Minutes of the National Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand (Inc.) Executive meeting, held in Wellington 17th 18th and 19th of May 1999. Chairman Mr. Russell Berry. Ph 07 3666 111 (c) Executive Form number F.3. Copyright to the NBA Chairman Mr. Russell Berry, Vice Chairman Mr. Terry Gavin, Mr. Don Bell, Mr. Tony Taiaroa, Mr. Lin McKenzie, Mr. Bruce Stevenson and Executive secretary Mr. Harry Brown. Welcome and call to order. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1.00pm and welcomed every one to the meeting. 1. Apologies There were no apologies. Conduct of meeting Start / finish times Finish 5.30pm today 8.30am start tomorrow 5.30pm finish 8.30am start Wednesday 4.00pm finish Wednesday 2. Confirmation of agenda Reordering of items Agenda priorities set 3. Items not being raised elsewhere to be added to the agenda 51. Health Insurance 52. Amber Honey Stocks 53.Threeway Calls 54. Sugar 12.9 55. Improper access to accountant 56. Computer virus 57. E.R.M.A. 58. Animal Products Bill 59. PMS for Exotics 60. Research on Surfactants 61. Airline Fares 62. Rules 1998 63. Apiary Register access and accuracy (4.9) 64. Press release 65. Federated Farmers 66. ACC (propolis/bee stings) 67. Field Days are they public places? 68. PMS Complaints procedure 69. Code of Practice 70. Advise the Minister of a Remit to Conference to increase the levy in the year 2000. 71. EU cost recoveries. 72. Marketing report. 73. Infant Botulism. 74. Insurance cover. 4. Minutes of the March 1999 Executive meeting be approved. Outcomes: Russell Berry Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That the Chairman be authorised to sign these minutes with the following changes noted, page 2: change Commodities levy to Biosecurity Act, page 4 change Royal Jelly pollen etc comments in relation to the Food Standards Review Committee to read the Regulations Review Select Committee. Motion Carried. Matters arising from those minutes. Executive secretary is still to evaluate the late comments in relation to the 1998 AGM. Tony is still to write to the Branches re letters to Colonies though he has spoken to a number of Branches 5. Finance. That the Executive move into Committee. Terry Gavin Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That we move into Committee. Motion Carried. Terry Gavin Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That we move out of Committee. Motion Carried. 6. Levy collection to date. Outcome. The Executive secretary reported that the 1999 collection to the end of April was ahead of 1998 $277,000 has been collected. 8. Bad debts: Debt collectors working for the NBA have collected $3803.00 of the outstanding levies for 1998. They are confident of collecting the balance. 1998 levies still outstanding are $7771.00. 9. Cheque registers. Cheque numbers 500209 - 500 234 January. (19.6) Terry Gavin Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That the payments made by the above Cheque numbers be approved (all Inclusive). Motion Carried. Cheques numbers 500 235 - 500251 February. (19.6) Terry Gavin Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That the payments made by the above Cheque numbers be approved (all Inclusive). Motion Carried. Cheques numbers 500 252 - 5002787 March. (19.6). Tony Taiaroa Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That it be left to lie on the table till clarification is received over two Cheques. Motion Carried. Cheques numbers 500 279 - 500 300 and 000551 - 000552. April (19.6) Tony Taiaroa Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That the payments made by the above Cheque numbers be approved (all Inclusive). Motion Carried. 7. March accrued accounts. Outcomes: Lin McKenzie Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That the approval be deferred until the problems with the accrual system are corrected. Motion Carried. Bruce and Lin emphasised that the Cheque register must be accurate to achieve accurate reporting. 11. EOY Financial report (16.3) Outcomes: Don Bell Moved, Lin McKenzie Seconded, That the audited accounts be received and made available for publication. Motion Carried. 12. Auditors report (19.3) Outcome: Don Bell Moved, Lin McKenzie Seconded, That item nine on the report be received. Motion Carried. Executive secretary is to request confirmation from all NBA contractors that they can meet the 2YK requirements including his own Company. Item ten of the report was left to lie on the table till tomorrow. Meeting adjourned at 3.20pm. Meeting reconvened at 3.35pm. Executive issues. 14. Affiliation of other Honey producing countries (Lin). Outcome: No action required at this stage. 17. Roy Paterson winner for 1999. Terry to report progress. Close off date for nominations is the 14th of June. Outcome: There are no nominations received to date. 20. Life Membership request (19.10) Outcome: Lin McKenzie Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That we adopt this recommendation and the Executive secretary is to prepare a Certificate for presentation at the AGM. Motion Carried. 21. Request from Waikato Branch to send personnel to Apimondia (19.11) Outcome: It was agreed to decline the opportunity due to the lack of funds. 22. Clarification required from Waikato on the progress of a 1998 Proposed Rule change (19.12). Outcome: No action required. 23. E.U. Residue results for 1999. (14.1) Outcome: It was agreed to receive this report and have it reprinted in the Magazine. 24. Western Australian Submission. Outcome: Terry Gavin Moved, Lin McKenzie Seconded, That we endorse this submission. Motion Carried. 19. Pitcairn Island Submission. Outcome: Terry Gavin Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That we endorse this submission. Motion Carried. 20. Broom Beetle Submission. Outcome: Terry Gavin Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That we endorse this submission Motion Carried. 21. Defamation settlement (11.4). Outcome: Tony Taiaroa Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That we receive this report. Motion Carried. 23. NBA Standing Orders. (19.5). Outcome: Don Bell Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That we receive this report after rewording 36 as per the December 1997 Minutes. Motion Carried. 26. IHEO Representative for Apimondi 1999. Outcome: Lin McKenzie Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That Mr. Keith Herron is appointed as the NBA representative. Motion Carried. 27. Executive election update. Returning Officer to report. Outcome: The Returning Officer reported that he had received one nomination for one position in the South Island and three nominations for two positions in the North Island. 28. Do we have a Chairman and vice Chairman available for the 1999 AGM? Outcome: No action required at this stage. 29. Proposed Rule changes - Hawke's Bay (Tony). Outcome: Russell Berry Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That the report be left to lie on the table. Motion carried. 30. AFB Dog update. Outcome: Nothing to report. 43. Publications Chairman report. Outcome: Magazine versus budget to date. The Publications Chairman reported that expenditure was under budget. 44. Profile magazine. Outcomes: It was agreed to have outsiders proof this document before we move on to the next stage. It will be decided then if we can afford to print it. Publications Committee to report to the Executive tomorrow. 45. Conference update. Outcome: No problems it is progressing very well. 47. Request for ARAC to revise the Trust Application Form as recommended in a referees report (19.8). Outcome: Terry Gavin Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That Executive secretary request the Committee to update the form mentioned. Motion Carried. 48. A request from a BoP member for the release of information in relation to Trust Grants (15.1). Outcome: It was agreed the Executive secretary would send a copy of the audit trail that he had sent to the Auditor for this member's edification. 51. Health Insurance Outcome: It was agreed to receive the report. 52. Amber Honey Stocks Outcome: Don Bell Moved, Lin McKenzie Seconded, That with a large crop of Rewarewa on hand this year that Tony Taiaroa is to raise the issue at the next marketing Committee meeting. Motion Carried. 53. Three-way Calls Outcome. Tony said that he was happy with them but didn't want them to encroach too much in to the Executives Sunday time. 54. Sugar (12.9) Outcome: Don Bell Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That the report be received. Motion Carried. 56. Computer virus Outcome. The Executive secretary reported on a worm virus that he had received from an E-mail message in relation to receiving information for the NBA. This had caused his company expense to have the problem resolved; a virus detector was in place at the time and has been updated to avoid this problem. 57. E.R.M.A. Outcomes: The Chairman reported on his discussion with ERMA and had received assurances that the safeguards were in place. The Executive secretary is to report this to the BoP Branch re their motion. 65. Federated Farmers Outcome: It was agreed that Don would keep a watching brief on this area. 60. Research on Surfactants (19.4) Outcomes: It was agreed that we receive the report. It was agreed that the Executive secretary would send a copy of this outcome to the Canterbury Branch. It was agreed that the Executive secretary would ask Dr Mark Goodwin to write to Agriculture Chemicals Board outlining his results to date with Dons input with the intention of having the appropriate warning labels attached to the product outlining the dangers to bees. 61. Airline Fares Outcomes: It was agreed that it was much cheaper for the Executive to fly at off peak times even where an overnight stay is involved. Tony will send his outcomes to the Executive secretary for evaluation and advice to the Executive. Meeting adjourned at 5.35pm. Meeting reconvened at 8.30am. 70. Revised Budget 17.5.99 Outcomes: Russell presented his deliberations on how we could reduce expenditure by $30,000. PMS Budget was reduced by aprox $6,000. (It has already been reduced from $170,000) The 1999 PMS Budget is now $145,473. Budget for the year 2000 is $141,752. Major costs savings agreed to for this year: Russell and Annette offered their home for the September and December Executive meetings as this would assist in reducing meeting and meal costs by aprox $6000. Journal printing reduced $3000 Profile document not printed $4200 (print if we can obtain sponsorship) Capitation reduced by $3200 Legal costs reduced by $2000 PMS Magazine article costs reduced by $ 650 PMS Contingencies reduced by $5000 Marketing income (Plus) $3000 Capitation is to be suspended to Branches for 1999. Executive secretary is to write to the Branches who have received Capitation for 1999 to invite them to return it to the NBA. If a Branch were desperate for funds the Executive would review the above decision for them. Tony and the Executive secretary to work on Postage costs with NZ Post over some savings presented by Alan Richards who briefly joined the meeting. The Publications Chairman said the $5306.00 paid to Morrison Kent and the $500.00 to McKay Hill needed to be coded to the Publications cost centre, as this was not an administration expense but a Publications expense. Meeting adjourned at 10.15am Meeting reconvened at 10.30am Ms Carole Inkster MAF Policy was welcomed to the meeting to brief the Executive on the Animal Products Bill. It was agreed that we would probably access the funding mentioned by Carole as being available. The Chairman thanked Carole for a very full explanation of the Bill and for giving up her time to meet with the Executive, he said was very concerned over the cost of this to the industry. Meeting adjourned at 12.40pm. Meeting reconvened at 1.05pm. The Chairman welcomed Damian Diack from Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) to the meeting. FRTS allocates $400 million dollars a year to a number of different groups. The benefit of the Research must be for NZ. Damian outlined the changing environment that FRTS was now moving into by changing to asking what do we want? Damian spoke about the "Foresight programme" and the funding that is available for approved research projects. He referred to the revised manner by which projects are approved and to the fact that the Beekeeping industry did not seem to have appreciated the opportunities that existed in this field and the money that was available The consultation process will take place over the next two months and the NBA was encouraged to be part of this process. The priorities will be agreed around a table with the relevant organisations. The Chairman thanked Damian for his time and the ideas he shared for the industry. Outcomes from Carole Inkster presentation: Don and Lin to work on the SOP 168 and signal an interest to MAF by next Monday. We need to use the updated Profile magazine as part of the brief. It was agreed that we would not attack the Animal Products Bill as there was seen to be very little advantage in this type of approach. Outcomes from Damian Diack presentation: It was agreed that we need to target the Public good of Beekeeping for NZ to achieve some funding from FRST. The Executive secretary will write to Mark Goodwin seeing if had any updates to the NBA Research Strategy before we sent out into the public domain including FRST. It was suggested that this strategy could be placed on to the NBA PMS Web page. 13. 1999 Revised Budget discussions continued. Outcomes: Publications Committee to evaluate charging the costs of PMS etc advertising in the magazine. For the sake of transparency, should cost centres be developed for this sort of issue? Meeting adjourned at 3.15pm. Meeting reconvened at 3.35pm. Russell Berry Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That we adopt the 1999 revised budget as presented this afternoon. Motion Carried. Outcome: Bruce, with input from Lin, is to prepare an article advising the industry of an Executive Motion to the AGM recommending a Levy increase in the year 2000. This is to be published in the June issue of the magazine. Bruce Stevenson Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That we adopt the revised year 2000 budget as presented this afternoon. Motion Carried. 63. Lin McKenzie Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That subject to the question of access to the data base being resolved, Mr. Nick Wallingford be commissioned, (at a agreed upon rate) to assess the accuracy and integrity of the two apiary register database as outlined by the Executive. Specifications must include a confidentiality clause. The databases are known as NBA Open Access and Database AgriQuality and contain the Apiary register. Motion Carried. Tony Taiaroa asked that his vote against this motion be recorded. 70. Advise the Minister of the Executives' recommendation to Conference to increase the Levy. Outcome: Bruce Stevenson Moved Russell Berry Seconded, That we send a letter to the Minister advising him of a recommendation to increase the levy at the 1999 AGM and be in place for the year 2000 collection. Motion Carried. Lin McKenzie Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That we apply to the Trustees for a grant to recover the monies spent on the EU compliance costs over the last two years. Motion Carried. Outcome: Lin and Bruce will prepare a Draft letter for approval by the Executive. 12. Lin McKenzie Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That the President be authorised to sign the letter from the NBA Auditor for the 1998 accounts. Motion Carried. 15. Don Bell Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That the Executive secretary be authorised to release the 1998 EOY Financial result to all Branch secretaries. Motion Carried. Outcome: The Executive secretary is to write to the BoP Member advising that now the Executive have adopted the EOY Financial report from the Auditor it can be released to the member who requested it. 16. Confirmation of ownership of the NBA database (open access). Outcome: Don Bell Moved, Russell Berry Seconded, That we receive this report. Motion Carried. 18. Confidentially Tony Taiaroa Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That we move into Committee. Motion Carried. Tony Taiaroa Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That we move out of Committee. Motion Carried. Outcome: It was agreed that comments made in confidence should remain in confidence. 19. BoP Motion Outcome: The Executive secretary is to write to the Branch advising them that the Executive were working on this issue and outline the actions being taken, and thank them for their Motion. 74. Insurance cover for Executive and Committee members. (17.4). Outcome: Tony Taiaroa Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That the Executive secretary writes to the insurance broker asking if they would consider covering the NBA for the amount offered on the basis that the first payment would be on the 20th of February 2000. Motion Carried. 25. Review of the Administration requirements for the year 2000. (13.2). Outcome: Tony Taiaroa Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That it be left to lie upon the table. Motion Carried. 26. Memorandum of understanding between the NBA and exporters to EU for cost recovery. Outcomes: It was stated that the NBA would need to recover 1.6 cents from each Kg of Honey exported to the EU to recover the costs incurred in meeting the EU Residue sampling program. Despite assurances from MAF RA to contact the exporters, this in fact had not occurred and had left the NBA in a very difficult position to recover this expenditure. This issue will be taken up with MAF RA tomorrow (Jim Edwards). 59. PMS for Exotics. Outcomes: It was agreed that the MAF RA request for participation in a technical focus groups be passed to the Exotic Disease Committee for an outcome. Russell to contact Dennis Anderson in Australia to have his input. Lin to advise Elizabeth Stoddart MAF RA, of the action recommended. It was agreed that an approach be made to the Trustees to under write the cost of an Exotic outbreak plan. 45. Presentation of Editorial Standards. Outcomes: It was agreed Lin and Tony would tidy up the Draft presented and have it printed in the June magazine. These will be regularly reviewed at each Publications Committee meeting. 44. Profile magazine. Outcomes: The Publications Committee had resolved to investigate the possibility of raising sponsor/s to fund the printing of the Profile magazine. Meeting adjourned at 6.00pm Meeting reconvened at 8.35am 66. ACC (propolis/bee stings). Outcome: Lin to talk to the group he is working with, in developing a safety plan for all beekeepers to cover such issues to look at this. 67. Field day days are they a public place? Outcome: The Executive secretary will ask Mike Smith (Federated Farmers lawyer) for comment on this. There is a charge to get into a field day. 64. Press release. Outcome: It was agreed that the report be received. 55. Improper access to Contractors accountants. Outcome: The matter is now resolved. 31. PMS Chairman's report. Outcome: Lin McKenzie Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That we move into Committee. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 10.05 am. Meeting re convened at 10.30am. Terry Gavin Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That we move out of Committee. Motion Carried. Outcomes: The first full review of the Operational Plan will take place in May 2000. The roles of the Management Agency and Review Committee were covered in very full and frank discussion. 34. Bruce Stevenson Moved Terry Gavin Seconded, That the NBA carries forward the contractual agreement with Agriquality NZ for the period 1st of August 1999 to the 31st of July 2000. This is contingent on receiving written confirmation from Agriquality to hold their fees to the levels as already agreed in the schedule of payments. Motion Carried unanimously. Bruce Stevenson Moved Terry Gavin Seconded, That the PMS Review Committee will be instructed to review the contract to identify any problems, recommend amendments and negotiate as necessary, for the Executives final approval. Motion Carried unanimously. Lin McKenzie Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That we move into Committee. Tony Taiaroa Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That we move out of Committee. 32. Outcome: Lin McKenzie Moved, Don Bell Seconded, That Mr. Bruce Stevenson be appointed as the Executives PMS Facilitator with specific responsibilities for the implementation of the NBA PMS. Motion Carried unanimously. Bruce requested it be recorded, that he will relinquish his role as the PMS Review Committee Chairman at the 1999 Conference in Ashburton, and at that time a new Chairman of the PMS Review Committee will be appointed by the Executive. The meeting agreed it would accept his decision. The intention of the above decisions are in order to make clear the distinction between the respective roles of Management Agency and the PMS Review Committee. 38. NBA Cost Recovery Procedure. (18.1). Outcome: It was agreed to approve this procedure. PMS 5. Procedure for the handling of Diseased hives in the event of a fire ban It was agreed to approve this Procedure. PMS 2. 39. Disputes Arbitrator Procedure. (18.2). It was agreed to approve this procedure. PMS 4 42. Approval for costs to be incurred by a Contractor on behalf of the NBA Procedure. It was agreed to approve this procedure. PMS .1 41. PMS cost incurred by Training In Progress. Outcome: The Contractor reported the hours were not as much as first suspected and will report any changes to the Executive at the July meeting. PMS Administration costs in relation to having work done and recover the Administration costs of this action. It was agreed that the Executive secretary would establish all the cost involved in the Administration of invoicing etc for work carried out in recovering the cost for the NBA and bring them to the July Executive meeting. Meeting adjourned at 12.05pm. Meeting reconvened at 12.45pm. The Chairman welcomed Dr Jim Edwards MAF RA to the meeting. Outcomes: It was stated that the NBA felt it had been misinformed in relation to the recovery of the EU Compliance costs incurred by the NBA. Jim said that you must have the support of the Exporters to recover the costs. Jim said he would assist in trying to recover the cost incurred by the NBA for the last two years. He was given a copy of the DRAFT Memorandum of Understanding with the exporters for his comments. It was noted, that to have the requirements from the EU reduced, was a long-term project. Where are we in relation to the Protocols for the importation of Exotics etc? Very little progress to date. The Chairman thanked Jim for the time and information he shared with the Executive and he left the meeting at 1.55pm. 71. EU cost recovery for 1998 and 1999. Oucome: It was suggested that the MAF RA needs to endorse the letter to all the exporters requesting the recovery of the 1.6 cents per kg cost of the EU residue-testing programme. (Copy to the Honey exporters JAG). 25. Review of the NBA Administration requirements for the year 2000. Outcomes: Terry Gavin Moved, Lin McKenzie Seconded, That it be lifted from the table. Motion Carried. Lin McKenzie Moved, Bruce Stevenson Seconded, That we approve the Proposed process for the review of the NBA administration services required for the year 2000 and 2001. Motion Carried. Don Bell Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That a Sub Committee of Lin and Tony, with the power to co -opt, would undertake to review these requirements and report back to the Executive at the July meeting. Motion Carried. 35. Resolution from the Auckland Branch. (12.6). Outcome: It was agreed that Bruce would respond to the Auckland Branch. 36. Resolution from Hawke's Bay Branch. (12.2). Outcome: It was agreed Bruce would respond to this. 46. Honey Industry Trust Applications. Terry Gavin Moved, Lin McKenzie Seconded That we move into Committee. Motion Carried. Tony Taiaroa Moved, Terry Gavin Seconded, That move out of Committee. Motion Carried. Outcomes: Application 99/1. Application 99/2. Application 99/3. (19.8) The Applications will be passed to the Trustees with the Executive recommendations, pointing out the conclusions of the referees. 72.Marketing Committee report. Outcomes: It was agreed to receive this report. It was agreed that the $3978.00 carry over from 1998 be noted in the Minutes as requested. Meeting adjourned at 3.20pm. Meeting reconvened at 3.45pm. 73. Infant botulism. It was agreed to receive this report from the Ministry of Health. It was agreed that the Executive secretary will respond to this, that the Executive supports their comments. Executive secretary to send the report out in this weeks pack. 49. Appointment of an Auditor for the 1999. Lin McKenzie Moved, Bruce Stevenson Seconded That, the Executive secretary ask PricewaterhouseCoopers if they would carry out this role for the 1999 year. (to be approved by the AGM). Motion Carried. 22. BoP Branch request for a Rule clarification. (11.1). Outcome: Don Bell Moved, Tony Taiaroa Seconded, That the Executive secretary is to write to the Branch advising them that the President will accept the recommendations of the Executive at the July meeting prior to Conference. Motion Carried. General Business. The Executive secretary asked for guidelines on the release of information to members. Outcome: It was agreed that the Chairman would have the discretion to release information when requested by members. The Chairman acts for and on behalf of the Executive. If the decision is negative it must be relayed to the member as soon as possible. Don Bell Moved, Tony Taiaroa Moved, Executive secretary prepares a Draft letter to Andrew Matheson re the Public good of the honeybee industry. Motion Carried. Don Bell Moved, Russell Berry Seconded, That the Executive secretary contact Trevor Bryant and offer him a commission to write a position paper for Press release (after the approval of the NBA Executive) on the potential effects that Genetically Modified Organisms would have on the Beekeeping industry and consumers. Motion Carried. As there were no further items of general business, the Chairman thanked all for their input and declared the meeting closed at 4.25pm DRAFT Minutes given to the Chairman 4.30pm 19th of May 1999. DRAFT Minutes sent to the Executive 21st of May 1999 (21.1) Unconfirmed Minutes sent to 28th of May Executive 1999 (22.4.99) Unconfirmed Minutes sent to Branches Signed:___________________________________ President. Date:_____________________________________
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