Ecofest
Ecofest fashionistas, from left, Moana Lee, Nici Palmer and Sada. Photo: Em Hofstede.
Ecofest this past weekend was a demonstration of Golden Bay’s interest in developing itself as a self-sustainable community.
Event co-organiser Claire Webster calls it a success.
“I thought it was a wonderful event, a nice blend of local and new things from over the Hill. We’ve had lots of positive feedback from the public and stall holders. Merv’s talk on soils and The Fashion Fix were especially successful.
Artisans made a creative and motivational impression using readily available resources from nature, such as harakeke and willow, or the recycling of glass bottles, or the upscaling of cast-off clothing and wool blankets.
Fashion attracted significant interest. Nici Palmer, who has studied patternmaking and design, recycles old jerseys that she finds in op-shops and turns them into dream coats not unlike a cloth mosaic. Moana Lee turns the classic woollen blanket into runway-style skirts, tunics and more, embellishing each with her own trademark felt designs featuring iconic kiwi birds.
“I learned how to sew from my mum and my grandmother.”
Sada upscales clothes using her talents as a photographer and screenprinter. She is currently enrolled in the art course offered by the community workers. These women have been at the summer Saturday markets and can be found at the Friday Village on the Green markets. They add variety and spice to the growing group of women in Golden Bay who are making fashion their own using pre-loved clothing.
Present also were technologies designed to improve life in our homes by promoting energy efficiency, freedom from chemical cleaners, and healthier drinking and wastewater. The Ecomoon Boutique, a one-stop shop for mums and babies and located in Stoke, brought a travelling shop of wares that can be found online at www.ecomoon.co.nz
Several schools were present, raising funds using ecologically sensitive products, such as popcorn and handmade paper bricks and food. The innovative art and science exhibit on stage was an inspiring showcase of what our young people will be capable of in the future. Complementing this display was Red Heke Productions, which produces educational DVDs designed to promote learning through interaction with our environment (see www.oursdvd.co.nz).
Claire says: “We will be back. The first mini-expo for Ecofest has proved a winner. We also hope to take Ecofest mini-expos to other smaller communities; it’s part of supporting locals and building community.”
Em Hofstede
The GB Weekly will run several Ecofest-focussed articles in the coming weeks.
