Ecofest as popular as ever – rain and shine

August 23rd, 2012
[TDC / NCC press release]

Ecofest displayed resilience last weekend that befits its 12-year pedigree, basking in the sun on Saturday, and cranking up the green energy inside the Trafalgar Centre on Sunday when the rain arrived.

Crowds thrilled to a race-track of toy cars powered by alternative energy, including CO2, solar and batteries. The gas cars shot by in a blink, proving that fossil fuels are not the only game in town.

The annual showcase of eco-products and technology featured other transport options such as electric bikes, Segways and the new NBus service. Inside the stadium, the Funky Fashion show, with garments made from recycled products, was a reliable drawcard. Waimea student Ellie Gemmell took out the Senior award once again for the college, which has won four of the last six contests. Budding Mapua designer Tahlia Matthews took the Junior section and Hira’s Isla Richardson topped the Op-Shop category with an outfit made from men’s ties – and costing less than $10.

“Cheap chic” fans were quick in the door at the Fashion Shwap, where shoppers give items in exchange for vouchers to “buy” other people’s donations.

Presentations included getting the most out of your heatpump, sustainable homes, beekeeping, companion planting, tree pruning and natural remedies.

Sustainable baby products retailer Eco Moon took the honour for Best Stand Commercial, and the Brook Waimarama Bird Sanctuary won Best Stand Community. Close to 100 stands highlighted eco-heating, insulation, composting, chemical-free cleaners etc.

Younger patrons could test their balance on a unicycle, ride obstacle courses and learn new crafts. Ecofest is co-sponsored by the Tasman District and Nelson City Councils.

The full winners list is:

Best Stand Commercial: Eco Moon
Best Stand Community: Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
Absolute Energy prize ($4200 insulation): Robert Stack, Stoke
Door prize (gift basket): Sarah Stuart, Waimea West
Food Demos prize (books): Cory Rusbatch, Motueka
Kids (MGP scooter): Ruby Harrison
Funky Fashion – Senior: Ellie Gemmell, Waimea College. Junior: Tahlia Matthews, Independent. Op-Shop: Isla Richardson, Hira School
Car Races – CO2: Tyrone Kuipers, Waimea Intermediate. Innovation: Luke Eggers, Devon Stove, Jared Edens and Christopher Dippie, Waimea Intermediate. Best Use of Recycled Materials: Tate Holland, Thomas Stobie, Adam Hahn, Nick Ward and Haydon McKenzie, Waimea Intermediate. Sheer Wackiness: Finn Richardson, Hira School. Honourable Mention: Julia Edwards, Jamie Couper, Ashleigh Burke and Maria Wilkie, Waimea Intermediate.

The Ecofest Expo was held at the Trafalgar Centre, Nelson on Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 August 2012 and included an exhibition with over 120 stands, hands-on workshops, demonstrations and more. Ecofest is a joint initiative of Tasman District and Nelson City Councils.

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