Tutors – Finn Mackesy, Gary Marshall and Rilke de Vos

"An economic structure is sustainable when it regenerates order, stability, health, self-worth, social structure, and ecosystem richness and viability" (Robert Thayer). In this workshop participants will explore the relationship between economics and human culture. Participants will learn about the nature of economics, history of the dominant global economic system, risks to the financial system, and alternative economic models. This context will enable students to explore economic models that actively regenerate all forms of capital (natural, built, social, cultural and financial) in the Auckland bioregion. This workshop is ideal for social entrepreneurs, community development workers, small business owners and anyone intrigued about how the planet's impending limits to growth will likely influence economic systems and our lives.

Course content

Introduction to – The nature of economics with regard to financial growth, ecology and energy exchange; Systems of trade; Types of capital; Currency; Contemporary economic systems including; Money creation and Debt; Reserve fractional banking; Fiat-money systems; Interest, deflation and hyperinflation; Wealth disparity; Taxation; Supply and demand; The New Zealand economy; Economic solutions including Genuine Progress Indicators, Local and Bio-regional Economic Development, Local co-operatives, Micro-economics, alternative and complimentary currencies, informal economic systems; and Practical design activity.

Learning objectives

• Develop an understanding of key economic concepts such as capital, cost, interest, debt, wealth, and development
• Develop and understanding of the risks associated with the current economic system
• Develop an understanding of alternatives to the current economic systems
• Apply the day’s learning to a practical design activity for the Auckland bioregion
• Identify opportunities and challenges to applying the day's learning
• Apply these concepts in personal decision making