ECO Summer Gathering
Friday 25th - Sunday 27th January 2013
Arthur's Pass Outdoor Education Centre, Canterbury
This January, in the spectacular mountain village of Arthur’s Pass, ECO is creating a space for
like-minded people to network and talk about environmental campaigning, politics and
generating change. Head up to Arthur’s Pass for a weekend of sharing your ideas and passion
for better environmental outcomes and directions for NZ. This is about younger generations
sharing the new approaches, with older campaigners sharing their knowledge. We’re keeping
the main sessions short so you have lots of time for networking and walks. If you can play a
musical instrument, feel free to bring it along.
Venue: Arthur’s Pass Outdoor Education Centre, Arthur’s Pass
Located right in the village, you’ll be 1 minute’s walk from a beautiful waterfall and great DOC
Visitor Centre and 2 minutes from the local watering hole – the Wobbly Kea. Space is limited
and you will need to apply to ECO (see below) to attend since this is not a public gathering.
We want to keep it a safe environment for open discussion. If pleasant bunkrooms and your
sleeping bag are not for you, there is other accommodation in the village, but it pays to book
early.
General information on the area:
http://www.arthurspass.com/
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/arthurs-pass/
Accommodation in Arthur’s Pass:
http://www.arthurspass.com/index.php?page=2
Transport from Christchurch:
http://www.arthurspass.com/index.php?page=6
Please ring direct or book on line as the Christchurch earthquakes have changed many schedules
– eg. West Coast Shuttles now pick up bookings daily from the airport at 2.45pm arriving at
Arthur's Pass around 5pm.
Walks
http://www.doc.govt.nz/publications/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/discoverarthurs-pass-brochure/
ECO, PO Box 11057, Wellington 6142
Summer Gathering - Programme
Friday evening - 25 January 2013:
Meet at 7.00pm for introductions, a light supper and discussion.
Saturday morning - 26 January:
How do you create social change? Come prepared to make a 5 minute presentation about your
organisation and how you go about making the future we want in New Zealand. You can present
up to five power point slides (pecha kuchas) so keep it short and snappy. This facilitated
discussion where we can explore ways of working together in future will include contributors
from 350.org, Greenpeace, Generation Zero, Biodiversity Defence Society, Forest and Bird,
Organics NZ and more - including YOU.
Saturday afternoon - 26 January:
What is going on in New Zealand’s social and political environment? Share your ideas about
New Zealand politics and where we are heading in society in a discussion led by ECO chair Cath
Wallace and former Greenpeace political advisor Geoff Keey.
Sunday morning - 27 January:
Becoming more effective campaigners in today’s world. Discuss strategic use of the law with
lawyer Quentin Davies of Gascoigne Wicks; working with traditional media with former
Marlborough Express Chief Reporter Sonya O’Regan and new social media and sustainability
entrepreneurship with Alex Hannant of Hikurangi Foundation.
After a final wrap up with discussion on how to move forward with what have covered, we leave
early afternoon.
Costs for the weekend:
$120 for Members and Friends of ECO,
$140 for non-members,
$70 for students/unwaged.
Cost includes accommodation at the Arthur’s Pass Outdoor Education Centre and great meals
over the weekend. Apply by contacting ECO at eco@eco.org.nz with ECO Summer Gathering in
the subject line, or mail your registration form to the address below.
For further information contact:
Geoff Keey: (03) 318 9183 geoff.keey@gmail.com
Diana Shand: 021 471 989 diana.shand@xtra.co.nz
ECO Office: (04) 385 7545 eco@eco.org.nz
Registration is essential - see form attached – register NOW !
Note: if you book now, flights are very cheap (around $100 from the North Island to
Christchurch) so get in early. And recognise that it takes two hours from Christchurch Airport to
Arthur’s Pass.
ECO, PO Box 11057, Wellington 6142