Podcasts about waitakere ranges

The Deputy Leader of New Zealand First says his party will step in to stop management of the Waitakere Ranges morphing into co-governance. Auckland Council's proposing a board made up of Iwi, the Department of Conservation, and the council. Act Leader David Seymour has also criticised the plan as moving towards co-governance. Shane Jones told Mike Hosking they're not going to stand for it. He says they won't tolerate any slither of the West Auckland heritage land being under that type of arrangement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 29th of April, Tory Whanau has decided to drop her bid for re-election – this must be the news Wellington wanted. Shane Jones is rejecting the co-governance plan for the Waitakere Ranges, and we look at the latest fruit market to go gangbusters – persimmons! Quest Means Business host on CNN, Richard Quest joins to talk Trump's first 100 days and the global effects of the tariff debacle. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now, listen, I hope that this ACC business is a Scott Simpson problem and not a National problem, but I'm starting to get a little worried about it - because this is at least the 3rd case of race-based stuff still happening under National when we thought National was going to put a stop to it. I mean, with the free GP visits in Hawke's Bay for Māori and Pasifika kids and no one else - at least that stuff could be blamed on rogue public health staff, and it was killed as soon as we discovered it was happening. And at least with the co-governance stuff that's going on in the Waitakere Ranges - at a stretch, we may believe that the Government didn't know about it. Maybe. But this ACC stuff, the minister knows about. And even though he was told about it, he's not gonna stop it because as I told you in the Newsroom article, he stands by ACC - and he thinks it's okay.Now, I reckon this is gonna be just a little disappointing to a whole bunch of voters who put this Government in power to stop this race-based stuff that Willie Jackson and the Labour Party were pushing. And who would have thought that that directive to the public service that went out last year telling the public servants to stop the race-based stuff was actually going to stop the race-based stuff? National needs to cut the stuff out. They need to stop this. They either need to stop it themselves or they need to go along to to Scott Simpson and tell him to stop it, because otherwise, a lot of voters are gonna wise up to exactly what ACT was warning us at the election - which is that National is not actually going to change anything. National is just Labour in blue clothes. And if you think I'm going too far saying that, just take a look at what is going on. I'll remind you, Nicola Willis has spent more in her last budget than Grant Robertson ever spent. Scott Simpson clearly loves himself a little race-based target. Now, what did we complain about ad nauseam with Labour? We complained about too much spending, but we've still got that going on. We complained about too much racial division - we've still got that going on. So how is this any different currently? As I say, National needs to cut this out, or it needs to risk losing voters to its coalition partners, because the coalition partners at this stage are actually taking a tougher line on this stuff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hikers and thrill-seekers are becoming increasingly frustrated that one of Auckland's hidden gems has now been closed for a year, after being damaged during the Anniversary Day floods. And the council is warning that there's no quick fix for the damaged track and car park in the Waitakere Ranges. Katie Fitzgerald reports.

On December 2, 2018, the parents of twenty-one-year-old Grace Millane, a British tourist on vacation in New Zealand, became concerned when the birthday wishes they sent their daughter went unacknowledged. Having completed her degree at the University of Lincoln a few months earlier, Grace had spent several weeks traveling during her gap year but had been keeping in regular contact with her parents since leaving for her trip. When they still hadn't heard from their daughter three days later, Grace's parents called Auckland police and reported her missing. A week later, Grace Millane's body was discovered in a suitcase near an access road in the Waitakere Ranges, a dense wooded area about twelve miles outside Auckland. A day later, investigators arrested twenty-six-year-old Jesse Kempson, who was the last person seen with Grace on the night of the murder when the two were captured together by a CCTV camera going up to Kempson's room at the CityLife Hotel.Please Consider Signing this PetitionThank you to our favorite David White for research assistanceReferencesBBC News. 2018. Grace Millane: Man appears in court charged with backpacker's murder. December 10. Accessed May 3, 2023. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-46502649.Creed, Rebecca. 2021. "Former flatmate of Grace Millane's killer says he was." The Echo, November 15.Critchell, Matthew. 2019. "Backpacker Grace spoke to men on bondage chat rooms,." The Echo, November 20.Emes, Toby. 2019. "Accused killer admitted Grace was dead in second interview." The Echo, November 14.Faulkner, Doug. 2019. Grace Millane murder: A trial that gripped a nation. November 22. Accessed May 2, 2023. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-50515326.Feehan, Katie. 2018. "Brother of Wickford woman missing in New Zealand says lack." The Echo, December 5.—. 2018. "Police release last known image of missing Wickford woman." The Echo, December 6.Graham-Mclay, Charlotte. 2018. "After backpacker's killing, New Zealand looks again at violence against women." New York Times, December 13.—. 2018. "New Zealand murder case leads to rebuke of Google." New York Times, December 15.—. 2018. "New Zealander accused of killing tourist." New York Times, December 9.Humphries, Will, and Bernard Lagan. 2018. "Distraught father flies to join backpacker search." The Times, December 7.Jesse Shane Kempson v. The Queen. 2021. SC 11/2021 NZSC 74 (Supreme Court of New Zealand, June 29).Kirk, Tristan. 2019. "Guilty: Fantasist who killed Grace." London Evening Standard, November 22.—. 2019. "Guilty: Grace jury takes only five hours to return verdict of murder." London Evening Standard, November 22.Kolirin, Lianne. 2020. "Grace Millane's killer attacked other women." The Times, December 22.Lagan, Bernard. 2018. "Body found in search for missing backpacker." The Times, December 10.—. 2019. "British backpacker's 'killer' lied about their Tinder date." The Times, November 13.Lagan, Bernard, and Will Humphries. 2018. "Father appeals for clues to help find missing daughter." The Times, December 8.Leask, Anna. 2020. Who is Grace Millane's murderer? Unravelling labyrinth of lies and a fatal Tinder date. February 20. Accessed May 1, 2023. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/who-is-grace-millanes-murderer-unravelling-labyrinth-of-lies-and-a-fatal-tinder-date/PDGHMSM67MZQ5VBH4GT2XIXZ7Q/?c_id=1&objectid=12287282.MacDonald, Stuart. 2021. "'Rough sex' defence for murder could be banned." The Times, May 29.Roy, Eleanor Ainge. 2019. "Grace Millane trial: blood in hotel room likely backpacker's." The Guardian, November 8.—. 2019. "Grace Millane trial: witness says she feared she would die." The Guardian, November 11.—. 2019. "'She should have been safe here'." The Guardian, November 22.Smith, Anneka. 2020. "Grace Millane's life: far more than the details of her death." Radio New Zealand, February 21.South Wales Echo. 2020. "Grace's killer 'raped another Brit tourist'." South Wales Echo, December 23.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

South Auckland has been outdone by other areas of the city in the number of public submissions on Auckland Council's controversial proposed budget. Forty thousand people across the super city have submitted on the budget proposed by Mayor Wayne Brown to help fill a gapping $295m shortfall. Just over 900 Mangere residents gave feedback compared with 1700 in Devonport, despite having a bigger population. Around 500 people in Papakura made submissions, compared to 1700 in the Waitakere Ranges, despite it having a similar population. Manukau Ward councilor Lotu Fuli spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Different day, more damage. West Auckland has been slammed by heavy rains and slips over the last week. Residents who were battered by the worst of the storm on Friday are relieved last night's rain wasn't as heavy, but say there's still a lot of cleaning up to be done. Soumya Bhamidipati reports.

Kauri dieback disease is killing our giants of the forest - are we any closer to a cure?

Another stacked and varied show on this Fridays Wire! Today: Liam spoke with councillor Richard Hills about the positive new report on Kauri Dieback in the Waitakere Ranges on City Counselling.  They also had a chat with UoAs Stephen Hoadley about the new NZ EU trade deal. Frances spoke to Sarah McFadden, the GM of Kelmarna Gardens in Ponsonby about regenerative local food systems. Liam also spoke with Liam Mcllvanney from UoO on Scottish independence. And finally Alejandra Perotti from the University of Reading on the possible extinction of tiny mites that have sex on your face as a part of our newest segment, Strangest Things!

The native Kauri Trees in the Waitakere Ranges have been under threat from the Kauri Dieback disease for years.    While this is naturally occuring, humans disturbing the area have led to the rate spreading quicker than normal and the trees being put at major risk.   However, a recent report from the council has revealed new details on the spread, showing that the issue, while still prevalent, might not be moving as quickly as previously thought.    To learn more, I spoke to Richard Hills for our regular City Counselling segment about what they've recently discovered.  

 Four years ago the Auckland Council imposed strict measures to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease, including closing off parts of the Waitakere Ranges to the public.

Auckland’s cutest environmental team is barking up the right trees in the battle against kauri dieback. A trio of three pooches - Pip, Mawhai, and newest addition Marty - can sniff out the tree fungus which has riddled the Waitakere Ranges - the first dogs in the world to achieve that. Biosecurity advisor Kerryn Johnson has been helping the dogs get into shape, and she joins us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three scenic tracks in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges will re-open today after being closed for four years to protect precious kauri trees from disease. Open again, after an upgrade costing $2 million, are the Gibbons, Muir and Pararaha Valley tracks. Auckland Council environmental and services manager Rachel Kelleher spoke to Mani Dunlop.

In the 1990s Artist and political activist Diana Halstead spent a miserable few years living in Devonport - she found it claustrophobic after living in the wilderness of the Waitakere Ranges. Each day she expressed her frustrations in her art, creating a remarkable series of spontaneous works of hybrid human-animal figures from crayon, oil paints and watercolours. For decades the pictures have been stored under her bed at her current home in the Coromandel, but she's hauled them out and now published many of them in a book called Archetypes.

For Donna Kerridge the Waitakere ranges are the 'lungs' of Auckland and it needs to be looked after, as a practitioner of Rongoā Māori she says everyone needs to be responsible for the taiao.

For Donna Kerridge the Waitakere ranges are the 'lungs' of Auckland and it needs to be looked after, as a practitioner of Rongoā Māori she says everyone needs to be responsible for the taiao.

Grace Millane was on a trip of lifetime after graduating from university. A day shy of her 22nd birthday, Grace matched with a guy on Tinder in Auckland, New Zealand. A few days later her body would be found in a suitcase in a shallow grave in the Waitakere Ranges and her tinder date charged with her murder.

A west Auckland man who ignored kauri dieback rules has been found guilty of breaking the law when he went onto a track that had been closed to stop the spread of the tree killing disease. Robert Armistead was caught several times on camera in 2019 entering closed walk ways in the Waitakere Ranges in Titirangi. He pleaded guilty to one charge and Judge Tremewan found him guilty of two others. He will be sentenced in May. Rachel Kelleher - general manager Environmental Services for Auckland Council - talks to Lisa Owen.

Hikers and trampers are celebrating the re-opening of two popular tracks along the Te Ara Tahura trail in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges. A Rāhui was placed on the Ōmanawanui and Puriri Ridge tracks two years ago to protect vulnerable forest from kauri dieback disease.  Now they have been upgraded with more than 2000 steps and an extended boardwalk.  Local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki are satisfied the forest has had time to heal.  Reporter Te Aorewa Rolleston went along to the opening day.   

185 - Hearing Brave Bubbles - Angela Loucks-Alexander on the Sunshine Coast Queensland joins Samuel Mann in the Waitakere Ranges and Mawera Karetai in Whakatane. With a contribution from Tahu Mackenzie. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz

Few names have been associated longer with conservation and environmental protest than Gary Taylor. The executive director of the Environmental Defence Society has taken on mining companies, property tycoons, governments and even fellow conservationists with the cool-headed grit of a long-haul trucker. So what does he make of Labour’s extraordinary mandate to rule? What’s on his wishlist for action? What does he think will actually happen? And why, after so many decades of seeing environmental degradation and climate inaction, does he remain so charmingly optimistic?Join Vincent and Gary as they traverse the Waitakere Ranges, the Hauraki Gulf, the McKenzie Country and a mercifully brief summary of the RMA reforms.About Gary Taylor CNZM, QSOGary is the executive director and chairman of EDS and has extensive experience in corporate governance, having been the Chairman of the Auckland Area Health Board, the Climate Change and Business Centre (Australia) and the Peoples Centre Health Trust. He has been a director of Watercare Services Ltd, Infrastructure Auckland, the Queen Elizabeth National Trust, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and the Hobsonville Land Company. He has also been a city and regional councillor. Gary is an experienced environmental policy analyst and consultant and is currently Executive Director of EDS.Gary was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours.EDS’ signature event Climate and Business is happening November 11-12. 

Fifteen people have been trespassed by the Auckland Council for taking tramping trips in the Waitakere Ranges. Most tracks in the ranges were closed in 2018 to stop the spread of kauri dieback disease. The council says not only are people putting trees at risk, they're also flouting Alert Level 3 rules. Auckland Council regulatory compliance manager Steve Pearce speaks to Corin Dann.

85 - Belonging Bubbles - Dobrila Lopez and Samuel Mann in the Waitakere Ranges, with contributions from Tahu Mackenzie and Liesel Mitchell. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - oar.org.nz

Kia Ora Whanau. This week we bring you a delightful conversation with Auckland Art Gallery’s Principal Conservator and ultra marathon runner Sarah Hillary. Sarah talks about her love of running the hills of the Waitakere Ranges and the trail that has her family name. We talk about art, ultramarathons, a life steeped in adventure and, her indelible links to Nepal (and Piha while we are at it) and how hopefully, when we emerge from being a nation in lockdown we can continue our (in some cases newfound) affinity for the outdoors. We ask what her father, Sir Edmund, would have made of ultra marathon running and how the spaces that he ventured first have temporarily been returned to their uncrowded best. As per, Eugene and Matt bring you news about races (or lack thereof) and an amazing Greatest Run Ever. And for those of us who are from overseas and not from the village of New Zealand, yes, THAT Hillary. Enjoy.

Well, here we go again with another virtue signalling stoush between greenies and progress.A battle is brewing between Auckland’s Watercare and environmentalists over a plan to replace an ageing processing plant in the Waitakere Ranges.The plant processes 20 per cent of Auckland’s water and it’s been doing the job for 100 years. Obviously, it’s come to an end of its days and it’s time to update it and future proof it for another 100 years.  This is a $400 million project that has to happen.So this is the second time Watercare has tried to do this. Back in 2017 the plan was to put the plant in Oratia. It meant taking 18 homes and properties and the locals rebelled. So everything was put on hold.Watercare has considered four sites and decided on one in Huia way out west in the Ranges and on the harbour.  But this is facing problems principally from environmentalists because of fears of spreading kauri dieback, a newly discovered  flightless wasp that lives in the area.  Some Argentine ants also live there and they could be spread further and then there’s all the trucks that would have to go through pretty little Titirangi for a year.For goodness sake.  We’re talking about a fifth of Auckland’s water here. It can’t just not happen.  It’s necessary. But once again concerns, valid concerns but still relatively minor, are stopping things.I’m as green as anyone and I try to leave as little impact on the environment as I can, but some things are unavoidable.Environmentalists are preventing extensions to wharves in Auckland because it encroaches on the Harbour.  But the downside of this is that giant boats now moor right in the middle of a pretty harbour, belching smoke as they self power, creating a flotilla of environment producing tenders chugging back and forth with passengers, meanwhile ferries are playing dodgems with the lot of them.  I pretty sure the Harbour is worse off.Dams in Hawkes Bay and Westland have been stopped even though they future proof populations from drought and earthquakes.Roads have been stopped and you have to wonder how on earth electric cars and trucks are going to get from town to town without them.A skilift at Cardrona has been cancelled because of native skinks.  I don't mind that.  No-one needs a skilift, but everyone needs water.I hope these people stopping the work on the plant that processes 20 per cent of Auckland’s water are prepared to drink 20 per cent less water. Because it seems like that is the only option that is acceptable to them.Nothing is 100 per cent green and never will be.  Human activity impacts the environment.  It does everyday.  Mitigate it, sure, but you can’t stop it.

What do you do when God disappears? Christina went to Israel and walked in the footsteps of Jesus. Come hear her discoveries of joy and a faith made new. Christina works at Laidlaw College leading the Centre for Learning, she holds a Bachelor of Divinity and a grounded theology (she hopes). Her husband, two kids and one dog (all adventurous) keep her sane, as do the Waitakere Ranges where they live and their faith community at Cityside Baptist. Christina spends her free time either eating cheese or trying to lift heavy weights at her crossfit box. Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

A judge has addressed the grieving family of slain British backpacker Grace Millane, saying "your grief must be desperate". A body was discovered in the Waitakere Ranges yesterday, and is believed to be Grace Millane. A 26-year-old man is charged with her murder. He appeared in Auckland District Court this morning, wearing a blue boiler suit. The Millane family was in court for this appearance. Judge Evangelos Thomas started the hearing by addressing the family, saying everyone hoped justice would be fair, swift, and bring them peace. And, candlelight vigils are being planned in both Auckland, and Wellington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have just released a new beekeeping show. We hope you will enjoy this one. We sure enjoyed bringing it to you. This is Episode One Hundred and twenty eight of our beekeeping show. We are Gary and Margaret, we love Honey bees, we are kiwimana and we are Beekeepers who live in the Waitakere Ranges, on the Wild West coast of Auckland, in New Zealand. kiwimana is a place where the beekeeping community can share a conversation and connect and in this episode we are talking about Maybe that new treatment isn't the best for your bees, Bees, Bright colours, the buzzwords in Gardening and Welsh bees invade Manchester streets. Chris our roving reporter checks them out for us.... Links / Resources mentioned this week The Welsh company behind the giant bees around Manchester Bees, Bright Colours, the buzzwords in gardening Sound Advice - Go With What We Know Make Your Own Solar Beeswax Melter For Under $10 What is in the Show What's been happening at kiwimana? 00:04:36 kiwimana Global Roving Reporters 00:11:54 > Canada 00:12:59 > North Carolina 00:15:28 > Sheffield 00:17:28 What should you be doing with your bees? 00:21:09 Top Content by your Vote Last Month 00:22:59 What products have been used in our work? 00:25:21 Beekeeping News 00:32:11 The Welsh company behind the giant bees around Manchester 00:33:17 Bees, Bright Colours, the buzzwords in gardening 00:37:03 Sound Advice - Go With What We Know 00:40:32 Make Your Own Solar Beeswax Melter For Under $10 00:50:43 What's your Number One Beekeeping Problem? 00:53:46 Feedback from you guys!!! 00:56:44 The Bonus Show 00:58:28 How to Subscribe to the Show 00:59:26 Full show notes These notes are a summary of the full show notes. The full show notes includes pictures and more detail information about the show. The full shows are locked for non supporters until the shows has been released to the public. The full show notes are here:- http://kiwi.bz/128 Thanks Gary and Margaret kiwimana buzz Beekeeping Show Follow us on Social Media Facebook Pinterest Twitter Please Support this podcast

Kia Ora Whanau. This week we have a real treat for you. Shaun Collins, the head of Lactic Turkey events, the Running Beast himself, one of the first two people to run the iconic Hilary Trail, and the only person to have completed a triple Hillary trail in one shot. We have an engaging and detailed conversation about the implications that a council-imposed ban on entering the Waitakere Ranges (to combat Kauri Dieback) is having on Shaun’s iconic Hillary Ultra, and the courageous decision to call the race off this year, out of respect for the rāhui that was put on the ranges by Te Kawerau Ā Maki, the mana whenua of the area. We discuss Shaun’s triumphant return to racing ultramarathons and trail events, his triple Hillary (or Trillary) and how he escaped with his faculties more or less intact. We talk about Wild Auckland, Shaun’s new trail series in lesser known trails in the greater Auckland area, and how opening people’s eyes to new trails is only a good thing. We discuss Shaun’s history as an orienteer/adventure racer and also what the future holds. As always, we spring the “Greatest Run Ever” question on Mr Collins, and generally have a whale of a time. Enjoy!!!

Accommodation Houses in the Waitakere Ranges by Ben Copedo is a recorded talk delivered to the West Auckland Historical Society in 1984. In this extract Ben shares his research on accommodation houses in the Whatipu area. Image: Tennis courts at Whatipu Lodge photographer Isobel Hooker, 1940, JTD-06K-03061-1, Auckland Libraries https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/52487/rec/2

Juliet Batten conveys her deep sense of connection and love for tramping and spending time in the Waitakere Ranges and her yearning for this wilderness while overseas. Shone, C (2007) Interview with Juliet Batten for the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, WOHP_1076_001, Auckland Libraries. kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/c…071/rec/4 The Auckland Tramping Club bus, Photographer J.T. Diamond, 1953, JTD-14M-00614, Auckland Libraries https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/44873/rec/1

Hi Guys, Thanks for listening to the show, here is our latest podcast. Sorry for the delay, but life got in the way, you will hear more in the show. Happy New Year "Beekeeping Bonanza 2018". This is Episode One Hundred and Nineteen of our beekeeping show. We are Gary and Margaret, we love Honey bees, we are kiwimana and we are Beekeepers who live in the Waitakere Ranges, on the Wild West coast of Auckland, in New Zealand. kiwimana is a place where the beekeeping community can share a conversation and connect and in this episode we talk about Rescuers fight through swarms 7 Queen Bee Facts that will amaze you How to protect your hives from Yellow Jacket Wasps What's looking good ?? Thanks and we will talk soon. Gary and Margaret  Here is what is in the show (Now with Times) What's been happening at kiwimana 00:02:07 What should you be doing with your bees? 00:08:59 Blog Recap 00:12:27 What products have been used in our work? 00:13:32 Beekeeping News 00:16:18 Rescuers fight through swarm of bees after truck carrying hives crashes 00:17:07 7 Queen Bee Facts: That Will Amaze You 00:20:06 Macquarie Island gives scientists a view of ecosystem without bees 00:21:32 Bees can be left or right handed 00:23:36 Ooh honey, looks like a good season 00:26:46 How to Keep Bees Calm 00:28:35 What's your Number One Beekeeping Problem? 00:32:32 FeedBack from You 00:40:33 The Full Show Notes will be Here http://kiwi.bz/119

Ho Ho Ho, The Joy of Christmas is on its way. This is Episode One Hundred and Eighteen of our beekeeping show. We are Gary and Margaret, we love Honeybees, we are kiwimana and we are Beekeepers who live in the Waitakere Ranges, on the Wild West coast of Auckland, in New Zealand. kiwimana is a place where the beekeeping community can share a conversation and connect and in this episode, we talk about The Auckland Beekeepers Club 70th Birthday The Manuka Wars Continues New Tool in the Battle Against a Bee-Killing Bacteria Thanks and we will talk soon. Thanks....Gary and Margaret  Here is what is in the show (Now with Times) What's been happening at kiwimana? - Gary 02:31 Auckland Beekeepers Club 70th Birthday Event 06:38 What's been happening at kiwimana - Margaret 17:28 What should you be doing with your bees? 24:00 Blog Recap 27:07 What products have been used in our work? 28:10 Pleasant Point beekeeper warns of the risks of 'gold rush' mentality 30:03 The Trans-Tasman war over manuka honey now has extra players 34:51 Australian Growers Working Have Cloned The Strongest Medical Manuka Honey 41:51 A Potential New Tool in the Battle Against a Bee-Killing Bacteria 44:58 Why are Hives Damp in the Winter? 48:19 'Alarming' amounts of nerve agent pesticides in world's honey, tests show 50:57 Questions from you 53:40 Customer Review Reward goes to 54:45 Feedback from you guys 55:39 What's in the Bonus Show? 56:14 The Next Show - Yappy Beeman 56:40 The Full Show Notes will be Here http://kiwi.bz/118

Christine Rose has a passion for life. She is an environmental advocate, in the community, nationally, and even internationally. She has just returned from Australia where the Humpback whales recovery signals hope for the future. Watching (rather than swimming) is her focus as it's non-invasive and takes the human ego out of the whales' natural behaviour. Humpback numbers in NSW were down to a couple of hundred animals when whaling stopped in the 1960s-70s. This year estimations put the numbers at about 27,000 went along Australia’s east coast, and they' are growing at 11% pa cumulatively. About 95% travel within 5km offshore on their way to Antarctica. That's why New South Wales in the best place for whale lovers like Christine. In this interview we cover a number of environmental issues from the whale’s recovery in Australia to the New Zealand fishing industry. Christine also speaks about the moral rights of animals and recommends the book of that name. Touching on climate change and the 6th great extinction, Christine turns to some creative solutions. We even talk about the necessity of carpooling – an idea that is not shared much, as we are pushed to use privately owned public transport! As a community and environmental advocate, Christine enacts the phrase 'think globally, act locally' into action - working on sustainability in her private life, in the community, nationally, and even internationally with the causes she supports and the life she leads. Christine strives to lead a moral life - she's vegetarian, rides her bike wherever she can, refuses TV and the consumer society. She has solar panels, grows a veggie garden and lives in harmony with nature. Locally, Christine helps build community - she established Bike Kumeunity, the Kumeu Children's Art Club, the Kumeu Arts Centre and she leads the ‘Kumeuknitty’ 'womanship' movement for women to share skills, knowledge, surpluses and love through knitting and crochet. She established Keep Kumeu Beautiful and organises WaiCare planting and water testing. Regionally Christine campaigns for better walking and cycling - she's a voluntary trustee of SkyPath, which will see a walking and cycle way across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. She’s founding Chair of the Public Transport Users Association. Since the year 2000, or earlier, Christine has dedicated a large part of her life to our endangered Maui's & Hector's Dolphins. She founded ‘Maui’s and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders NZ Inc.’ Christine regularly travels around New Zealand as an advocate, talking about the dolphins, helping all NZers to become stewards of this little taonga. Christine runs Cetacean Spotting NZ a facebook page dedicated to celebrating whales and dolphins around the coast. She is also a volunteer/supporter of many environmental groups. She does pest control to protect Kokako and other species in the Waitakere Ranges. Most weekends she's out planting trees or helping community and environmental organisations to make the world a better place. In her spare time, Christine cycles, camps, tramps, kayaks and is a practicing artist. She is a most heart-full person who seeks to build an empathetic culture through empowering others. She's a success at making the sun shine a bit more for us all by spreading joy and love in all she does, motivated by the public good and the ideal of a better world.