Waiheke’s transition to sustainable solutions

3 July 2008

Waiheke islanders will soon be the envy of everyone’s environmental eye with a new arrangement between Transition Waiheke and ‘Right House’ to provide sustainable solutions for those living on the island.

This joint project will start with an online survey of the island’s residents to assess Waiheke’s built environment and energy-use habits, before identifying practical programmes to reduce energy consumption.

One proposed initiative for the island is the installation of a solar energy recharging station in the Matiatia Wharf complex. This means that residents who commute to the city may soon be able to recharge their electric scooters for free. Right House, a Meridian subsidiary, also plan to offer a series of training seminars to builders and architects on how to integrate sustainable energy solutions into homes on Waiheke.

Waiheke Island has been a member of the Transition Towns New Zealand network since January. The aim of the movement is to equip communities to face the twin pressures of climate change and peak oil. This is achieved through raising awareness of sustainable living and increasing the self-reliance of communities.

Waihekians can take the survey online or complete a written version, which is to be published in Waiheke local papers this week. To learn more about Transition Towns, check out their website.