Permaculture is the harmonious integration of landscape and people — providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.

The philosophy behind permaculture is one of working with, rather than against, nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless action; of looking at systems in all their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them; and allowing systems to demonstrate their own evolution.

This 2-week intensive learning experience will deliver participants their Permaculture Design Certificates while exploring the ideas of Designing For Adaptability and Abundance. We acknowledge that change is upon us. Where it leads we do not know but a willingness to begin the transition and consciously design resilience into our lives will put us in good stead.

Designing for Abundance and Adaptability

Two Week Intensive: September 27th – October 11th 2019

Course Topics Include:

  • Permaculture Philosophy – ethics & principles
  • Permaculture Design – methods and strategies
  • Local Food Resilience
  • Organic Food Production – food forests, biodynamics…
  • Social Permaculture – building networks, decision making
  • Soil Nutrients – composting, worm farms, soil food web
  • Built Environment – natural building, building biology and ecology, passive solar design
  • Renewable energy, energy efficiency and technology
  • Water harvesting and grey water reticulation
  • Financial Permaculture – closed loop, community scaled structures, social enterprise
  • Urban Design
  • Zero Waste – Community Recycling …

*Residential Rate NZ$1995 – rate includes accommodation, 3 meals per day, and tuition.
Residential options include triple-share caboose, tent site or van site. (If you are interested in a different type of accommodation please view the options at solscape.co.nz/stay.
*Non-Residential Rate NZ$1395 – includes 1 meal per day and tuition.

* 10% Early Bird Discount for registrations before August 5th

Solscape is a 10-acre property nestled at the foot of Mt Karioi overlooking the Tasman Sea, a short bush walk away from Ngaranui beach and world famous surf break Manu bay.

We are an Eco Retreat offering diverse accommodations consciously designed to fit within our primary goals of minimizing our ecological footprint and inspiring visitors with working models of sustainable living and a Progressive Learning Centre hosting and delivering learning opportunities in the arts of sustainability, permaculture and holistic living.

The Conscious Kitchen, Solscape’s plant based cafe will be providing most of the meals throughout the course. Simply put … the food is outstanding!

Tutors

Rick Thorpe, Liz Stanway and the Raglan Permaculture Community

Liz Stanway and Rick Thorpe
Liz and Rick are trained ecologists each with over 30 years experience. They have worked on endangered species, forest, wetland and marine restoration and preservation projects throughout New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Wales, Mauritius and the Middle East. They have been practicing Permaculture for over 25 years. Both hold Permaculture Design Certificates and Diplomas. They live on a 6 hectare Permaculture/organic property in Raglan which produces a significant amount of their income through production of fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, firewood & timber.

They are founding members of Xtreme Zero Waste – Raglan Community’s award winning zero waste programme, the Whaingaroa Environment Centre and various other local initiatives.

Liz and Rick will be the principle tutors for your course and will be running modules on Landscape & Site Assessment, Small Animals & Orchards, Wildlife harvest & Land Restoration, Community Enterprise and Climate.

A number modules will be taught by a cast of experienced local permaculture practitioners and teachers.

Location / Venue

Solscape Eco Retreat & Progressive Learning Centre.
611 Wainui Rd, Raglan

The Farm (Liz and Rick’s place)

Course modules and location

The modules will be either on site at Solscape, at Liz and Rick’s farm or as field trips to a variety of local Permaculture/organic properties. These will provide urban and rural examples.

There will also be site visits to a number of community enterprises such as: Xtreme Zero Waste, Te Mauri Tau, Whaingaroa Harbour Care and Whaingaroa Environment Centre.

Transport is provided by Solscape, included in course costs.

For more information or to register please contact Solscape

Email: info@solscape.co.nz
Phone: 07 825 8268