Books: your chance to win

Around the world, people from all walks of life are becoming interested in living more sustainably. Whether it’s downsizing, buying a tiny home or living off-grid, the desire to reduce our carbon footprint and financial burden is growing. For some, the answer lies in community housing.

Sustainable architecture practitioner Robin Allison is the founder of Earthsong EcoNeighbourhood, New Zealand’s first urban ‘cohousing’ community in Ranui.

Robin was born and educated in Auckland. She qualified with a degree in architecture from the University of Auckland in 1987 and had her own practice in sustainable architecture for many years, while raising two boys as a sole parent. In 1995, Robin began working to create a sustainable housing development of 32 homes and common facilities and, as the project’s development coordinator from 1999 to 2008, she was a key driver in the development and construction phase of Earthsong, where she still lives.

In a new book, Cohousing for Life, Robin describes her journey from lonely suburban mother with two boys to pioneering developer of Earthsong. The book captures the key elements and structures that were critical to creating this innovative housing development, including the many lessons learned along the way. With challenges on all sides, Robin’s ‘heroic journey’ oscillates from despair and exhaustion to joy and triumph but she never gives up on her dream.

“The journey was worth doing for its own sake as well as for the destination; being part of a group of people working on such a project together was extraordinary. Through all the hard times, and even if the project hadn’t achieved fruition, that experience was gold, and ultimately, the effort was worth it,” says Robin.

Cohousing for Life is available in bookshops nationwide and online.

The Fringe has a copy of Cohousing for Life to give away. To WIN go in the draw write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post it to Cohousing, PO Box 60-469, Titirangi, Auckland, 0642 or email your details to info@fringemedia.co.nz with Cohousing in the subject line. Entries must be received by October 15.

For more information visit www.robinallison.co.nz.

THE FRENCH WAY: Trekking the 40-day El Camino de Santiago

The French Way is an epic story written by Lorraine Thomson, recounting her solo 800km trek from St Jean Pied de Port in France, over the Pyrenees and across Spain, to the ancient burial place of St James – Santiago de Compostela.

Lorraine outlines her trials and tribulations, the medieval landmarks, and the diverse people she met along the way. This is a must-read for anyone contemplating the Camino adventure or just interested in an armchair holiday.

The book is available from the publisher, www.pegasuspublishers.com, or directly from the author by emailing Lorraine@LVLT.co.nz.

The Fringe has a copy of The French Way to give WIN away. To go in the draw write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post it to El Camino, PO Box 60-469, Titirangi, Auckland, 0642 or email your details to info@fringemedia.co.nz with El Camino in the subject line. Entries must be received by October 15.

Got something on your mind or know of a good story? Let The Fringe know Email us on info@fringemedia.co.nz

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