We partnered with Bamboo U and The Green Village to understand aspects of Bamboo growth, harvesting and potential for construction in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Our original intent was to learn about the species that may support land rejuvenation (as we have Pine Forests / Slash) that require a complete rethink. Bamboo U provided online models for us to learn from and we visited the Green Village and Green Campus to see structure and ways to construct and build with the material. There were three key concepts that have really grown our knowledge through this connection and learning in Indonesia:

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1- Circular economy - Everything that is grown then taken from the ground takes a considerable amount of effort and as such, requires understanding that it takes far more time, effort and energy to keep taking, without thinking more long-term. The principles of circular economy encourage us all to consider the life of an object beyond its first purpose - what can be done to prolong life of an object and how can we think about economics in ways new business ideas and thinking can revolutionise existing linear systems.  
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2 - Approaches to housing
It was a challenge for us as New Zealanders as we understand the building codes in both the Western Bay of Plenty (residential) and for Marae building in Te Tairawhiti and we identify there is absolutely no way Bamboo would be a viable option currently. Bamboo is beautiful as it has defects, angles, and imperfections as each log is different, however if it was used for building, it would require an additional step or process. We researched to understand if there are any Commercial Bamboo forests / bamboo houses in New Zealand and we couldn’t see this. When we visited the Green Village and went inside the houses made entirely of Bamboo we felt warm, nestled in, almost like a tree hut. It felt completely different to any other building we had been within and something that could be explored further in New Zealand. We identified that climate had a pivotal position in the ability for bamboo housing to be a viable option and as such if this was to be developed in the future, there would need to be the consideration of splitting the material (ie. in half) to get around the planning provisions and what products it would be teamed with (Glass). We learnt a considerable amount in regard to ideation with bamboo as we made models for furniture and housing ideas and saw there was potential to creatively consider housing structures with it as the primary material.

3 - The future of Forestry.

One of our key take-aways from the program was consideration of the forestry sector. Bamboo forestry adopts a somewhat different approach to what we have down the coast - Agroforestry is where the forest is only 30% of the actual product, the rest are various other species and root systems. This is fundamentally different to the Pine forest mentality. Furthermore Bamboo has a significant difference in the harvesting technique, the pole belongs as part of a family, and when it is harvested, others remain and the forest is far more sustainable across time. We also identify the Miyawaki method for forestry may have an impact for New Zealand denigrate soils and forests. This method has had an impact in Asia and something that could be explored further. The Miyawaki Method is an effective tree planting method that creates forest cover quickly on degraded land that has been used for other purposes such as agriculture or construction. Based on natural reforestation principles such as utilising natives to the area and has significant benefits over more traditional forestry methods and being seen in many urban environments. The trees planted by this method grow much faster.

Impact Statement: The environmental impact of learning about Bamboo construction for a New Zealand based climate and market has been significant. Although there are policy, planning, and regulation issues that prohibit its adoption and use in New Zealand at this time, this can be considered seriously in the future of forestry and construction in New Zealand. Learning about Bamboo forestry changes the way in which conceptualizations for forest planting are understood, and as such approaches such as Miyawaki and Agroforestry must find ways into the consciousness of Māori landowners as the principles of sustainability, recloaking and regeneration align with traditional values.

Deepening understanding of the Sustainable development goals that Bamboo U and The Green Village immersion provided:

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production GOAL 13: Climate Action
GOAL 15: Life on Land GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

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