Kia ora e hoa mā,

A high point late in March was listening to the deputations made by CJT and Community Energy Taranaki (CET), urging the New Plymouth District Council elected members to expand rather than shrink climate action investments, and to lead the district courageously into an oil free future. Speakers from CET made excellent economic arguments throughout their deputation. It was a full-council meeting chaired by deputy mayor Murray Chong, who encouraged us with his largely supportive response to both presentations, and told the CET speakers he’s always loved the idea of harnessing energy from the sun. If you missed the council meeting, you can watch the video online (scroll to council meeting 26 March, click video 1).

Webinar: Why Importing LNG is a BAD idea  1st April, 7:00pm-8:30pm:

In collaboration with Taranaki Energy Watch and CET, we are hosting a webinar to highlight the problems of the government’s plan to build a Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) import facility in Taranaki. Our speakers will each give a ten-minute presentation. We will then open the floor for questions and panel discussions. Please register here.

Day of Action: No More Wars, 11^th April, 11am-12:30pm

Movie: Future Council, 12^th April, 11:15am, Len Lye Cinema

Here’s the official blurb: “Get on board this timely movie full of hope – a balm for difficult days. Damon Gameau (2040, That Sugar Film) takes eight kids on the ultimate school excursion: a road trip across Europe to challenge powerful leaders and find solutions to our greatest ecological challenges.” Tickets here.

Webinar:  Dairy farming in Aotearoa: Feeding the world or destroying the planet?

Presenter “Dr Elizabeth Elliot Noe is an interdisciplinary researcher with Lincoln University whose work explores how people, farming systems, and biodiversity interact in Aotearoa’s working landscapes. A former researcher with Bioprotection Aotearoa during its Tranche 1 programme, her research focuses on the social and ecological factors that influence how biodiversity can be supported within productive agricultural systems.” Register here.

Workshops: Ora Taiao Ora Tangata Community Climate Fresk 

Thanks again to Toi Foundation, we are bringing to you another series of workshops across Taranaki between now and May.

18th April Saturday (9:30am – 12:30pm) – TOI FOUNDATION ROOMS, New Plymouth

22nd April  Wednesday (9:30am – 12:30pm) – HĀWERA LIBRARY 

2nd May Saturday (9:30am – 12:30pm) – HEMPTON HALL, ŌKATO 

9th May Saturday (9:30am – 12:30pm) – HĀWERA LIBRARY 

12th May Tuesday (5:30pm-8:30pm) – BUTLER’S REEF, OĀKURA 

14th May Thursday (5:30-8:30pm) – SINCLAIR EVENTS CENTRE, ŌPUNAKĒ

15th May Friday (9:30am – 12:30pm) – INGLEWOOD LIBRARY 

21st May, Thursday (5:30pm – 8:30pm) – TOI FOUNDATION ROOMS, New Plymouth

Registration here.  If none of the above times suit, please get in touch because our trained facilitators can tailor-run a workshop for you, your friends, whānau, neighbours or workmates!

Protect our Moana, 18 April, 2pm until late, Ōpunakē beach

We are all invited to an epic event, to celebrate the departure of Trans-Tasman Resources seabed miner and activate our call for a permanent and complete BAN of all seabed mining in Aotearoa NZ. Gather at Ōpunakē beach from 1:30pm for an opening kōrero at 2pm, followed by a Spelling out a message on the beach, a Paddle Out, then kai/dinner and musical line up. More details on Protect Our Moana fb page.  

Wise Response: When the trucks stop

This is a very thoughtful and evolving working document that Wise Response has put together, in response to the current fuel crisis and more. It points to numerous ways we can do to build truly resilient communities. Do have a read, and take on some of the actions in section 10.

Offer:  Reality of Everything Symposium, 26^th June, Wellington

CJT is offering to support five people from Taranaki to attend this symposium, by covering the registration costs and facilitate EV car-pooling.

This is “A one-day symposium bringing together Aotearoa’s foremost thinkers on the interconnected crises shaping our future – and what we can do about them… The symposium sets out to empower New Zealanders through knowledge and awareness, building a critical mass of reality-conscious people across sectors and communities who can amplify this awareness through their spheres of influence.” See program and speaker details.

Get in touch if you’d like our offer.

Talking Across Difference
Early in March several CJT members took part in a new seminar series called “Beyond Small Talk” at the New Plymouth Library. It was a good opportunity to learn and practice how to talk, and more importantly, listen, to people who hold different views from us. The series will continue throughout the year. If you’d like to know more, contact: beyond.small.talk.ngamotu@gmail.com

Lake Onslow Fast Track
News this week revealed that fast-track access has been offered for a revived pumped hydro-electric storage proposal at Lake Onslow in Otago – the controversial NZ Battery Project. Cost estimates for the project have gone up from $4 billion to $8-10 billion and possibly $15.7b. The Clutha Pumped Hydro Consortium claimed that they’ve already got interest from big overseas companies. Since 2022, Forest and Bird have raised serious concerns over the ecological impacts of the project, notably the destruction of nationally significant wetlands and the habitat of protected threatened birds, plants and fish species. Energy experts and hydrologists have pointed out numerous more sensible and cost-effective alternatives. It’d appear that this incompetent government is again ignoring environmental and economic rationale to smooth the way for corporate interest.

Election Year
Polls continue to show an end to the current 3-party coalition may yet happen.
With just under 7 months until the final enrolment date of 25th October we see Enroll-to-Vote efforts as a CJT priority.
We will be door-knocking and attending community events such as local weekly markets, where we plan to offer friendly, direct and uncomplicated online enrolments.

Let us know if you’d like to help.

Kia hauora, kia kaha, kia rangimārie,

Nā Climate Justic Taranaki.