News and Events

Current Sustainability Newsletter
UC Sustainability News 18 March 2010, (PDF 373 KB)

To see past Sustainability Newsletters see the News Archive

Change in views of farm animal welfare? (Thur 6 May, 4.20-4.40, Room 252, Geography - Pshychology)

Social and Political Science seminar. Dr Alison Loveridge on "Change in views of farm animal welfare?"

Consumer action is leading to increasing external control of on-farm activities in New Zealand. Traditional views of animal welfare are among those being challenged and farmers are being pressured by media coverage of welfare issues to demonstrate that they are meeting industry standards in their treatment of animals. This paper explores rural and urban people’s views on farm animal welfare in response to a survey commissioned by MAF in 2008. Although this data is not directly comparable with insights from other surveys and interviews carried out since the mid-1990s, understanding of multiple viewpoints on changing farm practices is accumulating. Context is proving important to interpretation of each new study. Emotional elements are particularly important in human-animal relations, where the perceived characteristics of the animals themselves interact with levels of suffering (also perceived) and the market implications of particular forms of treatment. Many statements on both environmental and animal welfare practices are highly politicised and best understood in a global context despite the specificities of New Zealand production systems.

All presentations are at 4pm on Thursdays in 252 Sociology followed by wine in the Baldrick Room (311 Sociology). Gold coin donation.

Citizen scientist? Biodiversity informatics and the democratization of conservation (Thur 6 May, 4-4.20 pm, Room 252, Geography - Psychology)

Social and Political Science seminar. Amy Fletcher on "Citizen scientist? Biodiversity informatics and the democratization of conservation".

Biodiversity conservation is increasingly a form of information management. The integration of technologies such as the Internet, global positioning systems (GPS) and hand-held electronic devices in wildlife conservation enables an order of magnitude change in the amount of information that can support expert decision-making. These ubiquitous technologies also enable data from the bottom-up—from amateur naturalists, students, hikers, rangers, park volunteers and other enthusiasts—to feed the digital grid.

All presentations are at 4pm on Thursdays in 252 Sociology followed by wine in the Baldrick Room (311 Sociology). Gold coin donation.

Seaweek Event: Walk with Graeme Stanley - "Twilight on Estuary/Heathcote River Ramble" (Tue 22 March, 6-7.15 pm, meet at the Bamford School gates, Gould Crescent, Woolston)
Gold coin donation. No bookings required - Spot prizes. Suits all ages. Download the full Seaweek events around Canterbury PDF guide>>

Free safe-cycling courses
Mon 22 March 2010 5-7pm. Want to feel more comfortable cycling around the city? The Christchurch City Council is offering free safe-cycling skills classes. Meet at the open bicycle stand beside Engineering Rd, near the Physical Sciences library. Class is on the path at the north end of Ilam field, near the tennis courts.
Important Details:
Participants need to bring a roadworthy bike and an approved helmet
All of the course is held outside, so may be postponed in very poor weather conditions. Participants need to be aware of the current NZ road code, so if you need a refresher, please read the code at  www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/results.html?catid=389. If you do not know these (e.g., if you don't have a current car drivers license) please let us know. Participants will be required to fill in a registration form and waiver.

Please email Laura, (laura.scrimgeour@canterbury.ac.nz), to register.

Climate change: Copenhagen and beyond (Thur 18 March, 5 pm, Room 208 Macmillan Brown Library in Te Ao Marama Building)
New Zealand Institute of International Affairs Seminar. Jonathan Boston from Victoria University.

Sign-up for UC One Day Challenge now open! (11 Feb)
Ever wanted to walk, bike, bus or carpool but think it’s too hard? Two thirds of staff and students use these modes of travelling on a regular basis. Leave your car at home one day each week and get personal help planning your commute. Help us with some research and win great prizes! Sign up now!

Regular Events

UC Gardening Group
Wednesdays 1-2 pm, Okeover Community Garden
The group is for keen gardeners who want to meet up with other keen gardeners, and for those who want to be keen gardeners. The group will meet up in the community garden, starting on Wednesday 17 March 2010. Bring along your lunch and your ideas, and let's see where it takes us.

Green Minds
Last Tuesday of every month, 5.30, at the Foundry (during term time)
If you're a green minded person wanting to meet up with other green minded people then come along to the Foundry on the last Tuesday of every month and meet up with other members of the UC Sustainabiliy Community. For more information contact Lisa or sign up to the UC Sustainability Community. Green Minds Launch 26 Feb, regular Green Minds meets start on 25 March.

Regular Community Garden Working Time
Fridays 2:00-5:00 pm. All welcome! Come along and help out in the community garden, and take home your share of fresh produce harvested that day as your reward. See the Community Garden Volunteers Page for more information.

Dr. Bike
Dr. Bike will be returning again in 2010 to give your bike the loving attention it deserves! Details of the first Dr. Bike session coming soon....

2010 Past Events

UC Sustainability lunchtime seminar (Fri 12 Feb, 12-1 pm)
Commerce Room 002

A talk by Bronwyn Hayward:   “Living the Good life?  Comparing the aspirations and sustainability of lifestyles of young New Zealanders and UK citizens”

This seminar reports on two online surveys conducted on behalf of the United Nations Environment Programme in 2009. The surveys examine the lifestyles, attitudes and aspirations of 18 to 35 year olds in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Conducted after the fiscal crash , a significant proportion of young respondents in both nations offered strong images of self-sufficiency as part of their vision of an ‘ideal life’.

Simplicity Gathering (Tue 9 Feb, 12-1 pm)
Okeover Community Garden or, if wet, Shelley Common Room in the UCSA

Dr. Gareth Pritchard, lecturer in the History Department will lead a discussion on 'what is simplicity?'

All staff, students and others are welcome.

For more information contact Matt Morris at UC Sustainability