Simone Woodland on building community and regenerating nature through the Tākaka Cohousing Project

Seeds

Simone Woodland joined me for episode 397 to talk about her life and the Tākaka Cohousing Project (Tākaka Cohousing | Golden Bay (takakacohousing.co.nz)) which is an amazing example of an innovative project that combines both housing + community + nature + regeneration.

I’ve been involved with providing legal support since this project began several years ago.

In this interview we talk about Simone’s background and origins in the UK, her becoming an architect, working on social enterprises there and then moving to Aotearoa New Zealand and how she decided to come here.

The project describes values like this: “As a purpose driven housing developer we are committed to supporting the health of the whenua and community through regenerative and replicable cohousing models. Our team are committed to the values of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and courage.”

Community & Privacy: Privacy is important to us. We have thoughtful designed home layouts that create privacy between the homes and gardens for peace and tranquility. The shared spaces are designed for community events, connection and collective food growing.

Shared Resources: Shared resources offer a range of benefits, contributing to sustainability, affordability and community wellbeing. By sharing tools, equipment, and facilities, we are building an efficient system that provides more equality and support to our residents.

Sustainable Design: To create a safe space for our children to play, cohousing neighbourhoods choose to keep the cars to the outside. This allows for a park like setting with more space for growing food, gardens, play spaces and the community to meet and interact.

Article for The Spinoff on the project: https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/21-06-2022/is-community-led-home-ownership-the-way-of-the-future

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