Vegetarian Update
Issue#36 Apr2008
This  Issue
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National News
Wellington Branch News
Auckland Centre News
Christchurch Events
Contacting New Zealand's Vegetarian Society
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Hello Vegetarian Society Logo
Welcome to this issue of Vegetarian Update - the e- newsletter of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Vegetarian Society. This update is produced by volunteers and is sent approximately every six weeks, and is now received free by nearly 400 individual subscribers. We welcome all news about products, events and restaurants for vegetarians and vegans. So why not email us today! 
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National News
Vegetarian friendly products
We are endeavouring to update a list of products and brands suitable for vegetarians. We currently have a display of packaging of a number of products at the National Vegetarian Centre with which you can familiarise yourselves-to make easy spotting in the supermarket; secondly we post a list of these to new members and inquirers; thirdly, where suitable, we approach the manufacturer of the food item with regard to their using our "V" trademark. The market place is ever changing with what foods are available, plus having the description of 'rennet free' and 'contains no animal fat' on packaging is a joy to a vegetarian's heart!

If you have a product to tell us about we will need to know the name of the product, the manufacturer and their contact details and perhaps the section in the supermarket where you found it. Give us the details by phone (09) 523 4686 or email 
Vegetarian Centre
If you are in Auckland or visiting Auckland, you are most welcome to visit the National Vegetarian Centre - we would love to have you call in. Teas and coffee are available. The centre is situated at 10 Warborough Ave, Epsom. We are open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm. You will find the national office plus a small bookshop with books, badges, car stickers, magnets, nutrition charts.

If you are a member of NZ Vegetarian Society, you may borrow books from the library. You are welcome to see the new books from the USA that are available for borrowing on topics such as diabetes, foods that fight pain, healthy foods for children, for a small fee of $5 per book plus postage - cheaper than buying your own copy. For a list, email us 
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Wellington Branch News
Mid-Winter Vegan Christmas Pot Luck Dinner
21st June 2008, Crossways Community House, cnr. Elizabeth & Brougham Sts, Mt
Victoria, upstairs in the Western Room, 5.30-7.30pm

Bring a plate of vegan food to share (that way it is suitable for everyone attending) and enjoy a chance to socialise with other vegetarians and like-minded people. At previous pot lucks we've had really good turnouts and the range of delicious food has been great. Ring Nicky on 563-6610 if you want extra information. 
Food for Life - Classical and Modern Vegetarian Cookery
Learn about vegetarian cookery in an informal, relaxed setting with experienced demonstrator Nicky Owers. Nicky has been a vegetarian cook for over 21 years and has a wealth of knowledge about things vegetarian. She draws on a range of traditional and ethnic cuisines for healthy, creative dishes.

Appetising yet down-to-earth meals that are fun to share are Nicky's speciality, and at her workshops you also get the benefit of her up-to-date and comprehensive nutritional knowledge, making your time spent in Nicky's kitchen the perfect package for those who are a little unsure about vegetarian cookery or just in need of a bit of direction.

Workshops are run on a needs basis, with dates and times to suit participants. The next workshop will be late June/early July.

To go on the workshop waiting list phone Nicky on (04) 563-6610 / 021 133-2267 or email 
WEA Cooking Class - Vegetarian Cookery Made Easy
If you want to incorporate more legumes (dried beans, peas, and lentils) into your diet to boost your iron, protein, and fibre intake, but just don't know where to start, this is the lesson for you. We will cook easy dishes that you will be whipping up at home in no time.

You will also get tips on how to use legumes in many different ways and recipes will be provided. You will of course get to sample everything and everyone will go home feeling confident about finally using up those beans or lentils that are stashed away in the back of the pantry cupboard.

Sunday, 15 June 2008, 10am - 3pm, Naenae College home economics room, $45
Contact Lower Hutt WEA, 569-2292 / 569-2012 or see WEA website 
Wellington Branch Committee Meetings
Friday, 25th April 2008 at 6pm
Dinner at Nature, High Street, Lower Hutt (opposite Pak n' Save)
The committee is getting together to socialise and chat about events for the year. There is no fixed agenda-it's going to be very casual, so if you'd like to come along and meet the committee and have a chat about what we're planning, we'd love to see you. Not only that, the food at Nature is something really special (a good number of vegan options are available, too).

Friday, 3rd May at 12.30pm
Lunch at Higher Taste restaurant, Custom House Quay (back entrance to the Old Bank arcade)
Join us at 12.30pm if you want to lunch, or at 1pm for the meeting kick off.
We welcome new members, so would love to see you there. You don't have to commit to a lot, but it's great to have new people and new ideas on board.

Contact Nicky, ph. 563-6610, if you have any questions. 
VEGETARIANS OF NEW ZEALAND, UNITE! IT IS TIME TO ACT
EARTH WALK ON 31ST MAY, WELLINGTON
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
TAKE ACTION

The aim of Earth Walk is to spread the word that vegetarianism and veganism is one of the most important and effective solutions to global warming. We want bring to people's attention the link between global warming and our diet; and how vegetarianism is an empowering choice that each of us can make. We hope that this message will be the ripple in the ocean to go far beyond the boundaries of New Zealand.

We will carry placards with positive messages about vegetarianism. About midway, in Cuba Street, we are planning to have a speaker talking about the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet for 20 minutes. We will continue the walk through the city centre, including Lambton Quay, at the time of peak activity, ending at the Beehive, where we will present information and a symbolic gift to a member of parliament. The press will be invited.

Please come and join us on Earth Walk. Your voice and support is very important. Help us spread the message:

BE GREEN, GO VEG, AND SAVE OUR PLANET!

WHEN: 12 noon, Saturday 31st May 2008

ASSEMBLY POINT: main entrance of Basin Reserve, Kent Terrace, Wellington

For more information on Earth Walk, call: Lili Taylor on 021 064-8081
(To have a better idea of numbers attending on the day, I would be grateful if you could advise how many will be joining us. This is to help determine if we can use the streets instead of the footpath and has been requested by Wellington City Council) You can also contact Lili by email 
Please also see www.veg4earth.org 
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Auckland Centre News
Vegan Potluck Dinners in Auckland
On the second Saturday of every second month, there will be a vegan potluck dinner at Billy and Alice's place in Grey Lynn. All welcome. for details. The next three are on 14th June, 9th August, and 11th October. For details, please phone 3764623 or email Alice 
Social get together
Sunday 18th May - let's get together for a late afternoon/early evening coffee and movie. To be decided a month prior to this date so keep an eye on the events section on the website. An email update will also be sent to those of you on the database, so make sure that we have your name and email address, so we can contact you. 
Dinner at the Blue Bird Cafe
Friday 20th June - Celebrate the shortest day/Matariki with a warming dinner and cheerful conversation, upstairs at the Bluebird Cafe, 299 Dominion Road at 7pm. A vegetarian caf with a delicious menu. Numbers limited so advise us at the Vegetarian Centre if you are coming so that we can book for the group. Ph 523.4686 
Ayurveydic medicine
Sunday 20 July 3.30pm - Talk by John Vorstermann on Ayurveydic Medicine and health followed by shared Sunday tea of delicious soup and rolls to be held at the Theosophical Hall, 4 Warborough Ave, Epsom. Gold coin donation please. 
Potluck Dinner
August - More details on this will be emailed out nearer the time or contact Vegetarian Centre Ph. 523 4686 to advise your interest. 
Auckland Vegetarian food & lifestyle festival
Sunday 28th September - Mark your calendars now.
10am - 4pm, Mt Eden War Memorial Hall, 489 Dominion Road, Balmoral. Food tasting, cooking demos and lifestyle products. If you are interested in holding a stall at our festival, please let us know. For details, please phone the Vegetarian Centre, 09 523 4686 or email 
Vegetarian Families' Coffee group
If you have a baby or toddler, or even one slightly older, you and your children are welcome to join in the get-togethers. It is an informal coffee group to get to know other vegetarian families, gain and provide support, information and recipes sharing. It is an opportunity for your children to experience the joy of vegetarian friends. Meetings are held in Albany, usually the first Thursday morning of the month. Contact Stephanie ph. 414 5535 or email her 
Alternatively, email the Vegetarian Centre 
Vegetarian Families' Group for over fives
Meets periodically on a weekend or public holiday. So far this summer we have picnicked and swum at Bastion Point and Point Erin pools. We advertise on the vegetarian families' chat group. Although our activities are mainly organised in the interests of the school-age child, younger children are welcome too. please call Stefanie on 021 034 9620 or 410 1904 or Bridget on 027 272 5287 or 521 8501, or email email Bridget 
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Christchurch Events
Vegetarian Potluck Dinners in Christchurch
Members and the public are invited to our monthly 7pm Friday pot-luck vegetarian meals at the Horticultural Centre. Our next dates are May 30th, June 27th, July 25th, August 29th, and September 19th.

As many vegans attend these gatherings, please bring a vegan dish to share at our pot lucks, plus your plate, cup, and cutlery and $2 for room hire. Check out our website or contact us for vegan recipe suggestions. 
Talk on 'The Ecological Efficiency of Food'
Wednesday May 14th at 7.30pm -Dr Anthony Raizis will speak to the Christchurch Vegetarian Centre outlining how our food choices are affecting the environment and its biodiversity. Dr Raizis is a hospital scientist specialising in the genetics of cancer. Horticultural Centre, $2. 
Raw 2 Raw Vegan Film
Friday June 13th, 7.30pm - Come along and watch New Zealand's own raw vegan film Raw 2 Raw Vegan, which won second place at the Raw Food Film Festival in Hollywood. $2 admission, plus donation to the film makers who mortgaged their house to make this unique film. At the Horticultural Centre. For more info visit www.vegan2rawvegan.com 
Talk on Animal Advocacy
Wednesday July 30th 7.30pm - Come and listen to Nichola Kriek (Education Officer, SAFE) talk about how we can help animals. At the Horticultural Centre, $2. 
Fundraising Dinner for the Christchurch Centre
August 16th, 7pm - All are invited to our winter fundraising dinner at the Fo Guang Shan Tea House, corner Riccarton Rd and Harakeke St. Tickets are $25. Please contact us to book your place. 
Vegetarian Sausage Sizzle
Saturday, September 6th. 10-4pm - Come along to buy a veggie sausage from us at Bunning's Warehouse (Tower Junction). 
Vegetarian Expo Volunteers Needed
The Christchurch Vegetarian Expo will be held on Sunday, September 28th, 10-4.30pm. We need lots of help on the day. Jobs range from clearing tables in the cafe, welcoming expo visitors, helping in the workshop rooms, recycling, sausage sizzle and food stalls. Please let us know if you would like to be part of making this event happen 
Vegetarian Families' Group
Bring your children for them to eat, play, and have fun with other vege kids at the Christchurch Vegetarian families' group. Our meetings are on May 4th, July 6th and September 7th at 10-12.00pm. $2 per family. For further information, please contact Iain or Francesca, ph 981 5090 or email 
Under Fives Vegetarian Group
Are you raising a vegetarian or vegan child who is under five? Come along to the Christchurch Vegetarian Under Fives' Group! Babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers (with carers) all welcome. To find out more, email us or call Anna 382 4155 
Vegetarian Youth Group
Are you aged 10-15? Are you vegetarian or vegan or want to be? Come along to the Christchurch Vegetarian Youth Group! Upcoming meetings are on August 15th and September 12th. To find out more, email us or call ph 356 3166 
University Vegetarian Group
The Canterbury University Vegetarian Society invites you to come along to activities/meetings and meet other vegetarians/vegans on campus. For more information, contact David ph 021 142 7409 or by email 
Vegetarian/Vegan Lesbian/Gay Dining Group
This group has been meeting every two months for six years. New members are always welcome. We alternate restaurant dining out with vegan pot lucks. For enquiries, email us 
Raw Vegan Group Starting in Christchurch
Support and fun group for people interested in or already following a high raw vegan lifestyle in Christchurch. Regular "rawluck" gatherings, plus other events. Great chance to share recipe ideas, provide support for detox, and much more. To join our email list, contact Karen on 03 343 2022 or email 
Christchurch Vegetarian Notices List
We get many notices of interest to members which we send out on our extensive e-mail list. These notices include forthcoming events, accommodation wanted/offered, special offers to vegetarians, and other relevant items of interest. These are sent weekly. To be included on our list or to submit a notice, please email Monica 
To contact the Christchurch Centre of the Vegetarian Society about any of these events,
Phone: Monica 021 026 23946
postal: 16 Sheppard Place, Christchurch www.vegetarianchristchurch.org.nz 
or email 
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Contacting New Zealand's Vegetarian Society
New Zealand Vegetarian Society: Vegetarian Centre and National Office
PO Box 26 664 or 10 Warborough Avenue, Epsom, Auckland
Tel/Fax: 09 523 4686
Website: www.vegetarian.org.nz 
Or contact by email 
Wellington branch, New Zealand Vegetarian Society
PO Box 27 407, Wellington.
Tel: (04) 563 6610 Fax (04) 384 3236
Website: www.vegsoc.org.nz 
Or contact by email 
Christchurch Centre
To contact the Christchurch Centre of the Vegetarian Society about any of these events
Phone Monica: 021 026 23946
Postal: 16 Sheppard Place, Christchurch 
Website: www.vegetarianchristchurch.org.nz