- Hokianga, NZ
After 7 years living in Japan doing a unique mix of bear conservation, wildlife photography, nature guiding, and travel writing, New Zealand-born Eliska Blattner traveled Africa to learn about diverse cultures’ connection to nature. Now, he has returned to his home, Hokianga, to launch “ROOTS, LAND, COMMUNITY” eco workshop tours as a startup business.
Over the years I have been involved in many different approaches to nature conservation. However, a pattern that repeatedly showed up was the difficulty of managing not nature but people, and their attitudes and actions towards the environment. I realised that the root cause of all social and environmental problems in the world is humans’ sense of disconnection from themselves, from nature, and from others. “ROOTS, LAND, COMMUNITY” is an effort to heal this, by teaching and facilitating practices that deepen connection to three essential things: roots (e.g. ancestors/whakapapa), nature, and community. These practices are inspired by my experiences and learnings so far, including my work with nature, diverse cultures and communities, and my journey to reconnect with my own ancestors and calling as a sangoma, a South African traditional shaman/healer.
Workshop tours take place in nature-rich, historically significant area of Hokianga, four hours north of Auckland. By experiencing power spots in nature, healing practices and community garden volunteering, participants will feel a sense of connection on a deeply embodied level.
Our first workshops are aimed at international travelers who wish to truly connect and contribute to the places they visit, simultaneously solving the problem of unsustainable tourism which takes from, rather than gives to, local community and environment, and allowing for the deepening of cross-cultural connections between locals and foreigners. Workshops give back to the local community via 10% of profits, volunteer contributions from participants, and opportunities to engage with diverse cultures.
“ROOTS, LAND, COMMUNITY”’s launching phase is already under way, and we have been successful in attaining a $2000 startup grant. However, we still require additional funds. A few additional things we need funding for include:
– a permit to guide activities on DOC sites: $3000 TARGET ACHIEVED
– a van to transport customers between sites: $30,000-$60,000 to purchase, or $10,000 to hire for the first 2 months as a trial
