Matamata Chronicle

School’s garden project

- Transition Matamata is a non-profit community group promoting energy conservati­on, sustainabl­e living, and a strong and resilient local economy. To join the newsletter email list, send your address to info@aquas.co.nz.

The stage is set and the digging begins Friday at St Joseph’s Catholic School.

Transition Matamata is pleased to be helping the school develop a vege garden which will be tended by students, teachers and parents. The project is generously supported by Daltons. Steve Simpson and Ben Troughton, Transition Matamata gardening specialist­s, have done some initial preparatio­n and the first working bee is set for April 24 at 2pm.

The approach will be one of biointensi­ve gardening – an organic agricultur­al system designed to get maximum production in an efficient and sustainabl­e way.

The system, which increases biodiversi­ty and sustains fertility of the soil, includes deep soil preparatio­n, crop rotation, composting, carbon cropping, the use of heritage seed, and raising your own seedlings.

Anyone wishing to help out or just learn about biointensi­ve gardening is most welcome to come along.

Those who would like to help can ring Steve on 021 052 4292 to find out what to bring.

How to get your power bill down

Preserved for winter

Films, books and magazines

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This workshop is set for Tuesday, May 19, 7pm in the staff room at Matamata Intermedia­te School.

Julian Mason, Transition Matamata’s energy expert, will offer practical tips and ideas to reduce power use and save you money.

The session will cover no-cost actions you can take, lighting options, insulation, solar hot water heating, solar electric and more. Cost of the session is $10. No registrati­on required and you can pay at the door.

‘‘Awesome tutor and awesome bunch of people’’, was the feedback from one participan­t in Melody Priest’s March Preserving 101 workshop held in Mel’s classroom at Matamata College. The handson session instructed in the basics of preserving food, with all participan­ts taking home jars containing the fruits of their labour.

The use of college facilities and their help in taking registrati­ons was appreciate­d and just the kind of support Transition Matamata needs.

The documentar­ies shown at film nights last year are now available on loan, along with some magazines and books. Drop in to Kaimai Natural Health Centre, 79 Arawa St, to see what’s in stock. There is a table in the reception area with these resources and a simple sign-out, sign-in honour system.

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 ??  ?? Gray Poka and son Te Kore in action at the Preserving 101 workshop. Photo: SUPPLIED
Gray Poka and son Te Kore in action at the Preserving 101 workshop. Photo: SUPPLIED
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