Description of the day from host Lisa:

Drizzley rain for the first hour didn’t dampen the enthusiasm or spirits of the 18 Adults and 8 children who gathered on Sunday November 4th 2007 to participate in NZ’s very first Permablitz held in Whanganui.  Local newspaper advertising of the Permablitz attracted people from all ages and walks of life (most of whom had never met before!) We spent the afternoon:

sheet mulching, talking, sowing wheat, laughing, planting edible gardens, liberating over 35m2 of lawn, nibbling various ‘weeds’ and other tasty morsels from Lisa’s garden, eating home-baked biscuits, slices and cakes, ‘Permasalsa’ dancing all the while being serenaded by the guitar and vocals of the talented Julie Gordon.  We wound up the day with a delicious meal of locally grown produce and a friendly game of soccer with interested neighbours.  A great day was had by all and we abundantly met all four criteria for a successful Permablitz; to create or extend edible gardens where someone lives, share Permaculture skills, build community and have fun!  We have started a contact list in readiness for the next one, planned for a months time on a Papaiti  property.  Permablitz HQ is based in Melbourne, Australia.  Their website is a great source of information and inspiration (check it out www.permablitz.net).  Special guest Dan Palmer from Permablitz Melbourne (Permaculture Solutions) joined the fun “This day was a brilliant start to the Permablitz movement in NZ. I hope it continues well into the future and not only creates but also inspires many edible gardens throughout the community.  Well done Whanganui!”

  Pictures from the Whanganui Permablitz will be online shortly and you can keep an eye on the Permablitz calendar for the next local event.