Growing up in rural Central Otago, with parents who lived an almost self sufficient lifestyle, but in a pioneering 19^th century way, was all I needed as a background to make me want to live that way too. Having passionately studied English, economics, politics  and Geography in the ‘80’s, but then careering off on an altogether more alternative punk rock trajectory and never actually getting a qualification has left me with a lifelong interest in study, reading, and learning about everything, from any source. We currently live on ¾ of an acre of steep ex-gorse, buy very little food, and turn excess food into cash to buy our other needs. Our house is grid tied solar powered and water heated, and we want to continue on towards electric car ownership and battery power storage for a luxurious but low-input lifestyle.