Present: Jim Green, Thomas Watts, Joanne Hall (co-clerk), Hana Newport (clerk)
1. We agree to nominate Jeremy List as our representative to attend the 2010-11 Australian Young Friends Camp and Australia Yearly Meeting
2. We agree to appoint Josef Beautrais as Aotearoa New Zealand YF Meeting treasurer, for term of two years.
These guidelines are an evolving document.
1. We recommend an entirely vegetarian menu for YF camp. We also note that it is possible to have a single menu that caters for all dietary requirements.
A vegetarian menu significantly minimises the environmental impact of the camp, as conventional meat farming is a heavy user of water and resources. In addition, a vegetarian menu - especially onethat meets all dietary requirements - means a lot less work for the cooks, a cheaper food budget, and less hassle keeping meats refrigerated.
2. We recommend making as many things on site as possible, for example bread, baking (bikkies), yoghurt, and making meals from scratch.
Note: when doing this it is important to plan and buy the ingredients before camp, especially as shops are not open over easter when camp is held.
Making food on site is cheaper, and minimises packaging and food transport .
3. Think about the location of YF camp in terms of the following:
• try to minimise the total distance that will need to be travelled by the group as a whole.
• think about venues that encourage simple living, for example that don’t require large amounts of electricity to be consumed during camp.
• seek out arrangements where the YF group can work for rent/accomodation.
4. We recommend a conscious effort to minimise the environmental impact of our travel to camp, right from the early planning stages (as was done by the 2007 organising team), eg:
• strongly encourage car-pooling, and coordinate this centrally to make it easy for those with spare room and those needing rides to join forces. This year a contact person got drivers and passengers together, and YFs used the grouphug email list to advertise their travel plans to others.
• Encourage people to think of the trip to camp as an adventure/road trip, rather than going for a quick flight. When combined with carpooling this extends the length of YF camp
• Organisers of camps could be aware of the possibilities to organise some of the journey to camp too, so that travel is shared and environmentally efficient
• Try to utilise vehicles that are efficient and/or can be used for group transport (eg vans, hybrid cars, etc). Where a number of people are carpooling together they should think about whose car would be the most sensible choice.
• Applaud those who bike or something similar. Also encourage this type of option for all fitness levels. There are so many possibilities: groups of people biking (perhaps taking turns) with support vehicles carrying gear and stopping to provide refreshment and encouragement. Embrace the potential for huge fun!
• Make it clear that travel assistance funds can be used creatively, for example to courier the gear of YFs who bike to camp.
Our transport to camp tends to be very energy-hungry and is responsible for large amounts of CO2 emmisions from non-sustainable sources, so it is worth trying to minimise this as much as possible.
5. Encourage YFs to bring skills/resources/food/other useful stuff that will help minimise what needs to be purchased at camp. Examples from the 2007 camp include a milking goat, recipes and know-how to make meals from scratch, bread and yoghurt makers, and eggs. Other good ideas would be things like in season fruit or veges from people’s gardens, or even jams/preserves. It is important that these contributions are coordinated and planned well so that they can be well utilised (for example bread and yoghurt makers require particular ingredients) and avoid double ups.
These contributions have the potential to significantly reduce packaging rubbish and the environmental impact of large ‘food miles’.
6. When buying food, go for local, in season, and organic (all three at once may not always be possible, so consider which of these seem most important). Some guidelines are:
• don’t buy out of season fruit/veges that have to be shipped from other parts of the world.
• buy fair trade when ingredients must come from other parts of the world (eg. sugar)
• consider the possibility of using only local alternatives (eg herb teas) and not supplying tea and coffee (!)
7. Following on from the radical nature of the last point, encourage YFs to embrace and enjoy the adventure of new experiences (eg. fresh herb tea rather than coffee) for the few days of camp. Also advertise the reasons for the changes and what they achieve.
8. Think about the impact of water use…
9. Request ‘ethical’ work activities, and look out for opportunities to plant trees at camp to help with the impact our travel has on the environment.
Present: Laura Hadfield, Jim Green, Thomas Watts, Joanne Hall (assistant clerk), Hana Newport (clerk)
The meeting opened in silence at 6.15pm.
1. We appoint Ria Pugmire and Rosie Remmerswaal to the YF nominations committee for a period of two years.
2. At YM we will be providing an update on what’s happening with Young Friends. We also see that the YF presentation at YM is a chance for us to share our camp sustainability guidelines with other friends. Jim and Thomas will present this.
Amendment: we incorrectly assumed that we would be expected to present at Yearly Meeting because YFs have done so in past years. The YM clerks have reminded us that since we have reported in documents in advance and no MM have asked for further detail that it won’t be necessary for us to present at YM.
3. We are considering adjusting the time periods of the roles of clerk and assistant clerk. Australian YFs have it so that each role is one year, so that as the assistant clerk takes over the position of clerk after a year, it is overall a two-year commitment. As we have it now, it is essentially in total a 4-year commitment. For this reason, we are considering adjusting it to a year each, so that it is in total two years. We will hopefully reach clarity on this decision at our next meeting.
Our next meeting via skype will be Sunday 15th August, 6pm.
The meeting closed in silence at 7pm.
To Friends everywhere,
Over Easter, Young Friends of Aotearoa/New Zealand gathered at Peppercorn House in Le Bons Bay, Banks Peninsula, for our annual camp. Twenty six people were present for all or part of the time, and inspired by accounts of longer Australian Young Friends camps, we experimentally gathered for two days longer than usual. For a total of six days we met under the theme ‘Quaker Roots, Young Friends Reggae: Where we come from, what we can do’.
On Easter Saturday we were visited by Claire and Linley Gregory, the Yearly Meeting Clerks, who facilitated a session with us talking about Young Friends’ relationship with Yearly Meeting. In this session we were prompted to think about ourselves as a Meeting. Finding that the balance of Young Friends present at camp had swung towards there being a greater number of younger Friends than those who were present when we first became Aotearoa Young Friends Meeting, we realised the importance of continuing that conversation and passing on the spirit of that transition. Also in this session we were reminded of the collective power of Quakers to bring about social change.
Two committee members of Quaker Peace and Service Aotearoa/New Zealand came out and shared the work that they do, and how Young Friends might be involved. Many of us were curious about the QPS Trust, and about the way that money is managed. This led us into a stimulating discussion in which we considered how we would spend or manage a million dollars. We were challenged to think carefully about the ethics of investment and use of money, and how it can best be a tool for our concerns. There were no easy answers to any such questions, but were moved to a general notion that the planet requires from us a capital investment in the present, in order for our hopes for the future to have meaning.
We considered our concerns further in an evening session, run by Thomas Watts, where we shared the issues that move us to action. Having been reminded by the Yearly Meeting Clerks that we can bring our shared concerns to the wider Meeting we were aware that our voice is an opportunity to initiate and contribute to change. We contemplated how we want to use our voice in YM, and our concerns about climate change emerged again as a priority. We felt the need to encourage tangible action within the Quaker community and have offered our support in facilitating sustainability guidelines recognising that there is expertise and knowledge in the people around us.
Arthur Wells, from Christchurch MM, led us in a wonderful session on spirituality, which began with the question ‘Did God create us in his own image, or the other way around?’, and had us delving briefly into the history of changing conceptions of the gods and God. In some conceptions of the gods and God we could see clearly the roots of Quaker faith, while others really challenged us to search for their connections to our own faith.
After having lunch with us, Arthur introduced us to the Buddhist style of meditation, which led to worship-sharing about times at which we feel spiritual or connected. Many of our most connected moments involved being outdoors, either alone or with others, experiencing, as Rowan put it, ‘the battle and the embrace’ of the wind, or the rain or the sea. Arthur shared with us the words of Phillip Pullman, who wrote about the Republic of Heaven, the idea that humans must build their happiness in the here and now, as opposed to an afterlife, and how it “…enables us to see this read world – our wold – as a place of infinite delight, so intensely beautiful and intoxicating that if we saw it clearly we would want nothing more, ever … In the words of William Blake, ‘How do you know but ev’ry Bird that cuts the airy way/ Is an immense world of delight, clos’d by your senses five?’”
We are very grateful to the Gordon whanau for the use of their house, allowing us to gather in such a special, remarkable landscape as the Banks Peninsula. The house itself was a joy to be in, as we got the sense of a house not produced from a template, but which had evolved organically, reflecting the love and creativity of those who have shared it over the years. With its flaws and creaks it was almost a living thing. We gathered, we walked and we swam (clothed an unclothed), taking delight in the beauty of Le Bons Bay. We hope to take this sense of love, stillness and connection and to share it with you.
With Hope, Love and Light,
The Epistle Committee (Hana, Thomas, Laura, Josef)
Present: Thomas Watts, Jimmy Green, Jo Hall, Hana Newport, Josef Beautrais, Josh Bottomley-Clapp, Joseph Barber, Matt Poucher, Rowan Brooks, Laura Hadfield, Rebecca Bewick, Madeline Schaefer, Olliver Greeves, and Rosie Remmerswaal.
Also at camp: Ria Pugmire, Ross Hebden, Jeremy List, Catherine List, Suzanna Remmerswaal, Chris Mottram, David Mottram, Carla Carter, Brooke Pugmire,
1. We welcomed everybody to YF Camp 2010, in particular Oliver Greeves, representative from Australia Young Friends, Madeline from Philadelphia, and also those who are new to YF camp.
2. The following people have agreed to write the epistle for the camp:
Thomas Watts, Joe Beautrais, Hana Newport and Laura Hadfield
3. Joe Beautrais reported back to the group about his thoughts and experiences at Australian YF Camp and YM, particularly about the backhouse lecture YFs in Australia hosted this year and the marriage changes within meetings in Australia.
4. Nominations
1. The following people have been nominated to attend Australian YF Camp and YM in 2010-2011:
Jo Hall, Fran Gleisner, Suzanna Remmerswaal, Jeremy List, Ria Pugmire and Ross Hebdon
2. Jim Green is finishing his term as the YF treasurer. The following people have been nominated for this position, which has a term of two years:
Joe Beautrais and Joanne Hall
3. Suzanna Remmerswaal and Sarah Tailby are finishing their two year terms on the YF nominations committee, which also comprises Thomas Owen and Thomas Watts. The following people have been nominated to fill these positions:
Joe Beautrais, Rosie Remmerswaal, Laure Hadfeild and Ria Pugmire
We will continue the nominations process for these three roles after camp. We will seek further nominations for each position through grouphug. The current nominations committee will discern names for two new members of their committee, and bring them to a YF meeting for business for approval. The new nominations committee will discern names for the treasurer and representative to Australia, and bring them forward a future meeting for business for approval.
4. The following people have been nominated to attend the FWCC AWPS gathering in Manila in the Philippines March/April in 2011 and the Young Friends gathering held in conjunction with this:
Jimmy Green, Hana Newport, Suzanna Remmerswaal, Chris Hall
5. The following people have been nominated to attend the world gathering of Friends in Nakuru, Kenya , 21-28th of August 2012:
Joseph Barber, Thomas Watts, Jimmy Green, Rebecca Bewick, Hana Newport, Jo Hall, Rowan Brooks, Kate Pierse O’Byrne, Chris Mottram, David Mottram, Richard Mottram, Josh Bottomley-Clapp
6. Jimmy Green reported on YF finances.
Jimmy has given us a report on YF finances. Our finances continue to be strong, as we have approximately $4000, thanks to continued camp surpluses, fundraising and donations from Kapiti meeting. We note that last year we minuted our intention to use this extra money for future Young Friend international connections, including helping YFs who are going to prepare for the event. For example, this may be language classes. We would also like to support some YFs from poorer countries within our section to attend.
7. Fundraising for Manila and Kenya
We will need to do further fundraising to support YFs form New Zealand and overseas to attend the gatherings in Manila and Kenya. We intend to do so at upcoming events, such as Summer Gathering. We invite suggestions from all YFs on ways that we can do this.
8. Yearly Meeting
a. We note that Yearly Meeting 2010 will be held in Dunedin, 9th - 12th July at John McGlashan College. We encourage Young Friends to attend YM
b. The cost of Yearly Meeting.
We are happy to know that this year’s Yearly Meeting will be self-catered. We acknowledge the difficulty of organising large gatherings and of finding venues for large groups which are affordable. However, we hope that lowering the cost of Yearly Meeting will be a priority for future organisers. We feel this is an important issue for YFs as we tend to have less financial resources than some other Friends. We are often recipients of funds to help us attend Yearly Meeting, and we appreciate this generosity. We think that a donation system like that used at the last Summer Gathering, whereby Friends can contribute to the costs for others with less money is a helpful arrangement. However, we would like to be less reliant on funding, due to lower costs. We also see the cost of YM is directly related to our testimony for living simply, and we hope that this can be a priority for all gatherings
c. Documents in advance - Futures committee
We affirm the work of the futures committee. We feel there is a need to reinforce an emphasis on tangible action within our Quaker community. One particular area in which this approach could be implemented is the creation of a handbook on how to produce sustainable Quaker events. There is already a wide variety of information available both inside and outside the Quaker community which could be tapped into. YFs are willing to help with facilitating this project, and would like to offer our own sustainable camp guidelines as a possible template for guidelines for all Quaker gatherings.
9. MMP
We acknowledge that the MMP referendum is a concern and we encourage YFs to read the information distributed with the latest YM Clerks’ Letter and be informed.
10. YF Camp 2011 will be at the Settlement in Whanganui, providing it is available for our use. As YF Camp Co-ordinator, Thomas Watts will begin the process of identifying what needs to be organised for the camp. The following people have also offered to help organise the camp:
Matt Poucher, Laura Hadfield, Jo Hall, Hana Newport, and potentially Chris Hall, Ria Pugmire, Brook Pugmire, Ross Hebdon and Carla Carter.
11. Summer Gathering 2011 will be held at Ngaruawahia. We encourage Young Friends to attend. The gathering is being organised by Waikato/Hauraki Monthly Meeting, including Young Friend Joseph Barber. We offer advice on any issues of concern for YFs.
Present: Jim Green, Thomas Watts, Hana Newport
The meeting opened in silence at 5pm.
1. 350.org:
a. Climate change is a concern we as a group have felt strongly about for some time and we see that the 350.org project is a broad and inclusive campaign. We agree to make a donation of $500, and ask our treasurer to make this donation.
b. We feel that time and action are as essential as money, and as such encourage regional groups of Young Friends to take part in the day of action on 24th October.
c. Kapiti meeting has asked us if we plan anything for the day of action, and if we have ideas of action that may be taken in the Kapiti area. We are not aware of any events in Kapiti, but many of us hope to take part in events that will be taking place in the centres, such as Wellington. We note that the 350.org website has a helpful section called ‘Action Ideas’ if Kapiti friends want to organise a local event.
2. Kapiti donation
We thank Kapiti meeting for their recent generous financial donation to Young Friends meeting. We are happy to share common concerns with Kapiti Friends.
3. Yearly Meeting nominations
We support the nominations for the following positions:
i) Marvin Hubbard as Representative to Christian World Service for the annual meeting June 2010
ii) Mary Rose as Representative to Australia YM, January 2010. We note Mary Rose’s determination to seek alternative to air travel and support her concern.
iii) Bridget McKendry as Website Manager (from now till Dec 2012, renewable). We are pleased with the website developments planned by Bridget McKendry.
4. Quaker Lecture – Call for Suggestions
The 2010 Quaker Lecture organising committee has to select a lecturer within the next two months. The immediate requirement is for ideas and suggestions, and the more the better. If you have any thoughts on possible topics and speakers, please send them to David Elms at elmsnorris@xtra.co.nz before the middle of September. All contributions would be very welcome.
5. Skype turnout
We are very aware of the small turnout to this meeting, so Thomas and Hana will make an effort to remind people about the meeting via telephone and text message as well as the usual group email.
The meeting closed in silence at 5.50pm.
Present: Jonathon Tailby, Thomas Watts, Kate Peirse-O’Byrn, Thomas Owen, Hana Newport
1. We agree to nominate Joe Beautrais as our representative to attend the 2009-10 Australian Young Friends Camp and Australia Yearly Meeting in Adelaide.
2. We agree to appoint Joanne Hall as Assistant Clerk.
3. With regards to the nomination for the WEST board, we are going to investigate the possibility of having the role shared between Joe Beautrais and Rogan Boyle.
4. We note that Australian YF’s are preparing the Backhouse Lecture for Australia Yearly Meeting 2010 in Adelaide.
As such, we would like to investigate the possibility of getting the Australian Young Friends to provide an electronic version of the Backhouse Lecture (either text, audio or visual) so that we can share in this special event.
We are also considering investigating whether it is possible to source additional funding to help some Young Friends attend this special event, and invite thoughts or expressions of interest from Young Friends.
5. We note that Young Friends are scheduled to make a presentation at Yearly Meeting 2009 on the Saturday. Hana Newport and Kate Peirse-O’Byrn will begin the process of preparing a presentation, to be completed at YM.
During YF camp 2009 on Waiheke, Young Friends recorded a 23 minute radio show for Waiheke community radio.
To Friends everywhere,
Young Friends of Aotearoa/New Zealand gathered at Friends House on Waiheke Island over Easter for our annual camp. Waiheke Island was the ideal place to come together under the camps theme of Home, Land and Sea with the space to explore our relationships with these fundamental elements of nature.
We were introduced to the land on Waiheke by Jim Burdett and Jane Briscoe, Sue Stover and Robin Watts, and Fiona Gregory who shared with us the history of Friends House and how it was brought into being. This story helped us to appreciate the success of the building and the volunteer work that persevered throughout its construction. We felt that through the service we undertook during our stay we also became part of this legacy and look forward to continuing our involvement with this very special place. This theme also emerged in shared ministry at the Sunday meeting for worship, where people felt moved by the connections to past meetings. It was a spiritual highpoint sharing this meeting of past and future with the local Quakers.
One of the main themes to come through was the notion of ‘place’ as we discussed the position of Quakers within the wider religious world, with Bill Robinson providing an introduction into the problems and benefits of the Ecumenical movement in New Zealand. The place of Quakers in New Zealand in relation to the rest of the Quaker world was explored through Joanne Hall and Thomas Watts reporting back of their thoughts, experiences and insights into the FWCC AWPS Gathering and Young Friends Camp in Bhopal, India. We also managed some outreach with the creation of a 23 minute radio documentary for Waiheke local radio. This documentary is also now the official home of the ‘Quaker Pirate Radio Rap’.
The atmosphere at the camp was relaxed, with swims at the beach at all times of the day and night, sea kayaking, eating fresh fish caught from sea kayaks, boating with Don McGlashan, not to mention the deep and insightful conversations, the music and the laughter. The camp provided a space of calm and revitalisation, away from the business of our everyday lives. This was summed up quite aptly by Chris Hall whilst reflecting on his experiences at Australia Yearly Meeting and Young Friends Camp when he said ‘when you’re at a Quaker gathering, everything seems to make sense’.
Looking back on the theme, it seems Waiheke provided us with land and sea, whilst Friends House Waiheke and the people within provided us with a spiritual home.
Present: Suzanna Remmerswaal, Thomas Watts, Hana Newport
1. The YF Nominations Committee has nominated Thomas Owen and Thomas Watts to join the nominations committee, replacing Chris Jacques and Mirjam Guesgen. We approve these nominations.
The meeting closed in silence.