Minutes of the 2001 Annual General Meeting and Conference of
Branch Delegates of the National Beekeepers' Association of New
Zealand (Inc.) held at the Rydges Lakeside Resort, 54 Lake
Esplanade, Queenstown on 25 & 26 July 2001, commencing at 8.40am
on the 25th.

1.      President, Richard Hatfield opened the 2001 AGM at 8.40am
on July 25 2001.  He welcomed all to he meeting and thanked the
Conference Committee for their organisation of what had so far
been an excellent Conference in an excellent venue and setting.

Dorothy Lamsdale read the conference prayer.

2.      Apologies

Messrs:

D Hoole                 Northland

N Wallingford           Bay of Plenty

D Lorimer               Waikato

B Foster                Poverty Bay

J Berry                 Hawkes Bay

R McCammon              Southern North Island

J Black                 Southern North Island

J Hartnell              Canterbury

G McCallum              North Otago

M Menlove               Southland

3.      Obituaries

The conference recognised the following members/friends of the
NBA who had passed away in the last 12 months.

Messrs:

Joe Lawrence

Arnold Harris

Bruce Jenkins

Maurice Deadman

Lex Cranstone

Gregor McGregor

Ivan Bond

Bob Wotherspoon

4.      Minutes of the 2000 AGM held in Gisborne, 18 & 19 July
2000.

"That the minutes of the 2000 AGM and Conference of Branch
Delegates held at the Sundown Motor Lodge, Gisborne on 18 & 19
July 2000 are an accurate record."

A Richardson/T Lorimer          Carried

5.      Matters Arising - Nil.

6.      The Meeting adjourned at 8.50am for a presentation on
regulations relating to honey production by Mr G Neal from MAF
Food Assurance Authority.

7.      The Meeting reconvened at 9.20am.  Mrs J Lorimer (NBA
Exec member) stated that the NBA Executive is working with MAF to
minimise the effects of regulatory change on NBA members.

8.      President's Address

Richard Hatfield presented his Annual Address that focused on the
themes of: -

maintaining financial stability for NBA.

accountability to the membership.

organisational restructure to better reflect the needs of
members.

compliance simplification.

9.      Reports

Philip Cropp, Executive Member responsible for the Export and
Marketing Portfolios reported and introduced Mr John Rawcliffe to
the meeting.  Mr Cropp explained that Mr Rawcliffe is employed to
project manage specific marketing committee initiatives,
initially; a honey quality assurance project and a project to
market bush type honeys.

10.     Mayoral Welcome

At 9.45am, Hon Warren Cooper, Mayor of Queenstown Lakes District
Council, gave a brief (and humorous) address and declared the
Conference open with a welcome to Queenstown.  Blair Dale,
Chairman, Otago Branch NBA, presented the Mayor with an evergreen
tree and thanked him for his address.

11.     The Conference adjourned at 10.10am for the Conference
photograph and morning tea.

12.     Conference reconvened at 10.45am.

Dr Jim Edwards, MAF, gave a presentation to start a consultation
with the bee industry on the importation of West Australian
Honey.  The West Australians have applied to New Zealand to
export honey to New Zealand based on their freedom from European
Foul Brood Disease.

13.     Report from Hort Research at 11.10am.

Dr Mark Goodwin, Hort Research, Ruakura, presented a report
detailing the last year and a look at priorities for the next 12
months.

14.     Report: Communications: - Lin McKenzie

Lin McKenzie reported on the Communications portfolio and Mrs
Christine Taiaroa gave a report on NBA Library activity.

15.     Report: Support - Lin McKenzie

Mr McKenzie reported on the successful application to the
Sustainable Farm Fund for a 3-year programme to assist beekeepers
in their business management.

16.     Report - Environment - Jane Lorimer

Jane Lorimer reported on activity in the last 12 months and
thanked the committee of Barry Foster, Peter Burt, Stephen Lee
and John Thomas for their assistance.

17.     Finance & Budget- Jane Lorimer

Annual Audited Financial Statement:

Jane Lorimer presented the Audited Financial Statements for the
2000 year'.  These represented an $84,214. 00 turn around from
the 1999-year figures which were a deficit of $282.00.

"That the audited accounts for the year 1 January 2000 to 31
December 2000 be accepted."

J Lorimer/A Richards            Carried

A McCaw congratulated the Executive on the turnaround.

Six Month Report

June Lorimer then presented the conference with an update for the
six months ended 30 June 2001.  This showed a surplus (unaudited)
for the period.  Jane reminded the meeting though that as most
levy has now been collected, the rest of the year would require
careful management.

The meeting adjourned at 12.15 p.m. for lunch and afternoon
tours.

2nd Day of AGM

President Richard Hatfield called the meeting to order at 7.40am.

Apologies as per first day.  A quorum was present.

18.     Special Meeting to Consider Rule Changes

Mr R Berry (Waikato) raised a point of order regarding the
validity of the meeting as the agenda gave the mistaken
impression that rule changes were to be considered by the AGM,
not the special meeting.

Several delegates stated that they supported this interpretation.

Mr A McCaw reminded the meeting that rule changes could only be
considered at a "Special Meeting" as per Rule 29.

The President ruled that the notification for the rule changes
was in order.

Moved: -

"That the rule changes as proposed by the Executive cannot be
accepted as they are not in a form that can be passed"

A McCaw/D Stedman

Amendment: -

"That the Special General Meeting refer the rule changes as
proposed by the Executive to the Conference of Branch Delegates
for further discussion."

A McCaw/A Richards      Carried

The amended motion was then put as the motion.

Carried

Rule Changes Proposed by Nick Wallingford

Rule 16(a): -

Rule 16(a) currently reads: "The Executive shall consist of six
persons who are either members of the Association or the
representatives of corporations which are members, three being
resident in the North Island and three in the South lsland."

The proposed rule change is to insert the following parenthetical
expression after the words "six persons": "(or fewer than six if
the Executive chooses to not appoint a replacement Executive
member in the event of a casual vacancy)"


Moved: -  P Berry/D Stedman

13      for

1       against

2       abstentions

Carried

Rule 17 (c) vii

Rule 17(c)(vii) currently reads "Forwarding to Branches copies of
minutes and reports of meetings of the Association and the
Executive, to be within 14 days of such meetings being held."

The proposed rule change is to delete the phrase "to be within 14
days of such meetings being held".

Moved: - D Stedman/P Berry

6       for

6       against

4       abstentions

The Chairman declared the motion lost.

A poll vote was called for.

The meeting Chairman appointed Mary-Anne Lindsay and Angela
Crompton as Scrutineers.

Poll Vote Results

For 285

Against 285

Abstentions 19

The Chairman declared the motion lost and closed the special
meeting at 8.25 am.

A break was called and the President reconvened the 2001 Annual
General meeting at 8.55 am.

19.     Resolutions from the Executive

Agenda item 15.1        Honoraria

Motion to raise honorariums: "That NBA honorariums be set at:

President       $10,000

Vice President  $  3,000

Executive       $  3,000

Standing Committee Chairs       $  1,000;

and that they be paid in equal instalments twice per year."

F Lindsay/A Richards

Amendment: "remove the category of Vice President"

D Stedman/P Berry                       Carried

Amendment: -

The President honorarium be $5,000"

R Berry/G Cammell                       Withdrawn

Amendment: - The President Honorarium be $6,000 and Executive
members honoraria be set at $4,000.00

12      for

30      against

8       abstentions

Lost

Amendment: - "That the sum of $30,000.00 be budgeted for
honoraria for the NBA President, Executive members, Standing
Committee Chairmen and it to be apportioned as the Executive sees
fit."

M Stuckey/T Lorimer

Amendment carried and then moved as the motion.

The amendment was carried as the motion.

Agenda item 15.2.

That the Executive puts in place a policy to maintain a minimum
of 1/3 of total annual turnover as a standing reserve and this
reserve is used to manage the cash flow of the NBA by the 2003
financial year.

J Lorimer/L McKenzie            Carried

Agenda item 15.3.

That subject to cash flow resolution being adopted the 2003 levy
be reduced by 10%, and that subject to 95% collection rate within
the same year of entitlement that the levy be reduced by 10%
compounded for the 2004 levy year.

P Berry/S Brown                 Lost

Agenda item 15.4 - withdrawn

Providing the proposed rule change to rule 16 is carried, the
branch representatives be elected at the AGM in anticipation of
the rule changes being registered so that the new Board can be in
place as soon as practically possible.

A brief discussion on Executive workload was held.

"The Executive appoint an Executive Officer to reduce workload on
the Executive." P Berry/J Berry

13 for

17 against

17 abstentions

Lost

21 Mr I Dickinson gave a brief report on the performance of the
Honey Trusts at.

The Conference adjourned at 10.05am for morning tea.

The Conference, under the Chairmanship of NBA Vice President Don
Bell, reconvened at 10.30am for an address from Professor Dr.
Klaus Ammann, Director Botanical Garden University of Bern

The President, Mr. Richard Hatfield declared the Conference of
Branch Delegates open at 11.25am

There were no apologies.

Otago Branch nominated as Scrutineers Mr. S Olds and Miss F
Trewby.

Otago Branch nominated Mr. N Walker as timekeeper.

Conference agreed by consensus that Olds, Trewby and Walker be
accepted as Scrutineers and timekeeper respectively.

Speaking times were agreed as:

5 minutes mover

3 minutes seconder

3 minutes subsequent speakers

The President asked the Conference of Branch Delegates if they
accepted the two late remits.  One from A McCaw and one from
Poverty Bay Branch:

Remit from Allen McCaw (received 25/06/01):

"That this conference recommends that the NBA ceases to collect
levies for the purposes of marketing work, and that the levy for
the 2001 year be reduced by $6.00 (six dollars) per apiary in
recognition of this action."

Mr. McCaw's remit was not accepted as three or more branches did
not wish to accept it.

Remit from Poverty Bay Branch (received 11/07/01)

"That this conference affirms the NBA submission to the Royal
Commission on GM for a moratorium with annual review on open
release of GM plants and in particular plants visited by bees. We
request that the Executive continue to lobby Government for such
a moratorium if necessary after the Royal Commission on GM
delivers its findings."

The remit from Poverty Bay Branch was accepted for debate.

The President tabled a report on action taken on remits passed at
the 2000 Conference (attached)

The President tabled the Executive's proposed policy for handling
remits:

Remit Policy

Background

In previous years there have been many late remits that have
taken up much of the debate. The intention of this policy is to
set out the conditions that remits and late remits will be
debated.

Policy

Remits will be tabled in accordance with the rules of the
association. All remits will be debated at the remit debate.

The Chair of the remit debate may impose a guillotine based on
the length of time for all remits to be debated and the number of
remits. The chair will reorder the remits to ensure that
effective use of time occurs.

Late Remits

The chair will only accept late remits if:

1. The proposer and seconder can demonstrate that the matter to
be discussed is:

a. Urgent matter to the NBA or Beekeeping and

b. The matter could have not been raised through the normal remit
process as it did not become apparent within the timeframe.

2. and, In the sole opinion of the chair and the vice chair that
the matter needs to be discussed, and

3. the floor accepts such late remit in accordance with the rules
and

4. They are tabled to the chair at the opening of the remit
debate.

Late remits will always be heard after the main remit debate. No
late remits will be accepted after the opening by the chair.

Agenda

1. Open the Meeting

2. Receive late remits

3. Report on last years remits

4. Chair sets out the order of debate the guillotines if
applicable.

5. Chair sets out rules of debate

6. Remits

7. Late remits

8. Debate close.

Remit debating rules

The remit debating rules will follow the executive debating rules
as set out in the executive policy.

Reporting and recording

The Executive Secretary shall record the meeting and it shall be
reported within three months in the Beekeeper. Each successful
remit shall be allocated to a portfolio and that will be made
known to the membership via the beekeeper.

The Conference instructed that the policy should lie on the table
for the incoming Executive to deal with.

Remit 1 (14)    T Gavin/P Berry

That the line between the buffer and infested zones be maintained
and defended for as long as possible and, if Varroa is found
south of the line, the line be shifted to a sensible geographical
line."

An amendment was moved:

R Berry/J Berry

"After the word line, the words after all other options have been
fully investigated for maintaining the line in its present
position"

Conference voting:

For:        15

Against 1

The amendment was put as the motion:

Conference voting:

For:        15

Against 1

Remit 2 (18)    G Cammell/G Hyink

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive that they
consider the introduction of Varroa tolerant bee stock to the New
Zealand Beekeeping industry, to reduce the effect of Varroa and
improve the economics of the beekeeping industry."

Conference voting:

For:        11

Against 3

Abstentions 2

Remit 3 (22)    The Conference agreed to the Auckland Branch
request to withdraw the motion.

"That the line between the buffer and infected zones be
maintained and defended for as long as possible and, if Varroa is
found south of the line, the line be shifted to a sensible
geographical line."

Remit 4 (16)    R Berry/T Lorimer

"That this Conference recommends to Executive that they seek a
Government enquiry into the handling of the Varroa Situation."

Conference voting:

For:        5

Against 10

Abstentions 1

The Conference of Branch Delegates adjourned for lunch at
12.05pm.

__________________________________

The Annual General Meeting reconvened at 12.50pm.

Don Bell, NBA Vice President presented the Roy Paterson Trophy to
the Auckland Branch of the NBA for the way they have handled the
Varroa incursion in the 16 months since Varroa was found on April
11 2000.  Graham Cammell from the Auckland Branch accepted the
trophy on behalf of the Branch (he was speechless - for a
change!).

The Conference of Branch Delegates reconvened at 1.55pm.

Motion regarding rule changes referred to Conference of Branch
Delegates

R Berry/D Stedman

"The rule changes as proposed by the Executive be referred back
to the incoming Executive for further deliberation and
communication with branches, with a view to having firm rule
changes for presentation at a Special Meeting to be held at our
next Annual Conference."

Conference voting:

For:        15

Against 0

Abstentions 1

Remit 5 (8)     F McKenzie/P Berry (Hawkes Bay)

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive that, The NBA
commission an investigation into the options available for the
treatment and or eradication of European Foulbrood in New
Zealand."

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

Remit 6 (7)     The Conference agreed to the Southland Branch
request to withdraw the motion.

That this conference recommends to the Executive that they take
the needed steps to ensure the antibiotic tetracycline is
registered with the appropriate authorities for use in New
Zealand beehives in the event that European Foulbrood is declared
endemic in New Zealand.

Remit 7 (17)    G Cammell/J Wright

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
consider that the following become an essential memorandum for
all future Conference procedure: -

That Delegates be asked at the opening of the Remit Session, to
respond to the question: - "Are Branches satisfied with the
Exotic Bee Disease Surveillance that has been carried out in the
past 12 months?"  If a Branch Delegate replies in the negative,
then that Delegate must give reason/s.  The Executive should then
take not of such reason/s and act appropriately."

Conference voting:

For:        7

Against 8

Abstentions 1

A poll vote was called:

Poll vote result:

For:   444

Against 495

Abstentions 11

Remit 8 (11)    T Scott/S Brown

"This conference recommends to Executive on behalf of the New
Zealand Hobbyist Beekeepers that Executive negotiates with
Government for the removal of the Statutory Declaration clause."

Amendment moved:        A McCaw/P Cropp

"after the final word, the following be added: under the
Commodity Levies (Bee Products) Order 1996."

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

The amendment motion became the motion and was put:

"This conference recommends to Executive on behalf of the New
Zealand Hobbyist Beekeepers that Executive negotiates with
Government for the removal of the Statutory Declaration clause
under the Commodity Levies (Bee Products) Order 1996."

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

Remit 9 (10)    T Scott/S Brown

"This conference recommends to the Executive that the cost of EU
Residue testing be directed to and funded from the Honey
Marketing Committee."

Conference voting:

For:        1

Against 14

Abstentions 1

Remit 10 (9)    F McKenzie/D Stedman

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive that they
ensure that any policies adopted by them are formulated in
accordance with the provisions and spirit of the Rules of the
Association and comply with governing legislation."

Conference voting:

For:        14

Against 0

Abstentions 2

Remit 11 (13)   A Richards/F Lindsay

"That this conference recommends to the Executive that they
establish template contracts to be available to beekeepers for
the purchase/selling of bees, hive products and services."

Conference voting:

For:        3

Against 12

Nelson Branch Absent

Remit 12 (15)   R Berry/T Lorimer

"That this Conference recommends to Executive that they
facilitate the development of clover that produces Nectar and
persists for many years in pasture."

Conference voting:

For:        14

Against 2

Remit 13 (1)    G Hyink/B Hooten

That this Conference recommends to the Executive that each Branch
receive a grant each year and that the grant is not less than 1
1/2% of the total levy and Ordinary membership fees collected
from that branch.

Conference voting:

For:        6

Against 10

Remit 14 (2)    G Hyink/B Hooten

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive that they make
a request to Government for an increase in the number of
Apicultural Advisory Officers with AgriQuality."

Conference voting:

For:        6

Against 10

Remit 15 (3)    G Hyink/B Hooten

"That this Conference recommends to Executive that the Beekeeper
magazine be published six times only per year."

Conference voting:

For:        1

Against 15

Remit 16 (4)    G Hyink/B Hooten

"That this Conference recommends to Executive that AgriQuality
remain responsible for the maintenance of the Apiary Register."

Conference voting:

For:        7

Against 9

Remit 17 (5)    G Hyink/B Hooten

"That this Conference recommends to Executive that persons
appointed as Authorised Persons (Level 1) under the Pest
Management Strategy is from an independent agency only."

Conference voting:

For:        7

Against 9

Remit 18 (6)    G Hyink/B Hooten

"That this Conference recommends to Executive that this industry
express its total opposition to the use of Imidacloprid
(Gaucho)."

An amendment was moved: R Berry/T Taiaroa

"Remove the words total opposition and replace with concern."

Conference voting:

For:        14

Against 2

The new motion was put:

"That this Conference recommends to Executive that this industry
express its concern to the use of Imidacloprid (Gaucho)."

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

Remit 19 (12)   A Richards/F Lindsay

"That this conference recommends to the Executive that the
marketing committee presents to the AGM of the NBA, a report that
shows expenditure for projects for the ensuing 12 months for
delegates to vote on."

An amendment was moved: D Stedman/A Richards

"Take the words ...report that shows expenditure for projects and
replace with business plan."

Conference voting:

For:        13

Against 2

Abstentions 1

A further amendment was moved:  G Cammell/J Berry

"Remove the words 'for the ensuing 12 months'"

At the request of the meeting the movers agreed to withdraw their
amendment and replace with:

"Take out the words 'for delegates to vote on'"

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

The amendment became the motion and was put:

"That this conference recommends to the Executive that the
marketing committee presents to the AGM of the NBA, a business
plan for the ensuing 12 months."

Conference voting:

For:        12

Against 3

Abstentions 1

Remit 20 (19)   G Cammell/J Wright

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive that the
Beekeeping Industry endeavour to co-ordinate rural industries to
speak with one voice to increase pressure on the Government to
provide better border security."

Conference voting:

For:        14

Against 1

Abstentions 1

Remit 21 (20)   G Cammell/J Wright

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that an
approach be made to the Government to get all incoming containers
opened and their contents inspected, to control the importation
of exotic diseases and pests, such as is believed being put into
practice in Australia."

An amendment was moved: D Stedman/G Cammell

"That the word shipping be placed in front of containers and all
words after 'inspected' be dropped."

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

The amended motion was put:

"That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that an
approach be made to the Government to get all incoming shipping
containers opened and their contents inspected."

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

Remit 22 (21)   G Cammell/J Wright

"That this Conference asks the Executive to bring to the notice
of all relevant departments, "That all Government Departments,
including MAF and those responsible for Border Control, should be
controlled by the same rules as we the public are, in that in
1999, huge costs were placed on New Zealand and all Beekeepers by
being lax in allowing the entry of Varroa Mite through their
Border Control, which we believe is contained in their contract."

Conference voting:

For:        3

Against 13

Late Remits:

Remit 23 (Poverty Bay)  P Burt/T Lorimer

"That this conference affirms the NBA submission to the Royal
Commission on GM for a moratorium with annual review on open
release of GM plants and in particular plants visited by bees. We
request that the Executive continue to lobby Government for such
a moratorium if necessary after the Royal Commission on GM
delivers its findings."

Conference voting:

For:        14

Against 0

Abstentions 2

Remit 24 (R Berry)      R Berry/T Lorimer

"That this conference strongly recommends to Executive that an
additional control line be established immediately north of
Wellington along natural boundaries having least effect on
commercial beekeeping in the Wellington area.  This line to stop
any live bee movement from north of this line to south of this
line."

Conference voting:

For:        14

Against 1

Abstentions 1

Remit 25 (A McCaw)      A McCaw/G Cammell

"That this conference recommends to Executive that the Auckland
Branch of the National Beekeepers' Association host the 2002
Conference"

Conference voting:

For:        16

Against 0

The Conference of Branch Delegates was declared closed at 3.10pm.
A recess for afternoon tea was called.

The 2001 Annual General Meeting was reconvened at 3.40pm.

22 AgriQuality New Zealand Ltd

Murray Reid and David McMillan from AgriQuality New Zealand Ltd
reported on AgriQuality's work in the apiary sector during the
last 12 months.

23 PMS Operations

Murray Bush, Chairman PMS Operations Committee reported on PMS
activity.  A full report will appear in the August 2001
Beekeeper.

24 Varroa

Don Bell reported on the last few months of activity in the
Varroa portfolio.  The Varroa Oversight Advisory Committee
comprising a member from each of the 16 branches is functioning
well as the NBA's advisory body.

25      Exotics

Terry Gavin verbally reported that negotiations are underway for
the Exotic Surveillance Programme.

26 Appointment of Auditor

"That the Wellington Office of PriceWaterhouseCoopers be the
NBA's Auditors for the 2001 year."

S Brown/T Lorimer       Carried

27 Appointment of Legal Advisors

"That Michael Smith act for the NBA on Civil matters (debt
collection)"

S Brown/T Lorimer       Carried

"That Jane Forrest of Philips Fox act for the NBA on Criminal
Matters"

S Brown/T Lorimer       Carried

28 Election of President

"That Don Bell be nominated as NBA President for the coming year"

R Berry/T Taiaroa       Carried

Richard Hatfield declared Don Bell duly elected and welcomed him
to the top table to conclude proceedings.

29 Election of Vice President

"That Lin McKenzie be nominated as NBA Vice President for the
coming year"

R Berry/A Laurence      Carried

Lin McKenzie duly elected.

30 Life Membership of the Association

"That G Murray Reid be nominated as a Life Member of the National
Beekeepers Association of New Zealand (Inc.)

A McCaw/L McKenzie      Carried

Many members present, including Messrs McCaw and McKenzie spoke
of Mr Reid's long service to the bee industry.

31 Recognition of retiring Executive.

Don Bell spoke of Richard Hatfield's contribution to the
Executive during the last 12 months and presented him with an
engraved pen as a momento of his time as President and member of
the Executive.

Mr Bell then spoke of Terry Gavin's long service to the NBA and
thanked him also on behalf of the industry.  Mr Gavin was also
presented with an engraved pen.

32 Closure

The new President of the NBA, Don Bell thanked all for their
positive input to the conference, wished them a safe journey home
and closed the 2001 Conference at 5.05pm.