The planting season is here, as we prepare for growing nutritional kai, enjoying gardening and watching plants grow.  A big shout out to Plants South for growing trays of vegetable seedlings to donate, South Alive have delivered over 400 seedlings to local schools for their community gardens this month.

NIWA AIR QUALITY STUDY

The findings have just been shared from the air quality study this winter in which South Alive has worked alongside the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA) air quality team to look at how much pollution is getting into people’s homes. It follows on from the previous study our volunteers were involved with where NIWA mapped outdoor air quality for Invercargill. 

Dr Ian Longley (NIWA) gave a talk this month to share the findings.

We learnt the most polluted areas in Invercargill were not necessarily where the air pollution was created but where the wind transported it. In Invercargill, the air pollution settled in South Invercargill pockets largely due to the wind pattern, which is generally southward in Invercargill.

Air pollution is particularly bad in the winter months when more people are burning wood and coal to keep warm. This worsens the air quality in towns and cities across New Zealand, especially when the wind drops.

   
The homes of six South Invercargill volunteers to collect data every few minutes on levels of particulate matter in the home.  This enabled the air quality scientist to work out whether indoor air was being contaminated from inside of from outside the home, or both. Air filtration units were then trialed in the homes of these volunteers, to scrub the indoor air clean and evidence from the study showed they were able to reduce pollution levels significantly. 

This study will help councils and individuals understand air quality and develop good solutions to improve air quality in homes. Stopping or reducing pollution at the source is one step people can take to improve air quality in their home.

“Although we can use filtration to scrub indoor air clean, it is always better to stop or reduce pollution at its source. Switching to electric heating will remove heating emissions entirely, while keeping chimneys clean, using dry or ultra-low emission wood, and using pellet burners are a few other steps that people can take that will help.”  NIWA 2023

To read more more the study outcomes here – https://niwa.co.nz/news/some-homes-contain-3-times-more-air-pollution-niwa-finds

We were thrilled to start the season with our beloved Village Market.
Despite the weather we had a day filled with local crafts, fresh items and the warm embrace of community spirit.
The village market is a great event that aligns with our values as we appreciate and support local producers and makers.  But most of all it is a place for connection. Meeting with neighbours, catching up with friends, and making new acquaintances.

Our wonderful community café at The Pantry is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and ideas take root. Stop by, enjoy a cup of your favourite brew and connect with your fellow community members.

A strong community is built on connections, and what better way to chat around a coffee and your favourite slice, muffin or scone.

We have our own radio show on Radio Southland 86.4 FM, called Stories From The South. This is recorded and released every 2nd Saturday.  The show shares what has been happening, what is coming up and chats with special guests. Have a listen to the podcasts by clicking below.

• Sow seeds direct into your garden – peas, beans, corn, beetroot, coriander, carrots with radish, dill, parsnips. Make small successive sowing every couple of weeks.
• Have you got your tomatoes underway?
• In seed sowing trays get your pumpkin, tomatoes, peppers, spring onions, red onions, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, parsley underway.
• If you have veges going to seed, let one plant of each go to seed. Its free and they will be acclimatised to your area. 
• As you prick out your seedlings into bigger pots, remember to harden them off by extending their time outside, then get them into the ground.