The Beginnings of Grey Lynn 2030

Grey Lynn 2030 is the Grey Lynn Transition town – it is a focal point for locals to lead and get involved in projects that help build a resilient and sustainable local community.

The beginnings:

It all began with two people arriving, separately, at the Richmond Road Countdown carpark in Grey Lynn on Waitangi Day 2008. Realizing that the supermarket was closed. They started chatting and found out that they’ve been thinking about similar questions.

What makes a community a great place to live in? How can we encourage people to take actions that support and sustain a healthy local environment and community?

Dianna Tawharu, Nick Bain and his partner Carolyn Cox got a few friends together and continued sharing their visions. They were joined by Gary Marshall and Finn Mackesy, who had just started running an Auckland-based modular urban Permaculture Design Certificate. Finn had recently been involved in setting up the neighbouring Point Chevalier Transition Town. Gary had heard about Melbourne 2030, and suggested the time frame was a good fit. “Positive vision – practical action” became the driving motto, which attracted Lynn Green to join the group.