Many years ago I spent time on the Isle of Rhum, off the West coast of Scotland. I was studying red deer behaviour at the time. One of the memorable things about living there was how we lived. On this island there was no kerbside rubbish collection, no electricity, no reticulated potable water. On an island, all resources must be managed carefully and waste minimised. Looking back, I realise that living on an island is a lesson in sustainable living!
Dunedin does not have many islands. Its nearest Island is in the harbour – called Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua. The island is a public recreation reserve jointly managed by the Department of Conservation and the Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua Community (Incorporated) – formerly named the St Martin Island Community.
Francine Vella is a member of the Quarantine Island Community. In addition to her ongoing activities with the Island, she and her family lived on the Island as Wardens for 2 yrs from end 2010 to end of 2012.
Sustainability plays an important part of the Island’s kaupapa or mission.
In this show, I chat with Francine Vella about the many aspects of sustainable living on Quarantine Island. She shares some wonderful stories and experiences of her time there.
To listen to this programme about Sustainable Living on Quarantine Island please click on http://new.accessradio.org/Player.aspx?eid=589bc28e-f18f-4c92-a904-5e350dcd9c9a
To find out more about
- Quarantine Island – go to www.quarantineisland.org.nz
This programme was originally broadcast on the 6th August 2015 with the help of Otago Access Radio 105.4FM. Eco Living in Action is hosted by Maureen Howard and is supported by Sustainable Dunedin City.
Francine on the boat leaving Quarantine Island
The Monarch is hired to take visitors to and from the Island
Biodiversity regeneration is happening on the Island. Here Jimmy and I take juvenile trees to be planted out
There are a number of small garden beds for growing veges
A small flock of hens provide resident wardens Don and Anna with eggs
The “Married Quarters” – built in the 1860s. It is currently being restored.
The chapel – built in the 1960s
Eco Living in Action 