PRESENT: Frank Lindsay (Pres.), Mary Ann Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.), and 29 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES: Marie & Chris Christoffel, John Wallace.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Minutes of meeting held 9 April 2001 as detailed in May newsletter were confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING:

Varroa Update: Surveillance was scheduled to start this month around Wellington and vulnerable sites adjacent to State Highways, ports etc. Varroa had now been detected at Mangakino and Te Kuiti in the central North Island and Kaitaia in Northland (where apparently infected hives had been moved north into previously uninfected areas). Experience had shown the mite was now spreading at 60km per year and hives were dying within 14 months of first infection – significantly faster than the European experience due to NZ’s warmer climate i.e. year-round brood laying.

The NBA had voted to retain the current movement restriction line across the middle of the North Is, however some consideration was appropriate concerning the possible establishment of a new line if the current one is breached (which is very likely to be in the northern Wanganui/ Rangitikei area). Any attempt to isolate the Manawatu region was impracticable, therefore it was suggested any new line should be logically drawn at Ohau, south of Levin as there was very little movement of hives across this area.

Consideration should also be given to keeping isolated regions like Taranaki and Hawkes Bay mite free with additional movement control lines. In summary it was agreed that while infestation of Wellington hives was probably inevitable, any breach of movement control lines must be resisted as the experience gained in controlling the outbreak would be invaluable to South Island beekeepers.

Diseasathon: President advised he had applied to NBA on behalf of the Wellington Club for $800 being reimbursement for hives inspected by club members in Nov and April. Other clubs within the lower North Island had also claimed for inspections done in their regions. As discussed in last month’s meeting, the following proposal was put to members (Andrew Beach/Amor Walter): If and when NBA pay the Club’s claim, the proceeds are used to purchase one or more Global Positioning Systems.

A GPS would enable diseaseathon inspection teams to more readily locate apiary sites, also check and amend grid references on existing sites which in turn would enable MAF and NBA to better monitor or control any mite infestations or disease in local hives. Motion was carried.

CORRESPONDENCE: Newsletters had been received from the Christchurch and Taranaki Beekeeping Clubs and would be available to members through the Club library.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Balances of all accounts were outlined to members. It was reported that the Club’s photocopier was markedly deteriorating and uneconomic to repair. James Scott advised he had obtained a quote from a local copying company who would copy, collate, fold and produce address labels for 80 newsletters per month for $20. In view of photocopier replacement cost, paper and labour costs/time, this was considered a good deal (James Scott/Frank Lindsay). Motion was carried – James will arrange changeover and disposal of photocopier.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

NBA report: Richard Hatfield (NBA President) reported that the recent successful prosecution of a Dargaville commercial beekeeper for non payment of back levies was unusual in that 100% of costs had been awarded against the beekeeper concerned. This decision sent a clear message to all other beekeepers of NBA’s stance on the issue and a further eight legal actions were in progress. A special investigator had been contracted by the NBA to investigate 54 cases of non-compliance, 50% of which were considered serious blatant breaches.

NBA had determined that DECA holders would have their DECA suspended on 29 May if they had not passed the DECA exam by that date.

Varroa Treatment Issues: Details of a Mite Away Pad were read from the Toronto Beekeeping Assoc newsletter.

Richard Hadfield advised MAF had recently approved the use of formic acid and oxalic acid for a trial period to Nov. Other varroa treatments were still under investigation.

One alternative treatment used overseas was ascetic acid. A mixture of 10mls to 1 litre i.e. 1% in a sugar solution was recommended.

Ivan Pedersen outlined recent Danish beekeeping figures which indicated that varroa infestation in Denmark had resulted in 40% less beekeepers and 40% less hives. Remaining beekeepers had discovered considerably more work was required to keep on top of the mite.

Frank Lindsay suggested the use of 32mm frames (11 in each box) which resulted in thinner comb and therefore less drone cells. Deeper boxes were however required to compensate for the reduced bee space between frames.

It was generally agreed that while different methods could be tried, all beekeepers needed to co-operate to synchronise treatment timings and determine and share successful methods. It was emphasised that other diseases also often emerged during any varroa outbreak due to the general stress on the colony.

John Robson produced and passed around for inspection a home-made mouse excluder and Vicky Alexander produced a set of brass sieves (6 different grades) and Frank confirmed there would be no chemical reaction between honey and the metal.

Frank demonstrated a modified floorboard which incorporated a mesh to prevent fallen mites reattaching themselves to incoming bees and a slide of printers’ aluminium or tin which, when smeared with vegetable oil, would enable mites to be easily trapped and counted. A cheap alternative would be plasticised cardboard i.e. real estate sale signs.

A German made video was then shown to members demonstrating various varroa control techniques and treatments.

Meeting closed at 9.30 p.m. with the usual supper.