Jam-packed Permaculture Weekend

Nelson Lebo loosens compacted soil in preparation for organic gardening.

There are 14 different events on offer in Whanganui's fourth annual Permaculture Weekend on September 10-11.

They include hands-on workshops, a seed swap, a working bee, a shared meal and a movie night. Some events are free, and others will look for donations.

This year two organisations also want to talk about education they offer.

Wanganui Collegiate's Richard Pedley will show the school's new agriculture programme, with a presentation and tour. The programme aims to prepare students for a future when people are more aware of sustainably produced, local and high quality food.

At the tertiary level, UCOL's Jake Schultz will provide an overview of two new courses, a Certificate in Apiculture (beekeeping) and Sustainable Agriculture. The sustainability of food systems into the future is key, he says.

The Permaculture Weekend overlaps with Adult Learners' Week. As part of both Whanganui's Nelson Lebo of the ECO School offers two workshops: an introduction to organic gardening and fruit tree care, and an organic gardening master class.

He said working smarter rather than working harder was key.

"My motto is tools, timing and technique: using the right tools at the right times in the right ways. That's how you get 10 hours of work done in five hours."

PERMACULTURE WEEKEND EVENTS

Saturday, September 10:

9-12 noon: Tools for a Resilient Household: permaculture calendars, broad forks, solar ovens, rocket stoves, permaculture books, and stirrup hoes. REBS Stall, River Traders' Market

10-11am: Introduction to organic gardening and fruit tree care, Nelson Lebo, Pakaitore/Moutoa Gardens

11-1pm: Rope and rourou making, Tracey Young, River Traders' Market. Meet river side of i-SITE

1-3pm: New UCOL Programmes: Beekeeping and Organic Gardening. Jake Schultz. Room E-2-15, UCOL Complex, Taupo Quay

2-5pm: Organic Gardening Master Class. Nelson Lebo. Registration and fee: theecoschool@gmail.com

2.30-3.30 pm: Composting workshops - Theory - Hadi Gurton, 83 Maria Place Extension

3.45-5pm: Composting workshop - Practical - Rachel Rose, 77 Anzac Parade.

Sunday, September 11:

8:30-10am: Permaculture in Schools. Richard Pedley, Wanganui Collegiate School

10-12 noon: Matai Street Community Garden Tour and Working Bee. Phil Holden. Matai Street. By donation

12:30-2pm: DIY Weta Hotels for children. Dani Lebo, 223 No. 2 Line. Materials fee

2-4PM: Seed Swap. Whanganui Seed Savers. Quaker Meeting House, 256 Wicksteed St. By donation

3-5:30pm: Wetland Restoration Working Bee. 223 No. 2 Line

6-7:30pm: Shared Meal, 217 No. 2 Line

7:30-8:30PM: Film: Origin of the Apple, 217 No. 2 Line