20 April 2026
A public presentation by Brian Dixon who is a clinical psychologist and founding member of the NZ Psychological Society's Climate Psychology Task Force in 2014 in which he has held a position on the Society's executive as Director, Te Taiao/Environmental Issues.
Brian will present some concepts from climate psychology and talk about the ways we as humans think about and react to the climate crisis. He is interested to hear how those attending think and feel about our climate emergency and what personal and collective actions they have taken or would like to take. Click here for more details.
30 March 2026
A public presentation by Professor Alex Macmillan. Climate change and health: implications for a "just transition” to a safe future. Climate change is the greatest threat to public health facing us, with deeply unjust health effects already unfolding, including in Aotearoa. On the other hand, well-designed and timely action can bring tangible win-wins for health and fairness. Alex summarised some of the most recent climate health research in Aotearoa, providing accessible summaries for use in climate citizenship and action. Alex also talked more about what a “just transition” means through a public health lens, and what’s standing in the way of a healthy and just climate response. Click here to hear Alex's podcast.
23 February 2026
A public presentation by Emeritus Professor John Drummond. It is 38 years since James Hansen first brought climate change to the attention of the world when he spoke to the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This stocktake looks at Where are we? Where are we going? and What should we do? While the USA has publicly stepped back from even acknowledging the existence of climate change, there are some positive signs from elsewhere in the world. Here in New Zealand Aotearoa this is election year. What might we ask of our political parties? Click here to hear John's podcast and to view his PowerPoint slides.
24 November 2025
A public presentation by Suzanne Menzies-Culling, born and bred in Otepoti. Suzanne’s learning journey of our nation’s origins began in London in the early 1980s when meeting a new friend of Ngati Kahungunu whakapapa. She returned home determined to investigate the real hidden history of our nation. Suzanne’s journey has continued over the past 40 years and now, via ‘Tauiwi (Communities from elsewhere) Solutions’, shares understanding of how Te Tiriti is not only about Tangata Whenua, but us all building on our own narrative to create the kind of country we like to be part of - a commitment to nation building and a belief that everyone needs to find their own place to stand. Click here to hear Suzanne's podcast and to view her PowerPoint slides.
20 October 2025
A public presentation by Jacqui Theis, Doctoral candidate, whose research explores how cities can support both biodiversity and better urban living. Jacqui developed the New Zealand Biodiversity Factor, a suite of tools for assessing the biodiversity value of urban developments to guide urban planning and conservation. Jacqui has also studied insect communities in the new George Street street planters. Click here hear Jacqui's's podcast and to view her PowerPoint slides.
29 September 2025
Free public presentation by Jennie Upton, Dunedin Facilitator for Enviroschools which is all about creating a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through learning and taking action together. Connecting to nature and each other is a key component of Enviroschools. Our role as facilitators is to create opportunities for these connections through local, national and global initiatives. Click here to hear Jennie's podcast and to view her PowerPoint slides.
25 August 2025
Free public presentation by Professor Janet Stephenson on "Adapt or Collapse". Although humanity has not previously faced the current combination of global crises, there are plenty of examples of how societies have previously responded to local or regional polycrises (including environmental change). In some instances socio-economic systems collapsed, and in other situations they underwent radical transformation as a result of the crisis. A third cluster of societies were sufficiently prepared prior to the crisis that social and economic systems adapted to the new circumstances. Professor Janet Stephenson discussd characteristics of these groups and what this means for humanity today.’ Click here to hear Janet's podcast and to view her PowerPoint slides.
28 July 2025
Free public presentation by Robyn Zink. Can you tell the difference between synthetic and natural fibres in material? Robyn described the processes involved in making different fabrics and the environmental impacts of these. Microplastics are often a hidden part of the clothing life-cycle. The decisions we make about what we buy and how we take care of our clothes make a difference to the amount of microplastics entering our waterways. Robyn shared some ideas for getting others on board with change. Click here to hear Robyn's podcast and to view her PowerPoint slides.
30 June 2025
Free public presentation by Nigel Paragreen on "Connecting the dots between our conservation philosphies, legislation, and environmental outcomes". Nigel is an environmental policy wonk who has worked in Australia and New Zealand with hunters and anglers; indigenous communities; and agricultural producers. Nigel has spent the best part of the last decade working with Fish and Game to protect and restore Otago's aquatic ecosystems for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. Click here to see Nigel's PowerPoint Slides and summary of his presentation.
26 May 2025
Free public presentation by Christine Keller of Loom Room who described how community is important to her and that we cannot afford to wait for our governments to act for us. We also need to start from the grass roots and with a population small enough to know each other, we are able to make a difference when we get in action. Christine has chosen to teach weaving and tackle period waste. Click here to see Christine's Podcast, PowerPoint Slides, and links to more information.
28 April 2025
Free public presentation by Robyn Zink of Our Food Network (OFN) on ‘Why and how we can fix our food system’. Robyn informed us of the different ways in which OFN is bringing together people and groups that grow and consume food, co-ordinate food collection and distribution and work on food resilience in and around Ōtepoti. Robyn presented challenging and startling facts on our current food system, leaving plenty of opportunity for participants to work for change. Click here to see Robyn's photograph and links to more information.
31 March 2025
Free public presentation by Grace Cowley, one of the co-operators at Yours Café and Venue who briefly described the imperialist project that created ecological crisis as one of the many crises of alienation and disconnection. Mostly though, Grace talked about how Yours Café and Venue responds to this as a workers co-operative embedded in the gift economy. Click here to see Grace's photograph and photographs of Yours Café and Venue.
24 February 2025
Free public presentation by Fiona Jenkin, co-founder and current Project and Operations Manager of Stitch Kitchen. Fiona Jenkin is passionate about using creative thinking and collaboration to come up with practical, and beautiful solutions and she talked about From Status Quo to Shame to, Micro Mending (personal creativity and confidence), Messo mending (community building and resilience), and Macro Mending (global community to rebel against the harm caused by the fast fashion industry. Click here to view Stitch Kitchen.
25 November 2024
Free public presentation by Murray Grimwood who spoke about The Limits to Growth, where we are now on the trajectory, and what we might expect ahead. Click here to see Murray's photograph and links to more information.
21 October 2024
Free public presentation by Dunedin City Councillor Steve Walker who spoke briefly about the measures his family have taken to reduce waste and their overall impact on the wider environment and the health and wellbeing benefits that accrue from their actions. Steve Walker also spoke about broader issues of sustainability and the city council and government politics behind the policies adopted on behalf of New Zealanders.
30 September 2024
Free public presentation by Pam McKinlay on "Art Meets Science: Exploring Climate Change Through Collaboration". Pam McKinlay is an artist and curator and has been convening the Art and Science Project in Dunedin for several years. This fascinating project has been running for almost a decade and explores the notion of creative cooperation by teaming up scientists and artists of various disciplines. They are encouraged to share ideas and experiences to create thoughtful artworks that emerge from the conversations. Pam McKinlay discussed the ways in which concerns about climate change have manifested in these projects. Click here to see Pam's photographs and links to more information.
26 August 2024
Free public presentation by Rowan Cook from Enviro NZ and Judy Martin from One Coast. Rowan spoke about the different elements of the DCC kerbside collection service, including what goes in each bin and what happens after it is collected. Judy Martin spoke about OneCoast, the local resource recovery centre set up in the grounds of the Waikouaiti Transfer Station. Download publication "Recycling Initiatives Locations for Wider Otepoti Dunedin" here.
29 July 2024
Free public presentation by Dr Jen Purdie at the University of Otago who models climate change impacts on the energy system. She spoke about how New Zealand's wind and water are changing, and how this will affect our ability to decarbonise our energy system over the next few decades. Download PDF of PowerPoint presentation including notes here,
17th July 2024
Free public presentation by Bruce Mahalski with plenty of photographs about the history of the protest movement in NZ with particular reference to the climate movement for Climate Liberation Aotearoa. Bruce is one of the protesters being charged with stopping a Fonterra coal train after the government had declared a climate emergency. Seven of the protesters will go to court in Dunedin on 31 July. Two of the defendants are in their 80's and most are over 50. Click here to see Bruce's photographs.
24th June 2024
Free public presentation by Jackie Bannon from the ‘The Bowling Club’, a community-based eatery that successfully addresses both food insecurity and social isolation in a way that is accessible to everyone in Ōtepoti.
27 May 2024
Free public presentation on the Orokonui Sanctuary by Taylor Davies-Colley and on the Halo Project by Rhys Millar held at the Dunedin City Council Library on Monday .
29 April 2024
Free public presentation on Planning for Dunedin using Doughnut Economics by Gina Hu'akau and Alix de Blic of the Dunedin City Council (DCC) held at the Dunedin Library. Gina and Alix shared how the DCC is giving effect to the Council’s commitment to sustainability by using the theory of doughnut economics and applying it to a city level. Download PowerPoint slides here. Download graphics on how to create a Dunedin Doughnut here. Listen to Dunedin Oarsome Morning Radio Show Interview of Gina here.
18 March 2024
Free public presentation on waste minimisation by Tess Trotter, Dunedin City Council held at the Dunedin Library. Tess explained her work, the engagement she has been doing, provided some tips for providing feedback, and answered questions.
26 February 2024
Free public screening of "Dirt: The Erosion of Civilisation" which traces the role of soil use and abuse in the history of societies, and discusses how the rise of organic and no-till farming brings hope for a new agricultural revolution, held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for YouTube video
30 October 2023
Free public screening of "For the Love of Life". Dr David Korten and his collaborators explore a new vision of an Ecological Civilization based on life-affirming cooperation instead of profit-seeking competition. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for YouTube video.
25 September 2023
Free public screening of "The Economics of Happiness". The film delivers a powerful message of localisation. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for YouTube video.
28 August 2023
Free public screening of "Kiss the Ground" instead of "The Economics of Happiness". "Kiss the Ground" illustrates an accessible relatively simple solution to humanity's greatest challenge. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for more details and access to the DVD.
31 July 2023
Free public screening of "Degrowth vs Green Growth" Professor Samuel Frankhauser and Professor Jason Hickel. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for more details. Click here for YouTube video.
26 June 2023
Free public screening of a presentation "Planet Local: A Quiet Revolution" featuring activists Russell Brand, Noam Chomsky, Vandana Shiva, Helena Norberg-Hodge, Naomi Klein, Jane Goodall and Gabor Maté. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for more details. Click here for YouTube video.
29 May 2023
Free public screening of a presentation by Julia Milne on the Common Unity Project which feeds 2,000 schoolchildren every week. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for more details. Click here for YouTube video.
24 April 2023
Free public screening of a presentation by Kate Raworth & Andrew Fanning on Doughnut Economics. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for more details. Click here for YouTube video.
27 March 2023
Free public screening of a presentation by Professor William Rees on climate inaction. Held at the Dunedin Library. Click here for more details. Click here for YouTube video.
26th August 2019
Free screening of the film "Dirt: The Erosion of Civilization" - link here
20th October 2018
Free screening of the film "The Economics of Happiness" - link here
27th May 2018
Free screening of the film "Living the Change" - link here
31st October 2017
Free screening of the film "Demain/Tomorrow" - link here
20th September 2016
Free screening of the film "The Wisdom to Survive" - link here