Ranui Earthsong Eco-neighbourhood in Auckland

Earthsong is the first eco-neighbourhood in New Zealand promoting sustainable living to local residents. Earthsong founders have a vision that is:

"Our vision is to establish a cohousing neighbourhood based on the principles of permaculture, that will serve as a model of a socially and environmentally sustainable community."

Earthsong has a close partnership and support from Waitakere City Council, signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2003. The Council agreed to make a $300,000 interest-free loan in 2004 to build the Earthsong centre - which would benefit the people of Waitakere and the greater of Auckland region by "sharing our knowledge and experience of sustainable design and community empowerment with the public... through presentations and educational tours".

So what is sustainable about Earthsong's building designs?

• Passive Solar Design - buildings to be oriented and designed for maximisation of energy efficiency and natural climate control. Example, living areas face north for maximum sun in winter and easy sun control in summer, wool insulation in timber framed walls and roof to reduce heat loss in winter, and the rotary vent draws cool air through the house and allows warm air to escape in summer & also can be closed off in winter. All these measures will ensure energy efficiency in houses and help conserve environment!
•  Non-toxic materials are used for the construction of houses. Toxic materials that could harm the inhabitants or the environment were avoided - such as CCA-treated (tanalised) timber, VOC paints and most glues and sealants.
• Solar water heaters
• Rainwater collection
• Natural oils and paints

All these materials and designs contribute to low-energy and healthy houses - for both the inhabitants and the planet!

Main swales are planted with flowers - functions to absorb rainwater on site
Source: Earthsong Organisation, 2008

Large green public open space available throughout the neighbourhood - no cars allowed.
Source: Earthsong Organisation, 2010

What sustainable living practices residents do in Earthsong neighbourhood?

• co-ownership of facilities and tools such as the lawnmower and shared laundry help reduce housing costs for all  residents while enhance social inclusivity
• The organic vegetable coop shared by residents promote sustainable growing practices to children and families 
• Informal co-operation such as childcare and carpooling emphasize social cohesion among residents while also help maximize energy efficiency and convenience

Permaculture diversity - organic food garden for the use of residents
Source: Earthsong Organisation, 2006

Solar water heating installed on the roofs of all houses in Earthsong neighbourhood
Source: Earthsong Organisation, 2007

Earthsong Eco-neighbourhood in Ranui, Auckland can be a leading example to other nieghbourhoods throughout Auckland region and New Zealand to create a more self-sustaining community living in harmony with each other and with the surrounding environment. Planners in councils should look at Earthsong neigbourhood as a case study when planning other new neighbourhoods around the Auckland region.  

Source: Earthsong Organisation, 2010

Want to know more? www.earthsong.org.nz