One step closer for Hutt EnviroHouse

The Lower Hutt EnviroHouse is one step closer.  Hutt City council last night approved initial funding of $20,000. 

The public gallery was packed as some of Ms. Sullivan’s class from Maungaraki School gave convincing arguments of why Lower Hutt should have an environment house, and why they were looking forward to it being in their back yard.  Forest and Bird and other presenters decided they could add nothing to the children’s insights and requests.  The children’s visions of a landscape covered by KFC buckets, where no food grows, or an alternative future where children and adults are educated and respect their environment, were all met with appreciation from the Councillors.  As was a question of why haven’t we done it earlier?

This was followed by a slide show by the council officers which showed the current state of the house, and the plans they had for the centre.  The vision is for a hands on learning centre which show cases sustainable building practices.  Kids will be able to touch and see the insulation.  Different double glazing options will be on display.  Solar panels will give hot water.  Rain water tanks will water the permaculture garden.  Displays will show how we can encourage biodiversity.

I am sure the house will be well a great asset to the city and will be well used by school groups and community groups.  Being in Percy’s reserve is a perfect location to tie in with the conservation aspects of the reserve with its lush bush, an important collection of rare and endangered plant species, and a waterfall.

I wish the EnviroHouse the best of luck in obtaining grant funding and sponsors, and look forward to visiting it soon.