In recent years concerns over climate change have skyrocketed touching off worldwide interest in more sustainable lifestyles. This includes here in New Zealand, where many are now seeking the skills required to achieve at least a basic level of self-sufficiency.
Perched at the top of the South Island in Tākaka, the Golden Bay Sustainable Living Centre has got it covered with a full range of courses and workshops, most notably the twice yearly 10-week Golden Bay Sustainable Living Course starting in September and March.
“Hon.Damien O’Connor, as Minister for Primary industries identified Golden Bay as the perfect place to be the sustainable region of New Zealand,” says course coordinator and sustainable business tutor, Zahra Lightway. “Student experience of being on the course feels like being part of a family of caring, motivated people working towards a brighter future. Students learn from expert tutors how to create their own sustainable lifestyle anywhere. It’s a great place to start if you are looking for hope and a new direction in your life. Past students have designed their own lifestyle blocks and started sustainable businesses.”
The centre partners with a couple of local outfits also with some serious eco-credentials: Tiny Lifestyle, builders of “small, healthy spaces” using sustainable materials and traditional building techniques. Tiny Lifestyle’s head builder and co-founder, Graeme Scott, was the original natural building tutor for the SLC drawing on his wide range of natural and eco building knowledge to share with the students and is a guest tutor for this spring’s course. “As well as building stunning structures, we run week long traditional timber framing joinery courses from our off-grid woodland workshop, teaching people how to create their own natural shelters, enabling greater resilience and self-sufficiency in their lives.” says Graeme.
Another course sponsor is Golden Bay Dolomite, makers of the nation’s “finest magnesium fertiliser”. Golden Bay Dolomite hosts courses on the Albrecht soil management system that better balances mineral content and enhances the fertility of the top-soil—the aerobic zone where plants feed. For the past 10 years, Dolomite boss, Merv Solly, has invited revered US agronomist, Neal Kinsey, over to New Zealand to oversee the workshops. These philosophies are taught on the Course.
The 10-week course comprises a “compelling menu of hands-on, experiential learning modules” culminating in an International Permaculture Design Certificate.
“We serve organic food, lots of fun, and some of the best learning needed to survive and thrive in the 21st century,” says Sol Morgan, organic growing tutor and chair of Te Wharerangi Trust which runs the centre.
As well as getting their green fingers in the dirt, students learn permaculture, organic growing, community resilience, sustainable business, sustainable eating, natural building, well-being and complete a mentored personal project.
“There is a wealth of fascinating setups within Golden Bay, including Tui, a 30-year-old intentional community, Kervalla Cheese, artisan master cheesemakers, Wholemeal Cafe, Dangerous Kitchen, Kokalito Organics, Parapara Organics both local organic growers and the Mussel Inn, a famous local eatery and music venue that embodies sustainable practices,” says Zahra. “Students visit them to hear the stories of these conscious, local businesses, and experience first-hand how they work. Come join us and be part of our history!”
Contact
www.your-sustainable-life.com
gbsustain@gmail.com
020 40771 446
