We did it! We did it!
Posted by Robin Easton
Late last night I received this email from my dear friend Robb Kloss in New Zealand. As you probably remember Robb Kloss, Ophelia Rising and I did a petition together to protect the pristine Ruahines Mountain range in the southeastern part of the North Island of New Zealand from destruction. See post here: Protect the Ruahines.
Robb’s email: Kia ora, my lovely friends. I am sitting here stunned! I have just been informed that the 59 turbine wind farm at Puketoi – one of the proposals we objected to, has been refused by the local Tararua council. In the ruling just announced the councilors ruled that “the proposal did not achieve the statutory purpose of sustainable management of natural and physical resources”. The very essence of our objection! It also stated a very strong presence of submissions against (the turbines), including a high amount of interest over seas. That is us!! I had become very quiet and subdued over this, feeling my words, time and efforts in this, and bringing you both into it was merely blowing smoke. This is beautiful and I am stunned beyond words. Kia ora Robin, Kia ora Mary, your presence is with me here now! I leave for the Ruahines in two days and drift amongst her knowing She Knows there are those of us who do care. You shall both be with me. We can make a difference. Kia kaha!!!!! Aroha, Robb
We won!! When I received this news from Robb I broke down and cried. I was stunned that three people could make a difference, along with Robb’s beautiful wife and all of you precious souls who took time from your busy lives to sign the petition. I cannot even begin to thank you enough. I sat here last night and thought of you all and was SO moved by your caring hearts. I felt a great swelling of Love for every single one of you, for the goodness of humanity, for the courage and sense of truth that we are capable of. As Rob says, “We can make a difference.”
Robb, Ophelia and I have never met in person and we only had a few days to get all the research done, the petition written, the signatures going and for Robb to speak with the local people. We all were tired and over worked, and yet the sheer amount of love that ran between the three of us was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. We never said “who should do what”; we all just dove in and “DID”. I’ve never worked with such a dynamic team. Within days we were up and running. Robb spoke his truth at local meetings at the risk of losing clients (related to his work) and did lose some. Yet he valiantly stood up for what he knows is true in his heart. That takes guts. Dear Ophelia worked tirelessly putting together all the facts that I researched, and what Robb sent her. She then wrote an amazing petition, and did so with her beautiful little kids underfoot. Then we posted our petition on Care2 and we were away. And YOU, yes ALL of you who signed that petition were right there with us in heart and soul. You made a difference; do you realize?! YOU did that…and I love you for it.
Due to your actions this singularly beautiful area remains untouched. There will be no tress dozed to cut great swaths for power lines, roads and power stations. No herbicides used to kill regrowth. No introduced species to strangle native flora. No wildlife killed, maimed or left homeless. No exposed Earth will bleed silt into steams killing aquatic life. …Thank you for caring.
NOTE TO READERS: - from Robb Kloss
Kia ora Robin, I am just buzzing wild sister, heading off to the Ruahines very soon but with this news I feel so ALIVE. I just want to thank you in particular, and Ophelia, but also every one who reads here and who read and signed our petition. We can change things! We have! I write to you all Kia ora – Thank You, and Kia Kaha – Remain strong. Aroha – Love Robb
PS. Robin, its going to be cold up there, so dress warm wild sister!
Robin Writes: Ophelia and I are going (in spirit) with Robb on his trip back into the Ruahines. 
You stand proud my wild brother because we’re all proud of you. We are with you. Arohoa – Love, Robin —PS: Dress warm Ophelia it’s autumn down there.
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Related links:
Please Help Me – The Great Bear Rainforest
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This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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29 Comments so far...
Tara S. Dickherber, M.Ed, CPC Says:
3 April 2009 at 10:57 am.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Anyone can make changes to the world, if they just try!
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Ophelia Rising Says:
3 April 2009 at 12:11 pm.
I don’t need to dress warmly – I am already warmed with true love and empowerment. Blessings and much, much love to you and Robb… xoxoxoxoxoxo
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Alexander M Zoltai Says:
3 April 2009 at 1:56 pm.
Very inspiring and energizing!
Congratulations to the three of you for your first steps and all the people who signed!!
Mother is Smiling!!!
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Robb Says:
3 April 2009 at 2:07 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
I am packing my gear and heading out in the morning. I am just going to roam to a few familiar places in the mountains, and just be amongst them. It is a beautiful day here in Aotearoa, the sky a vivid deep blue and the tui’s sing outside my window and I cannot stop smiling! I feel like the mountains are calling me to Celebrate – and we shall wild sisters! Thank you again to all of you here, you have have all made a difference. I have been contacted already by other groups down south facing the same battle and will use our experience here to help win the war to keeping wild places wild. I am still stunned that we can start a small ripple which can spread around this world and really change things. It has changed me forever.
Aroha,
Robb
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Lance Says:
3 April 2009 at 2:25 pm.
What awesome news!! And what a way to make a difference in our world – it IS possible – with conviction – to move mountains!!
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Walter Says:
3 April 2009 at 2:39 pm.
Congratulations! There is hope for the future, you did well my friend.
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Lisleman Says:
3 April 2009 at 2:58 pm.
Good reward for a good job. I guess? There was just an article in Chicago Tribune about some wind farms in rural Illinois that some want blocked.
I’m a little puzzled. Wind energy is good – right?
Is it a ‘not in my backyard’ problem?
This is the first I read about your crusade and I don’t know anything about the area. I would object to wind farms going in anywhere. For example, Mt. Rainer Washington would look terrible with wind turbines on it.
Do the groups pushing for cleaner energy have suggestions for the locations for these generators?
I don’t mean to criticize. I just want to understand your position better.
thanks
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Larry (Guitar Musings) Says:
3 April 2009 at 3:17 pm.
YAY! This great news! it’s amazing what people can do when they do it together. Thanks for bringing this to our attention in the first place.
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Scott Carlin Says:
3 April 2009 at 4:51 pm.
Success! Congratulations Robin, you are a testament to what CAN be done with a little determination, passion, and the power of grassroots efforts. Very, very admirable!
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Robb Says:
3 April 2009 at 5:04 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
I just wanted to reply to Lisleman that I think it is fantastic you ask these questions and want to know. I guess the first place I would point you, in regards to this particular issue and area would be the link Robin has posted above, or on my own blog around that same time frame, or also the petition we issued.
In brief it is not wind power we are objecting to, but rather indicriminate bullying by power companies in changing environmental heritage policy, if not the laws, to infringe upon pristine wild areas for profit. It is not their right to determine what is a wild area and what is not. Wind power is part of a sane solution, but ultimately we must as people look at how we are living because we will soon require more and more wind mills, coal plants, nuclear plants, ect. Why do power companies reject solar power, or make it impossible to afford for most? As to the NIMBY argument, we here already have more than our share in our back yard, miles of them. My view is that protecting the Puketoi’s we have further protected the Ruahines, the Tararuas, and kept a vital link between ourselves and Nature. Even if we never go there it is just good to know such places exist. Thanks for your feed back.
Cheers,
Robb
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Mel Says:
3 April 2009 at 5:50 pm.
Congratulations Robin!
So many GREAT things can be done if you put your heart in it.
All my love and best wishes for you, my dear friend!
YOU DID IT!! You are a constant inspiration
Besos,
Mel
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Robin Easton Says:
3 April 2009 at 6:08 pm.
Hi everyone! I thank you SO much for all your kind words and encouragement. For Any of you who have more questions regarding this issue I highly recommend that you read Robb’s comment just above mine. He has answered any questions here far better than I could have. I am deeply moved by his powerful and passionate words. He is an Edward Abbey in the making and his voice is equally potent. He is a true spokes person for the remaining wild places. He is a “wild” voice because he KNOWS the wild, and more than knows it, he has become the wild. I understand this way of being from my own life path.
I feel that Robb makes some brilliant insights that we need to think about. I also cannot recommend his site enough If you click on his name (Robb Kloss) at the beginning of this post you will experience his timeless connection to these mountains. He has become the voice of the Ruahines and is also a master wordsmith.
Robb I thank you from my heart. Will drop you a note soon.
Aroha…always,
Robin
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Stephen - Rat Race Trap Says:
3 April 2009 at 7:06 pm.
Robin, I am so very happy for you, your friends, and the whole natural world and its creatures. Imagine what a wonderful world it would be if everyone just did those small things they could every day? This article was personally very motivating for me. I almost cried.
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Kit Says:
3 April 2009 at 8:53 pm.
Wonderful news! My sincere thanks to you all for helping make a difference! 
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earthtoholly Says:
3 April 2009 at 9:35 pm.
Yay! Like everyone else here, I am thrilled that Robb’s beloved mountains have been saved! Thank you Robb, Robin and Ophelia for caring so much as to put in so much hard work to save a beautiful part of our planet, not to mention Robb’s home. Congratulations all! 
)
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Lisleman Says:
4 April 2009 at 2:11 pm.
@robin, robb,
Thanks for discussing this further. I believe knowledge is always better and our planet is not something to waste, but as you dive into details and decisions the right answer gets more difficult. It’s too bad that the various interests can exploit the ignorance by twisting terms and giving incomplete truths. An example is clean coal.
I’ll check out the other blogs.
thanks
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Evita Says:
4 April 2009 at 5:30 pm.
Robin – this is amazing news! And I am happy to share in your excitement! This is just proof what a few people can do when we all come together to work for the better good, for justice, and most importantly for healing our planet!
We are making a difference, and whether it is one by one or by the hundreds, we are moving forward and that is what matters!
All my love and care to you and all the others who have helped make this happen!
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Liara Covert Says:
4 April 2009 at 7:42 pm.
Everything always happens for the best, even when human perception sometimes obscures the big picture. This news sends positive energy into the universe. Love and compassion are very powerful forces that draw attention to meaningful situations and causes. What matters is the collective support and higher energy vibrations that evolve. Everyone remembers reasons for mutual love and respect. This sends shock waves into the formless world and does good things.
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Eric S. Says:
5 April 2009 at 12:36 pm.
So nice to see a little team work and commitment can still have an enormous effect. It just goes to show that when a few people get together for a good and true purpose, they can accomplish wonders.
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eddie Says:
6 April 2009 at 12:13 am.
Wow…this is a heartening and remarkable story and conclusion…bless you all for your efforts..
man is small in the face of this grand but fragile planet but love is big and can make giants
of the gentle ones who care!
Congratulations!!!!
eddie
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soulMerlin Says:
6 April 2009 at 4:02 am.
Congratulations!!!
I’m in a rush to get to Eastbourne for this week’s performances…But I just had to join in the cheering
Love
henry
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Walter Says:
6 April 2009 at 7:12 pm.
Not to steal your well dissevered victory Robin, but other than our beleaguered Indian nations, New Zealand is the one country most likely to side with you. New Zealanders are a rare breed, their reverence for the earth is equal to that of most Native Americans.
“All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man does not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” –Ted Perry, 1972
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Chrissy Says:
7 April 2009 at 3:09 am.
Fabulous news, well done to everyone who contributed with hard work to save somewhere for not only the nature and wildlife but also for future generations to enjoy.
Chrissy
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Emily Says:
7 April 2009 at 5:35 pm.
Just turned to your blog, Roby, as I needed something to uplift me after intaking other news from around the world. It was SO uplifting to read this. Thank you for it. lol, Em
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Miguel de Luis Says:
9 April 2009 at 1:37 am.
I am still joining to extend a great congrats to all of you
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Bird Says:
21 April 2009 at 12:21 pm.
It’s good to know that people can still have an effect. No trashing of people or planet for the sake of greed, it’ll be sweet when we can take this thought for granted. Till then… YAAAAAY for everyone who gave enough of a damn to speak up and do something good.
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