Barefoot for Awa

Second episode of Barefoot for Awa features a conversation with a filmmaker and an environmentalist James Muir. James is on a mission is to give rivers a voice, and all that by combining two powerful tools – storytelling and science. During our conversation, he talks about what inspired his movie ˝River Dog˝, his personal connection with awa and explains how can we create solutions that help us better understand freshwater contamination issues. In James’ own words: ˝The further I've gone with filmmaking the further I've found myself in that space where I understand the greater ecology and connection which is my tauranga.˝

Credits:
Audio: Department of Conservation, Dawn chorus with bellbird/korimako in the foreground
Poem: The River in You by Brian Turner, read by Daniel Dowler

In the first episode, I'm accompanied by Michael Mayell, Christchurch entrepreneur and passionate environmental advocate. Michael is championing Drinkable Rivers as a national movement to restore our rivers and waterways to their natural balance and beauty. During our conversation, he talks about what sparked his passion to start the movement, why should we care and what are the means the organization is using to help restore and prevent pollution in the Avon/Otakaro river. Engaging with the river and bringing awareness to the issues in the community are keys to properly work alongside the river.