Waitati residents about your values and aspirations for the community and about any local issues that you see as important in long-term climate change planning. 

At our stall at the A&P Show we had key literature and visual information from the DCC and the Otago Regional Council about future potential climate change impacts, we hope you saw it. 

If you are a member of the Waitati community then we are keen to talk to YOU about your ideas for long-term planning for anticipated climate change impacts. If you are part of a community group and would like to engage in this conversation, or if you have any questions, please contact us: office@brct.org.nz

Fwd: Warrington Indoor Bowls

Warrington Indoor Bowls Club.

By Cliff and Ruth Porteous

Our club began its 2013 season on 2 April at 7.30pm in the Warrington Hall. The club membership is not big, however to date we have welcomed a new player and two returning players. We trust they will enjoy their season with us. If you would like to give this challenging game a try join us at the Warrington Hall on Tuesday evenings. The only "equipment" you need to provide is soft-soled footwear. The club has all the playing gear.

This season we are going to re-establish a competition of mixed singles for the Pope Trophy. This trophy has not been contested for a number of years. Rather than play it off as a single event as it used to be, we intend playing one or two games each club night. It will be played on a 'two-life system', i.e. if a game is lost then 'a life' is lost, therefore if a player losses two games they are out of the competition. This competition should help develop skills for singles play, too.

The Eastern Districts Sub Association's interclub competition began in mid-April. Warrington took a clean sweep in its first game against Dunback, winning the maximum 14 points, but was not so lucky the following week gaining just two points against a Waikouaiti team.

On 20 April the first competitive tournament for the season was played in Karitane Hall. This event, the Ray Still Memorial Trophy, is a Fours event open to eastern districts players only. There were just six teams playing and the results were worked by gaining 10 points for winning a game, five points if the game was drawn and one point for each end won. A Warrington club team of Ruth Porteous, Cliff Porteous, Dan Mosley and John Barnett won this event.
Contact Lyn 482 2896 or Ruth 482 2849.

 

 

BLUESKIN SOLAR SYNDICATE PROJECT

by Chris Le Breton

Following the first meeting of the syndicate six weeks ago, we are now FIFTY strong including two schools!

Chris and Scott made contact with Solar City, one of the commercial suppliers, and they have just last week supplied BRCT with a revised budget with, we are told, reduced prices from what they had originally offered. Within the coming few weeks we expect to make a recommendation, looking at ways to draw on their expertise and the warranties they can give, whilst partnering with Hagen, and possibly local installers too.  We will then be able to contact all those who have expressed interest.

If you want to get solar PV on your roof, and are up for joining this innovative community initiative, to benefit from favourable prices, contact solar@blueskinpower.co.nz

BLUESKIN GARDEN CLUB

by Lyn Hastie

Blueskin Garden Club will be at Blueskin on Show on 13 April (see our schedule elsewhere in this issue). We will have tents up and here we will host our Spud-in-a-Container Competition, scarecrow making as well as a plant stall.  We hope there will be something for everyone to take part in. Now's the time for jamming and saucing so bring along your exhibits and we'll see what folks in our area are best at. There are fruit and vegies, baking, novelty, eggs, preserves and flowers. There will be certificates for place-getters and, of course, BIG $$$$$$ for the heaviest crop and heaviest potato. The spud judges are not part of the competition. We will have a trailer at the gate of Bland Park to take your spud entries as we realise some of them will be quite heavy. Scarecrow making is for anyone and everyone to take part in. We will have all the requirements and we hope to have almost everything pre-loved. The finished products will be put together for a photo and then you may take them home. Looking forward to a great day and lots of entries. Any queries to Lyne 482 2822 or Lyn 482 2896.

BLUESKIN ENERGY PROJECT

by Scott Willis 

An intense week in Wellington at the end of March helped cap a very full month for Blueskin energy. As the guest of the NZ Wind Energy Association invited to present on our project, I valued not only the interest in community wind, but also exposure in a sector that is actively working on the transition to a low carbon future. We learned, at the conference, of the significant risk we all face if we don't make a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. We learnt of the massive subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and the 'free market' principles applied only to renewables. We heard from politicians, international experts, developers, ecologists, industry and, of course, community. So what does all this mean for Blueskin? Firstly, it means a great deal of interest in the model we're forging. Secondly, it reveals a great deal of goodwill, even from the big players, towards community wind which is truly at a different scale and with a different focus to 'big wind'. But don't forget, industry is populated by real people who love low carbon technology and who have found a place to follow their passion. And if we all directed economic activity towards simply building greater resilience, rather than shareholder profit, things would look very different. Not that economics don't matter – far from it, in fact. Rather, let's get a correct hierarchy of values: (a) low carbon; (b) healthy society; (c) sound local economy.

So how are we going on that? We're currently continuing the data collection and correlating the new 30 metre data against the long-term 10 metre data. Parallel work streams are taking place, including working on an appropriate legal form to take us into development, ensuring we have the resources in place to get us to 'go' at the correct time and place to push the green button. At a bigger level, the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust (BRCT) has approved an annual plan which includes continuing to deliver projects to build the local economy and deliver good community outcomes, whether in improving our homes and health, doing strategic planning, or saving residents' dollars as we invest in sustainable options.

Back to energy news. In Wellington I also had an opportunity to visit a trial hybrid renewable energy generation and storage system on Somes Island along with some wonderful bird life. A small robust wind turbine, solar panels, and a lead-acid battery bank are the conventional elements of off-grid generation and storage. But what is innovative is the electrolyser that uses excess electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and store the hydrogen in what they call 'earth batteries'. That hydrogen can then be used as needed, from different locations, either directly for heating/cooking, or converted back into electricity. In other news, the second Energy Advice Workshop in Pine Hill (a partnership between BRCT, Presbyterian Support Otago and the Pine Hill community) will have been completed by the end of March.

Visit us at: www.blueskinpower.co.nz, or at the office at 1121 Mt Cargill Rd, Waitati (on Waitati School grounds). Telephone enquiries can be made on 482 2048 (the wind cluster) and 482 2207 (energy advice) and for any information about the solar project email Chris Le Breton at solar@blueskinpower.co.nz.