From SME’s, to big corporates, to community organisations, and the big ole’ city council— all of us at some point or another have to innovate what we are doing in an attempt to grow capital of one kind or another.  Problems arise when creativity overtakes practicality and we lose sight our operating context. 

Keeping that balance is essential as often there are big gains to be made in improving on something already exists, rather than trying to be too revolutionary and producing a solution the world isn’t ready for yet. 

From there, Next Plays moves into the ideas necessary to start tackling these problems. Knowing what we know from the scenarios developed, what needs to be developed? Is it rejigging the business model? Developing a new product or service? How the widget gets made? Changing the way theorganisation operates to influence its stakeholders? In this stage of the process, all ideas are on the table, no matter how left field. 

• Improving communications transparency (authenticate)
• Creating broader value nets—not chains (engagement)
• Considering longer term impacts in decision making (go long)
• Closing loops on material inputs and outputs-- waste is a resource (loops)
• Mixing and broadening boundaries together to increase chances for rapid evolution (mix)
• Filling unmet needs and gaps in the system (needs based- what do people want?)
• Finding a niche and simplify a way of doing things (simplify)

The possibilities are then examined across the business or organisation structure, from the business model, to the larger operating environment, to the processes of the company, to the individual products and services, to larger communications and engagement strategies. 

Finally, the remaining ideas are weighed up against time and the scenarios that were discussed at the onset. What takes priority is determined by the organisation’s unique situation. Discrete initiatives might be polished off in a matter of weeks. Strategic business changes might roll out over a 5-10 year stretch. In either case, implementation should begin as soon as possible.

Last night at LATE at the Museum, we witnessed a spirited discussion from some very intelligent minds.  In a discussion focused on environmental and economic impacts of migration in a global age, eminent speakers Rod Oram (left) and Dr. John Merson (right) gave a worthwhile summary of how New Zealand is likely to stack up in the era ahead marked by climate change. 

Moderated by Finlay Macdonald (centre), the talk explored far more than the title suggested and delved into the complex economic, social, environmental, and political relationships that are pivotal to understand when addressing climate change.

In front of a standing room only crowd, Dr. Merson took a strong position that much of the challenge ahead lies in challenging our social norms and changing our everyday habits and views.  He noted that economics and the markets they spawn are directly responsible for the environmental consequences of what business does-- in many cases, the pollution/distruction of our environment.

Mr. Oram made the case that from a government point of view, market drivers play a big part in making change happen, which is why there has been contentious debate around the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (or ETS).  While an ETS is only one part of the equation, Mr. Oram raised the point that we only pay attention to what we value, and if carbon has a measured value, it can be managed throughout business models. 

He gave a rather interesting snapshot of how this would be likely to effect New Zealand's prominant dairy industry: each year, according to Fonterra, for every litre of milk, 1 kg of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) are generated.  This amounts to a whopping 15 million tonnes of GHGs annually.  While attributing some cost to these GHGs has the farming industry up in arms squealing apocalypse, Mr. Oram seems to think they're missing the point.  Each kg of GHGs equates to wasted nutrients. 

If farmers could farm more efficently, close the loop on many of their farming practices, they could actually save an incredible amount of money in the longer term and manage their land better.  He noted that in New Zealand we have huge potential to be world leaders in redefining how ruminants are farmed, but our research budgets in this area to date have been really small.  We could be developing some leading technology and proprietary know-how, but so far have missed the bus. 

Dr. Merson, while optimistic to a point on technology helping save us, he noted that technology and ETS are just tools in a larger toolbox.  Markets are crtically important, but not the only tool, and unfortunately the main focus to date has been on mitigation of climate change effects.  Due to a 30 year lag time on emissions and the reality they present for us, time is not no our side.  The way we live is not sustainable and with each day that passes we are affecting the hroizon of what will face our children and grandchildren.  More than a reliance on mitigation is needed.  With it, the conversation turned more towards adaptation and some serious questions were raised. 

He noted that in the years ahead, a likely 1.5 metre rise in sea levels would take place, affecting many crowded population centres worldwide from New York to Bangkok.  What happens to all these people living coastally?  What are our moral implications in New Zealand?  Are we to take them in?  What is the scale of confrontation that we are facing?  He emphasised that we do not have the luxury of disconnecting ourselves globally from what is happening around us, and especially not from our neighbours on Pacific atolls.  Unfortunately, planning for this likely monumental shift in humanity in the coming years and the migratory challenges it suggests has barely surfaced on the radar of policy makers.

Mr. Oram confirmed that climate meetings later this year in Copenhagen are unlikely to yield a full blown climate treaty, but should hopefully help get countries worldwide on a better trajectory, especially if the U.S. is involved to any serious level.  Painfully absent at the Kyoto negotiations, U.S. involvement is critical to the adoption of any worldwide agreement as it amounts to a credible shift in values.

Quick to make sure that the emphasis was not left on governments to do all the work, Dr. Merson shifted footing to personal responsibility, and also noted that the time has come to move beyond functioning as independent nation states for issues that cross all international borders.  With or without governments, people around the world need to embrace the ideals of equity, mutuality, and interconnectedness.  As time is running out and we are already behind the 8-ball, it is of vital interest to take personal action, to lobby government, and to send signals to the market that a shift is needed. 

He cited several recent corporate incidents with GE and GM that have been in response to consumer behaviour and investor lobbying, as well as the Montreal Protocol on CFCs as success stories in how people have come together worldwide to make big shifts happen.

Confirming the position, Mr. Oram noted that governments follow people, and that we each must help drive the change forward.  We are going to need to get comfortable and excited about changing, understanding economic and social pressures, and get a better appreciation of the interdependence of the global scene.  Success in combating climate change will come with a significant movement of human ingenuity and creativity to tackle the problems we face. 

It was a really positive point to end with, and a really great segue to the rest of the evening's programming, which included musical appearances from New Zealand's Ladi6 (right) and King Kapisi.  It was some good food for thought with a positive soundtrack to help it all sink in. 

For more on upcoming events at Auckland Museum, check out www.lateatthemuseum.com

We’re in strange times, and they could get a lot stranger. How do you plan for the unknowable? Check out this article by Chris Tobias from Idealog Magazine.

Finally!  Some images from an earth building workshop I attended a short while ago, facilitated by the renowned New Zealand architect, Graeme North.  Check out the process here in images as we built an experimental structure using cob, mud brick, bamboo, and lightweight concrete. 

It was a fantastic workshop and really inspiring to get hands-on with readily available, natural, local materials.  The building project (complete to the final picture you see at the end) took two teams working over 16 days.  I was involved in the first group that got the foundation layers put in, as well as a good portion of the walls and roof.  The second group took over with the structure and improved on the rest.  Not bad for a bunch of novices. 

The final structure will likely be used as a storage shed on the property, and be monitored over time to see how the combinations of materials have weathered the NZ elements.  We encountered a few difficulties due to rain and wind, but it was amazing to see what a beating the materials took, and how well they cured in spite of the conditions.  In better weather and with a bit of practice, it would seem likely that a larger structure could go up much faster than what we experienced.  Thanks Graeme for your expertise and showing us which end was up!
 

I had the pleasure of having drinks with Jill Caldwell on a recent summery afternoon in Auckland. For those not familiar with her work, Jill is a researcher par excellence who started Windshift Communications, and has also written a fascinating book called 8 Tribes. She is one of those people with an amazing brain that can connect statistics with anthropology with socioeconomics and any issues of the day with profound clarity. In fact, she almost makes it look too easy!

We got to chatting about a variety of behaviour issues in society, and how the “green” movement has largely been talking to itself so far and is reaching a critical point where it must branch out and engage other people. After all, if any progress is to be made on global issues such as climate change, it needs to be a mass effort.  (continues)

If asked to envision a thriving environment, many people might think of a stunning rainforest, a teeming ocean, or African plains.  As for my city dwelling self, well, I'd settle for a walk in a park on most days.  I don't view this as a bad thing; a stimulating social life ranks pretty high on the list of priorities.  I do wish that there were more natural spaces integrated into the city and less concrete.  

Lucky for me, I get the introduction to a 1.5 hectare (3.7 acres) site tucked away in a corner of a university campus in central Auckland.  As I learn, the space not also harbors plants, but also solutions to climate change and many ills of society. 

The Unitec Hortecology Sanctuary (UHS) encompasses many different functions.  At once, it is a learning facility, a testing ground, a food forest, a certified organic garden, and an exemplar of permaculture design.  It contains a rotated 6 section garden bed, 3 trails, student project spaces, compost stalls, and a vertical compost unit (VCU)   that was a world first. 

The UHS was founded in 1999 by lecturer Brendan Hoare and colleague Richard Main.  It evolved from an empty field with lawns and rubble into a facility frequented by horticulture enthusiasts from as far away as the UK and Japan. 

Brendan and Richard set out with the principles of opportunity, inclusion, and abundance when they created the Sanctuary.  With a carefully defined strategy and 3 years of hard work with students, the space took shape, and has since evolved into a lush landscape.  Nearly every corner of the property is filled with plants-some natives, some exotic, and even weeds (yes, weeds!).  The weeds are carefully controlled and viewed opportunistically: when composted, they make a great biomass that gets redistributed to the other food bearing plants. 

While exploring the space with Brendan, he nips off several broad beans from tall stalks, and passes one to me.  "The Sanctuary isn't just about plants," he tells me while multitasking.  He peels the broad bean, eats, and then whips the casing back at the garden floor amongst the greenery, nutrient recycling at its finest.  "This place is about possibilities and a new way forward.  We want to challenge how a city landscape is viewed, challenge what people think of as biodiversity."  

He delves into hortecology: it is one part horticulture, one part ecology, cleverly mixed together in a philosophy that is accommodating of diversity.  It's a place where all plants can be... well, plants, and people can come to experience a terrain less ordinary. 

Thousands have done just that over the years.  Around 300 students have managed the property under Brendan and Richard's guidance, and community groups, local school children, government delegations, permaculture classes, and a myriad of others have filed through the Sanctuary's corridors. 

Of the visitors coming through, Brendan says that for many, spending quiet time with nature has been a first.  "In the busy world with all its distractions, not many people have taken the time to just sit quietly in an ecosystem and contemplate, just be in the space and understand how nature works," he says. 

In the glaring New Zealand sunshine, we walk from the garden space leaving the broad beans behind and move to the quiet canopy of the adjacent food forest.  It is tranquil, and the rest of the landscape quickly melts from view.  It's not surprising to learn that a campus ministry group has recently appropriated the forest as a spiritual retreat space. 

Brandon explains that the forest was built in layers of succession over time, with pioneer species breaking ground and adding fertility.  Now everything from avocados to pawpaws, and yes even some weeds, thrive.  I ask Brendan about the weeds and get more than I bargained for.    

"Everything has their place here; everything is welcome.   Some people view weeds as problems, but they have their uses," he says.  "From weeds to climate change to our energy sources, we need to stop thinking of the planet as a problem.  It is people and their approach to the planet that are the problem.  Out here it's not about the silly economic notion of scarcity; it's not about taking.  Nature is abundance, and we as humans need to get our heads around that.  We need to be opportunistic and start behaving in a natural way, working with the systems the planet made."

Given my editorial focus, my ears perk up and I probe Brendan on the subject of climate change.  Does he see the Sanctuary as one part of the solution?  A way to raise food locally, better understand ecology, and have a smaller footprint?    

"Climate change is part of a much, much larger issue.  There have been many realisations in recent years-- about the climate, about agriculture, about energy, etc.  Climate change is the latest realisation, but basically all these issues are signaling the end of the industrial era," Brendan says.  "It's this new era that we are struggling to grasp.  We have been locked into our industrial mindset, our way of solving problems, and we are only just starting to shake out of it." 

Brendan views behaviour change as key, and places like the Sanctuary as enablers of behaviour change.  "There are any number of capacities that can thrive in this environment," he says.  "Accounting, engineering, biology, and so on-they can all be applied here and find inspiration.  The learning starts here and moves outward, to society, our world, and how we approach it."

He continues as we head back towards the garden.  "We live in an age where people are too much in their heads," he says.  "We need to be outside ourselves, in practice, taking action, making change.  This Sanctuary is about restoring our environment on one level, but it is also about building resilience in the community, about making connections, and developing ourselves."

Getting experience in a place like the Sanctuary has opened my eyes to a number of new approaches and I'm struck by how many good things can come out of one place.  Opportunities abound, and anyone interacting with this kind of place has the chance to grow and eat food, build relationships, develop their own talents, and learn about nature all in one go.  It is a way to tackle climate change and concurrently change the underlying behaviour responsible for it and so many other problems. 

Nearing the end of our walk through, Brendan wraps up.  "The Sanctuary is an expression of this land and this place.  We need to replicate this elsewhere in New Zealand and the rest of the world," he says.  "This is a model that works and that needs to be replicated." 

I ask him if he has any other parting thoughts, and Brendan issues me this challenge as I head out: "Encourage people to get out of their heads.  We analyse far too much.  Get out there and do it."  With those words in my mind, I'm inspired to continue my work.  I also know that I'll be back to be involved with the Sanctuary, so watch this space.

For more information, contact Brendan Hoare:
Mobile: +64 27 2888 618
Email: bhoare@organic-systems.org

Eric Dorfman has written a fantastic summary of the implications of climate change for New Zealand.  It is probably the most rubust resource we've found to date on the subject, and thankfully written in laymans tems.  An easy read without clubbing one upside the head with science.  It's captivating to have a cohesive picture of the possibilities that await the country in the years ahead, and useful for personal action and planning.  Covering both changes in nature and their knock on effects in the economy and social spheres, the book is concise and well rounded.  Best part of it is-- not all of is scary.  Afterall, knowledge is power.  A must read.

Some great online resources from the book are worth sharing here.  If you're keen to know how far under water your area might be with rising sea levels, have a play with this simulator.  To stay keep informed of changes in the climate over time, visit the NIWA National Climate Change Centre website or Climate Science.

We would like to give a hats off to the talented organic horticulture expert, Brendan Hoare.  Involved with Organics for over 25 years, he is Executive Director of Econation2020, team leader for the Journal of Organic Systems, and until recently a lecturer at Unitec in Auckland.  Unfortunately, Unitec recently scrapped its horticulture programme, but thankfully the Horticulture Sanctuary that has thrived since 1999 under the watchful eye of Brendan will remain on site.  Whie no firm decisions have yet been made, the sanctuary will likely be used by other organisations as a training site.  (continues)

Sustainability starlett Adelia Hallet just launched a new newsletter entitled GentleWorld.  It is free and covers local food, health issues, low-carbon living, and has a great listing of farmers markets across New Zealand.  We caught up with Adelia who had this to say:

(continues)

Peter Goldsbury of Strategic Expertise provided me with some really fascinating insight in his 2 day seminar dealing with Living Systems Thinking and project management... (continues)