PRESENT : Richard Hatfield (Pres.), Mary Ann Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 26 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES : Cliff Hulston, Ray Baker, Marie & Chris Christoffel, Wrae Duncan, Jeff Pollard, Bob McGahan, Peter Ratcliffe.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING : Minutes of meeting held 8 May as detailed in June newsletter were confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING : Upper Hutt Science Festival : While Bill Allan & Les Solomon had volunteered to staff the Club stand on Thurs & Fri., volunteers were still required for Sat 22 July.

Varroa Bee Mite : Update from Frank Lindsay - the mite had been discovered as far south as Raurimu near National Park (a low infestation sourced from the main South Auckland apiary infestation). Estimate of eradication costs was now $50 - $60 million with $4 going to beekeepers as compensation for destroyed colonies. Beekeeper co-operation and control over hive movement would be essential. Cost estimate allowed for 7 outbreaks within one year. Bait stations would be set up every kilometre and all hives monitored within 5 km radius of each infestation. Possibility of introducing mite resistant bees from Asia. Mite has been identified as Varroa Destructii not V. Jacobsonii as first thought as V Jacobsonii can only reproduce on Apis Serana not Apis Mellifera.

CORRESPONDENCE : Secretary read Minister for Biosecurity’s letter of acknowledgment received in response to Club’s letter demanding eradication of the Varroa bee mite from NZ.

TREASURER’S REPORT : Working account balance $2,115.70. Other account balances were $3,119.81 (Goal Saver) and $429.33 (BL account).

GENERAL BUSINESS :

• Members were reminded of the necessity to submit written claims under the Club’s AFB compensation scheme before AGM next month.
• Ivan Pederson outlined contents of his letter to Russell Berry (Arataki Apiaries) expressing concern over delays in destroying mite infested hives.

PRESENTATION : Mary Bryne and her partner Andrew outlined the basis of the Anti-fluoride campaign and details of their research and correspondence with various Health authorities and the Regional Council. Their research indicated there were a number of likely health threats and no proven benefits justifying introduction of fluoride to town and city water supplies.

Meeting closed at 9.15 p.m. with usual supper.

John Burnet