Permaculture village expansion approved by TDC

February 18th, 2013
[Press release]

Tasman District Council has just approved a second stage development for the unique Atamai permaculture village 10 minutes' drive from Motueka.

The Stage 2 subdivision provides for an additional 32 new titles. Atamai Village now has consent for a total of 49 titles, making it one of the largest ecovillage developments in the southern hemisphere.

Jack SantaBarbara, a director of Atamai Development Limited, says "We have long awaited this approval and it opens the next major step for the creation of what we believe is a globally unique undertaking."

"Atamai Village is a purpose built village, based on traditional village designs, enhanced with the integration of permaculture principles. The purpose of the specific design details is to make it the most resilient community possible considering the approaching challenges posed by both climate change and peak oil."

The developers believe that these two drivers of global change will have a dramatic impact on the well-being of society everywhere, and views Atamai as a demonstration of how human settlements need to prepare for these changes.

The design includes passive solar homes, the provision of home-based electricity and other power sources, water and food security, among other features. Details of the village design are available on the website www.atamaivillage.com.

Jack says there are currently 10 families on the land, some in the process of building their highly energy efficient homes, and all working together to manage the Atamai Commons.

The Commons is a unique feature of the village and already boasts a developed orchard, areas of utility trees, ponds and cycle paths. "We anticipate that the importance and role of the Commons will evolve as the impact of climate change and energy descent become ever more apparent," Jack says.

"An important aspect of the village is that like all traditional villages, a village economy is developing. This provides several opportunities for people with relevant skills, such as building, accounting, operating a nursery, etc, to establish a livelihood as well as a home for their family.

"Atamai Village is of major importance to the regional economy as well," he adds. "It already provides a source of work for a range of local contractors and businesses, and has the potential to help put the Tasman region on the map globally.

"The intention has always been for Atamai to provide an education outreach on sustainable living experience. We have already had scores of overseas visitors - both people interested in living here as well as noted academics and leaders in the field of sustainability.

"We believe this has obvious benefits for the local tourist economy and positive reputation of the region."

Three of the 10 families currently involved have immigrated from Australia to be part of this unique project.

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