EcoWest and EcoFest North will run from March 15 to April 13 in Auckland. Photo / Supplied
EcoWest and EcoFest North will run from March 15 to April 13 in Auckland. Photo / Supplied
Two month-long festivals – EcoWest and its cousin EcoFest North – are just ahead, including over 100 events in Auckland.
EcoWest is a month-long festival of diverse events from March 15 to April 13 aimed at creatively engaging people in environmental action and sustainable lifestyles.
This year's festival programme features over 40 events hosted by innovative environmental organisations, businesses, sustainability experts and creative entrepreneurs who embrace eco ideas through their work.
EcoWest is run by EcoMatters Environment Trust. Photo / Supplied
• Discover: luring festival-goers into the outdoors to experience the natural wonders in our backyard
• Make: hands-on workshops creating, renewing, building and upcycling
• Regenerate: giving people the opportunity to get their hands dirty participating in action that restores the natural environment
• Learn: informing people about their local environment and sharing skills in sustainability
The official opening event of the festival will be the Waka Walk on Sunday, March 16 - a journey from Olympic Park in New Lynn to Green Bay beach that follows the historic pathway that Maori travelled carrying their waka from the Waitemata to the Manukau Harbour.
Walkers will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the route and stream restoration projects at points along the way.
The festival will be rounded off by Eco Day on Sunday, April 13 - an exciting and interactive day out for the whole family to engage in eco activities, as well as celebrate the achievements and creations of the festival.
There will be environmental action, music, live performances, a pop-up Wash Against Waste food court, art activities, market stalls and much more.
EcoWest is run by EcoMatters Environment Trust. Photo / Supplied
A festival that creates community
EcoWest is run by EcoMatters Environment Trust - a charitable trust based in New Lynn that delivers a wide range of community-based environmental initiatives - in partnership with Auckland Council. In 2014 EcoWest has been programmed by a team from Enspiral who bring a social innovation and design skill-set to the mix, as well as a strong connection to the West.
EcoWest designer Chloe Waretini is a co-founder of the Waitakere Festival. "To us, a community event needs to be more than one that happens in the community - it needs to build one," she says.
"Our aim is for EcoWest to be more than a co-promotion of eco-themed events hosted by different organisations, we wanted it to be a forum for increasing connection between them; unlocking collaborative potential. We started the festival planning by getting everyone in a room together for a creative workshop where we imagined what we could do together that we couldn't do separately."
This approach has proven successful with over 35 groups, businesses and organisations involved in delivering the festival programme.
EcoFest North
Running in tandem with EcoWest, EcoFest North offers an equally varied and exciting line-up of eco events on the North Shore and at Matakana. EcoFest North is coordinated by the Kaipatiki Project.
EcoWest will give guests the chance to get their hands dirty. Photo / Supplied
A taste of events
• New Lynn Waste-Free Night Market Over 20 stalls featuring street food from countries around the world. No horrible polystyrene containers or plastic cutlery to clog up landfills - instead you get a real plate which is washed by EcoMatters' Wash Against Waste volunteers. 5:30-9:30pm every Thursday
• A harbour cruise with a difference Take a cruise on the Whau and Henderson Creeks with local restoration groups and the Watercare Harbour Clean-up Trust and help rid these waterways of rubbish, tyres and the odd shopping trolley. Sunrise on the Whau - 7:00am, March 15 Sunset on Henderson Creek - 5:00pm, March 29
• Weed dating Wrestle with weeds in a picturesque reserve to the amorous tunes of DJs from PIKDAT. Meet new friends and perhaps spark a new romantic connection! Hosted by the Waitakere Festival. 4:00-6:30pm Saturday, March 22
• Post-carbon picnic What would our lives be like if we weren't dependent on fossil fuels? NZ's first Post-Carbon Picnic (happening in centres around NZ) will enact that answer. Expect bikes, delicious local food and a spot of "shwopping". 4:00-10:00pm Saturday, March 29
• New Lynn Op Shop Tour Retro-fashionistas descend on renowned New Lynn op shops with Sarah from Sew Love Tea Do, followed by brainstorming and sewing to upcycle buys at the EcoMatters Sustainable Living Centre. 10am-3pm Saturday, March 29
• Ales and Nails Repurpose a shipping pallet into a piece of custom furniture then enjoy a local craft brew to celebrate at an event where the vibe is as cool as the beer. Experts will be on hand to help. 2:00-8:00pm Saturday, April 5
