13 Rad EcoWest Events for Urbanites

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If you’re into e-bikes, ethical fashion and having a good time with like-minded people, EcoWest Festival 2017 has a great line-up for you. Here’s our shortlist to sweeten city life.

1. Down & Dirty // Rooftop Party

We had to take a rain check on Saturday 11 April, but the opening party for EcoWest Festival is going ahead on the 18th! Music by Ben James Leo and 95bFM DJ Charlotte Red. BBQ, mezze platters and first beer on the house. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go towards EcoMatters’ restoration projects in West Auckland.

Tunes will be provided by Ben James Leo and DJ Charlotte Red, and BBQ and first beer will be on the house. Get your tickets

Saturday 18 March 2-6pm at Lopdell House

2. The Green Effect Comedy Show

The world has problems, so we’re getting comedians to fix them! Come along to watch four great comedians solve the world’s ills with hilarious solutions, all while raising funds for EcoMatters. Featuring Te Radar (Off The Radar, Radar’s Patch), Penny Ashton (Multiple World Tours), Pax Assadi (7 Days, GeorgeFM Mornings), and hosted by Brendon Green (TV3’s Story, Best Bits), The Green Effect Comedy Show will make the world a better place while laughing. This is a comedy event not to be missed. Tickets $25

Thursday 30 Mar 7.30pm at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, 524 Blockhouse Bay Road

3. EcoDay

Mark this day in your calendars – on Sunday 9 April, New Lynn will host the biggest eco day out to ever hit Auckland. This free event will have something for everyone, from a zero waste food court, to an upcycled market, to live music, performances and workshops all day long. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to check out the EcoMatters Bicycle Hub.

Sunday 9 April 11am-4pm at EcoMatters Environment Trust & Olympic Park

4. Kai in the Whau – Then and Now

The Whau was once one of Auckland’s food baskets. Short film ‘Kai in the Whau – Then and Now’ takes a journey back in time to discover the stories of the Whau’s pioneering food producers and what’s happening today to shift us back towards local food. The 40-minute film will screen on a rolling basis over the evening, so you can grab a bite to eat from Green Bay Street Food before, after or while you watch. Free, no booking required.

Friday 24 & 31 March 5-8.30pm at Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Drive

5. Sew a Bag with Gecko Bag

Gecko Bag Collective plans to kick plastic bags out of town by bringing convenience and creativity to the reusable bag on a local level. Ever forget your shopping bags at home? Easy, buy a Gecko Bag at the store and return it for a refund. That’s the idea, but we need your help sewing bags! You’re invited to sew a bag with the Gecko Collective. Donate your bag or a gold coin if you wish to take yours home. No experience required. We’ll supply the fabric and the sewing machines (or bring your own).

Free, but please book here

Saturday 18 March 2-5pm & Sunday 26 March 10.30am-1.30pm at EcoMatters Environment Trust, 1 Olympic Place

6. Conscious Layers Action Nights

Would you like to hang out with like minded people and discuss the tangible ideas for slowing down fast fashion? Or are you simply keen to learn the basics of fixing your clothes? If you said yes to any of the above, then pencil in one of these dates and come mingle with our generous menders and meet our Conscious Layers team.

Free for discussions. Repair basics course $15 – paid in cash on the night. Wardrobe Upkeep prices apply if dropping off clothes to be fixed.
Please RSVP your attendance by sending sms to Maja on 021 0333703.

Thursday 16 & 30 March 6-9pm at EcoMatters Environment Trust, 1 Olympic Place

7. Trash Talk: An Intro to Zero Waste

Zero waste living is a global movement that has grown exponentially over the last few years. More people are starting to realise that, through aiming to live zero waste, our everyday choices can have a hugely positive effect on the environment and we can each do our part to create a sustainable society.

Kristy Lorson, zero waste blogger and founder of Zero Waste in NZ!, leads this interactive workshop, delving into the problem of waste and overconsumption; and showing you simple changes you can make to reduce your waste. Also learn how to make your own zero waste toothpaste, with a sample to take home. Be empowered to make a difference. Koha appreciated & bookings required, please email [email protected]

Saturday 1 April 2.30-3.30pm at Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Drive

8. Whose Weed Is it Anyway?

An informative and entertaining community event bringing locals and their weed concerns together, spiced with a bit of humorous theatre and a Kiwi barbecue. Bring your own sausages and drinks and be part of a relaxing afternoon in the bush-clad hills of Waiatarua.

Sunday 12 March 4-7pm at 911 West Coast Road, Waiatarua

9. Native Plant Seed Collection & Sowing Workshop

EcoMatters Environment Trust’s native plant nursery manager Chrissy Yates will share her vast knowledge on native plants. We will start with a guided walk and native plant seed search and afterwards we will be potting up some seeds to help Chrissy achieve her goal of potting up 500 plants per week! No bookings required.

Sunday 12 March 1-3pm, meet at upper Ceramco park carpark, 112 Glendale Road, Glen Eden

10. A Night at Ark in the Park

Ark in the Park turns 15! Celebrate with us! On our guided walks discover a flourishing bush and rare reintroduced birds, all due to the hard work of our volunteers and their predator control efforts. Our experts will show you the Auckland City Walk at sunset and in the dark, trying to find the nocturnal animals that inhabit our bush, finishing with insect specialist Robert Hoare’s famous contraption to attract moths and night insects…maybe you’ll even see a giant green puriri moth! Bring a torch, a jacket and your friends. Bookings essential, carpooling recommended. More information

Saturday 25 March 7.30-9.30pm at Cascade Kauri car park, end of Falls Road

11. Free Park Yoga

The mission of Free Park Yoga is to make yoga accessible to all and help people to connect to nature. Yoga will take place in Olympic Park, but we will meet at EcoMatters Visitors Centre, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn. To book RSVP to our Facebook events

Sundays 12, 19, 26 March & 2 April 10.30am-11.30am at EcoMatters Environment Trust

12. Drop In Bike Session

Drop by anytime between 10-12pm to work on your riding or bike maintenance skills. Whatever your level we will be able to offer you tips and skills to improve your riding experience. Bikes are provided, no registrations required.

Getting out and about by bicycle is a great way to make your travel sustainable, fun and easy. Auckland Transport have a range of free events and training workshops available to ensure your ride is a smooth one.

Also check out our Beginner Bike Session, Tuesday 14 March 6-8pm, Avondale Central Reserve, off Great North Rd, Avondale.

Saturday 11 March 10am-12pm at 6 Henderson Valley Rd

13. All About E-Bikes: ‘Further, Fitter, Faster’

This is a transport revolution! E-bikes are becoming a success story for sustainable transport around town. Conversion of your bike will flatten those hills and put the fun back into riding.

Brent, a former electromechanical engineer, will tell you all need to know about ebikes, from the practicalities of converting your existing bike to purchasing new.

In association with EVolocity, sponsors of the secondary schools Electric Vehicle projects and MeloYelo, E+Bike offers kits, advice and installation of motor systems to your existing bike. Bring your bike along for a free assessment and test ride a converted bike on the day. Bookings essential

This workshop will be happening simultaneously with the kids art workshop Dream Weaving.

Saturday 1 April 10.30am-12pm at EcoMatters Environment Trust