PRESENT : Richard Hatfield (Pres.), Mary-Ann Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 31 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES : Nancy Fithian, Richard Dormer, Wayne Wild, Marie Christofel, Fred and Robert Thomson.

NEW MEMBERS & VISITORS : Bob McGahan (Seatoun), John Wallace (Melrose).

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING : Minutes of meeting held 10 May were read and confirmed (with two additions to apologies received from absent members).

MATTERS ARISING : Mead Competition in August - glass container size required (750 ml) further discussed and clarified. Some members had bottled their mead in smaller 375 ml bottles.

CORRESPONDENCE : Taranaki B/K club newsletter received (to be held in club library).

• NBA North Island Branch election - voting paper received with biographical notes from the three candidates. After a brief discussion of the three candidates’ background, attributes and abilities, club members voted in favour of Terry Gavin and Gerrit Hyink.
• NBA Conference - remits and the reasoning behind their submission were discussed by members : genetically modified foods, PMS and exotic diseases, wasp control, unpaid levies, NBA cost cutting, review of the Marketing Committee, change to fee/levy structure, dug control (Fumadyl- B), NBA structure.

GENERAL BUSINESS : DECA - completion of Agreement Form required by every beekeeper before 1 June. Beekeepers receiving a DECA will be required to sit and pass a competency examination in AFB recognition and destruction to be held in Oct (once only cost $25). To assist beekeepers in passing this exam each beekeeper receiving an approved DECA will also receive a detailed manual on AFB from AgriQuality and the Club will also host a training session prior to the exam probably in Sept.

Paul Bolger has been appointed as the new Apicultural Advisory Officer at AgriQuality, Palmerston North (James Driscoll currently inspecting hives in Solomon Islands).

Alan Gibb advised he was giving up beekeeping and his hives and equipment was for sale.

Ivan Pederson demonstrated hive feeding by pouring 1kg sugar syrup directly into each frame.

Meeting closed about 9pm with supper.

John Burnet