Weaving, wisdom and walks during World Rainforest Week

Starting this Labour weekend comes a week of free classes and activities to celebrate the world's rainforests.

As part of an international week of celebration, awareness and education on the state of global forests, here in Wellington the Wellington Rainforest Action Group are putting on a week of activities that you would rarely find offered to the public and even better it's all free (or for a small donation). Highlights of the week are a kete flax weaving class on Monday, a unique herbalism class on Tuesday and a free film and public talks at the Wellington Library on Wednesday night.

"When friends of mine from central Europe came to visit recently they were stunned that you could still buy furniture in this country that was so obviously made from rainforest timbers. You would never see that over there anymore and in that sense I think New Zealanders have to be reminded that we as a country are still supporting rainforest destruction in some of the most beautiful and precious parts of the world" says Rainforest Action Group spokesperson Emily Bailey.

"New Zealanders have the second highest rate of car use in the world, second to the United States and we churn through paper like it was an infinite resource. The early effects of climate change can now be seen on television everyday but rainforests, believed to be one of the key stabilisers to this ecological disaster, are still being burnt and cut down at horrendous rates" says Bailey.

The focus of this year's rainforest week is on understanding the forest ecosystem and its importance to us in terms of resource production and diversity.

The World Rainforest Week timetable is as follows:

Sunday 27 - Traditional Maori uses of NZ native plants - Walk/talk in Otari Wilton Bush Park 1-3pm

Monday 28 - Flax weaving (kumara kete) - Aro Valley Community Centre 1-5pm

Tuesday 29 - Herbalism and understanding plants - 65 Aro Street 6-8pm

Wednesday 30 - Public talks on forest ecology, indigenous tribes and international acivism by local and international campaigners Jon Terry (formerly Native Forest Action) and Mario Rautner (formerly Greenpeace International) Also featuring the film "Spirits of the Rainforest" (refreshments provided) - Wellington Public Library, Mezzanine Mtg Rm 5:30-8pm

Thursday 31 - What is a raw food diet? - 65 Aro Street 6-8pm

Friday 01 - Demo, stall and native plant sale - Cuba Mall (outside Hardings Furniture) 12-2pm

Saturday/Sunday 02/03 - Orongorongo Valley tramp and 'old world' bush/camp skills -

Sunday 03 - How to make recycled paper - Aro Valley Community Centre 1-3pm

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