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We are a group of people drawn together since 1995 to evolve a small settlement with a village atmosphere. Our motivating philosophy is to be self-sustaining in as many aspects as possible, using permaculture principles to create a place to live in harmony with each other and our environment.
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A little about some of the eco-villagers and how they're progressing...
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Heidelind & Rik:
Heidelind is a horticulture teacher for NorthTec (Northland Polytech). She conducts courses in the region and coordinates similar courses throughout the Kaipara and Rodney Districts. Rik is a Dutch architect, and designed and build his 50m2 (almost) autarkic solar cabin. The cabin faces North and is mainly timber framed (LawsonÕs Cyprus) with glass panels on three sides. To maximise solar gain also the North side of the roof is transparent, while the other side is an earth roof. The cabin stands on a concrete slab with solar hot water floor heating, a conservatory and a 12V PV power system.
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Paul McLaren:
Paul is a teacher - mainly in science (but also of EFL - during 2 years OE). He has studied - passionately - biochemistry, soil microbiology - whence mulching; worm composting toilets, marine biology, oceanography, biochemistry, etc., etc. Paul built an Econobarn (low cost, half-round barn) with nearly all the interior fittings and joinery being recycled. He also has a small recycled Lockwood home, relocated here recently. Both buildings use solar heated water exclusively. Paul welcomes ideas on how to develop his two hectares.
He focuses mainly on arboriculture, alongside the grazing of (currently) 7 small petable calves - and one cat - Simba - a Zen master! |
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Wolf & Sabine:
Pukahu is the name of our place at the Eco Village. We have a big and welcoming home, with self contained WWOOFer and guest accommodation in the barn. All buildings are built using the light earth method. We have dry composting toilets, we are using alternative power (solar and wind) only and have a grey water system.
We are passionate about creating a sustainable life style with a high degree of self sufficiency. We enjoy the bounty from the garden and land. We are self sufficient in most vegetables, in fruit during the summer months, in eggs, meat and dairy (we are making cheese and sausages). We also brew beer and distill spirits.
We are also very passionate about building sustainable relationships. We believe in the importance of co-operation between people for those who want to make the world a better place. We both work as group facilitators, Sabine is an associate with Zenergy (www.zenergyglobal.com).
We love to work with groups, new or already established who want to work towards a positive goal in the field of community, sustainability and social ecology. We are committed to the Permaculture ethics: Care of the earth, Care of the people and Share the surplus. ÔOne and one is more then twoÕ and together we can achieve so much more. As process guides we can assist you in building your common vision, finding your pathways to achieve your goals.
Some time ago we have started to look for partners to join us on our 5 acres. Laura and Benji had joined us March 2006 for a trial period of 6 months. We have developed a good personal relationship but found some differences in the expectations what life we want to live. We have parted as friends and they have found their own place in the area.
Succession is still a big topic for us. We love to hear from anybody with good ideas. pukahu@xtra.co.nz |
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Daniel, Jude, Poppy & Oscar:
Daniel is a Landscape Architect and Jude runs a theatre company involved with environmental issues. They moved up permanently in February 2002 having completed stage one of their plans - a straw bale post and beam home with strawbale infill. They have also completed an earth brick and timber barn which provides their bedroom accommodation. Other projects include herb garden, pergola, shelterbelts, orchard, native bush and pond edge plantings, vineyard plus fencing for chooks and a house cow. Keep up the good work!
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Sharna & Kapil:
Kapil is a photographer and Sharna is a counsellor and wedding celebrant. Incorporating spiritual ideals within physical structures is important to them, so spaces have been planned for meditation, contemplation and healing. Projects include orchards, subtropicals, herb spiral, and edible hedgerows. Their barn/studio/workshop is called "Wakawhenua" - Earthship - and progress has been intuitive and organic. Building elements include power poles, arches, timbers, mud in-situ adobe walls, mud floors, ferro cement, Onduline roof, recycled bricks, bottles - all to be adorned with copious mosaics and sculptures. Summing up his philosophy Kapil quotes Hundertwasser's eloquent words "Beauty is not a luxury".
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Robert, Marijke, Kane & Anton, Lucy & Gary, Nellie & Dolf:
Eight share this unit, also known as 'The Far Side'. Nellie and Dolf have built a Hebal style house. Rob and Marijke have started their "timbercreate" creation. They also want to complete and launch their 28 foot GBE catamaran by the summer of 2008. We love to create things and spaces and enjoy carving, mosaics, sailing, music, and fishing. Robert works in Auckland 2-3 days every fortnight. Marijke teaches art to children occasionally.
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Peter:
Peter is a graduate engineer enjoying his full time job on his property, building his home, developing his land, planting 5000 trees, looking after the nursery, sub-tropicals, vegetable and flower gardens as well as working for the community. His house is built with timber framing, hand made bricks, 80 year old rimu flooring and ironwood beams. Seven square metre solar panels integrated into the conservatory roof produce hot water and a soapstone fireplace produces warmth. Sewage from the kitchen, bathroom and flushing toilet runs into a vermicasting tank where worms do the composting work.
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