Permaculture: it’s all academic!

These days, in search of a clean, green lifestyle, Kiwis are increasingly making a turn… to permaculture!

A new programme in Sustainable Practice and Permaculture Design has been launched by Otago Polytechnic.

Programme director, Steve Henry, says the level 5 certificate course brings a system that focuses on the relationships between people and their environment into mainstream academic study.

“Many people want a future that involves better harmony between our way of living and the environment – they want to design homes that are warmer and more efficient, understand ecosystems well enough to design their living around natural principles, and to be able to apply that knowledge to all areas of their lives,” he says.

“It’s becoming more and more important to people as resources become increasingly expensive. We’ve watched demand for this type of qualification build over the past few years and are very excited about now getting it up and running around the country.”

The course, based on the internationally recognised Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC), is a hands-on programme where students apply principles of strategic sustainable development and permaculture design to real projects.

“People will learn big picture thinking as well as the ‘how to’.  And, they’ll get their hands on some real projects to pick up practical experience,” says Steve.  

The programme can be studied anywhere in New Zealand, with intensive courses at specialist centres in Raglan, Nelson Bays, Turangi and Central Otago. It includes online tutorials and resources, presentations, readings, videos, ‘webinars’, and up to three on-site courses.  The first on-site course will be held at Turangi’s Awhi Farm Centre of Sustainable Practice starting July 23.

The fee for the programme is $3,067.  Students will complete six months’ full-time study, or one year part-time. Those studying full-time may be eligible for student loans or allowances and some scholarship funding is available.

For more information, or to enroll, contact Barbara Emmitt by email at: csp@op.ac.nz .