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FESTIVE SEASON
INSPIRATION FOR CELEBRATING ‘LOCAL’ AS WE HEAD INTO THE FESTIVE SEASON Now that we’re all beginning to enjoy the social freedom of Covid Alert Level 1 it’s a good time to start planning end of year celebrations with friends, family and workmates. Although no one needs an excuse to get out and support some of the country’s talented artists, chefs, musicians and hospitality folk, end of year festivities are a great reason to do so. Whether it’s a long lunch, a formal Christmas function, or a delicious food basket, the wider Ponsonby area has just about everything you need. We have dedicated local retailers, markets supporting local artisans and producers, pop-up stores and fantastic improv style performances at Ponsonby’s own Covert Theatre. From documentary film festivals (check out DocEdge festival at the Civic on 22 November) to farmer’s markets, staying and buying local offers so many benefits. The economies we create when we keep our transactions local and diverse can be one of the most beneficial things we can do for our community. Long time economic activist and scholar, Helena NorbergHodge, has been arguing for localism since the 70s and now more than ever its value is being realised.
It’s certainly an approach Ponsonby News readers can easily apply to their everyday shopping and in the lead up to Christmas. Shorter distances are healthier than longer distances for commerce and human interaction, so get walking or cycling out to our local places. The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is just one of the great places to start.
48 PONSONBY NEWS+ November 2020
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A recent New York Times article explored Norberg-Hodges belief that by prioritising localism and rejecting globalism we can make the environment healthier and people happier. Norbet-Hodges, who has been starting and supporting farmer’s markets since the 70s, long before they were popular, believes that Covid-19 has revealed how fragile the global economy can be and in contrast just how resilient and vital our local economies are.
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