Sustainable Ōtautahi Christchurch: A supportive go-to agency
Sustainable Õtautahi Christchurch describes itself a collaborative partner for groups seeking to make the city a sustainable place to live – not just environmentally but economically, socially, and culturally. The track record of this volunteer-led organisation means it is sought out as a go-to ‘spokesperson’ on local issues, as well as a support system for groups in the sector wanting to maximise their impact.
“The more people with us who are really active, the more we can do,” says executive board member and former chair Joyce Yager, who has a background in marine and earth sciences.
“We are like a connector, a facilitator: when asked, we provide advice or help facilitate projects,” she says.
To be able to assist as many people in the sector as possible, Sustainable Õtautahi Christchurch is always on the lookout for more volunteers. Basically, the more people who offer their expertise, says Joyce, the bigger the volume of work we can do.
The present team has a wide skill set – in fields as diverse as education, union representation, small business expertise, waste minimisation, transport and science. Their approach to sustainability is encompassing, too.
“We are very broad; we are involved in economics, open democracy and everything in between. …You need economic wellbeing to support good environmental wellbeing; the two fit together. That approach is what sets us apart from other organisations,” says Joyce.
She illustrates this by reflecting on a conversation she had with a 19-year-old parent who was struggling to make ends meet and took out payday loans to afford groceries. The young person was very stressed, says Joyce, and, in all likelihood, had little capacity to be directly involved with environmental concerns or events.
“I always think of a pyramid: at the bottom of the pyramid is economic wellbeing and, at the top, the capacity for environmental wellbeing; but first you have to have your basic needs met,” she says.
Sustainable Otautahi Christchurch’s signature event is Speaking 4 The Planet, a spoken-word and art competition in which schools across the city can participate. The environmental theme changes from year to year. The event is one way the organisation encourages high school students to feel involved in, and contribute to, the sustainability and environmental community.
(Oct 2023)
