NATIONAL BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (INC.)

Minutes of the 1999 Annual General Meeting of the National
Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand (Inc.) and the
Conference of Branch Delegates held at the Hotel Ash6urton,
Ashburton, on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 July 1999
commencing at 9.00 a.m. on the Wednesday

Present

Mr R Berry, President in the Chair Messrs Terry Gavin,
Anthony Taiaroa, Don Bell, Lin McKenzie and Bruce Stevenson
members of the ExecutiveCommittee.

Welcome to Delegate

The President welcomed all to the 1999 Conference.

The South Canterbury Beekeeper Branch of the NBA were
thanked for all their hard work In the Conference
organisation.

Prayer

The President then invited Mr  to read the Conference
prayer.

Welcome to Ashburton

Mrs Beverley Tasker, Ashburton District Councillor welcomed
the delegates to Ashburton, on behalf of the Mayor of
Ashburton.  She spoke of the area and its highlights and
wished all present 3 very successful Conference and
enjoyable stay in Ashburton.

Vote of thanks

Vice President Mr Terry Gavin gave a vote of thanks to Mrs
Tasker on behalf of the Executive and present a Broad-leafed
Lime tree to the town to commemorate the Conference.

Mrs Tasker advised the Lime tree would be planted in the
Ashburton Domain.

Key-Note Speech

The Hon David Carter, Associate Minister of Food Fibre
Biosecurity & Border Control spoke to the Conference.

Notes of his speech will be circulated to branches.

Vote of thanks

Vice President, Mr Terry Gavin, gave of vote of thanks to
the Minister on behalf of the Executive and presented him
with a box of bee products.

Apologies

Dudley Lorimer, Nick Wallingford, Neil Stuckey.

Obituaries

The following obituaries were advised to the meetinq:

K Matthewman - Kimbolton
Les Gearer - Waikato
Alf Bennett

The Meeting stood and observed one minute's silence as a
mark of respect for these members.

Life Members

Mr Terry Gavin 
Mr Don Barrow
Mr lan Berry
Mr Ivor Forster
Mr Dudley Lorimer
Mr Ivan Dickinson
Mr Kevin Ecroyd
Mr Heini Belin
Mr Doug Briscoe
Mr Chris Dawson
Mr Pat Clinch
Mr John Heinemann
Mr Keith Herron

Honorary Members

Sir Edmund Hillary 
Dr Peter Molan 
Dr Jim Edwards 
Mr Steve Olds
Mr Cliff Van Eaton 
Dr Mark Goodwin 
Mr Murray Reid

Procedural Matters 

Timekeeper 

It was resolved that Mr Peter Smythe be appointed
timekeeper.

Scrutineers 

It was resolved that Mr Steven Brown and Dr Mark Goodwin be
appointed Scrutineers.

Speaking Times

It was resolved that the mover of a motion be allowed 5
minutes speaking time, the seconder and subsequent speakers
being allowed 3 minutes.

Branch Delegates

The Executive Secretary advised the meeting of Branch
delegates and deputy delegates notified to date

Far North - Mr Malcolm Haines, Mr Bruce Stevenson

Northland - Mr Terry Gavin, Mr John Gavin

Auckland - Mr Graham Cammell

Waikato - Mr Lewis Olsen, Mr Steven Lee

Bay of Plenty - Mr Lee Crawshaw, Mr Trevor Bryant

Poverty Bay - Mr Barry Foster, Mr Peter Burt

Hawkes Bay - Mr John Berry, Mr Peter Berry

Southern NI - Mr Frank Lindsay, Mr Alan Richards

Nelson - Mr Glen Kelly, Mr Hamish Harpur

Marlborough - 

West Coast - Mr

Canterbury - Mr Derek Newton, Mr Roger Bray

South Canterbury - Mr Paul Bartrant, Mr Peter Smythe

North Otago - Mr

Otago - Mr Peter Sales, Mr Fergus McKenzie

Southland - Mr Findlay Abernathy. Mr Don Stedman 

Meeting adjourned at 9.45 a.m. for Conference photos and
morning tea Meeting reconvened at 10.15 a.m.

Minutes

Confirmation of minutes of 1988 Annual General Meeting
(previously circulated and will be taken "as read").

Executive Election

The Executive Secretary in his role as Returning Office
reported that no election was required for the South Island,
as only one nomination had been received for the vacant
position.  Mr Don Bell was therefore declared to be the duly
elected representative for the South Island.

For the North Island, three nominations were received for
the two positions, Mr Russell Berry, Mr Terry Gavin and Mr
Gerrit Hyink.

Results Were

Mr Russell Berry - 643
Mr Terry Gavin - 968
Mr Gerrit Hyink - 718

Mr Terry Gavin and Mr Gerrit Hyink were declared to be the
duly elected representatives for the North Island.

President's Address

The text of the President's address will be circulated to
branches.

Mr Terry Gavin rose to speak following the President's
'address.  He thanked the President for the enormous job he
had done for the Association.  He referred to Russell
Berry's many years service as a Trustee of the Trust Fund,
and the fact that he had been a member of the Executive
Committee for six years.

Terry thanked Russell for the contribution he has made to
the progress of the Association and the support he has given
to others involved.

Research Report

Dr Heather Gatehouse - Apicultural Research, Palmerston
North address the meeting.  The text of her speech will be
circulated to branches.

PMS Review

Mr Bruce Stevenson's speech notes will be circulated to
branches.

Mr Stevenson commented, at the conclusion of his address, on
the Minister's speech to the Conference and Mr Stevenson
made reference to the fact that the N8A is the only private
sector producer board that has its pest management strategy
enshrined in law.

AgriQuality Report

Mr Murray Reid from AgriQual presented his report to the
meeting.  He introduced the other three representatives from
AgriQual who were present.    Mr Reid's speech notes will be
circulated to branches.

He advised the estimated honey crop this year was 9069
tonnes produced.  280 had dropped off the Register during
the past year.  Apiary numbers had reduced.

5800 Annual Returns sent out by the end of June - only half
returned.  2,738 reminders sent out.

Adjournment

The Annual General Meeting of the National Beekeepers'
Association of New Zealand (Inc.) was adjourned at 11.45
a.m. to allow for the opening of the Conference of Branch
delegates which they commenced.

Consideration of Remits

The Conference began to consider the remits as they appeared
on the Order Paper.

Remit 1 - Southland Branch

That this Conference recommends to Executive, that it
maintain pressure to prohibit the growing of genetically
modified crops in New Zealand in view of the risks to the
New Zealand beekeeping industry.

Notes:

1. Should genetically modified crops be grown in New
Zealand:

a) Contamination of honey and pollen will be inevitable and
the perception of customers both local and overseas will
have a severe effect on our marketing.

b) There is a potential risk to bee health and life
expectancy by crops containing inbred toxins.

c) Spread of modified genetic material by cross pollination
would be inevitable, as has happened in the UK already.

2. A small area of genetically modified crop actually
impacts a large land area and corresponding honey crop.

3. ERMA and the Government need to be targeted.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends to Executive, that it
maintains pressure to monitor the growing of genetically
modified crops in New Zealand in view of the potential risks
to the New Zealand beekeeping industry.

Remit 2 - Waikato Branch

That this Conference recommends that Executive continue to
oppose the introduction of Genetically Modified pollen and
nectar producing plants into New Zealand.

NOTE:

We believe that, as New Zealand is such a small producer of
hive products, relative to world production, that our
marketing edge relies on the maintenance of our clean green
image and in niche marketing.  This may be destroyed by the
introduction of genetically modified plants.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends that Executive continue to
oppose the introduction of Genetically Engineered pollen and
nectar producing plants into New Zealand.

The Amended Remit was CARRIED by a vote of 14 For 1 August.

Remit 3 - Auckland Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
investigate the possibility of the detrimental affects on
honey bees, and implications of honey products, arising from
genetically modified crops.

NOTE:

It has been discovered that pollen from genetically modified
corn has poisoned Monarch Butterflies.  What are the
implications for honey bees and pollen products?

Amended to read:         

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, they they
investigate the possibility of the detrimental effects on
honey bees, and implications of honey products, arising from
genetically engineered crops.
          
The Amended Remit was CARRIED by a vote of 8 For 6 Against 1
Abstention.

Remit 4 - Nelson Branch

That this Conference recommends, that Executive takes a
re-active role rather than a pro-active role in relation to
the consultation and implementation processes of the Animal
Products Bill 1998.

NOTE:

The aim of this remit is to prevent a repeat of the process
of obtaining our Best Management Strategy under the Bio
Security Act.

We do have a truly magnificent PMS but it came at enormous
and much of it unnecessary cost to our industry - both in
terms of time and efforts put in my Executive members and
the PMS Review Committee members (Disease Committee members)
and in terms of the finances of the NBA.  We do not want to
be used as guinea pigs again nor to be the "meat in the
sandwich" between the power struggles of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry and the Health Department.

The Remit was DEFEATED by a vote of 12 Against 3 For 1
Abstention

Remit 5 - South Canterbury

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
request the Exotic Disease Investigation Committee to draft
a management plan to contain, or eradicate European
Foulbrood, exotic internal and external mites, and
Africanised honey bees, as a contingency if the diseases or
Africanised honey bees becomes established in New Zealand.

NOTE:

Reworded to comply with rule 19(d)

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends to the Executive that they
request the Exotic Diseases Investigation Committee to draft
a management plan to contain, or eradicate European
Foulbrood, exotic internal and external mites, and
Africanised honey bees, as a contingency if the diseases or
Africanised honey bees are detected in New Zealand.

The Amended Remit was CARRIED 12 For 4 Against.

Remit 6 - Auckland Branch

That this Conference recommends, that the Executive closely
monitor what response the New Zealand Government will make
to exotic pest or disease introduction effecting the New
Zealand beekeeping industry.

NOTES:
                 
It is unclear what pests and diseases the NZ Government
would respond to at this time.

As NBA members will be affected by any exotic pests or
disease introduction, it is appropriate the NBA should be
consulted when decisions are to be made in this area.

The Remit was CARRIED : 14 For 1 Against 1 Abstention

Conference of Branch Delegates was adjourned and the Annual
General Meeting reconvened to allow for the presentation of
Reports.

Exotic Diseases Investigation Committee:              

Peter Berry, on behalf of the Exotic Diseases Investigation
Committee, presented their Report.

Telford Rural Polytechnic

Dr David Woodward reported to Conference for Telford Rural
Polytechnic on the courses available and some of the
activities for 1999 He introduced Telford students present
at the meeting.

Library Report

Mr John Heinemann reported to the Conference on the Library
and its use during the past year.  He advised he would like
members to advise him of a good bookbinder who could attend
to the binding of the Association's 'NZ Beekeeper' magazine
collection.

Trustees Report         

Mr Ian Berry spoke on the Trust's activities for 1999.

Marketing Committee    

Jane Lorimer, Chairman of the Marketing Committee and Bill
Floyd, Marketing Facilitator, both addressed the meeting.

The Annual General Meeting adjourned for the evening at 5.30
p.m.

RULE CHANGES CONSIDERED AT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE NATIONAL
BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION, HELD AT THE HOTEL ASHBURTON, ON
THURSDAY 15 JULY 1999 AT 8 A.M.)

Resolved that the Special Meeting proceed to immediately
consider Rule Change 4 (Nick Wallingford) and that Rule
Changes 1 2 and 3 be withdrawn. (F Lindsay / T Bryant).
Hawkes Bay branch indicated they had no objection to Rule
changes 1 2 and 3 being withdrawn (J Berry / P Berry).

Rule change 4: Proposed by Nick Wallingford

Rule 15 currently reads:

15.  PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

The President and Vice President shall be elected at the
Annual Meeting of the Association from the six members of
the Executive elected in accordance with Rule 16.

Should there be an equality of votes, the result shall be
decided by lot.  Those elected shall take office immediately
upon their election.

Proposed rule change:

Add the words "for the ensuing year" after the word
"Executive". 

NOTES:

All six members elected to the Executive, regardless of
whether they have formally 'assumed office', should be
eligible to-stand for either President or Vice President of
the Association.  The Annual Meeting has, for over 80 years
of NBA history, selected the President and the Vice
President from the six members of the Association who will
be on the Executive for the following year.  This rule
change proposal confirms and clarifies that this should
remain the case.

While the Annual Meeting might view previous Executive
experience as an asset, the meeting should not be restricted
to selecting from only three, or perhaps even fewer, of the
members when choosing our President and Vice President.

"The Proposed Rule Change was Carried by a vote of 15 For 1
Against".

Rule Change 5: Proposed by Nick Wallingford

I propose rule changes to replace the words "Balance Sheet"
in 'rule 17(c)(vi) and in rule 18(b)(iv) with the words
"Statement of Financial Position" and to replace the words
"Statement of Income and Expenditure" with the words
"Statement of Financial Performance".

"The Proposed Rule Change was Carried by a vote of 14 For 1
Against 1 Abstention.

The Chairman declared the Special Meeting closed at 9.00
a.m.

The Annual General Meeting was reconvened at 9.05 a.m.

Annual Report:

Mr A McCaw Moved, Mr D Stedman Seconded: That the Annual
Report for 1998, the audited Balance Sheet, Statement of
Income and Expenditure lay upon the table.

Motion Carried 

1999 Budget

Mr G Cammell Moved, Mr L Olsen Seconded: That the 1999
Operating Budget as presented be received.

Pesticides Board

Mr Lin McKenzie presented Mr Don Bell's Report, due to Mr
Bell's absence because of illness.

Adjournment

The Annual General Meeting of the National Beekeepers'
Association of New Zealand (Inc.) was adjourned.

The Meeting of Branch Delegates was reconvened at   to
consider remaining remits.

Remit 7 - Exotic Disease Investigation Committee

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
develop separate PMS's for each of the exotic diseases and
pests, which are considered to be a serious threat to the
New Zealand Beekeeping Industry.

NOTES:

Should any of the following; EFB (Melissococcus pluton),
Tracheal Mite (Acarapis woodi), Varroa Jacobsoni, Asian Mite
(Tropilaelaps clareae), Africanised Honey Bee or the small
hive beetle (Aethina tumida) .enter New Zealand, a PMS under
the Biosecurity Act must be in place so that Part 3 -
Regulated Control Schemes: Emergency Schemes (Clause 38) of
the Animal Products Bill 1988 can be enacted.

Also, if the membership recognises, that all the diseases
and pests mentioned above are likely 'to have a serious
affect on the beekeeping industry, then the Government may
support a full EDPR.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
develop separate strategies for each of the exotic diseases
and pests, which are considered to be a serious threat to
the New Zealand Beekeeping Industry.

The Amendment was CARRIED 16 For 0 Against 0 Abstentions

* Ruling was sought regarding whether this Remit should be
from an individual or Branch on behalf of the Exotic Disease
Investigation Committee (Waikato).  P Berry on behalf of the
Exotic Disease Investigation Committee (P Berry / F Lindsay)

Remit 8 - South Canterbury Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
encourage the use of biological control to help eliminate
Clover Root Weevil and Sawfly in New Zealand.

The Remit was CARRIED 16 For 0 Against 0 Abstentions

Remit 9 - Gary Jeffery

That this Conference recommends to Executive that urgent
investigation is carried out to determine the pathogen at
present reducing wasp numbers, so that it can be used for
future wasp control. (Note: Reworded to comply with rule
19(d).

NOTE

Common wasp numbers have fallen steadily in the past two
seasons both on the West and East Coasts of the South
Island, which eliminates control by weather conditions.  The
German wasps are now being seen for the first time for a
number of years, so this pathogen might be modified to also
control these.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends to Executive that it
encourages Land Care Research to carry out an urgent
investigation to determine the pathogen at present reducing
wasp numbers, so that it can be used for future wasp
control.

The Amendment was CARRIED 13 For 3 Against 0 Abstentions

NOTE : Mr Alan McCaw provided an explanation of the Apiary
Register and invoicing of levies, to the meeting.

Remit 10 - Southern North Island Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
rigorously pursue collection of unpaid levies.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
rigorously pursue collection of unpaid levies due to the
NBA, according to the commodities levy order.

The Amended Remit was CARRIED 16 For 0 Against 0 Abstentions

Remit 11 - Southern North Island Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
review the internal spending of the association and actively
pursue all cost saving measures recommended by their
subcommittees.

NOTE:

The magazine committee has recommended savings in the areas
of postage and perhaps printing costs but to date these have
not been actioned.

The Remit was CARRIED 14 For 0 Against 2 Abstentions

Remit 12 - Auckland Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that due
to the NBA increased budget over runs, the NBA disband the
Marketing Committee, thus saving approximately $90,000 per
annum.  We believe marketing is the responsibility of the
individual businessman and not the NBA as a group.

NOTES

Money spent should achieve a measurable result.  For
example, Trade N.Z. requires a return of 50 to 1 on their
investment.   That means the expenditure of $90,000 should
have a measurable result of $4,500,000 increase of sales per
annum. If honey marketers wish to promote their off shore
sales, they can join the JAG.

The Remit was DEFEATED 0 For 15 Against 1 Abstention

Remit 13 - Auckland Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive to leave
aside the Marketing Committee for one year, (with a saving
to the Industry of enough funds to clear this year's deficit
as well as the next year's anticipated short fall).

This Remit withdrawn by Auckland Branch (G Cammell / F
Abernethy).

Remit 14 - Auckland Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive to consider
that the levy on non core activities of the NBA become a
voluntary contribution.

NOTE:

Given the financial situation of the NBA, there is a need to
concentrate funding on core activity only.  It is time for
the industry to define what core activities are.

This Remit was DEFEATED 1 For 15 Against 0 Abstentions

Remit 15 - Auckland Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that any
increase to the apiary level, is set at no more than the
current rate of inflation.

This Remit failed to be introduced, due to lack of Seconder.

Remit 16 - Canterbury Branch

That this Conference recommend to the Executive, that the
present Apary Rating System be changed to a Base Fee and
Hive Stock Levy System where everyone who keeps bees pays
the base fee of $60.00 plus so much per hive stock unit.

NOTE

a.  It would appear that this reduction in levy intake (1997
$384,000 / 1998 $345,000) is the root cause of the NBA's
financial problem.

b.  The Canterbury Branch has been tasked with finding a
fairer levy system.

c.  Under the PMS all beekeepers belong to the NBA therefore
if you want to keep bees there should be a financial cost
for that membership.

d.  A hive stock unit levy fee would cover all the uses of
the hive, e.g. honey producing, pollen collecting,
pollination, propolis, royal jelly, queen breeding etc.

The Remit was DEFEATED 6 For 10 Against 0 Abstentions.  A
Poll was called for.  Poll Vote Result : 350 For / 648
Against, confirming Remit's defeat.

The Cdnfernce of Branch Delegates was adjourned for lunch at
12.50 p.m.

At 2.00 p.m. the Special Meeting to consider increase levy
and the NBA marketing role commenced.

Notice of Motion 1: NBA Executive

This special meeting requests, that the Executive seek
approval from the Minister of Food, Fibre, Biosecurity and
Border Control to obtain a $6 per apiary levy increase to
fund the current range of activities of the NBA
(Administration, PMS and Marketing)

Notes:

Option 1 the ratification of the approved 2000 budget by the
approval of a $6 per apiary increase.  It is fair to say
that this is the option that the Executive favours and
recommends.

The Notice of Motion was CARRIED by a vote of 9 For 7
Against.  A Poll was called for.  Result of the Poll was 481
For 525 Against.  Notice of Motion was DEFEATED following a
poll of members.

Notion of Motion 2: NBA Executive

This special meeting requests that, the Executive seek
approval from the Minister of Food, Fibre, Biosecurity and
Border Control, for a levy increase of $1.50 per apiary to
fund the current range of activities of the NBA, excluding
Marketing.  Approval for this "1999 Notice of Motion" is
contingent on members' acceptance that the Executive would
need to provide notice of a withdrawal from the funding of
marketing as at the end of 1999.

The President moved that this Notice of Motion be withdrawn.
This Motion was CARRIED by a vote of 16 For 0 Against.

This special meeting to consider increase levy and the NBA
marketing role was declared closed at 2.30 p.m.

The Conference of Branch delegates reconvened.

Special Remit 2 - I Berry / A Richard

This Conference of Branch Delegates requests that the
Executive seek approval from the Minister of Food, Fibre,
Biosecurity and Border Contro] to obtain a $4 per apiary
level increase to fund the current range of activities of
the NBA, (Administration, PMS and Marketing).

The Special Remit was CARRIED 11 For 2 Against 3
Abstentions.

Moved (P Berry / D Stedman) that this Conference of Branch
Delegates recommend Special Remit 2 be passed on to the AGM
for approval

This Motion was CARRIED 12 For 4 Abstentions.

Conference of Branch Delegates duly adjourned and the Annual
General Meeting reconvened.

Moved (T Girvan / L McKenzie) That this Conference
recommends to the Executive that we seek the Minister of
Food, Fibre, Biosecurity and Border Control's approval for a
levy increase of $4 per apiary.

A vote, by show of hands, was taken of members who were in
favour of the above Motion.  The Motion was CARRIED 52 For
13

The Chairman of the Conference advised that we have a
decision which can be taken to the Minister.

New Life Member

Lewis Olsen and Brian Clements recommended to the AGM that
Tony Lorimer's name be put forward to the list of Life
Members.

This was in recognition of 25 years of service by Tony to
the Waikato Branch, many of these years as Branch Secretary.

A number of members spoke in favour of Tony's addition to
the list of Life Members

NBA President, Mr Russell Berry, presented Tony with a
Certificate of Life Membership.

Farewell to President, Mr Russell Berry

Mr Terry Gavin advised the Meeting he spoke  on behalf of
the NBA Executive when he extended grateful thanks to
Russell Berry for his Presidency over the last 2 years.

An inscribed pen was present to Russell Berry by Terry Gavin
as a token of appreciation.

The Annual General Meeting was adjourned and the Conference
of Branch Delegates reconvened to discuss further Remits.

Remit 17 - Southern North Island Brand

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
review the present system used to levy beekeepers in order
to introduce a more flexible scale of payments based on the
numbers of hives located in apiaries.

NOTES:

The original levy order was based on 16 hives per apiary.
As a result, beekeepers who have less than 16 hives per
apiary are paying a greater proportion of the levy.  It is
felt that the levy would be more equitable if it was scaled
according to the number of hives in each apiary. 

For example:

apiaries of up to 16 hives - scaled levy 1  apiaries
betweenl 17 - 32 hives - scaled levy 2 aparies of more than
33 hives - scaled levy 3.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that they
review the present system used to levy beekeepers.

Amended Remit CARRIED 14 For 1 Against 1 Abstention.

Remit 18 - Otago Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that the
basis for the collection of our levy be on beehives owned.
NOTE : Reworded to comply with rule 19)d)

NOTES:

The present system is clearly not equitable, with beekeepers
with smaller sites subsidising those with apiaries with high
hive numbers on 1st June. Hives are often stockpiled at that
time of the year, a legitimate reason to declare fewer
sites. Increasing the levy per site will only worsen this
inequity.  Hives are still the best indicator of a
beekeeper's potential Income and as such are the fairest
measure to base the levy upon.

Remit CARRIED 8 For 7 Against.  A Poll was called for : 582
For 426 Against.

Remit 19 - Canterbury Branch

That this Conference recommend to Executive, its concern
about the widespread chemical poisoning of bees and makes
strong representations to the Ministry of the Environment,
MAF and ERMA with the view to reducing chemical poisoning by
regulations.

Notes:

Suggested Regulations

a.  No flowering plant be administered with any substance
likely to kill bees or render nectar and pollen toxic to
bees unless by permit.  The issue of a permit would involve
notifying all beekeepers within a 2 km radius of the crop
the substance to be used and  the date and time of
application.

b.  A permit be required to advise, sell, purchase and use
any substance toxic to bees.  Permits only to be available
to persons with a chemical proficiency license issued
through 'ERMA or such appropriate body.

c.  The costs involved in the above suggestions be recovered
from the chemical companies.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommend to Executive that they make
strong representations to the Ministry of the Environment,
MAF and ERMA with the view to reducing chemical poisoning of
bees.

Amended Remit CARRIED by 15 For 1 Abstention.

Remit 20 - Canterbury Branch

That this Conference recommend to the Executive that an
injunction be placed on the sale of spray surfactants
(wetting agents) until research has been carried out
to-declare them bee safe or bee unsafe and labelled so.

Moved that this Motion be withdrawn.  (L McKenzie / P
Smythe) Motion Carried.

Remit 21 - Auckland Branch

That this Conference recommends to the Executive, that all
findings from the investigation undertaken into the use of
drugs in honey producing hives, be published with a view to
having all drugs banned.

NOTES:

Our Branch feels it is extremely important that NZ maintains
its "Clean Green" image, by the banning of all antibiotics
in honey producing hives. Not only does this affect our
exports, but must reduce the strength of our stand against
the importation of undesirable products into the country.

We believe that some beekeepers will soon be promoting their
honey-as being produced from non drug fed hives.  This Remit
refers to our Remit 5 of the 1996 AGM which was amended to
the Executive investigate the use of Fumilligan in honey
producing hives and investigate the use of alternatives This
was passed.  The last recorded report said that the matter
had been sent to ARAC.

This Remit was DEFEATED : 5 For 11 Against

Remit 22 - Bay of Plenty Branch

That this Conference recommends to Executive that it
establish a Finance Sub-Committee to provide advice on
financial planning, monitoring and reporting.

Notes:

Problems with significant income not being disclosed in the
accounts, double payments to creditors and poor figures
provided for financial planning indicate the need for some
external assistance for the Executive. The Executive will
retain all decision-making responsibility and accountability
- the committee would simply ensure our financial situation
is suitably monitored and planned into the future.

This Remit was DEFEATED 5 For 11 Against.

Remit 23 - Bay of Plenty Branch

That this Conference recommends to Executive that a
subcommittee be set up immediately after Conference to
research the structural changes needed for the NBA
Administration to bring it in line with modern competitive
requirements along the ideas expressed in the 1998 BOP Rule
Change Proposal, with the aim to implement the new changes
at the Conference 2000 in Gisborne.

Notes:

A whole year has passed without any noticeable progress.  We
are aware of an increasing industry-wide awareness that the
NBA needs to look at its structure and bring about the
necessary changes. While there has been much talk about such
a reorganisation, there has been little action, probably
because the current structure (and a high level of personal
commitment from some Executive members) just managed to cope
with the increased pressures placed upon it by changes in
government policy.

The ongoing changes to government servicing of the
beekeeping industry will increase these pressures.  In
effect, the politicians' decision to restructure government
services is also forcing the NBA to restructure so that the
Association can cope with the shift in responsibility from
government to industry.  There will be adverse consequences
for the future development of beekeeping in this country if
the NBA does not restructure to some extent.

There is a need for an effective policy capability within
the association which is not vested in the transitory
elected executive.  Government is likely to continue to
make' "decisions which could adversely effect the
profitability and success of the beekeeping industry
(Australian honey imports are an obvious example).

To be successful in the government policy arena in the
future, the NBF needs to retain a person who has proven and
effective channels of communication with government, and who
can argue with both conviction and a strong understanding of
beekeeping technical matters.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends to Executive that a
subcommittee be set up immediately after Conference to
research the idea of structural changes for the NBA
Administration.

Amended Remit CARRIED 15 For 1 Abstention.

Remit 24 - Bay of Plenty Branch

That this Conference recommends to Executive that it
demonstrates openness and transparency in management and
administration, allowing membership access to information as
of right, choosing to treat requests for information in the
same way a government agency would.

Notes:

Ironically, members have been obtaining information
about/from the NBA from the Minister's office after the NBA
refused to release.  Financial information, reports and
copies of correspondence should be available to our
membership without the sense of "secret society" that has
prevailed in the last few years.

Privacy concerns, (true) commercial concerns and costs of
provision can ail be addressed - this remit attempts to
re-establish the principle that unless there Is a really
good reason to refuse a request, information should be
available for our membership.

Remit CARRIED 12 For 3 Against 1 Abstention.

Remit 25 - Canterbury Branch

That this Conference recommends' to Executive, that the NBA
use Federated Farmers as an umbrella organisation to
provide:

a.  Administration services 

b.  Better access to Government 

c.  Better access to trouble shooting when necessary, e.g.
spray poisoning, public relations and education. 

d.  Close liaison with other land users.

Notes:

a.  NBA administrative costs are ridiculous at present.

b.  Federated Farmers have the ear of Government.

c.  It is extremely difficult for the average beekeeper to
keep his finger on the pulse when he is busy running his own
business.

d.  Staff writers in Straight Furrow would be available to
inform of bee related issues.

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommend to Executive, that the NBA
investigate the use of Federated Farmers or a similar
provider, as an umbrella organisation to provide:

a.  Administration services 

b.  Better access to Government

c.  Better access to trouble shooting when necessary, e.g.
spray poisoning, public relations and education

d.  Close liaison with other land users. 

Amended Remit CARRIED 11 For 5 Against.

Remit 26 - Waikato Branch

That this conference recommends to Executive that in the
light of the current finncial crisis, it is not the
appropriate time to restructure the administration of the
NBA.

Note :

We believe it would be prudent to await the results of the
investigation that the Executive is currently carrying out.

Remit DEFEATED 6 For 9 Against 1 Abstention

Remit 27 - Gary Jeffery

That this Conference recommends to Executive, that the NBA
investigate replacing the MAF (AgriQuality) in fields of
disease inspection, issuing export certificates etc. Note:
Reworded to comply with rule 19(d)

Note:

The idea of the PMS is excellent but cost projections mainly
attributed to MAF (AgriQuality) is placing the project in
jeopardy.

Motion to withdraw this Remit (L McKenzie / D Stedman)
Motion Carried.

Remit 28 - Nelson Branch

That this Conference recommends that Executive takes active
measures to highlight the dangers of feeding honey (or
honeyed water) to birds.

Note : Reworded to comply with rule 19(d)

There is a need to get a simple message out through mass
media, "Don't feed honey, feed sugar and water".

Amended to read:

That this Conference recommends, that local branches take
active measures to highlight the dangers of feeding honey
(or honeyed water) to birds.

Amended Remit CARRIED 8 For 7 Against 1 Abstention

Remit 29 - Ron Morison, Hawkes Bay

That this Conference recommends to the Executive that
support be given to those branches participating in
activities aimed at increasing public awareness of the
benefits of Beekeeping.

Note: Reworded to comply with rule 19(d)

Note:

Some branches mount displays at A & P Shows, Young Farmers
Field Days or similar venues where the risks of diseases and
the value to the economy of Beekeeping is stressed.  These
activities are as important as marketing but receive no
funding.

Moved that this Remit be withdrawn (S Berry / P Berry).
Motion Carried.

Late Remit 1 - Alan McCaw

That this Conference recommends to Executive that they
investigate without delay the data available from both the
NBA register of members and the Apiary Register to ensure
that the information available for Apiary Levy collection is
accurate and complete.

Remit CARRIED 16 For 0 Against 0 Abstentions.

The Chairman declared the Conference of Delegates closed.

The Annual General Meeting was reconvened:

Annual Report        

Moved that the Annual Report be lifted off the table.  (S
Lee / S Brown) Motion Carried

The Annual Report was discussed. 

Moved that the Annual Report be received (F Lindsay / L.
Olsen).  Motion Carried.