John Whitridge

March 10–19, 2027 | Nelson–Tasman, New Zealand Discover some of New Zealand’s most inspiring intentional communities Spend 10 days exploring nine intentional communities and ecovillages across the beautiful Nelson–Tasman region of New Zealand’s South Island. Visit communities including Riverside Community, Tui Community, Kōwhai Cohousing, Braemar Ecovillage, Rainbow Valley Community, Atamai Village and WantooWantoo Community, with rare behind-the-scenes access made possible through longtime relationships with local community leaders. Experience a diverse range of approaches to intentional living from one of New Zealand’s longest-running communities to cohousing, permaculture-based settlements and a residential yoga community. Meet founders and residents and learn firsthand about natural building, regenerative land stewardship, shared decision-making, food systems, cooperative businesses and the practical realities of creating and sustaining community over time. Along the way, experience the spectacular landscapes and culture of New Zealand’s South Island, including local markets, organic gardens, sacred springs and Māori culture. With overnight stays in several of the communities, the tour offers an immersive opportunity to experience what community life actually feels like rather than simply visiting from the outside. A great fit for: Prospective community members, community founders, people interested in sustainable and regenerative living, and travelers looking for an immersive introduction to intentional community in one of the world’s most beautiful natural settings. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/new-zealand

From The Ground Up is a 7-day residential Mini Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) at Entelechy, a 13.5-acre intentional community on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada. August 9–15, 2026. The course follows the Gaia Education EDE framework, covering four dimensions of sustainability: Ecological – Food systems, natural building, energy and water, appropriate technology. Social – Community governance, communication, conflict resolution, collective decision-making. Economic – Alternative economics, cooperative structures, local currencies, social enterprise. Worldview – The values, beliefs, and cultural frameworks that underlie sustainable community – why people want to live this way, and what has to shift for it to last. The course is facilitated by a graduate of both the full EDE and the Gaia Education Training of Trainers programme. It takes place at a working ecovillage where residents live what they teach. Participants stay on-site for the week in wall tents or camping. Communal meals sourced from local Salt Spring farms and Entelechy’s gardens are included. This course is for anyone interested in designing, joining, or strengthening sustainable communities — whether you’re starting from scratch, already involved in a project, or looking to go deeper than a Permaculture Design Course. Up to 22 spots. Application-based enrollment. Early bird: $950 CAD (before June 15, 2026) Regular: $1,149 CAD Payment plans, group discounts, and work-trade spots available. If interested, we invite you to apply here: https://www.entelechysaltspring.ca/ecovillage-design Salt Spring Island is accessible by BC Ferries from Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver), Swartz Bay (Greater Victoria), and Crofton (mid-Vancouver Island). From the US Pacific Northwest, either by I-5 and ferry via Vancouver, or by taking Port Angeles ferry to Victoria and the