4 July 2006 Lincoln 'Envirotown' event chance to hear politicians and scientists

Ever wanted to quiz politicians about environmental matters? Well Lincoln township’s ‘Envirotown’ event this coming Saturday, 8 July, could give you that opportunity.

Environment Minister David Benson-Pope officially opens the event in the Lincoln Community Centre, Gerald Street, Lincoln, at 10am and he will be happy to answer questions from the floor after his address. Then, at 11.10am, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons is giving a talk, as part of a programme of addresses, off the main hall, and she too will respond to questions from the audience.

Rakaia Member of Parliament Brian Connell of the National Party will be there as well, so it’s a great opportunity to hear views from across the political spectrum, says the chairperson of the organising group, the Lincoln Envirotown Trust, Dr Sue Jarvis.

“Complementing the politicians there will be plenty of scientists and environmental practitioners present at the event too, speaking at different times throughout the day,” she says.

The Envirotown event, being held in the Lincoln Community Centre, Gerald Street, Lincoln, has been dubbed Lincoln’s ‘Big Day’ and the occasion sees the launching of a Lincoln Sustainability Centre and a Lincoln Envirotown Trust.

The Trust, supported by a grant from the Ministry for the Environment, has been established to promote environmental sustainability through education and by encouraging people to make informed personal and community decisions.

The ‘Big Day’ starts at 10am and runs through until 4pm. Admission is free, everyone is invited and the programme is packed with demonstrations, activities, talks and displays.

The 'Big Day' is jointly supported by Lincoln University, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Selwyn District Council and many other individuals and groups. It is organised by the Lincoln Envirotown Trust chaired by Dr Sue Jarvis who is the inaugural holder of the Sir Peter Blake Environmental Educators Award. Dr Jarvis is working on community environmental matters with Lincoln University and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand