Ecological initiatives at Sudarshanaloka
Sudarshanaloka comprises 240 acres of regenerating bush, the heart of the Tararu valley, that runs inland from sea to hills flanked by the Tararu and Ohio streams. The Retreat Centre is off grid presenting us with the opportunity to develop ecologically sustainable utilities.
This is an interesting and creative aspect of our work at Sudarshanaloka sifting the wheat from the chaff of renewable technologies, in consultation with colleagues in the wider community. An ongoing process since the purchase of the land in 1993 evolving from the innovative and novel to our current effective ecological systems - integrating rainwater, stream, wood fire, solar and gas. The lower retreat house, community dwellings and solitary facilities all now have functional up to date sustainable water, heating and power. As our expertise and funding improves, so does our ability to install efficient functional eco systems for the benefit of the community and retreatants.
Our water supply is from rain water and a small spring fed stream on our land that we hold in various storage tanks. Recently we upgraded our water lines, taps, valves and water collection so that we now have a very efficient water harvesting system with excellent water quality control and distribution to the various buildings.
Our dwellings all have efficient solar power that includes water heating and lighting with some more efficient set ups to run appliances, charge batteries etc.
Since May 2023 the lower Retreat Centre has an efficient wood fired radiator system providing cosy winter warmth. The solitary retreat huts and other buildings also have efficient wood stoves varying from heat only to larger fires with wet backs. . We presently have about 300 pine trees on the land which we harvest for wood supply that gives us a continuous cycle of firewood moving forward. There is still much to do environmentally, especially regarding sewage, sanitation and pest control. However if you are interested in the environment and renewables then Sudarshanaloka is the place for you, where we are an integrated example of what can be done facilitating education in the practicalities of renewable and sustainable energy.
Together with Waikato Regional Council, we are committed to protecting kauri at Sudarshanaloka from Kauri Die-back (KDB) Disease. Please help us to do this by using the boot cleaning station in the car-park as soon as you arrive, and others when you come across them.