Our web site is dedicated to sharing information to improve the activity of tree cropping in New Zealand, primarily for those who have joined our association for sharing but also to invite others to ethically share our interests.
Traditionally, NZ tree crops activity has been organised into regional Branches to facilitate local events.
This on-line log book aims to support the Branch structure, publicising upcoming branch events.
Individual Branch’s advances are democratised at our Annual Conference – open to all in April, when formal branch submissions form nation-wide policy.
Caveat
Print-based tradition of notifying and recording activities and events:
Recording information to share stemmed from academic disciplines which obligated commitment to the printed word, especially for research trials and other major ongoing efforts.
Our national TreeCropper magazine publication is proudly printed to a high standard every quarter and posted to members.
NZTCA regional branches produce printed newsletters, although most branches offer a convenient emailed option which is increasingly popular.
Web publishing – an embargo of 3 months minimum to prolong printed media has been imposed before any tree news may be reported on this web site. Is this wise?
Regrettably, as our country’s wealth becomes more polarised with greater-public-good knowledge and assets becoming privatised or scrapped, fewer investigators have the resources to scientifically research promising crop improvements for our common benefit.
Adhering to the old adage “Publish or Perish” is now a challenge, perhaps only countered by increasing use of digital tools.
‘Best of’ on-line archive posts are re-appearing as opportunity permits – tree knowledge, like DNA, ages well.
Our best opportunity though may be to digitally publicise our cause, especially to attract younger tree croppers. Otherwise, what might they think of us – their ancestors, if they find we’ve embezzled their inheritance to a greedy few?
Let’s promote public-good activities like tree cropping, before it’s too late—
