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

APOLOGIES: Ken Breden, Andrew Yung, James Scott, Frank Clark,

NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS: Dave Treadwell (Ngaio), Rob Parker (Ngaio), John Brosman (Wainuiomata).

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Minutes of meeting held 12 February 2001 as detailed in March newsletter were confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING: Varroa Update: Frank advised the Govt had promised $7.68 million to monitor and control the spread south. Experience had shown that the mite was spreading at 2.5km per month and the infected zone now extended from Dargaville and the Brynderwyn Hills south to National Park.

The current boundary between the infected zone and the surveillance zone was to be retained in the meantime. Full details of the infected areas were available on MAF’s website: www.maf.govt.nz

Within the next two months MAF intended sending every beekeeper a booklet detailing varroa treatment and a surveillance program was to be instigated. In the South Island this would be based on a 20km grid whereas in the North Island surveillance zone one hive in every 100 would be checked, primarily by the beekeepers themselves. An Apistan check would be undertaken every 24 hours in high risk areas.

Experience had also shown that hives weakened by varroa infestation were also highly susceptible to AFB, the spores of which were always present in most hives to some degree. Thymol and Amitraz were in the process of being authorised as an alternative to Apistan. New controls took seven months to be approved by the Pest Control Board because of the necessary tests etc. New controls could be used earlier if beekeepers were willing to be part of the "trial process". Biological controls of varroa were still being researched. Two videos on varroa had recently been purchased from the UK by Poverty Bay East Coast B/K branch – 11.75 pounds sterling (approx. NZ$40) for the cheaper and best of the two. Issue was briefly discussed but the cost was considered prohibitive.

Diseasathon: Scheduled for Sat. 7 April – all volunteers to report to Upper Hutt Community Centre carpark at 8am. Area to be covered will be northern Upper Hutt and northern Whitemans Valley.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Balances of all accounts were outlined to members. Regular postage account $40 was authorised by members also the servicing of the photocopier machine.

GENERAL BUSINESS: Seasonal Management: Lacebark and the rata vine were still in flower. The flow had more or less finished and in colder areas drones were now being evicted from hives. Bees would soon be moving honey down to brood combs and it was time to review current queen’s performance and order replacement queens where appropriate. The current fire ban in the Wellington region meant that technically smokers should not be used. While this was impractical, beekeepers should take great care with their smokers once lit and the carrying of a wet sack to apiaries was a good idea.

Wasp Control: various techniques discussed and stories emerged.

Education: Following a referral from Mary Ann, Gary Murphy advised that TVNZ’s children’s’ program "What Now" was arranging to film his children extracting honey.

Processing Wax: Mary Ann outlined her melting procedure – wax must be watched and not allowed to boil – the use of a barbecue outside is ideal to reduce fire risk. Wax must be allowed to cool slowly to avoid cracking. The use of a sieve or hessian can be used to remove dross and this makes ideal firelighters. The best method for cleaning wax from containers (or walls, floors etc!) is Handy Andy and boiling water.

PRESENTATION: Fritz Fuchs outlined to members his methods of making mead. His recipes were based on those detailed in two books: Complete Book for Home Brewing and Wine Making by Chris Reading and Home Wine Making and Brewing by BCA Turner. Details will be forwarded to James Scott for inclusion in the next newsletter.

Meeting closed at 9.00 p.m. with the usual supper.

John Burnet