PRESENT: Andrew Beach (Vice Pres.), John Burnet (Sec.), and 25 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES: Frank & Mary Ann Lindsay, Ivan Pedersen, Pam McDowell.

NEW MEMBERS & VISITORS: Richard Wickens (Woburn), Michael Sommerville-Ryan (Brooklyn).

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Minutes of Meeting held 13 August 2001 as detailed in Sept newsletter were read and confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING: GPS: Andrew Beach advised two handheld GPS had recently been purchased through the NBA.

CAMP RANGI WEEKEND: Two of the participants reported that the weekend was well organised, comprehensive and a good mix of commercial and hobbyist, experienced and beginner beekeepers. There was also a good representation from MAF.

CORRESPONDENCE: Secretary outlined an email received from NZ Wax in response to our email complaining of undersized foundation. General discussion followed which extended to the advantages and disadvantages of plastic frames. Cleaning plastic frames was considered a problem – water blasting was recommended or freezing and then twisting the frames. Plastic frames however did allow faster, more efficient extraction. The plastic smell, which discouraged bees drawing out cells from the plastic, could be eliminated with a wipe of wax before use.

Recent email correspondence exchanged with Trevor Tong, Secretary of the Whitstable & Herne Bay Beekeeping Assoc was outlined detailing his and other UK beekeeper experience with varroa. Several club members expressed interest in showing Trevor around during his forthcoming visit to NZ in Feb. 2002.

VARROA UPDATE: An infestation of the mite had recently been discovered at Jerusalem (Whanganui River Road) but circumstances suggested it was not a natural occurrence i.e. it may have been a deliberate infestation by a beekeeper with an ulterior motive. The current boundary line north of the Waimarino district is to be maintained unchanged.

MAF’s Varroa Control manual is to be distributed to all beekeepers on Mon 17 Sept.

GENERAL BUSINESS: Brian Mitchell has been confirmed by MAF as the new Apiary Officer for the Southern North Island area on a one-year contract only at this stage.

Spring Inspections & Disease Recognition: Andrew Beach outlined seasonal requirements covering in particular swarms, spring stores, feeding, space for expansion and disease checking.

Other issues covered were: replacement of old and deformed frames, frame nailing techniques, top supering versus bottom supering, cockroaches, swapping weak with strong hives.

Trees and shrubs currently in flower: tree lucerne, kowhai, wattle, willow, pittosporum, karo and various fruit trees. Several members reported a honey flow had started in Levin and Waitarere.

It was proposed and generally agreed a field day would be worthwhile at an apiary in the Wgton/Hutt region - details to be confirmed at a later meeting.

Meeting closed at 8.30 with usual supper.