The Thames Transition Town group began meeting in October 2007. We have embraced the TT model for a number of reasons - in part, it is easier to get your head around "running out of stuff" than it is to contemplate the changing climate; in part, its a wonderful model for developing cohesion between existing community groups and agencies, and would be well worth doing even without its "big picture" imperatives.

We were originally somewhat 'under the radar', relying on word of mouth to spread awareness. In part this "viral" approach has been due to the diverse nature of this area: yes, we remain the site of the first elected Green constituent MP, and of course, there is a tradition of resisting mining with its attendant social and environmental costs, and, in this area, you're never far from either an old pohutakawa tree beside an idyllic beach or an old [or new] hippy - and - there's a great history of independent endeavour, goldfields, timber and bushmanship, a proud tradition of engineering, not to mention a rich identity as an agricultural service town. And behind all this overlay is the long, rich and proud story of the tangata whenua of this place.

And we recognise that with all these strands, there's a huge potential for creative engagement with the defining issues of our times in ways that draw from the inspirations of all these traditions. Or we could be really clumsy - hence our considered start.

At a recent meeting we decided to say this about ourselves: “Transition Town Thames is a response to the growing challenges of our times. We recognise that many of the answers to these will come from the creativity, connectedness and diversity of skills within our community. Transition Town Thames is both a focus and catalyst for this process.”

Recent activity

Towards embracing the Transition Towns model

At the end of 2007 we focussed most of our energies on a small number of initiatives. We had a role in the establishing of the Thames Community Garden, a joint project by the Organic Strategy Group and the Supported Lifestyle Trust; we began lobbying the TCDC to consider where cycling might be better provided for; we ended up leading the Santa Parade; we film interviewed a number of MPs and hopefuls; and we had a different 2020 vision statement attached to every pillar along the main street for World Environment Day.

After a slow start to 2008, we have hit the ground with a bit of steam! The first thing we did was submit a 22 page document to the Coromandel Blueprint process. We tried to indicate a number of starting points for more inclusive thinking in a document scheduled to still be shaping the peninsula 5 years after the Shell CEO thinks all but the most difficult oil will be gone. For a .pdf copy email Mark Skelding below.

We've got a programme of events - both films and talks - starting in July 2008, and we're developing particular initiatives for different groups within the community, such as business, youth, and so on.

By the end of the year we anticipate being one of the towns in bold on the front page of the New Zealand transition towns WIKI..... or then again, maybe not.

Contact

Please feel free to contact Mark Skelding via songlines@paradise.net.nz or Rowan Campbell via modcons@gmail.com

Visit out website: http://transitiontownthames.org.nz/ and sign up to the local mailing list: http://transitiontowns.org.nz/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/thames