Rod Oram, top business journalist and advocate for a grass-roots “energy revolution” in New Zealand will address two local meetings this month, a public meeting at Ōtaki College on Tuesday 27 October and a business breakfast at Ōtaki RSA on Wednesday 28 October.
Energise Ōtaki (EO) has organised the meetings as a public launch of its vision of Ōtaki as a vibrant, energy efficient and energy producing community. EO is a group of local people working towards this vision, supported by Ōtaki College, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Transition Town Ōtaki, the Ōtaki Mail and the NZ Clean Technologies Association.
Rod Oram is a respected commentator and broadcaster on topics critical to New Zealand business, energy, agriculture and the environment. Originally from the UK where he was a writer and editor at The Financial Times, he’s now an independent journalist, broadcaster and public speaker. He writes a column for the Sunday Star-Times and broadcasts on Tuesdays on Radio NZ’s Nine to Noon programme.
His awards and scholarships are numerous. He’s author of Reinventing Paradise, (2007), based on his articles and interviews about New Zealand and the challenges ahead of climate change, oil shocks, political instability and the need to earn a better, more sustainable living in the world economy.
His visit here comes immediately after a trip to China, the UK and US to talk to business and energy leaders about the opportunities in moving to low energy and energy efficient economies.
The public is invited to both meetings, the first at Ōtaki College, 7pm on Tuesday 27 October, where Rod Oram will present his ideas alongside senior students, who’ll be showcasing their own energy-efficient projects. Entry is free.
The second meeting is a business breakfast at the Ōtaki RSA at 7.30am on Wednesday 28 October. Local business people, who will be critical players in the move to a low energy economy, are invited to hear how energy efficiency can save money and benefit their enterprises, at the same time supporting the community and the environment. Tickets cost $15.
For tickets or further information, visit www.energise.otaki.net.nz
