JOHN BISSET/Things
Aerial view with Patons Rock near Takaka in Golden Bay.
A roadmap to a more sustainable Golden Bay marks three years of work for Debbie Pearson and her team; and a possible turning point for Mohua.
In 2019, Pearson and her team began developing the Mohua 2042 Sustainability Strategy, a framework that points the way to a more sustainable future.
While the group initially focused on the environment and climate change mitigation, they soon realized that the strategy needed broader scope, including transportation, agriculture, food supply, waste management, housing and education.
Each of these areas was analyzed to see what was already being done and what gaps needed to be addressed, Pearson said.
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For example, in the housing sector, Tākaka’s new co-housing development was a great example of progress already being made, Pearson said.
However, as the region grew, there was a need for a sustainable approach to waste management, water storage and affordability in other developments.
Part of creating the framework meant taking stock of what had already been accomplished in Mohua, an exercise Pearson said was “so encouraging.”
Martin De Ruyter/Stuff
Golden Bay is already full of “natural leaders” taking the initiative to improve their environment and communities. (File photo)
“You can’t live in this community without knowing what’s going on, but I was surprised by the long list of things that are already happening.”
This included conservation projects and an ever-growing number of sustainable businesses, farms and producers, she said.
Until now, the work has been done by volunteers. Now the group hoped to create a charitable fund and seek funding to hire the right people to lead the strategy.
Andrew Wilson
“We wanted to let the community define their vision for the future and how we do it,” said Debbie Pearson, coordinator of the Mohua 2042 Sustainability Strategy.
They hope the enthusiasm they’ve seen in the community will grow, with community members raising their hands to help, Pearson said.
“It’s a diverse plan. It gives people access to everything they’re interested in,” Pearson said. “It could be anything from planting trees to making chutney for the community center; what is my passion and where do I want to get in?”
Grant Knowles, who worked alongside Pearson, hoped the framework would give people hope.
“We do have hope for a good, sustainable future. This is a turning point, people can be optimistic.”
You can read about the strategy at: tasman.govt.nz/my-community/a-sustainable-communityor email [email protected] to join.