Water whisperers and bottled pears for Matamata

Following our successful March kick-off event, we’re looking forward to our first Transition Matamata film night, next Monday evening, April 14.

We will be screening Water Whisperers Tangaroa, a feature documentary directed by Kathleen Gallagher.

Shot in stunning locations around New Zealand, this film explores the work of 10 communities as they seek to heal damaged waterways and protect them for future generations.

We meet people behind the recovery and conservation of some of our most precious waterways – fishermen, conservationists, scientists, farmers, local iwi and divers who share a passion to safeguard their local rivers, lakes, coastlines and oceans.

This is a subtle and beautifully photographed film.

The session will also provide tips and resources for water conservation at home and in the workplace and an update on Transition Matamata activities.

On Tuesday, April 15, we’re offering an evening workshop – Preserving 101: Bottling food for winter.

If you have never learnt how to preserve fruit and vegetables and it is a skill you would like to have, Melody Priest is offering this one-off night class on how to bottle foods.

It will also be a good refresher course for those who know the basics and great for those with food intolerances as you can tailor make your preserves to suit your own needs.

Participants will have the chance to preserve their own jar of jam, chutney or bottled fruit or veggies.

Bring a preserving jar and the fruit or vegetables you would like to learn to preserve.

All other ingredients and seals provided.

As the school pots are small, please only bring enough fruit to learn the skill. You can then continue your bottling at home. You will need to bring 15 to 20 pieces of fruit to fill a 1.5 litre Agee preserving jar or 8 to 10 pieces of fruit for a half-size jar.

On May 9 and 10, we will be running Home of Future Now Tours, showcasing a local home with many environmentallyfriendly and energy-efficiency features.

Keep an eye out in the Chronicle for more information.

Gold coin donations are encouraged Transition Matamata events.

Currently funds are being raised to support the Matamata Community Garden Project.

Transition Matamata is a non-profit community group promoting energy conservation, sustainable living and local selfreliance.

If you have any questions or want to be added to the newsletter email list, ring Gord on 880 9335 or Ben on 888 7111.

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