Initial consultation closed

Thank you to everyone who showed an interest in the planning of 'a day at the beach' and who have given their support, ideas and creativity! Absolutely blown away by the contributions we've received. We have now closed initial consultations on the project, and will now attempt to take stock of all that we have heard and in order to put a strong plan in place.

Over the next few weeks we hope to work closely with local community representatives and potential funders to really bring the project to life.

Once again, thanks!

Guy & Louis

Consultation extended!

The community design workshop was really productive and thanks to all who came along for the afternoon in Westport, especially Mr. Don Neale who travelled all the way from Hokitika! In conjunction with an impromptu workshop with students and staff from the Tai Poutini Polytech Ecotourism Course a few days ago, we have recorded pages and pages of ideas and brainstorms.

More and more people seem to finding out about the project, and interest is increasing. Suffice to say we have extended 'consultation' to June 14.

Keep all the feedback coming!

Louis & Guy

Community Workshop Planned - all invited!

We have been blown away all your encouragement and support for the project. Numerous phone calls, emails and conversations have promoted us to convene a community workshop to capture all of this energy and enthusiasm.

This is open to all individuals and organisations with an interest in the project. All the details (what, when, where) on a one page easy to read document. Please click here to have your invitation.

Best wishes

Louis & Guy

A Day at the Beach

This is a community project we've hatched for Conservation Week and Clean Up Week for September 7-20 this year, based on the simple idea – spending a day at the Beach.

Coastlines are hugely significant to New Zealand, as any island nation. In fact, we have over 15,000 kilometers! On the thin slither of land that bridges the mighty Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps lies our coastal margin – comprised of conservation estate and three main population centers (Wesport, Greymouth, Hokitika). We all know our coast is an enormous cultural, environmental, recreational, and commercial resource. Whilst spending a day at the beach engaged in worthwhile action, individuals are introduced to ‘critical questions’ around threats facing our coastal communities in the present, or very near future.

Are sea levels rising? Is erosion increasing? How much waste is on our beaches? Is current protection of the coastal/ marine environment sufficient?

We are two West Coasters interested and passionate about our region, and our coastlines. Thus we are motivated to not just complete the walk and provide basic public communication, but motivate other West Coasters to get involved by coordinating a series of community events. Louis Brown is continuing a trip started several winters ago to walk the length of the West Coast, and is willing to offer overall project coordination. Guy Ryan, will be walking 'in spirit' and is willing to offer innovative visual communications to broadcast the project.

As previously said, we would like to convene a series of ambitious, high visibility community events along the West Coast - seven coordinated action events – each an invitation to clean the coastline, plant trees amongst other activities. Whilst spending a day at the beach engaged in worthwhile action, individuals will also be introduced to the above ‘critical questions’.

Imagine these events joined together by a 150 kilometre adventurous coastal journey in the footsteps of early travellers (Westport to Hokitika). Imagine powerful advance visual communications, live web updates of results, an 'artist in residence', a short film and travelling educational exhibition both to follow the main action segment (Summer 2009/ 10). This is designed to communicate the commitment shown by all.

The would acheive the following goals:

• 1000 people to participate
• 1000 plants/ trees planted
• 3 tonnes of rubbish removed from coastlines
• Showcasing the stunning natural surrounds of the West Coast

Who: all invited

When: September 7 - 20 (rain, hail or shine!)

Where: Westport to Hokitika journey with 7 community events in between

Timeline: May - community consultation, budget. June - take stock of feedback, concrete-in ideas/ establish HQ. We need to have everything else in place by July 1.

Initial support: Department Of Conservation, Guardians of Paroa Taramakau Coastal Area Trust, local schools, 'Buller homeschoolers', Adult Learning Support Buller, Conservation Volunteers, Keep New Zealand Beautiful, Sustainable Coastlines, GreenBench, Blue Penguin Trust, Chris Auchinvole, MP for West Coast Tasman, Tai Poutini Polytech Ecotourism Certificate and counting...! Some of their links are to the right of this page.

We are very interested in hearing from all others who would like to assist either a) designing the project b) encouraging critical mass for the main action segment (journey or community events) c) documenting the project for the film and/or educational exhibition d) offering $$ support for 'out of pocket'/ basic expenses, or in-kind contributions or e) all of the above! We are also keen to hear from those who may have a more general interest, for example:

• Intend to come along to action events
• Have any good ideas about what needs to happen before, during or after these events
• Have any suggestions (may include which networks that we should invite)

We have attached a brief document (please click here) which outlines where we have got to in our thinking including benefits of being involved in the project.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Guy Ryan & Louis Brown

P.S From here...

The month of May is dedicated to soliciting feedback/ collaboration from like minded (and not so like minded) individual and organisational members from the West Coast community network and beyond. Please post a comment below, email us directly louismbrown@gmail.com or Phone 03 789 7709. Do stay in touch over the coming months as the project progresses.