Wanganui Branch of the United Nations Association is an active branch that loves to get involved in community events - especially those that promote peace! If you're in the Wanganui area, and haven't yet joined the Wanganui branch click here for membership details.
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Wanganui News and Reports
National Council Report - February 2011
The branch held its Welcome to the New Year Brunch on Sunday 13 February. This was well attended in spite of several other activities including the Masters Games final day making it difficult for some members to attend. We also had several people joining us for the first time. The group was a nicely balanced mixture of young and old, including two students who attended the DPI/NGO conference in Melbourne.
The guest speaker, Mark Christiansen, was speaking about the nutritional and environmental benefits of heritage plants and trees. He is part of the Central Tree Crop Research group which carries out research on old varieties of trees and plants. Then it produces seedlings which are distributed freely around the area. This is to encourage both the health giving properties of the fruit or vegetable, as well as providing a history of the plant and its usefulness. It is also ensuring that these species will continue and spread further.
He pointed out the most of the current research is carried out by commercial firms whose aims are market value and shelf life rather than human health value. This is a major reason why Mark, in association with like minded people around the world, is involved in complex and often expensive research emphasizing human health and prevention of illness. The statistical evidence is stark – with commercial varieties having many of the health giving properties removed. Mark’s philosophy is to assist people to help themselves stay well and preven, or at least alleviate, some common illnesses, including cancers.
The Monty’s Surprise apple trees are the best known products and several of these formed part of the Trees for Peace Campaign in 2010. In addition, Mark brought us samples of heritage plums and distributed bean seeds to all present.
This worthwhile presentation added to the really friendly atmosphere in a wonderful and peaceful setting which was also blessed by a beautiful, sunny day. All who attended enjoyed themselves and went away much wiser about how we can take better care of ourselves by ‘going back’ to earlier and home produced fruit and vegetables.
Subscriptions for the new year are starting to come in already!
Newsletter Report - October 2010
Whanganui Branch ran a successful Peace Day, in conjunction with Operation Peace Through Unity, planting Gingko Trees in Queens Park, hosting a pannel discussion at the Quaker Settlement, followed by a dinner.
We also publicised the Millions and Millions for Peace Campaign.
Branch President Kate Smith
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Contact Wanganui Branch:
Branch President
Kate Smith - wanganui@unanz.org.nz
Secretary
Gita Brooke - 06 345 5714
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