NATIONAL BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND INC

MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL
BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND INC HELD IN THE
OFFICES OF FEDERATED FARMERS NEW ZEALAND INC, AGRICULTURE
HOUSE, 12 JOHNSON STREET, WELLINGTON ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY
20 AND 21 MARCH 2000 COMMENCING AT 11.55 AM ON MONDAY 20
MARCH 2000.
_________________________________________________________

PRESENT Mr T Gavin (President in the Chair) Mrs J Lorimer,
Messrs D Bell, L McKenzie, T Taiaroa, S C Goodman (Executive
Secretary) and T Leslie.

APOLOGIES		Nil

MEETING TIMES

It was agreed that the meeting times as set out in the
agenda be adopted.

AGENDA  It was agreed that the following items be added to
the agenda:

a) Requirements for expense account claims (T Taiaroa) 

b) Interception of bees in Sydney (T Gavin)

c) Agric. Security meeting - Regional ports (T Gavin)

d) Executive elections (T Gavin)

e) Contact with new beekeepers (J  Lorimer)

f) Disease recognition (J Lorimer)

g) Agreed that agenda item 13 (Pest Management) be moved
ahead of item 11, (Marketing/Development) on the agenda
paper.

MINUTES

1       Executive Meeting 13/14 February 2000

The Chairman was authorised to sign the minutes as a true
and correct record.

2       Teleconference meeting 2 March 2000

The Chairman was authorised to sign the minutes as a true
and correct record.

SURVIVAL

1       Financial statements for the year ended 31 December
1999 The Executive Secretary tabled the draft financial
statements to 31 December 1999.  Matters discussed - had all
accrued advertising revenue and printing costs for the
Beekeeper been included; increased meeting costs due to the
changes agreed;  pest management costs;  inclusion of
interest paid to the trust included as bank charges.

The meeting agreed that the draft financial statements
disclosing an estimated deficit of $79777, be adopted for
presentation to the auditor, acknowledging there may be
minor adjustments still required. ACTION: T LESLIE

LUNCH

The meeting adjourned at 12.50 pm for lunch and reconvened
at 1.33 pm.

SURVIVAL

2       Apiary Register

It was acknowledged that the register was an integral part
of the Associations financial records.

INSURANCE

The Executive met with David Bristow of Special Risks
Insurance International Ltd to consider a proposal for a
compulsory national bee disease insurance scheme.  It was
agreed that Mr Bristow would provide an article for the
Beekeeper, following which the Executive would decide if a
remit should be submitted to members at the AGM

ACTION: D BRISTOW

SURVIVAL

3       Budget for the year 2000

Amended 28.3.00  The meeting considered the Executive
Secretary's paper of the 8 March 2000, being a working paper
in respect of the continuing development of the 2000 budget.

The meeting then reviewed the levels of expenditure within
each aspect of the Association's activities.

Savings of $28353 were made in Administration expenditure.

Publications -  a saving of $8316, to achieve a break even
situation.

A saving of $2700 within Marketing/Development for EU
expenses.

ACTION: S GOODMAN

It was also agreed that applications be lodged with the
Trustees for :-

a) Part of the Federated Farmers  fee for administration

b) Expenses in relation to the surfactants publications

c) Spore testing within the Pest Management Strategy.   

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

The revised figures for the 2000 budget are:-

	Administration			  1946

        Publications                         0

        Marketing/Dev                    22251

        Pest Mtge. Strat.               -14330

        Surplus                           9867

Further savings of $25800 to be achieved if funds are
available from the Trustees.

Levels of income from the levy were based on figures
supplied by Agriquality and a collection level of  92%, ie

   85%  collectable

   10%  collectable less costs of recovery (a net 7%)

    5%  uncollectable

ADJOURNMENT	

The meeting adjourned at 5.25pm  and reconvened at 9.11 am
on Tuesday 21 March 2000

SURVIVAL

3       Budget for the year 2000

The Executive reviewed its decision of the previous day in
respect of this years conference, and agreed that the NBA
would only meet the following executive costs:-

Arrival on the morning of Tuesday

Departure late on Friday

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

The Executive accepted that regular monthly review  - actual
to budget would be required, and the Executive Secretary was
requested to ensure that monthly reports were available to
the Executive within 10 working days of the end of the
month.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

CALENDAR  2000

The Executive reviewed the draft 2000 calendar of activities
and this was approved after suitable amendment. (see
appendix 1)

For future face to face Executive meetings the members of
the Executive would assemble mid-day Sunday for preliminary
discussion and debate and the formal meeting would commence
at 9.00am on the Monday for a one day meeting.

ACTION: T LESLIE

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES        

1       Executive Meeting 13/14 February 2000

The Executive Secretary to check that clarification had been
sent to Gisborne branch as to the days for the Industry AGM

ADMINISTRATION

1       Remits and Rule Changes

A) It was agreed that the Executive would discuss standing
order 40 at its next meeting.

B) The Executive Secretary to check the wording of Rule 6
(a), (1)

C) General discussion took place in respect of the situation
of "other" partners and voting.

D) The meeting noted proposed rule changes from Mr N
Wallingford, to rules 16(a) and 17(c), (vii) and it was
agreed in terms of existing Executive policy these be
referred to the Association's Solicitor for comment.

ACTION: S GOODMAN

2	Conference Update

The Chairman indicated that he had not been in contact with
Mr Foster since the last meeting.

3 OSH Safety Plan

Mr McKenzie reported no further action.         

4 Code of Practice

General discussion took place on this subject during which
it was noted  -

a)      An application for funding from the Trustees had
been prepared

b)      That MAF had a template to assist.

d) No further contact had been made with the Southland
branch.

Agreed Messrs T Gavin and L McKenzie would pursue.

ACTION: T GAVIN/L McKENZIE

5 ACC

Nil action, delete from future agenda papers

6 Privacy Commissioner

The Chairman reported that he had responded to the
Commission, and it was agreed to delete this item from
future agendas.

7 Annual Report for 1999

It was agreed that members of sub committees provide the
Chairman reports on activities for 1999, and the Executive
Secretary was asked to advise those not present at this
meeting of this request.

ACTION: EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

8 Composition of the Executive

It was noted that the following terms of office expire this
year -

        T Taiaroa

        L McKenzie

        J Lorimer

In addition, the vacancy on the Executive was for a one year
period.

FINANCE

1       Levy collection, including bad debts

Mr Leslie reported that communication was being made with
all beekeepers who were unfinancial in respect of the 1999
apiary levy.  Further follow up would be undertaken once the
pressing work load involved with the levy for this year had
passed.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

2      Accounts for Payment

The meeting considered the cheque register dated 20.3.00 and
accounts paid totalling $95,663.66 were ratified,
represented by cheque numbers 000680 to 00714, 15501 to
15910, 500308 to 500350, 16003/4.  The Executive approved
the account of CHB for payment $5611.82.

3       Expense Claims

Members were advised that in respect of claims for expenses
supporting invoices or receipts were required for audit and
GST purposes, eg telephone accounts with relevant toll calls
highlighted.

4       Application to Industry Trust for NBA Funding

The meeting noted that the request for a grant had been
declined.  A loan of $30,000 had been made, repayable on 31
March 2000.  Agreed that the Executive Secretary seek
repayment deferment until 31 May 2000.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

5       Applications to the Trust

Mr D Bell undertook to make further enquiries about the
AgriChemicals application in respect of the spray drift
advisory committee.

ACTION: D BELL

6       Deferment Procedure

In the absence of any draft guidelines, the Executive
Secretary was asked to review past criteria and follow up
with an Executive conference call.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

7       Filing Cabinet

The Executive Secretary reported that Federated Farmers had
loaned the Association two filing cabinets.

PUBLICATIONS

1 Profile Document

The meeting noted no further progress with the preparation
of a revised/new profile document.  Mr L McKenzie indicated
that he would talk to the publishers of Strategies for
'Greening' the NZ Honey Industry.

ACTION: L McKENZIE

2 Responsibilities for Web page 

The meeting was advised that arrangements had been made for
an ISP in Tauranga together with the costs involved, however
material needed updating.

It was agreed that only the Executive Secretary and the
nominated Executive member (currently Mr L McKenzie) be
authorised to up date the material on the web site.

3 Nectar and Pollen Sources

Mrs J Lorimer agreed to make a copy available to the
Executive Secretary, who would obtain cost of reproduction.

ACTION: J LORIMER/T LESLIE

PEST MANAGEMENT

1 Pest Management Strategy

No report was available from the review committee.  The
meeting reviewed Mr Reid's e-mail of 11 February 2000, and
it was agreed:

a) that the details of the 216 apiaries inspected by
obtained, together with the costs involved and these costs
be recovered from the respective beekeepers.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

b) The Executive Secretary to draft a suitable letter from
the NBA to all recipients of ADRs warning them of the
penalties of non compliance with the legislation and
advising them that the NBA would be taking steps to impose
the penalties provided within the legislation.  The letter
to be discussed with Federated Farmer's solicitor.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

c) That the Executive Secretary draft a letter to be sent to
those beekeepers who had not completed their certificate of
inspection advising that the NBA intended to take action to
impose the penalties provided in the legislation.  This
letter also to be discussed with Federated Farmer's
solicitor.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12.40 pm for lunch and reconvened
at 1.30 pm.

PEST MANAGEMENT

1 Pest Management Study (Cont'd)

The meeting considered a letter dated 14 March 2000 from MAF
Policy adviser in respect of  "appointment renewals for
authorised persons" and it was agreed that this be referred
to AgriQuality for comment.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

2 PMS Facilitator

Mrs J Lorimer tabled a job description.  It was agreed that
this be considered in the light of the operational plan, and
Mrs J Lorimer was asked to further develop the proposal,
with assistance, from others within the industry.  (Note -
latter in the meeting Mr T Taiaroa agreed to assist in this
project.)

ACTION: J LORIMER/T TAIAROA

3 Disputes Arbitrator

The Executive secretary to confirm Mr I Berry's appointment.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

4 Review Committee

Mr L McKenzie reported that Mr Andy Booth had agreed to
serve on the committee.

5 Draft Biosecurity Research Strategy

The Chairman undertook to follow this up.

ACTION: T GAVIN

6 Cost of Disease Control

Agree to await the response to the letter to "all"
beekeepers.

7 AgriQuality Contract

Subject to consideration by the review committee.

ACTION: REVIEW COMMITTEE

8 Revenue from Residue Testing

Agreed that the Executive Secretary write to AgriQuality
seeking payment of fees collected by them from beekeepers
for residue testing.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

9 Review Committee

It was agreed that the Minister be advised of the
construction of the review committee together with a brief
pen picture of the members.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

10 Disease Recognition

Mrs J Lorimer sought guidance in the case of two dyslexic
beekeepers wishing to undertake the trainers course.  Agreed
that this should be discussed with Mr R Hatfield, contractor
for the examinations.

ACTION: T LESLIE

11 Trainers

Mrs J Lorimer sought guidance in respect of trainers who
declined to actually carry out training.  It was the opinion
of the Executive that in the absence of any agreement
between the branch and the trainers, there was little that
could be done.

It was agreed that the Chairman would discuss with Mr
Stephenson, the outcome of the training course at Ruakura,
including financials, confirming the details in writing.

Concern was expressed as to lack of information on the
tests, and Mr T Taiaroa undertook to obtain the information
from the Chairman and printed the detail in the Beekeeper.

ACTION: T GAVIN

MARKETING/DEVELOPMENT

1 Marketing Facilitator Contract

Mrs J Lorimer indicated that it was unlikely that a contract
would be completed.  Arrangements with Floyd Marketing would
continue, and similar budget criteria would be applied.

2 Labelling Requirement

No further developments.  Item to be deleted from future
agendas, until some action was required.

3 Import Standards for Bee Products

Mr L McKenzie reported there had been no developments, but
the issue should be retained on the agenda paper.

ACTION: AGENDA

4 Animal Products Act

Mr L McKenzie suggested that the topic should be kept under
review.

ACTION:  REVIEW

5 ERMA - Pollen Supplement

The Chairman indicated nothing new to report.

6 Application to Import Western Australian Honey

The Chairman stated that nothing further had developed.  Mr
L McKenzie commented on an article on the web site.

7 Field Days - Mystery Creek

Mrs J Lorimer reported on financial assistance from the
Trustees.  The site had been paid for, and a marquee order.
Bill Floyd and Trevor Bryant would be among those assisting.

8 Bees to United Kingdom

Mr L McKenzie advised that he had spoken to Mr J Edwards and
a letter was being prepared setting out the details.

ACTION: L McKENZIE

9 IHEO

The Chairman stated that he had still to ascertain from Mr I
Berry the present situation of the NBA's IHEO
representative.

ACTION: T GAVIN

10 Strategy for Greening

Agreed that this paper be received.

11 Contact with New Beekeepers

Mrs J Lorimer expressed concern that the Association was not
in contact with beekeepers who were added to the apiary
register after the 1 June date.

It was agreed that the Executive Secretary ascertain what
action the NBA needs to take to access the apiary register
direct, such enquiry to include details of all costs
involved.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

RESEARCH

1       Surfactant Report

Mr D Bell reported that the Pesticides Board would be
meeting in the near future, following which aspects of the
report should be known.

2 Genetically Modified Organisms

Mr L McKenzie was of the opinion that media comment
indicated a more balanced attitude from the Government.

3 Landcare Research - Biological Control of Broom

Noted no action from ERMA.

4 FRST

Nothing to report

5 Honey Research Unit

Delete from future agendas

ACTION: T LESLIE

6 Phenol Testing

The Chairman reported that he had been unable to discuss
this item with Mr P Bray but would do so shortly.

ACTION: T GAVIN

7 RARU

Mrs J Lorimer reported a meeting had not been held.

PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

2       Facilitator (Cont'd)

A further review of this topic resulted in Mr T Taiaroa
offering to assist Mrs J Lorimer.

12 Apiary Register

It was agreed the Executive Secretary would refer any
document relating to the accuracy of the register to Mr
Ashley Edge of Biosecurity.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

CORRESPONDENCE

The outwards and inwards correspondence was approved.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1 Mr T Leslie indicated that he wished Mr L McKenzie to
review his letter to the Minister on the subject of an
extension to the drought relief policy.

ACTION: T LESLIE/ L McKENZIE

2 The meeting considered correspondence from MAF Biosecurity
in respect of the interception of bees in Sydney.  It was
agreed that the Association should write to the Minister
expressing concern that this matter had not been drawn to
the attention of the NBA by the Ministry, and requesting
that in future any similar incidents should be advised to
the Association.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE

4 The chairman advised that at the recent meeting with
biosecurity, it appeared that they had adequate coverage in
the smaller ports.  He would circulate the relevant paper to
members of the Executive.

ACTION: T GAVIN

5 While discussing the subject of communication with
branches, it was agreed that a nomination form for the
Executive would be included in the next issue of the
Beekeeper.

ACTION: S GOODMAN/T LESLIE/T TAIAROA

6 Mr D Bell offered to draft a 'word picture' in relation to
the financial statements for submission to the branches.

ACTION: D BELL

NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Executive would
be a TELECONFERENCE meeting on the evening of TUESDAY, 19
APRIL, 2000 COMMENCING AT 7.30 PM

CONCLUSION

The meeting concluded at 4.07 pm

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

CONFERENCE CALL 7.30 PM, TUESDAY, 19 APRIL 2000