In my research around new Zealand I have found that a lot of places started around the 80’s and have mostly grown “tired” as opposed to bigger. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t passion etc. but it does raise the question of why?

Yes ‘tired’ indeed.  Such a big question, but will attempt a few short answers from our observations.

• Many of the Intentional Communities (IC) in NZ were about escaping from the rat race, rather than a strong alternative vision, these were often place in isolated areas with poor land, lack of resources, and without much of an economic plan.  This combination tires people out, and they slink back into the rat race – which has been very comfortable for many well educated  baby boomers.
• Most of them seem to be dedicated more to individualism/lifestyle, than cooperative economic development – which motivates ‘bigger’ or stronger
• NZ has it pretty easy, a nurturing economy for many (not all), some how it lacks the edge that one finds in many other countries.  Somehow the hard edge of the USA seem to really motivate alternative seekers to get serious and they seem to achieve more.

How many animal are currently living in the village?

As of Feb 2015 we have 12 milking cows, 12 meat cows, 12 pigs, 40 chickens for eggs, 30 duck, and 20 geese.

I’m rather new to this idea of living in an intentional community. what would you recommend I read as a way of getting familiar not only with the reality of living in the type of community you are speaking of here but also reading to understand your perspective? I’m a practical person so prefer to read practical rather than theoretical explanations, what would you suggest?

Here are books We recommend you read first, to gain a perspective (neither are ‘practical’ in your sense).

Owning Our Future Marjorie Kelly

Short Circuit Richard Douthwaite

Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision Making Allan Savory (second edition)