Marie Hazledine-Barber

New Zealand Returned Soldier

http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm

Lest we forget

ANZAC POPPY

The red poppy one of the first blooms from the mud of Flanders Field linked battlefield death since the Great War of  1914-1918.  The famous poem written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae  ” In Flanders Field”  describing this beautiful poppy.

For three decades the Return Service Association have had the poppies made in Christchurch by Kilmarnock Enterprises who employ intellectually disabled people to assemble them. The special nature the red poppies representing the RSA  gives the employees a sense of real purpose for the country, their social integration and funds for the enterprise and are proud to serve NZ in their own special way. Then see with pride the red poppy worn by so many New Zealanders in memory of those that fell on the battlefield.

However: The RSA  Chief Executive has made the decision to out source the red poppy to China for parts and be assembled in Australia.  Because it is cheaper and he can make more profit.!

First to deny these special people whose battlefield is a life time, their NZ Red Poppy to be made in China, then fly the parts to Australia, assembled there:  then fly them to New Zealand the image of a green country ( NZ) being aware of the carbon footprint the Chief Executive needs to be taught the lesson of responsible capitalism.

One applauds the efforts to raise more funds for the returned soldiers as expenses and costs of living rise, yet most New Zealanders would be quite happy to pay more for a poppy keeping production in Christchurch at Kilmarnock Enterprises.

Once again those in power privileged to open doors and do the most good fail and cripple the already challenged and less fortunate because of irresponsible decisions, or have the sense to have a wider view or understanding: of the cause and effect of irresponsible, lack of deep thought of decisions made.

They see the books but not the man at the coal face.

The dinner plate served for the reasoning of the decision is a plausible excuse. Bear in mind excuse means EX meaning “free from”  Cusa meaning ” cause” = excuse. The act of the RSA Chief Executive appears that the decision he made, he is free from the cause and he is not responsible for his actions.

Sustainable living, sustainable design, architecture,agriculture, technological development the answer lies in the land and what ‘Mother Nature’ freely offers.

Harnessing the elements of the land, sun, wind, water, a constant source, only changing with the seasons, adaptation for sustainable living takes the will and a real desire to achieve.

Drop of Water in the Ocean

New Zealand is quipped ‘ a drop of water in the ocean’  ( Land of the Long White Cloud) Aotearoa  the Maori name, rich in offerings of all the elements for sustainable living.

In the hills of Koromiko South Island: with sweeping views of stunning landscape basking in the sun undisturbed by the urban beat, nestles a cabin operating by a solar system backed up with hydro, an enclosed fireplace not only for warmth or cooking ( although LPG gas hob is also installed) that wonderful winter stew,but a back up for hot water heating if required. Internal, external  walls encapsulated with New Zealand wool is a natural cosy answer for insulation.

Ample water supply from a stream falling through the hills pure and clean. Stored in a 2000 litre tank,  filtered to the house,  nicknamed the best drink “Adams Ale” found anywhere in the world.

A Biolytix System which is manufactured in Australia that would handle both sewage and grey water with ease and had a very low power consumption due to the method of processing the waste – Worms!  Eco friendly at its’ best.

Ease of living with constant water, a solar/hydro supply of power source, satellite for internet, as the urban beat thumps or is disconnected by power cuts, earthquakes, floods an unfortunate risk in any country.

For example of Christchurch earthquake. Recovery for the city reliant on non sustainable methods creating angst, technical problems leaving many citizens in disarray for basic living, cooking, grey water matter, laundry and many other factors that are  taken for granted in a modern city.

http://offgridecostay.com/  A project worthy of capture and extended development. Either for living or education.

Last load keep the home fires burning