Ecological Restoration and Mental Health

Over 8 weeks, you'll hear from four speakers in a series of 1hr talks about the relationship between Ecological Restoration and Mental Health.

The 1hr talks, can be attended in-person or via Zoom; and start at 7.30pm Wednesday, fortnightly from 26 October.

To register, please follow the ticket link to the EarthDiverse website. They are FREE to attend, but a donation is appreciated.

Programme:

Wed 26 Oct - Gabrielle Woodd, Riverlea Environment Society Inc
A path to restoration: My talk will be about my journey to wellness from the depths of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) through rediscovering the healing power of the ngahere.

Wed 9 Nov - Leanne Steel, Whaingaroa Weedbusters
I work as a mental health nurse currently with the over 65 age group.
I also took the initiative and spend a lot of my time in Whaingaroa / Raglan managing pest plants out of the environment to make way for native species and hopefully enticing the birds and insects in greater numbers too. I seek to encourage and support others to do the same.
This work fills me up and as a happy side effect I've made new friends and we share meals and have a laugh. My cup runneth over.
Intrinsically we all understand somehow that being in nature is good for us. In times of change and upheaval I find nature is a welcome constant. Something sure and familiar, providing comfort and reassurance. As someone famous once said, a strength and stay.
Ecopsychology is an emerging science. A blend of Ecology - the study of the relationships between living organisms - and Psychology, the study of the human mind. And at the heart of Ecopsychology is the concept of reciprocal restoration. That sounds pretty obvious. But wait, there's so much more to it. Tune in.

Wed 23 Nov - Kristel van Houte - A Rocha & Karioi Project.
How does time in nature support us spiritually and mentally? What can we learn as we delve deeper and explore our connection to whenua, and how might this support and empower others? Kristel shares learnings from her work with Te Whakaoranga O Karioi (The Karioi project) and A Rocha Aotearoa NZ. Connecting community and rangatahi/tamariki to their local ecosystems (whenua, wai, moana) we can create a sense of belonging and inspire the next generation of kaitiaki, while also improving our mental health and wellbeing.
Kristel is the National Director of A Rocha Aotearoa NZ and the Karioi Project Manager in Whāingaroa / Raglan. Prior to this Kristel was a Marine & Freshwater Ecologist at NIWA (NZ) and in American Samoa and Kenya.

Wed 7 Dec - Dr Erana Walker, University of Waikato
Erana Walker is a descendant of Te Tai Tokerau, with whakapapa to Te Parawhau and Ngāti Ruamahue as well as connections to Ngāti Porou and Ngai Te Rangi. She currently resides in Kirikiriroa and has undertaken research related to kaitiakitanga, with her most recent research exploring how this concept can be practiced in urban spaces.
Her discussion will focus on the benefits of practicing kaitiakitanga and how this can contribute to mental health and well-being.

These talks are a collaboration between EarthDiverse and Go Eco. All welcome.