Holly Jean Brooker

My recent interview with Homestyle Magazine

2011-04-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

Greenhouse Perth

Posted by Amber - Designer - 10/11/2010 http://www.homestylemagazine.co.nz/blog/greenhouse-perth

Eco
Q & A

Greenhouse is an exciting new cafe in Perth with an emphasis on tasty, honest food and simple ideas for a non-destructive lifestyle. From the worm farm to the freshly baked bread the brains behind the Greenhouse called on local knowledge and advice to ensure they got it right the first time, from designers, engineers, builders, scientists, chefs and even farmers they left no stone unturned in their quest. Aiming to enhance the understanding of the human footprint they have created a cafe which blurs the line between functionality, beauty and sustainability.

We talk to our in-house eco-expert Holly Brooker about her recent trip to this innovative and quirky cafe.

How did you find out about the Greenhouse?
One of my best friends is an interior architect and had read about the Greenhouse online and told me all about it, and as soon as I got to Perth I made a bee-line for it as I wanted to see what it was all about!
What was your initial impression?
I was blown away. It is such an interesting place, very eclectic and there are so many incredible sustainable ideas evident in the place. I was having coffee with an old friend and found it hard to concentrate because I wanted to see and touch everything and ask questions - I grilled the waitress a little as I was super excited - and was basically like wow wow wow!
What were you most impressed about?
I love that the eatery has its own inner city vegetable garden surrounding the rooftop bar, which the chefs tend can collect fresh produce from.
Did the strong eco-philosophy affect the overall experience or quality of the food and coffee?
What I LOVE about the cafe is that is oozes inner city cool, yet fosters an underground eco mantra - it's not in your face 'hippy'. It is natural, real, urban and cool. The food and coffee is amazing, fresh, delicious and normal! It is about making eco living realistic and practical.

Amazingly, the Greenhouse was constructed in only 6 weeks. Click here for a time-lapse of the construction.

i heart Garbage

2011-03-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

When we moved to Western Australia mid 2010 we sold up everything- moving here with literally one suitcase each. After 8 months in a furnished apartment, we have signed away our lives and moved into our very first Australia home. In so doing, we have begun to accumulate a household full of items which do not fit into one suitcase.

Our mission is to keep our environmental impact low by accumulating less this time around and keeping is simple.

In furnishing an empty apartment we have been mindful of making green choices, opting to buy SOME new items and as many used items as possible, while still furnishing a house in a modern and comfortable style.

Sourcing pre-used and pre-loved household items from thrift stores, garage sales, ebay and inorganic collections, we have set up our home with awesome shiz while still choosing green options,

Next up, a dining room table. Im thinking a recycled door would be a perfect option!

unleashing the artist within

2011-03-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

Im inspired by Aboriginal painting.... the meaning behind the lines and the natural raw colours and style of the artwork. i have wanted a piece of my own for some time. Recently my mum came to stay and being the artist she is, decided we should paint a piece together. I felt that using Aboriginal influence required a real importance on putting meaning behind our picture and doing this together was a really special time... especially as we had both been going through a really hard time in our lives. As we painted we talked about the meaning behind it times, other times we were silent, and other times we shared of our lives and hearts.
For me, the lines represent different journeys in my life- some overlap and some are quite unique and have an end with a new beginning for the next journey. some lines represent new journeys that will come. and the dots. well every dot is a symbol of fertility (hahahah my husband rico looked a bit nervous when i told him that imagining an Angelina Jolie tribe of children! lol)
This is our painting. I like it very much.

Getting My Bike On

2011-03-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

Originally published at http://good.net.nz/blog/holly-jean-brooker/getting-my-bike-on

Holly has made a new years resolution to drive less and ride more, and is finding her sweet new ride is semi changing her life.

It’s 2011 and to incorporate one more step towards living it green I have bought a beautiful ladies bike, complete with cane basket and bell. Yes, I have joined Su Yin Khoo and the cycle crew and I must admit Im seriously stoked, while slightly regretful that I have not embraced cycle power much earlier! Working 60km out of town where I must navigate my way through roaming kangaroos and emus means my bike has a rest during the weekday as my Diesel fueled LandRover offers a little more substance and safety on these difficult journeys. However every week night and weekend since getting my sweet new ride I have kept my LandRover in the garage, choosing to bike to the supermarket, video store, pubs/restaurants, local fruit stall, the beach. Ok, I admit it. I have used my bike to scope out a few house options while house-hunting (which turns out to be a perfect way to see a house up close while pretending to be looking for a ‘friends house’ as we bike up the driveway for a closer look!). My petrol bill is down considerably, I am loving the extra exercise, but am slightly jealous of my husbands stubby/KeepCup holder in his Schwinn cruiser.

I must say life is somewhat easier with a bike, particularly highlighted last night as we roamed around the streets of Bunbury which were shut off to cars due to Australia Day festivities! How jealous were the residents of Bunbury who were jammed up back-to-back in their petrol guzzling 4WD monstrosities at the end of the nationalistic festivities while we whipped through the cars ringing our bells and whizzing by in glee.

It’s 2011 and I’m getting my bike on.

Holly Jean Brooker is owner ofwww.urbanmac.co.nz, which provides New Zealanders with untreated raised garden beds, nutritious soil and outdoor furniture.

KEEP YOUR KITCHEN SQUEKO CLEAN AND GREEN

2010-10-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

A snippet of this weeks blog published with Good Magazine

http://good.net.nz/blog/holly-jean-brooker/keep-your-kitchen-squeeko-clean

BY HOLLY JEAN BROOKER

Add a few green changes into your kitchen to create a green, sustainable hub for the family to enjoy. Holly Jean shares a few ideas on how to go about getting your kitchen green and squeEKO clean

The kitchen is seen as a hub in the home, providing necessary food and beverages, companionship as we busily prepare meals, a place to chat with friends over a cup of tea at the breakfast bar or table. Being such a vital and well-used area in the home, keeping it green can be forgotten as we juggle grocery bills, lack of time and habit.

1. Reduce waste. Reuse leftovers! How many times do we cook a meal, serve it up and realise we have cooked more than needed? We scoop the extras into a bowl to have for ‘lunch’, and four days later find it pushed to the back of the fridge untouched. It then goes in the bin (or toilet if you're my mum. Yuck!), to rot itself into oblivion. Very wasteful. If this is a problem you relate to, how about being realistic and scooping it straight into a storage container and into the freezer for those nights you're home alone, don’t want to cook or when you know you have a busy day ahead and will need it for lunch. If it really needs to be thrown out, you could embrace composting! Composting doesn’t need to be an unsightly towering pile of rot and debris, destroying the aesthetics of your backyard. You could buy a small composting bin with lid, or better yet an untreated, non-toxic urbanmac* macrocarpa compost bin, enabling you to supply rich nutrients to your vegetable patch.

Eucalyptus Oil- green tips for the home

2010-09-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Eucalyptus Oil has been used by Aborigines in Australia for many years, as traditional medicine to treat colds, sinus problems and fevers.
Having spent the last few months inWestern Australia I have been recommended this delightful oil by an Australian friend and have found its use to be helpful in more ways than one.
During a severe flu on arrival I spent a few days breathing in hot steam sprinkled in this rich oil, which provided immense relief from serious congestion. The smell is intense but leaves a deep and enjoyable aroma in a room.

Recently, I have been using diluted Eucalyptus Oil as a household disinfectant for cleaning the bathroom, toilet and floors. The smell is refreshing and the cleaning is effective. Free of chemicals and toxins, this is an ideal cleaner around the home if you are wanting to go green. It can diluted into a spray water bottle for a surface cleaner also.

eco book ends

2010-08-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

Eating in Ecostyle at The Greenhouse Perth

2010-08-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

INTRO: This week I checked out the world-renowned Greenhouse, in Perths CBD. An eatery famously designed from a patchwork of recycled and pre-used raw and natural material, to create a place which is a visual feast, as well as serving delicious food!

Yesterday I spent a glorious morning drinking a series of flat whites, and later, a glorious evening drinking New Zealand Riesling at the super styling Greenhouse www.greenhouseperth.com in Perth’s CBD.

This place is BANGING! Throughout this cruisy Tuesday, the place was constantly rocking with hipsters, local businessmen, older couples and young alike, all drinking and chewing the goodness that the Greenhouse has to offer.

Made almost entirely of raw and recycled products, the Greenhouse is casual and cool in its appreciation for the environment, with sustainable living shown as a normal and easy way of life. It is not boasting of its eco-splendor, nor skiting of its green sensibility. It is simply walking the talk, leading the way for designers, architects, builders, cafe owners and the like to follow suit. The visual euphoria is overwhelming when attempting to take in the many different textures, fabrics and styles incorporated in the spaces that encompass the Greenhouse. It just feels good to sit in this place, in this understated raw and feel-good environment- resting in the knowledge and proof that it is made of discarded items, natural and used materials, quality and durable pieces that would have otherwise gone on landfills, re-crafted into something quirky, useable and very cool.

The outside of this building is a sight to behold, its most unique feature being that it is covered almost entirely in ivy. After a solid summer of sweet growth the original strawberry plants have died, recently replaced with pots of ivy, which will again cover the greenhouse in the months to come. The outdoor space in front of this building is drenched in the morning sun, and splattered in furniture consisting of chairs made of old signs, tables with steel bases and used plywood table tops. Trees and shrubs grow in used metal transport containers, dotted around the courtyard.

On entering the Greenhouse, a gardening spade features as the opening door handle, a simple statement of that which will continue beyond the glass door. In the same theme, waitresses continuously fill water glasses from a silver metal watering can, adding to the effect of green saturation. The interior walls and roofs are insulated with hay bales, and a large portrait of this same dried good decorates the main wall on entry. Light shades are cleverly mastered together with lashings of fencing wire, tied in a bundle around a single lightbulb.

In the bathroom, the concept of recycled water is shown in action. Here each toilet has a handbasin on top of the cistern. Upon flushing, this tap flows with fresh water to clean hands, which is then reused to fill the cistern for the next patron. Hand drying comes in the form of re-washable recycled fabric hand towels, roughly hemmed and placed in a tin bucket on the side of the basin, for individual use.

On the roof of this hip inner-city eatery, a flourishing and lovingly-tended-to vegetable garden surrounds the roof edge, producing fresh food for use in the open kitchen below. Patrons can sit in the rooftop bar in the evening and enjoy the sounds and sights of the city below, while escaping city chaos by taking in the smells and freshness of the garden surrounding them.

Sitting amongst so many great sustainable methods that aren’t forced, advertised or pushed onto patrons is an inspiring and empowering influence. Eco-living is engrained in the core of this place, oozing out in a raw and natural manner. The Greenhouse is definitely my fave, one of my 10 favourite hot eco spots in the world, and I would passionately recommend that you add this eatery onto your list of must-sees.

classic fantastic

2010-07-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

i have been searching ebay/opshops/garage sales desperately for the last 2 weeks in search of the ultimate cruiser or old skool classic bicycle... basket included... Memories of cruising around sun river,oregon, and santa monica LA on cruisers bring this longing ache for that feeling of freeeeedom, wind, and adventure. in this small town, a cruiser is the ticket to fun adventures, along the sun swept sandy beach boardwalk.. yes. it is.

Yesterday...JJOOOOOYYYY..in this pokey little hickville town of Bunbury I randomely found TWO cruiser bikes, carefully positioned in a luring manner, right outside the local bike shop! Last night I lay in bed dreaming about cruising up the beach front in Bunbury on my new cruiser... yes..today Im pretty sure Ill be heading to this bike shop with the non-chalant question.. "so.... would you take XXX$ for both bikes?" (PS its a schwinn!)

my inspirational besty

2010-07-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

this is my besty tonib (sporting a sweet mo) with our friend olivia harper. these girls are the COOLEST girls i know, with vibrant, radiant personalities, big dreams and passion to boot. today they are featured in the NZ herald VIVA magazine...with their 10 fave things. a seriously cool read with all of their zest and excitement for life oozing out of it.... love ur work girls! xo

what the hang?

2010-07-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

..is up with driving around bunbury at 7pm to buy wine and not one single supermarket, liquor store or shop being open??
.... is with with the constant ads for $10 clothing at RIVERS... gag in my mouth i aint no cowgirl
... is up with their being NO diaries around to buy milk from?
... is up with the stupid supermarket trolley wheels that rotate 360 degrees and cannot be pushed in a straight line making me look like im crazy or high on something crazy
...is up with their only being 4 channels, 3 of which predominantely feature local news and sports?
...is up with said channels features journalists with hair and outfits that are straight from my mums 1990s wardrobe?
...is up with movie reviewers who think they are harvard scholars when they are really just reviewing a disney?
... is with being called darl every 5 secs by complete strangers?
.... is up with the huge bull bars/ ROO BARS on every single car (not just utes and trucks!) i have yet to see a kangaroo so whats all the fuss
...is up with my husband being told off for not wearing big black round toe SCHOOL SHOES to work... again...dont they know were in 2010 not 1990?

weekend of blis

2010-07-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

a weekend of joy....
im getting used to this slow-living buzz... well its less of a buzz and more of a hum?
highlight of the weekend...lasagne! in line with my commitment to eco living, we scoured the salvation army (these aussies call it salvos!) and found a lasagne dish for $3.99. i made an incredible WHOLEMEAL beef lasagne which was an absolute treat of deliciousness...who woulda thought that 1. you can buy wholemeal lasagne and 2. that it wouldnt taste like rubber! delish. weekend of joy consisted of a beach run, opshopping, fruit/vege shopping at the local farmers market, sightseeing up the coast to Austriland, baking wholemeal choc chip cookies, talking with mama and daddo, walking along the marina, coffee at VAT, gourmet pizza at the local, grace church, 4 dvds! hahah dam we sure packed it in this weekend...
best of all, im learning to chill at home, with nothing to do and nowhere to go?... a new phenomenom.... usually lasts about 30 mins before boredom sets in and im off on some sort of task or adventure

tomorrow, is monday, my 2nd monday in bubnury. ive got a good feeling about monday.

bunbury -week one

2010-07-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

today is week 7 in bunbury and i must say it has flown, suprisingly!
I have been offically unemployed for 4 days, as my school holidays have ended and im no longer a teacher!
it has been a surreal week, not working, when everybody else is!! I have always prided myself on working hard, and I guess I find a real sense of purpose in work...and now im just me..not contributing to the world....just living?
im on the hunt... the job hunt-BIGTIME....kinda weird to do after 5 years working in the same place!
Ive signed up with Volunteer Australia to keep me outta trouble (roaming the streets LOl neva what can happen..i might find a vivid and do a big TAG or something CRAAAZY!)... and my writing and small business fill in the hours too..

Today I had a wonderful day ...i read a book in the sun, did 4 loads of washing, visited the painfully painful MEDICARE., posted a few letters, applied for a job..cooked a mean feed... and thats about it! I
highlight...totally enjoyed walkin into town and home along the marina. what a BEAUTIFUL city.... i took a few sweet shots of the marina and the gorgeous ocean. i never tire of the ocean.
the rico got home early at 4.30pm and we went straight out for an hour and a half walk/run up the beautiful and endless white sand surf beach and debriefed on our days! sun was shining...we were in heaven ...
xo
wonder what tomorrow will bring!?...

making a house a home in style- ecostyle

2010-07-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

so we have arrived... our new life in bunbury western australia awaits and we have been put up in a modern 3 story apartment on the waterfront. pretty sweet deal. rico (hubby) is working hard, and im ..well im job hunting and too be honest, the kept-woman idea i nurtured for so long has long lost its flavour. its been 3 days of unemployment and im bored.
so one rad thing that is keeping me busy is turning this apartment into a home..in ecostyle. im trying to "upcycle" as my friend lisa says, and reuse old or second things to make my space funky. i am trying not to buy things new...and its seriously fun! i found some delightful drinking glasses from the red cross and a sweet HB jug from the sallies...

ill keep you updated on my subsequent finds aight! xo

Travelling in Eco-Style

2010-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Published at www.good.net.nz

Recently, I have been thinking about the impact my travel plays on the environment and what I can do to reduce my carbon footprint and keep my hottest spots beautiful. I’m no environmentalist and I certainly don’t claim to know all the facts about carbon emissions and all that jazz, but I do believe our world is our responsibility and needs to be looked after.

To me, travel represents romanticism and freedom, conjuring up classic notions of the Oriental Express, Louis Vuitton luggage, classy restaurants and indulgent shopping sprees in faraway lands. I can spend hours planning my outfits for a trip and the correct attire for the plane ride, ignoring the murmurs of my husband (“You’re not actually going to wear that”), only to replace my choices with more practical pieces. Being herded into cattle class certainly wipes romantic notions right out of my head, as I am forced to sit squished up next to an overly friendly passenger with no concept of personal space. However, the excitement of arriving at my destination soon occupies my mind and distracts me from the feeling of faux injustice.

At the age of 17, I was infected with the ‘travel bug’ while living in Croatia for a year with my family. Okay, so it was post-war Yugoslavia and we were actually living pretty skint, as my parents ran a drug rehabilitation centre. But weekend trips to Italy were commonplace and popping over to Germany was similar to a jaunt to the South Island. Ever since then, the beck and call of faraway lands has lured me into its romantic web.

Travelling to other places, experiencing other worlds and cultures, soaking in the lifestyles of other lands and escaping the reality of life for a short time is a luxury which has become much more accessible to the masses due to competitive airfares and discounted deals. It’s a chance to escape reality and be free of the shackles and responsibilities of home.

Often when we plan travel, whether it’s for business or leisure, we can be somewhat self-centred, completely neglecting how our travel affects the planet. Due to an increase in tourism, the host country (and its population) can suffer the consequences of an increased population (during certain times of year) and environmental damage to man-made spaces and valuable natural attractions, not to mention the severe visual pollution from the hideous outfits many tourists embrace—bumbags, polos tucked into drill pants or shorts, walking shoes and backpacks are not acceptable daywear!

There’s also the carbon emissions released from long-haul journeys to consider and the tacky gifts and souvenirs travellers return home with, which ultimately end up in landfills! Environmental responsibility doesn’t just matter at home. We need to take this philosophy with us. The mantra that rings home to me is, “Leave only footprints, take only memories.”

Eco-tourism, sustainable tourism and responsible tourism are some of the concepts based around the loose idea that travellers be aware and take responsibility to reduce the impact of their holiday by making responsible decisions that protect the environment and host communities when visiting. Governments and companies alike are becoming increasingly focused on preventing climate change and reducing the debris of tourist residue left in the environment. Being mindful of our environment when travelling is to have a commitment to ensuring that the destinations we visit are kept in the condition we find them, so that we and future generations can enjoy them.

My parents are among the generation that lived a life of environmental ignorance—unless you want to call composting a few food scraps and making puppets out of used toilet rolls ‘sustainable’. If a full commitment to eco-travel sounds a little OTT and too serious for you, incorporating just one or two eco-elements is a step toward ensuring your favourite holiday destinations are treated respectfully. Planning a trip more mindfully and having a focus on reducing the impact of your holiday can play a significant role in protecting our most treasured places. It could be as simple as paying for carbon credits when flying long-haul.

According to Conservation International, a short flight from Auckland to Wellington incurs a 0.4 tonne carbon footprint, while a flight from Sydney to New York incurs a carbon footprint of 6.2 tonnes. Offsetting this footprint can cost $5 to $74 respectively. Paying for carbon credits could also involve planting trees to compensate for CO2 emissions.

Over the following weeks I will be jet-setting across the Tasman, as my husband and I embark on one of our little adventures. This time we’re hitting rustic Queensland and Western Australia. Along the way we will attempt to make environmentally conscious choices and we hope to inspire you to do the same the next time you have a planned escape away. Travelling in style is cool. Travelling in eco-style is ultra-cool.

Organic Garden

2010-03-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

My organic gardening is chugging along at the moment...I have recently installed a new 2m long garden bed, in which I have planted brussel sprouts, spinach, beetroot, baby carrots, lettuce, and spring onions.... I LOVE how much I have learnt about organic gardening over the last year....my options are increasing every time, and through trial and error, I have managing to keep pests at bay. A big shout out needs to go to NZ Skincare for their incredible organic vegetable spray... the geranium and tea tree in there smells divine...i would think with that fine smell it would draw in the bugs! my garlic spray worked for the few days I used it, but i had to get rid of it as the overpowering smell of garlic wafting through my kitchen was almost unbearable....
On this gorgeous sunny sunday Im going to pop into Kings Plant Barn and use my VIP customer voucher to buy some broccoli and cauliflower...good winter staples which I am lacking... My last attempts to grow these FAILED epically..so wish me luck!

Gray Water

2010-03-02T22:44:00.000-08:00

So after my latest spiel on recycling, I have decided to branch out into recycling my water!
For an urban girl like myself this seems ridiculous and almost hippy. Actually it seems down right tight ass...however Im sure that every little bit of water we reuse, and keep free from toxins has to be good for us and our environment..so im giving it a shot!

But... I gotta walk the talk and its really quick and easy. As easy as filling up a watering can...just from a bucket instead of a hose! Truth be told I dont even have a watering can but that doesnt stop me..! I rent a classic split villa in Mt Eden- the hose is at the very back of this large villa, and I am at the front.... so a bucket works well for me anyway!

The last week I have been transferring my washing machine hose from my sink into a bucket. I am using ecostores new unscented washing powder and whitener, as it is completely garden friendly and wont poison my gorgeous organic vege garden! The annoying thing I have noticed is my clothes are ending up with some dirt on them after a wash and are not fully wrung? Im not sure if its the position of the hose, and maybe some water is getting sucked back out of the bucket so Im testing this out over the next few loads!

I will let you know how I get on and how my organic vege garden handles it...and what my clothes look like, as well as my itchy skin!!

Recycling: Who cares!

2010-03-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years, there has been a real push for households to take recycling seriously. To make recycling crucial in homes, the Auckland City Council removed our small blue recycling tubs, and instead provided each household with one large 240L wheely bin (for recyclables), and one small 120L wheely bin (for general rubbish). I can vividly remember the day I received my new huge recycling bin, and my new tiny general rubbish bin while apartment-living in Parnell,. I complained animatedly to my husband, that it was absolutely ridiculous, if not ludicrous, to think we could reduce our waste that much! I was absolutely adamant that families with kids and nappies and chaos and mess could not contain such waste in one small bin. BUT....2 years down the track, I can, and I do and its easy and I love it! Other City Councils around Aotearoa are also on the Reduce Waste bandwagon, with the Franklin City Council (just out of Auckland)recently also providing recycling bins to rural residents. For the non-recyclable, non-dump type rubbish, councils operate an inorganic rubbish collection service. These inorganic rubbish collections are a hit around city suburbs, where for one week every two years you can dump all of your unwanted stuff (and I mean all sorts of crazy stuff!) on your kerb, where eagerly waiting van drivers rifle (illegally now, as it is still owned by the disposer) through to score a pearl before the Council do their collection. Individual household waste is huge, and can cause chaos at our increasingly overflowing rubbish dumps.

What is plaguing my mind at the moment is how insignificant our household recycling really is, when you compare the waste created by large corporations, businesses, schools, hospitals, prisons, police stations, dairys, shopping centres and the like. Yes, some of these places DO have great recycling systems in place. However, many of these businesses and institutions, whether individually owned or Government run, are producing copious amounts of rubbish, without installing adequate and workable recycling systems to manage the large amounts of waste created. These are the places where huge differences can be made.

Donʼt get me wrong, I know that there are a number of these places that ARE in fact recycling. The Auckland City Council has recently set up a trial recycling system in the city, installing a number of recycling bins for shoppers and commuters to use, in easily accessible central locations. However, most of the above businesses and institutions do not have established, consistent recycling schemes, or even employ somebody to manage such schemes.

My husband was recently in Auckland hospital for a few weeks after a canyoning accident, where I have since spent a vast amount of time. I have walked and visited many of the nooks and crannys of this hospital, the corridors, wards, kitchens, staff kitchens, cafes, shops, whanau rooms, lounge rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, Consultation rooms, Emergency waiting room, High Observation units, intensive care, you name Iʼve been there. What really stuck out at me as I lived and breathed this place, was the huge amount of rubbish processed by such a huge hospital. Yet there is no obvious, practical recycling scheme. Unless there is a system I am not aware of involving a caretaker or the like riffling through every single white plastic rubbish bag to separate the rubbish in recyclable and non-recyclable. Fail. This complete lack of recycling astounded me as the waste produced is so significant. So much more could be done in terms of functioning sustainable practice in a large 24 hr operating institution such as this, when compared to individual homes.

Schools are another institution where daily rubbish almost equals body mass of humans. I work in a school of 1400 pupils and have felt guilty every interval and lunch break for the past 5 years as I chuck my rubbish in a bin...any old bin, as there are no recycling bins. At home we are super precious about recycling every scrap of anything, yet at school there is a free flow of rubbish from lunch boxes to the bin. “Did you know that in New Zealand 3.4 million tonnes of waste a year ends up in landfills and that's not counting unofficial or illegal waste disposal. The average New Zealander produces approximately 2.8kgs of waste per day” (Section7 Operational Policy, Min Education).

The Government is in fact aiming to reduce waste in State run organisations. In terms of legal requirements for schools to recycle, Under The Environment Best Practice for Schools, Section 7 Operational Policy, the Ministry of Education sets out broad standards that schools must legally adhere to in their operation, to reduce the impact of waste on the environment. I

To be fair, I think that these general guidelines (which schools are legally required to follow) are a positive step that the Government is taking. However, in practicalities, some of these are brilliant ideas on paper, but difficult to administer logistically when time, resources and finances are tight.

I have been pondering this for some time, the logistics of managing a recycling scheme in a school of 1400, and how to best do this, and also why it isnʼt already been done in all schools around New Zealand! For a start, nobody is hired to specifically manage the sustainability practices within the school, the Government doesnʼt specifically give money for such things, and quite frankly, there are far more priorities in a high school.

Instead of sitting around moaning about who is going to set up a recycling scheme, or moreso who SHOULD set up the recycling scheme, I have decided to walk the talk....I will do it! Iʼve ordered the big blue wheely bins (we did already have a huge trig bin for large recyclable products) and am in the process of tentatively planning an effective way to manage recycling around the school, in classrooms and in the staffroom, as well as promoting this scheme around the school through assembly etc. After a trial run in my room with a cardboard box for recyclable products that was thrown out in the regular rubbish by our cleaner (FAIL), I have been approved funding from our wonderfully supportive Principal to buy extra bins, specifically earmarked for recycling to place around the school! Hard to believe that a Decile One school can afford such things, but obviously it is a valuable aspect of non-curriculum education that we value. So my journey of implementing a recycling scheme in a Government institution has begun... wish me luck! I shall let you know how it goes....

So many people do not bother with recycling, and think its a non-issue. In fact, my Dad, a 65 year business owner with a farming background, read this blog before publishing and said “How boring, who cares!”. Classic. I guess my point this week is that there is a heck of a lot of non-recycling going on around our workplaces that is perhaps not being acknowledged or taken responsibility for. Change can be unsettling, and uprooting and uncomfortable and annoying. Until the change become normality. And Im just kinda thinking that perhaps you have a business or workplace that could benefit from you taking responsibility to sort out the crap! It could be a little annoying and uncomfortable to organise and think about such things in your busy work day. But the journey to sustainability is about taking small tangible steps, one at a time. And as Nike so cleverly says, Just DO it! Because maybe nobody else will.

Peas

2009-11-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

Today I planted my first pea plants! they are super cute tanlged up plants that look like gangly legged ballerinas....that cant stop hugging! it was a mission to unwrap them... I have successfully planted 11 seedlings and will wait eagerly for new growth!
I also planted mint today, I stole a cutting from my mums mint plant which is almost a weed it has spread so far! it smells delish!...
Gardening in the rain in my zebra striped gumboots from New York... cute....

Maintaining your urban garden in spring

2009-11-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

Published at http://www.thebreeze.co.nz/Maintaining-Your-Urban-Garden/tabid/227/articleID/349/cat/166/Default.aspx

Maintaining Your Urban Garden

Spring is a brilliant time in any garden, where rampant growth of all things green seems to suddenly appear out of nowhere. After the deep slumber of those long and dreary winter months, the growth is almost surprising.
It is a good idea to keep on top of your garden in these solid spring months, to prevent weeds growing rapidly and strangling your plants or sucking the nutrients from the soil. Keep a regular weekly check on your crop and pull out any unwanted plants and weeds, so your soil can give 100% of its nutrients to your future organic tasty meals.
Speaking of McNasties trying to destroy your crops, snails and slugs seem to appear in full army regalia at this time of year. In fact, I have returned this week from 2 and a half weeks in the USA. Before I left, I covered half my garden in a fine net, as I did not want my strawberry, broccoli and cauliflower plants eaten by slimy pests. On return, I found my net covered garden bed had doubled in growth size, with not a single bite on any greenery. However, my two other garden beds, uncovered, had been almost nibbled away till oblivion. Speaking of slimy creatures, on arriving home late last night, I walked past my net covered garden to find a huge snail sloshing around, attempting to reach those delicious green leaves. To no avail. Good result. Keep on top of these midnight feasters and get rid of them quickly!
To keep cabbage, cauliflower and brocolli free from white cabbage butterfly catapillars, regularly sprinkle with organic Derris Dust, or spray with Tui Organic Eco-Pest . This is available from most major garden centers, such a Kings.
A few maintainance tips. Strawberry plants (best planted throughout spring), will need feeding around this time. Use your ready made organic compost made of rotting leaves and grass clippings, or your organic food compost. You can also use organic dried blood and liquid fertilizer. Dried blood meal is a great source of nitrogen, which the soil passes onto your plants. In fact your pre-summer salad lettuce will also love dried blood feed also, so share the love.
I recently gave the how-to on growing tomatoes. As New Zealand weather is as changeable as a teen, you need to be aware that just as you need layers as the day shifts from warm to cold to hot to cold to warm, your veges will suffer also. Shelter or a cover may be necessary in these changeable days, especially if there is heavy rain or flooding. Your crops will begin to flourish in these spring months so make sure to enjoy the fruits of your labour!

By Holly Jean Brooker

For more hints, tips and gardening discussions, go to www.urbanmac.co.nz

Eco Tips from the US of A

2009-11-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

By Holly Jean Brooker

Published at http://www.etchmagazine.co.nz/Eco-living/Eco+Tips+from+the+U+S+of+A.html

As Etch’s new Eco-Life writer, what better way to start than sharing some HOT tips for eco living which I have recently gained from the USA. The last few weeks have been action filled, as I have spent time roaming the streets, taking in the culture, drinking coffee and meeting new people (as well as a little bit of work) in amazing locations such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Bend, Portland, and New York city.

The United States are certainly leaders in the area of sustainability and environmental care, perhaps having the size, experience and resources to afford the higher costs often involved in producing products that are eco-friendly- kind to both humans and nature.

Part of my trip involved researching and trialling loads of organic, natural beauty products; largely paraben, sodium lauryl sulphate and petrochemical free. Much as I would love to share information about all of these great products -they are not sold here which makes this information of minimal use. (There are some amazing New Zealand eco beauty products, which I will get to later).

One product I will mention however is Organic Makeup Wear. This brand is incredible! If you can get your hands on it, (online or through friends) I urge you to do so, and would especially recommend their tinted moisturiser (God-send!). Organics Makeup Wear is Physicians Formulas new range of organic makeup, and is 100% free of parabens, harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances or preservatives. This product is a miracle for your face, it is so natural, light yet effective, with its amazing mineral qualities deeply nourishing your skin.

It features Eco-Soy and Organic Olive, and uses Patent pending packaging, with its mineral powder using 93% less plastic than other makeup companies. The mineral brush is made of real goat hair, and all products are 100% cruelty free! I know I know, I sound like a commercial, but I truly do LOVE and recommend this product. Not only is it cheap (products range around $8-16), it is very accessible and found in a huge number of chain stores around the USA.

Last week, I also had the pleasure of perusing Americas largest east coast EcoFest, held in Central Park, New York. I was thrilled to spend a Sunday afternoon in Central Park while investigating fresh ideas and knowledge to bring home to fellow kiwis in search of chemical and toxin free beauty, sustainable living, and environmentally friendly fashion.

EcoFest is proudly in its 21st year, and is a free cultural and educational environmental festival, with a vision for a better world, informing people of products and services they can use which are environmentally kind. This festival showcases a wide range of eco products and services, from eco-dry cleaning, to organic tees, to paraben and chemical free lip-gloss to non-toxic cleaning products, and of course eco-chocolate!

EcoFest features a fantastic EcoFashion show, showcasing a selection of collections using 100% organic and recycled material. Of particular note, is a terrific eco-fashion brand, Anvil, who specialise in producing quality organic, recycled and sustainable sportswear. This is not some random hippy group taking old curtains and making outfits (although, that can be totally hot). This is an impressive company, who are guided by a strong social and environmental philosophy and were recently ranked the 6th largest organic programme in the world.

Their sportswear and casual pieces are great, simple garments, made of the most divinely soft quality cotton fabrics, which feel and look great on your skin. I have a couple of tee shirts, organic and sustainable, and to be honest, I struggle to take them off, they are just so comfy and delicious. On this note, there are an increasing number of NZ and labels selling organic cotton fashion in Aotearoa, (even Barkers is) and I recommend that wherever you can, be good to your body and the environment and purchase fashion with a social conscious. A true feel good factor.

Going green, growing green

2009-10-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Published at http://www.thebreeze.co.nz/

Most of these veges can be grown quickly using seedlings, however a cheaper alternative to seedlings, are seeds. If purchasing seeds, make sure to use organic seeds, which are free of chemicals and toxins.
Here a few simple tips to planting your key vegetables:

Peas can be planted in August and September, and will produce a harvest through till January or so. Plant 2 pea seeds in a 5cm deep hole, in double rows, spread out at 20-30cm apart. Peas will need staking as tomatoes do, so keep this in mind.
Capsicums are a delicious, colourful vegetable which is amazing when eaten both cooked or raw. Capsicum enjoy sun, but can grow in a shady spot too, and even indoors. Spring is a good time for planting as it needs a warm soil. Plant your capsicum seeds or seedlings 40-50cm apart and 5cm deep, and ensure to keep them well watered. When the fruit appears, it is important to harvest regularly. Your capsicum should be ready to eat in 12 weeks or so.

Cauliflower and broccoli are super easy to grow, and I would recommend planting seedlings in fertile rich soil, with compost dug in pre-planting. Organic seedlings are available at most garden centres and are a fast way to get your solid crops cranking. Plant in rows, 25 cms apart. Dig a small hole in the soil, and loosen up the soil around the seedling when you remove it from the tray. Cover in a light layer of soil, and firm it up. Water lightly, and ensure to keep the seedlings moist (but don’t want to drown them!!).
Cabbage is easy to grow in warm seasons (but you cannot grow in the same soil 2 seasons in a row). Plant the seeds in rich organic soil, with manure mixed in prior. Plant seeds around 30-60cm apart, depending on the type and size of the crop you are growing. Harvest these puppies when the head of the cabbage is a decent size.
Snails, caterpillars, white butterflies and slugs love these leafy green vegetables, and it is crucial you protect your plants from being eaten before you get there. Companion planting is a great alternative to toxic sprays and Mcnasties full of pesticides. Physically remove them (like a rebellious child), or use traps, or use organic insect protection. And as I was told last week by a locksmith…”just go on inside and relax and have a cup of tea” (as if! If only we had time for that!)

By Holly Jean Brooker
http://www.urbanmac.co.nz/

2009-10-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

Spring time salad sprouts

2009-09-17T20:25:00.001-07:00

By Holly Jean Brooker

www.urbanmac.co.nz

Spring is fast approaching and I can almost hear the honey soy and satay kebabs sizzling on the bbq, and envision the crisp green leafy salads drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette, with the gentle haze of summer heat wavering in the air. NZ wake up, it is time to prepare your garden for spring salads!

And what better accompaniment to the leafy lettuce than sprouts. Packed full of copious amounts of vitamins and nutrients, sprouts add a delicious zest to any salad!

Sprouts are super easy to grow and the cost is slim to none. All you need is a jar, and some pantyhose (to act as a lid), and of course, seeds. Organic seeds are the way to go, as they are chemical free. These can be purchased from your local garden centre, or you could even use your own. There are a huge variety of sprouts you can grow. In fact, most vegetable seeds can be used to grow sprouts, if they haven’t been treated with pesticides and chemicals. On that note, stay well away from potato, kidney and tomato sprouts, as these are very poisonous, and certainly not nutritious. Sprout selections include mung beans, soya beans, alfalfa, radish seed, mustard seed; it’s really up to you which you would like to grow.

On selecting and purchasing your organic seeds, you need to spend a few days sprouting your seeds, in order to grow your delicious sprouts. Soak ¼ cup of seeds in 1 cup of water overnight.

After soaking, drain the seeds well. Clean and dry the jar thoroughly, then place the seeds back in your jar. Sanitation is essential to protect against bacteria. Cover the jar tightly with your (new) pantyhose lid, removing the lid 3-5 times daily to rinse the seeds for the first few days. Ensure that no water is left in the jar however, as although sprouts must not dry out, they do not like baths and this can cause mould, which will destroy your crop! It is best to keep the jar upside down so any water can drain out through the pantyhose, and store in a dark cupboard. Some sprouts enjoy sunlight in the later stages of growth.

The seeds will sprout after a few days, and are then edible. The best time to eat is when they are between 1-2 inches long. Its best to eat these treats as soon as they are ready, but if you can’t, simply store them in an airtight container or in the fridge. They will keep for around 3 days.

Easy, delicious, affordable, and refreshing! Enjoy, and remember, summer loving is almost here.

Urban Living

2009-09-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Living it Green in the City

I am true urbanite through and through, but I harbour a secret passion and desire to “one day” move coastal/rural on a small acre block. My husband, being more of an urbanite than myself, is not so thrilled with my vision of organic greens, chickens roaming free and his wife floating around the yard in organic cotton clothing. However, although this is a dream which I partly do long for, I love the city too much to leave it. So instead of waiting for “one day” I have macrocarpa garden beds around my small urban backyard, so I can live that ‘self-sufficient dream’ now, in Auckland City. (Hmmm, I wonder where I could hide some chickens away from my husband).

To help you along the same path, here are a few simple green guidelines and tips which can be followed by city slickers who want to reduce their carbon footprint, and live a healthy lifestyle, through organic gardening in small urban spaces.

Green Tip: It is crucial to keep pests at bay, without poisoning both your crops and your soil, and therefore your “temple” (hippie lingo) with toxins and pesticides. The most significant pests are snails and slugs. To repel them organically, sprinkle egg or sea shells, sawdust or straw around your vege plants, as these fussy creatures do not like to crawl over sharp objects. You can set traps, such as an upturned plant pot, as they love to hide out in the dark, but remember to check them daily. There is also a good range of organic pest control products for sale at local garden centres such as Kings and Palmers. In fact untreated Macrocarpa has an incredible quality in keeping insects well away from your crops, with its natural pesticides and resistance to bugs, and I have found it be successful and keeping my veges unchewed!

Green Tip: Food waste makes up a huge part of our waste stations. Yes, food waste is biodegradable, but it takes time, it’s smelly and can take longer to rot depending on what products are around it. Create a compost bin. To prevent toxins leaching into your compost, use recycled plastic compost bins, or wood, but be sure to use untreated wood. Compost will reduce rubbish waste and adds excellent rich matter to your garden.

Green Tip: Protect our waterways; by pouring your morning coffee plunger leftovers or tea leaves straight onto your garden beds rather than down the sink, they will thrive on this morning fix. Supposedly some snails and slugs are repelled from the acid neutral coffee leftovers which are an added benefit. Also, to protect our waterways, milk products and food scraps should not be put down the sink, but straight onto the compost.

Green Tip: Share! The beauty of urban organic gardening is being able to share the fruits of your labour with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. In a large urban area like Auckland City, building a close community can be hard work, and sharing your veges is the perfect way to bridge the gap and help out your fellow urbanites struggling with the recession. If you have a large family and need your veges, perhaps share the seeds! There will be far more than you need for your next plant, to live self-sufficiently and help others too.

By Holly Jean Brooker

www.urbanmac.co.nz

get your dirt on

2009-09-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Get your dirt on

Organic gardening is a seemingly impossible task for urbanites, who like myself who have not been taught the art of how to garden, and also lack space. Dream big, it can be done! With the right preparation of your soil, you can get ready to plant a tasty selection of delicious, organic vegetables in as little as 1 metre of space.

It is widely known in the gardening world that the key to a successful, crop producing garden, is the soil. Plants strip nutrients from the soil, so it’s important to replenish your soil with adequate nutrients. Perfect soil consists of a combination of minerals, organic rich matter, water, and air!

Once your garden bed spot is sorted, ensure that all weeds are removed. Then some deep digging is required, (at least 200mm) to get the soil aerated, and loose for the roots to grow.

Once your soil is aerated, mix a thick layer of organic compost or rich eko soil into the top 4 inches of soil. Regular turning and mixing of the soil and compost is helpful, as well as regular doses of water. Organic compost is currently selling for around $6 a bag at local garden centres. But cheaper still, make your own!! Make sure to use a large wooden container, which is made of untreated wood, so toxins do not leach into the compost and then onto your soil.

Compost is the ultimate recycling scheme; maintain by simply throwing all your food scraps on it at the end of each day, and regularly add grass mowings, sawdust, grass cuttings and leaves which will get your compost cranking. If touching rotting piles of mulch, or storing old, browning food scraps disgusts you, you can make your own organic compost for free, by raking up a pile of leaves from your lawn, and shoving them into a big black bag. Add some water, slash a few holes in it, seal it up and whammo….3 months later you have nutritious compost.

Another helpful soil enhancer is Organic Blood and Bone (also selling at Kings). This is made of dried blood, meat meal and fish meal and is high in nitrogen, which is quick acting in soil. It is necessary to have potassium in healthy soil, and wood ashes and seaweed can boost this.

Worms are an ideal garden dweller, so make them feel right at home with rich, welcoming soil. They will pay you back the favour tenfold. Worms actually dig tunnels in the soil which aerates the soil, allowing moisture to flow. Worms digest soil and plant matter and then excrete worm wee, a fertiliser filled with beneficial plant growing bacteria! (Kinda like how humans eat yogart for the benefits of acidophilus- a good bacteria). Worm wee (organic liquid fertiliser) enriches your soil naturally and can actually be purchased by the bottle.

So there you have it….next week your soil will be ready and delicious waiting to plant organic strawberries!

By Holly Jean Brooker

www.urbanmac.co.nz

Style Pasifika 2009

2009-09-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Article published by http://www.thread.co.nz/news/4606/15/Pasifika-Style-2009

Pasifika Style 2009

Every year, Westfield Style Pasifika pulls together the most creative and outrageous in our urban Pacific community, connecting both designer and guest into the wonderful world of design, drawing on all of our individual Pacific experiences in a dramatic showcase of colour, texture, design and not to mention, performance.

In its 15th year, Style Pasifika is certainly a high quality event, which not only showcases fashion entries but also provides a night of high quality entertainment. The performances this year on 4th September 2009 featured 200 of New Zealand’s finest entertainers, including a great mix of the Herbs, Moana and the Tribe, the classic John Rowles, a well-polished Vince Harder with Sweet and Sour, the Pride of Auckland Chorus, Ben Lummis (NZ Idol Winner), the Royal NZ Navy Maori Culture Group, as well an outstanding Cook Island group from Mangere College.

From the opening scene by the Royal NZ Navy Maori Culture Group, I knew I was in for a great night. A frontline of Navy men and women, in standard white suits, gave a solemn welcome, alongside trumpets and marching, which then blended into a magnificent kapa haka performance in which the white suited Navy crew morphed into, still in uniform, in a parallel of the integration of Pacific and European communities in Aotearoa.

Following this somewhat formal performance came everyone’s favourite section, “Pasifika Body Art”. The MAC Make-up body-art section entrants did an outstanding job of painting men and women alike in a wide array of “attire” in a multitude of colours and designs, from a peacock-inspired deep blue glitter combo, Maui and the Sun, a Mahuika fire look , to “kiwiana” featuring a painted “Four Square” man. These brave, gorgeous naked women (and men) strutted their stuff among the murmours and whispers of those in the media section… “Are they real? They looking pretty sturdy among all that jiggling!” A mere aisle away from me was the Honorable Prime Minister John Key, who later claimed we should all be glad he wasn’t wearing body paint tonight! And that we were…

The Mangere College Cook Island Culture Group introduced Youthtown's “Traditionally Inspired” section, with an outstanding musical and dance performance throughout the entire display. Knit and Scottish plaid featured dominantly, signalling a mix of Pacific and European heritage. Among the best designs were Emma Clewlow-Anaru’s “Plastic Maori”, a short mini dress in a woven Maori pattern with a tail, and Mele Alamoni and Patricia Santo's white thigh high strapeless dress, featuring unique black Pacific designs attached in pop-out style.

Old skool cool The Herbs were a refreshing reggae sound to listen to live, as Max's “Three Piece collection” was presented; an interesting display of continuity in three different looks, which link from one garment to the next. Of outrageously hideous design was Charlotte Hazlitt’s three-piece, which included nasty knee length full skirts, with vomit green, thick wool jumpers (think Dumb and Dumber- at the ski lodge meeting the family in matching wook jerseys), combined with nun-style headwear. The opposite of fashion, in fact.

Of exceptional quality, of course, was that of Style Pasifika's overall winner, Nadeesha Godamunne, an amazing young designer, heading to Italy next week to compete in the Mittelmoda Fashion Awards; a huge feat for a young New Zealand woman. Her three-piece collection included minidresses combined with extreme shoulder pads, vibrant mixes of plaid and tie-dyed prints, collars, and ribbons, worn with a mix of bright and dark tights. A humble, gorgeous young woman, who was thrilled to win the Overall Award for design, at this year's Style Pasifika.

Other sections included Resene’s Asia Pasifika, a section known as “The Future of New Zealand”, which is looking forward, embracing the fact that NZ is part of Asia and not just Pasifika. This section was introduced by a Kungfu-dressed man on a flute, followed by seven Kungfu style intense drummers, producing a deep, fast beat which the models kept up with as they strutted up the catwalk. Shuai Zhangi’s “Buddha's Dream” design came out on top, with a gothic looking ensemble with thigh high black boots that would certainly arouse Buddha from his centuries' long slumber.

Following on was a wonderful, outlandish showcasing of the NZ Aids Foundation’s “Pasifika Hero”, featuring models of all sexualities, in terrifically outrageous attire, as we have all come to expect. Bernie Jackson created a “Kiwifruit” themed dress, while Lauren Standens’ platinum blonde model contrasted red with black. The overall winner of this flamboyant section was Jo Odgers’, with a sheer, see-through brown tight dress, snugly wrapped in large deep green fern leaves.

Flava’s Urban Pasifika Streetwear was a terrific display of creative hip Pacific style, with street appeal. This was showcased alongside a terrific, energy fuelled performance by Vince Harder with Sweet and Sour, who were having more fun than the audience. Winning the award in this section, and coming Highly Commended overall was Shenade Smith, a young Bay of Plenty Polytechnic student. Her winning piece was a shirt orange frilled dress worn with a cropped leather waistcoat, sporting a brown faux fur hood and fur trimmed heels. This young designer was “speechless” to receive this award but luckily Pete the Palagi was there to fill in the awkward gaps, commenting that her winning dress looked “expensive” and alerting everyone to his awesome $10 top from Cotton On!

The Schwarzkopf Pasifika Evening Wear showcased some beautiful, intrinsic design, including a floor length ball gown in black, featuring a large green sparkly frog wrapping around the bodice, with its hands grabbing the back of the model. The winner of this section was Vissesio Thomsen. We loved Angie Edgar's gorgeous light blue bandeau style dress, with a bohemian flavour, crimped skirt, cut shorter in the back. Delish! I want one!

Barkers Pasifika Menswear featured a variety of street and formal fashion, with swandri, tartan, hoods, cloaks and leg warmers displayed confidently. The winner was Donna Dinsdale, with a layered hooded jacket and black trimmed casual pants.

John Rowles, clad in a white shimmer jacket, opened the Pasifika Bridal Wear section with the Te Oranga Ake Chior backing him. This fantastic performance included his famous “Loving you, Loving me”, and “Cheryl Moana Marie”, as bridal clad models strutted their way through the choir, in a vast array of wedding attire. The winning design was actually a groom, which was a refreshing change; Trish Strongman's design included a men's dress jacket with a hood and pleated tail, made from a very kiwi bright red Swandri. This was worn with black pants, belted with rope.

A great end to the night was Te Puni Kokiris’ Parent and Child section, where adult and child strut the runway in matching attire, and young ones take the opportunity to crump, dance and look adorable. Swandri again featured predominantly along with shift dresses and floral. A blue Swandri check outfit won the parent and child category for designers Trja Pabbruwe and Paul Ledingham.

“Oh What a night”… the finale song to complete this epic evening of inspirational design and performance, nearly pulled me forcibly from my uncomfortable, yet well placed chair at the end of the catwalk, up onto the actual stage to join in the dance party with the collection of models, designers and NZ performers wiggling and wobbling their booties to this old skool track, in their eclectic mix of fashion. And Oh, what a night this was at the 2009 Westfield Style Pasifika. What more can I say?.... “I'm Speechless”.

Below, The runner-up prize went to Shenade Smith.

By Holly Jean Brooker, Septemer 2009.

Style Pasifika

2009-09-06T20:34:00.001-07:00

A review of Style Pasifika, an amazing night September 4th, 2009

For Thread Magazine'

http://www.thread.co.nz/news/4606/15/Pasifika-Style-2009/d,thread-article

slow town

2009-08-12T00:48:00.000-07:00

Slow Town

Over the past 2 days I have stumbled upon three interesting articles, in the NZ Herald, the Sunday Star Times, as well as 3News online, which are contributing to an interesting social discussion, about what it is that makes a person happy. All three articles reflect the evidence and research findings which reinforce the theory that money cannot buy contentment, while certain lifestyles can. Over the next few articles I will try to unpack this social discussion through an interesting experience I have had while spending time in Croatia.

This topic is something I myself have been pondering, moreso recently after a trip back to visit a quaint village in Croatia, where I lived for a year back in 1998. What struck me on this recent visit was what also fascinated me 10 years earlier as a 17 year old, that life in this village was so simple, yet everyone (self included) was so happy and comfortable with their simplistic lives.

Before I describe my recent experience of the simple life, a trip back to post-war Croatia is necessary.

Our first few trips around Croatia are a blur of bombed out houses, bullet hole covered buildings, sparse landscapes, derelict and vacant spaces, monotone dull colours of white, orange, brown or green. It was 1998 and my parents had been asked to reconstruct a drug rehabilition centre in Pula, a small but bustling town on the Istrian coast in Croatia. Out of my complex family of 11 siblings, only my little sister and I were on this journey. In a town where everyone knows everyone (or is related!!) the arrival of foreigners from Novi Zeland was certainly a topic of hot local gossip, in the small traditional village of Sisan. As a 17 year old in a new place, I embraced this town and all it offered in its contrasts and simplicity, with open arms. I fast became “one of the locals”, my sister and I making it our mission to learn the language, making friends with the locals and also deciding to attend a local high school, as the only foreign student and with limited Croatian language skills. Living in a drug rehab brought with it some terrific and strange memories; the smell of janola everywhere as we daily attempted to prevent anyone from spreading HIV, and Hepatitis, the sound of singing in English and Croatian, as we all bantered around the lounge, becoming a sister to around 15 recovering drug addicts, the “cold turkey” phase of our new sisters…vomiting, shaking, gagging and shivering as they escape the grip of addiction … the humanitarian truck delivering us a truckload of goodies, food and clothes just as things were running out…the memories are full and rich and will certainly last me a lifetime.

In this picturesque village, where families reside for generations, the urban dream of the simple life is a reality. In a society where Government hand outs are limited and far between, no work means you starve or beg - or figure out another way to survive. Simplicity, self-sufficiency and natural organic living is a lifestyle option taught from generation to generation. Families tend to small vege patches, while old women sit on their porches, wrapped in shawls, watching the passer bys as they knit; men can be seen smashing giant white rocks from the back yard with hammers. Old men wander the streets in matching blue overalls, perhaps leftover uniforms from the communist days, strolling purposefully after their small flock of long tailed sheep or goats and leading them to fresher, greener pastures.

Sisan village is dull, monotonous landscape, with the only vibrant colour coming from a medley of patchwork quilt looking garden sheds, made from any materials available; an eclectic mix of wood, metal, plastic. All the houses are identical, white concrete boxes with orange tiled roofs. There is certainly no competition to keep up with the Joneses. Land is kept in the family and mortgages are very hard to come by. The ancient church steeple smashes through the landscape and pierces the bright clear blue sky, its sharp bell shrilling throughout the village at regular intervals to remind its people of its existence, and keeping the time.

Life in Sisan is simple. There is an ingrained philosophy of slow movement, which has been in place before New Zealand even heard of this popular new buzzword. Everything happens slowly, naturally, organically. You don’t live to work. You work to live. Money is not the pursuit of happiness in this village, you are blessed with what you have. People are not rich, and struggle at times to pay the bills, but they are happy and accepting of what they have around them. Consumerism has not taken root in this village. Wages are low, so you save hard for the quality items that will last you for years to come. Hire purchase and loans are unheard of, a foreign concept.

More important than money is family. Family is number one! Work is followed by a late lunch and siesta, and an early evening expedition to the family vineyard to tend to the vines- genuine quality family time. An evening drink at one of 4 local pubs is sure to follow. High value is placed on education, and studies are taken seriously. Not necessarily for the pursuit of big fancy careers and high earnings, but for the wealth of knowledge and understanding. Sure there are some problems in this village, as there are wherever there are people, but the toxic stress from busyness and work pressure that is so evident in large urban spaces, such as Auckland, is not an option in this slow town.

Ten years later I visit the same village, the same friends and families. What has changed? In their late 20’s are my friends still content with this simple life? Or will they have moved on and beyond? You will find out….

generation y- purpose and passion

2009-07-11T15:27:00.001-07:00

im one of those girls who keeps busy..busy is good for me. when im not busy i think to much. sometimes thinking is good. sometimes its too much. this week im on holiday, noone else is on holiday so naturally i have a copious amount of time to think. one thing that is on my mind and heart is pinpointing my passion. i have so many passions, i spread myself all over the place dabbling and this and that...im currently writing a book, running a small business, am a full time school teacher, painting, reading a variety of books from novels to political books on social policy in Aotearoa, not to mention my hectic social life, being married, trying to buy a house in auckland city, going to the gym, travelling to see family regularly, learning to organic garden, planning a trip to the usa, and currently blogging, tweeting, trademeing while the wholemeal/oat pancakes im cooking my husband are sizzling away..

its a hectic life in the city, and for our generation Y'ers who want it all. sometimes I long for the good old days, our parents generation the 1940s-1970s when life was easy, cruisy, chilled. there werent many choices and nobody knew any better! Ok so probably my mum was on drugs half the time which explains the docile state lol but life was simple. there is no point longing for that as i dont have that, i have this. and i love what i have....but there comes a point where you kinda need to narrow down your exact purpose or passion. or you run the risk of being a jack of all trades, master of none. you fill ur life with busy-ness and dont achieve what you actually want to achieve.

so thats the journey im on this week. 4 years high school teaching, its been gold. but its time t o (crap! i burnt my freakin wholemeal and oat pancake!) move into my real area of passion, social justice, social equity, social awareness, eco living, writing....but i need to figure out how to make that long awaited jump from teaching to that!

well i have another week to ponder that.....as well as complete the checklist of tasks i have set out to complete before the hols are over! lol

time for pancakes and more coffee....i gave my husband the crema from the plunger...lol might need to make a fresh batch for me!

pancakes

2009-07-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

homemade pankcakes are the best with free range eggs....mmmm so delicious and yellow and those whites whip up so thick ...good situation

i decided to take up painting this week

2009-07-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

twenty chickens for a saddle- a book worth reading

2009-03-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.twentychickensforasaddle.com/

This is seriously one of the most amazing, inspiring books I have read for awhile....I love to read...i love new knowledge, i love to read and absorb others peoples worlds. To understand their passions, their pursuit of what is right. The Scott family is incredible. From their rural life in New Zealand pursuing bio-organic farming, they embark on a journey to the even more rural -Botswana to live with their pilot Grandfather who is a straight nutbag. This story tells the true tale of an organic, homeopathic family living in amongst the AIDS epidemic that hits Botswana, it portrays Mr Scotts drive to prevent AIDS and educate, as well as Mrs Scotts whacky homeschool styles.