The new Auckland SAFE office had its first public meeting on 27 May with over 20 people in attendance. Expert speakers Michael Bourke, a personal trainer, and Leila Masson, a pediatrician, covered ways to get the best out of a vegan diet, highlighting issues relating especially to children and fitness.
During his talk Michael discovered some sports bunnies in the audience who wanted to know how much exercise was too much. He emphasised the need for regular exercise, including some form of resistance training. Thankfully he allowed that walking is still a good form of exercise, and a daily routine need not be structured exercise.
Leila unlocked the mysteries of selenium in brazil nuts and zinc spots on fingernails, and gave a fascinating course in advanced veganism. She talked not only of diet but emphasised a non-toxic lifestyle. There was fascinating new information for even the veteran vegans, and some in the audience were taking pages of notes.
"It was an amazing opportunity to host them both and to be able to ask them anything. It was really interactive," says SAFE's campaign officer, Eliot Pryor. "Polly, one of our valuable volunteers, said her and her partner were talking about it for days."
The Talking of Animals SAFE talks happen in Auckland on the last Tuesday of every month. The next one on 24 June will discuss the rights of animals. Titled "What do you mean, animals have rights?" will be given by Marianne Macdonald and Deirdre Sims. For more information contact Eliot on 09 361 5646 or email eliot@safe.org.nz 03 June 2008
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