While some hairdressers may prefer to cut hair and not make small talk, that’s the exact opposite of what the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) wants to achieve at Fieldays this year.
The EPA is aiming to highlight innovation and empower people to act now in the interests of our planet through their Sharing Shed exhibit, where they’ll be offering free haircuts from Jason Muir, a performance artist and hairdresser, in exchange for a chat about environmental protection, innovation and the future of the agricultural sector.
“We want to better understand the challenges facing the agricultural sector, the actions people are taking to protect the environment, and their vision for the future,” EPA general manager engagement Paula Knaap.
“It’s everyone’s job to protect the environment, and the time to act is now – we can’t leave these challenges for future generations. Environmentally sustainable farming practices are part of the fabric of good farming business today and into the future.
“We’d love you to come and see us at Fieldays and help us to shine a light on the inspiring work and innovation that we know is happening in the agricultural sector.”
A key feature of our exhibit is a community science programme, which provides insights into the diversity of life in local waterways.
Environmental DNA – or eDNA – is the tiny traces of genetic material left behind as living things pass through water or soil. It is a rapidly evolving technology that offers huge potential to inform environmental decision making.
Our Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao – Open Waters Aotearoa programme, set up in 2020, has enabled over 300 community groups, iwi, hapū and kura to test their local waterways using the eDNA toolkit. The groups can then use these findings to know more about the ecosystem health of their waterways and advocate for their local environment, and find connection with science, technology and mātauranga.
One of the main focus areas of the day will be to empower rural communities with tailored solutions.
“This is a fantastic programme putting science and knowledge in the hands of our communities, empowering them to care for their environment,” she said.
“We are inviting visitors to Fieldays to come and learn more about this initiative – and about the new opportunities tailored towards rural communities.”
Visit the EPA’s Sharing Shed in the main pavilion at site PC39 and PC41 from November 30 to December 3.