Start walking, see what happens

A new project

Nearly four decades ago, in Lower Moutere, Hazel Nash decided to put the orchard land she was living on to another use. What if you made it into an outdoor education centre?

She didn't start with an elaborate and detailed scheme so much as a general idea that outdoor education is a valuable thing and troubled kids in this world could benefit from it. You might as well get started and see what you could do.

This is not to say that she started pouring concrete without the boxing, but rather that she worked it out as she went, drawing in all kinds of good people with all kinds of skills and experience — all of them excited by the idea — to build it into something marvellous.

What it has evolved into is Whenua Iti Outdoors, an operation that is today doing great work with thousands of young people.

Now in her seventies, Hazel has had another idea about what something she could be doing on her land. Rather than spend money as a golden years traveller, she wants to put it into a retreat: a place where people can come to stay for free and work on something to do with conservation or sustainability.

What in particular? That's just loosely defined so far, but for example it might be working on one of the many wetland projects in the area. It might be research. It might be finishing work on postgrad studies. It might be coming together with other like minded people to come up with new ideas, new projects, new ways of dealing with climate change

Once again, she’s not starting with a detailed plan so much as a general idea. Once again, she's inviting people to help, and has set up a trust to get things started. Last night we met for the first time, six of us, and began to colour in the picture.

We’re thinking in particular about those words something to do with conservation or sustainability, and what particular forms that could take, what kinds of projects and good works might be especially worth encouraging.

Your thoughts and suggestions would be welcome. Hazel’s projects are all about drawing in all kinds of good people with all kinds of skills and experience.

It’s just a small thing for now, but it stands to do good. Tomorrow she's having an opening, and it would be nice to see the sun shine. A gesture like this deserves a warm reception in these cold rancorous times.