Environmental Updates Over Lunch

Low key meetings every Thursday lunchtime continue to be a key communication channel for local environment groups.

The unpretentious "Thursday Lunchtime Group" has been meeting for eight years. It is an effective forum for many environmental organisations in Christchurch, as well as local and central government.

The group's objectives are:

• to network among those individuals and organisations interested in environmental issues;
• to promote a weekly exchange of information and discussion;
• to provide a link between community and government/local government members and staff.

Quentin Davies, Secretary of the Christchurch-Otautahi Agenda 21 Forum, says the meetings promote a very useful information flow between various groups. "They have an information sharing rather than any advocacy role."

Diana Shand and Di Lucas initiated the meetings in 1989 after they were elected to the Canterbury Regional Council. One objective was to update people on environmental issues. "We also wanted to remain accountable to the people who had supported us," said Diana Shand.

The meetings give groups an opportunity to discuss different ideas and viewpoints. Visitors often add another perspective.

For years held in private living rooms, the meetings now take place in the Environment Centre, above the Body Shop in Cashel Mall.

Anyone interested in environmental issues is welcome to attend the informal meetings. People gather from midday, bringing their lunch. A co-ordinator calls for notices and agenda items and the meeting usually runs from 12.15pm to 1.15pm.

Contact details for anyone wishing to attend the meeting are: phone 379-2257, fax 379-2250 or Email: info@environment.org.nz