Nearly 400 keen environmentalists have been through the doors of Kaipātiki Project’s new EcoHub since it opened late last year.
The new three-million-dollar community facility at 17 Lauderdale Road, Birkdale is owned by Kaipātiki Local Board and has been leased to board-funded environmental group Kaipātiki Project who have run over 60 volunteer sessions and hosted over 20 events since moving into the EcoHub in October.
Kaipātiki Local Board Chair John Gillon is excited to see this board-funded resource now available to Kaipātiki residents.
“Restoring our natural environment and bush areas is incredibly important to Kaipātiki residents and the local board. We’re proud to support Kaipātiki Project in activating the new EcoHub to educate current and future generations on how to protect and restore our environment,” Gillon says.
The purpose-built education hub serves as Kaipātiki Project’s office, classroom and gathering place. Connected to Eskdale Reserve and Kaipātiki Project’s established garden and native plant nursery that grows over 40,000 new plants a year for local reserves, the EcoHub is a true community hub for environmentally minded Kaipātiki residents to learn about nature and sustainable living while giving back to their local community. The EcoHub building is also available for hire and can host 50 people comfortably.
Kaipātiki Local Board Deputy Chair Danielle Grant is delighted to see this facility come to life.
“This new centre brings environmental educators together to share their knowledge in a central space within Kaipātiki. Through the education hub, nursery and community gardens, all visitors - corporate, volunteers, all-abilities groups, schools and the wider community - will collaborate to enhance the environment,” Grant says.
The board’s strong commitment to climate action is reflected in the green principles used in the building’s design and construction, with recycled and sustainable materials used wherever possible. The building also has a passive heating system, 9000 litre grey water harvesting tank under its carpark and a solar power system connected to send surplus energy to the national grid.
Kaipātiki Project’s Blanka Ros says the new building is an amazing new home for the organisation.
“Huge thanks to everyone involved and their efforts to bring the EcoHub to life. This beautiful new facility has future-proofed us to continue supporting and guiding our communities towards systemic change in sustainable living practices.”
To find out more about the EcoHub, or to get involved in volunteering with Kaipātiki Project visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
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