Wilderland

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Wilderland

Located in Coroglen, Whitianga, New Zealand

Mission Statement
To become a world-class example of, and engage all humankind in, learning to live sustainable, harmonious, holistic lives

Community Description
Wilderland is a unique centre of learning: a sustainable-living project with a focus on education, staffed by a community of resident-volunteers living on an organic farm.

Since its birth in 1964, Wilderland has become one of New Zealand’s most prominent sustainable communities. An ever-evolving resident-group maintains the land and holds the space for hundreds of volunteers from around the world to come and learn together every year.

Wilderland takes a holistic perspective. All aspects of living off the land, from the soil right through to the facebook page, are part of an integrated system of full self-sufficiency. All aspects are aimed towards a future of true low-impact living, true self-reliance, and real local economy.

We are a work in progress. Since the beginning, volunteers have had the chance to come and be part of developing our unique model, learning so much as we go. After more than 50 years, we have a lot to share, and a focus on sharing it with as many people as possible.

We are especially interested in forming partnerships with educational institutions around the world who would like to send groups of students here, for an in-depth holistic sustainability experience. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eStPg1GdQZs to see an inspiring example of one such partnership, and get in touch if you would like to know more.

Housing
Status: We have land we have developed on
Area: 64 hectares
Current Residence Types: Single-family homes
Current Number of Residences: 10
Planned number of residences: 12
Housing Provided: Included in Membership
Land owned by: Trust

Membership
Adult Members: 15
Child Members: 7
Percent Women: 31-40%
Percent Men: 51-60%
Percent Transgender: 0%
Visitors accepted: Yes
Visitor Process:
check out Wilderland.org.nz/visit/
Open to new Members: Yes
Membership Process:
email for more details – visit@wilderland.org.nz
Additional Comments:
We aim for a home-schooling option eventually, though it will be a while before this happens. In the short term we will at least be developing communal day-care for our younger children. We also aim to support residents’ Healthcare needs eventually, either with onsite healers or financial support or both, but this is also not currently happening.

Economics
Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: No
Shared Income: None
Required Labor Contribution per Week: 0
Open to members with existing debt: Yes
Additional Comments:
The expenses/income of the community and that of individuals are currently kept separate. We all work towards the common good of Wilderland’s business etc., however Wilderland is not currently at a stage where it supplies fully the needs of the individuals living here.

Sustainability Practices
Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
Current renewable energy generation: Up to 25%
Energy sources: Solar
Planned renewable energy generation: Up to 25%
Current food produced: From 50-75%
Planned food produced: Almost All, around 90%
Food produced locally: From 50-75%

Lifestyle
Common Facilities: Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Outdoor Kitchen, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Gym or sports area, Internet
Internet Available: Yes, community provides it
Internet Fast?: Yes, it’s fine.
Cell Phone Service: Good for most people.
Shared meals: Approximately all dinners
Dietary Practice: Local (food sourced within 150 miles), Organic (no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers), GMO Free (only non-genetically modified organisms), Mostly Vegetarian
Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No – people may eat however they wish.
Special Diets OK: Yes
Alcohol Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Tobacco Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Additional Diet Comments:
We import a lot of organic grains, pulses etc. We are transitioning slowly towards the goal of a diet supplied either wholly from our own land or supplemented by local, sustainably-produced goods only.
Common Spiritual Practice(s): Ecumenical (accepts all religions or spiritual practices), Not a particularly spiritual or religious community
Education Style(s): Public Schooling
Healthcare Options: Up to each family or individual
Additional Comments:
We hope to have a homeschooling option eventually, but in the short term at least we are planning a home pre-school. In the future we would like healthcare to be either available on-site or funded by the community.

Source: https://www.ic.org/directory/wilderland/
              http://www.wilderland.org.nz