Why this former local politician is living off the grid | Stuff.co.nz

Why this former local politician is living off the grid | Stuff.co.nz <!--mynz:youtube-chapters--> {"v":1,"chapters":[{"timeSeconds":0,"label":"Off-grid life for former politician","summary":"A former local politician has chosen to live off the grid in the forest with his wife and five children. He explains why he made this significant life change."},{"timeSeconds":15,"label":"Living simply in the forest","summary":"Russell Judd expresses his love for his off-grid lifestyle, finding joy and peace in his forest home. He is shown working on his property."},{"timeSeconds":27,"label":"Self-sufficient living with farm animals","summary":"The family's self-sufficient lifestyle includes raising goats for milk and cheese, and chickens for eggs. They also hunt deer for food."},{"timeSeconds":34,"label":"Generating own power and heat","summary":"They generate their own electricity and hot water through various sustainable methods, including hydro, solar, and geothermal. They also use firewood for heating."},{"timeSeconds":44,"label":"Past political career","summary":"Judd's life wasn't always this way; he was a town councillor and ran for parliament 20 years ago. He reflects on his past political ambitions."},{"timeSeconds":109,"label":"Forestry block and initial living","summary":"Judd has owned this forestry block for a decade, initially living in a caravan before converting a garage into their current home."},{"timeSeconds":117,"label":"Home built from recycled materials","summary":"Their current home is a converted garage, built using recycled materials like corrugated iron and timber from building sites, and second-hand windows."},{"timeSeconds":143,"label":"Sustainable living philosophy","summary":"Judd believes New Zealand should build a society that relies on its own natural resources, like wood for biomass energy, rather than fossil fuels."}]} <!--/mynz:youtube-chapters-->