Gerald DAVIDSON's Page

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In the context of Transition Towns my interests / passions are:: I am very concerned about the question of oil supply and the dependence we as a society now have on it. This wasn't originally the case. Transition Towns does offer a way forward, building on the lessons of the past.

It is always worth remembering that the ideas that are increasingly becoming popular now, were once de'rigour amongst young people in the 1970s and 1980s.In fact you say there was a popular movement along these lines in the era.

A number of publications covering living in a sustainable way, social justice, organic farming and so forth we put together by Alister Taylor under the title of "New Zealand Whole Earth Catalogue" from 1978-1981. There were three. An irregular publication called "Mushroom" was published for people interested in alternative living.This lasted to about 1986.

Many people associated with the environmental movement of that time went on to form "intentional communities", some in cities (people living in a communal way) but generally in the country. The National Library has a list compiled some years ago as part of a research project of all the known arrangements, the proposals, and the schemes
which got of the ground and where they were, which illustrates the how widespread beliefs in environmental sustainability were. You can also reach the conclusion by reading through back numbers of "Mushroom". Several "Intentional communities" of today can trace their
origin back to that time. Meanwhile sustainable agriculture has gained support in rural areas : this is illustrated by the WWOOF scheme. I am heartened greatly by the "Transition Town" concept as it builds on these sentiments. Gerald Davidson.

What are you happy to share about yourself:: Member of the Petone Community Board since 1995. Currently Chairperson (The Community Board is an elected body and represents the residents and ratepayers of Petone/Korokoro/Moera/Gracefield and is part of the political structure of the Hutt City Council). Work for myself as a gardener and lawnmowing contractor.At University during the oil crisis of the 1970s. Involved in the big political and social campaigns of that era. Knew many of those seeking alternative ways of living, some of whom went on to form Intentional communities or were from Mansfield/Chippenham Community in Christchurch. My interest then was more in political action. Follow principles of organic horticulture with my home garden. One of the few in Petone with solar water heating, and featured in the "Dominion-Post" recently. Worked for NZ Railways in Wellington. Strongly support public transport initiatives, especially rail, and getting goods back onto rail from road. Interest in history, particularly transport. Support efforts to conserve NZ flora. Two books to my name so far. Gerald Davidson.

Where do you live (City or Town):: Petone

Skype Address (optional, but very helpful for collaboration) Install Skype from http://skype.com/download: 35 Riddlers Crescent, Petone 5012.

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At 9:55 on June 27, 2008, Leanne Eckman said…: Hi Gerald, can you explain what you mean by 'assist on a case by case basis'?
I am currently overseas and am using my gmail account. Can you please reply to: leanneeckman@gmail.com? that's easier for me to correspond with you.

kind regards, Leanne