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All Membership Enquiries - see Joining information
March 2004 - 3T's
| When: |
Sunday 28 March, at 11 am |
| Where: |
Mananui - will be signs posted. |
| Bring: |
Bring strong footwear and all-weather clothing; your own bags and bottles if you want nuts and juice |
| What: |
You are invited to go nutty and discuss straw bale house construction, growing trees for shade, land slumpage protection, BBQ lunch, nut gathering |
February 2004
| When: |
Saturday 21 February, at 10 am |
| Where: |
Allen's, Horotiu - will be signs posted. |
| Bring: |
Bring a friend! Bring a light lunch, cold drink, cup |
| What: |
AGM and 'Flaxes and much more'. Guest speaker Wiremu Puke |
November 2003
| When: |
Sunday 30 November, at 10:30 am |
| Where: |
Dentons, Tokoroa - will be signs posted. |
| Bring: |
Bring a friend! Please contribute to the pot-luck lunch with enough to share with others, serving utensils for your dishes; plants or produce for auction; sensible clothing and footware. |
| What: |
End of year social: Walk and Talk; BBQ; After-lunch Plant Auction; and more |
July 2003
| When: |
Tuesday 22 July |
| What: |
David Klinac - Talk on Vietnam - chestnuts - opportunities - fascinations... |
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See the Notes & photos: |
| When: |
Saturday 5 July, at 10 am |
| Where: |
Hamilton Gardens Camellia Carpark; will be signs posted. |
| Bring: |
Bring a friend! Take away lots of Trees! |
| What: |
The amazing annual P l a n t S a l e ! - enter from Cobham Drive, nearly opposite Grey Street. |
May 2003
| When: |
Saturday 31 May, an evening |
| Where: |
at a Hamilton venue |
| What: |
Annual Tree Crops Dinner.
Get thinking about recipes to tempt the palate. Details to follow. |
| When: |
Saturday 10 May, at 11 am |
| Where: |
Brook Park, Te Kuiti (north end - will be signs posted) |
| Bring: |
- your own lunch and a drink |
| What: |
Field day - a fifty year old park in the making? |
April 2003
| When: |
Sunday 27 April, at 11 am |
| Where: |
Dyden Cottage, Old Mill Lane, Grace Road, Turangi |
| Bring: |
Bring your lunch and a drink - BBQ available |
| What: |
3 T's Sub Branch Field day - discuss ideas on how to develop this property! |
| When: |
Saturday 12 April, at 10 am |
| Where: |
Heritage Farm, Kaipaki Road, Cambridge |
| Bring: |
- your own lunch and a drink |
| What: |
Field day - plums, kiwifruit and asparagus organically - 'soilfoodweb' philosophy of life in the soil - laboratory - apples |
March 2003
| When: |
Sunday 9 March, at 10 am |
| Where: |
Clark's property, Te Tahi Road, Pirongia - will be signs posted. |
| Bring: |
Bring your four wheel drive if the weather has been damp; and a friend! BBQ available and hot water for drinks. |
| What: |
Field day - Using Trees on the Farm - with Small Farmers Association. Bush covenants, natives and exotic plantings for shade and shelter, tree choice and protection from stock damage. Orchards, a 50 year old fig tree, plans and experiments, Andrew and Anna are taking it all on! |
February 2003
Saturday 22 February - 3Ts
| When: |
Saturday 22 February, at 10:30 am |
| Where: |
Palmer Mill Road, north of Taupo; will be signs posted. |
| Bring: |
Bring a friend! Bring your own food and cutlery |
| What: |
Field day - After a very successful, first meeting of the Taumarunui Taupo Turangi sub-branch at Don Dempsey's we're going to visit the opposite end of our territory, Taupo.
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| 10:30am |
THE PLAN is to meet promptly at 10.30a.m. and walk around the Robinsons' land. Picnic lunch will be between 12 noon and 1p.m. bring your own food and cutlery, I'll supply instant coffee and a variety of teas - and pick each other's brains about our soils and how to live with them. As Brian Robinson says there are major differences in our volcanic soils: soils on rocks from the andesite cone volcanoes like Ruapehu are relatively fertile, but in contrast the pumice products from the Taupo volcano yield a high silica sandy soil with little clay and deficiencies in both major and trace elements. They need the most help but even with the addition of much organic material they still remain very sandy. So how do you cope with your volcanic soil? Do you know what it is deficient in and how do you succeed in growing healthy crops and animals? I'll take notes and let people have a copy later if they want.
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| 12:00 |
Picnic lunch - see above. |
| 1:15pm |
Next we'll visit Linda's place for a 1.15pm start. |
| 3pm |
Finally, look around the Native Plant Nursery. |
PLEASE NOTE:
OSH regulations and their court cases have made field trips like ours difficult. I
apologize for having to add this note but members allowing us to visit their properties
need protecting from OSH. It's a sad state of NZ affairs!!! We are visiting working
small-farms with machinery, ponds, water troughs and animals. We visit on the
understanding that these things can be dangerous and so we are responsible for our
own safety. Children are welcome, but parents please understand that you are
responsible for keeping your children out of trouble and safe.
Meanwhile have a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.
Patrika Salmon. |
Saturday 15 February - Flav's Berry Farm & AGM
| When: |
Saturday 15 February, at 11 am |
| Where: |
Flay's Berry Farm is on Te Rahu Road, on the outskirts of Te Awamutu. It is a warm sheltered
location with plenty of parking and some shade trees. |
| Bring: |
Bring a friend! Bring some lunch - see below |
| What: |
Flav's Berry Farm Field Day & AGM
They currently have 40 acres in brambles -
blackberries, boysenberries and raspberries. Berries
are imported from Canada, Europe and China when local production cannot meet
demand. 27 distributors enable Flay's to supply the food service industry and retail
outlets throughout NZ.
Our day at Flay's will begin at 11a.m. with a tour of the property and plant followed by lunch and the AGM. The committee will provide a barbecue, some meat and a range of drinks including tea and coffee. Flay's have kindly made their lunch room available to us from about 12.30p.m. until 2.30p.m., so we have access to seating and hot water.
The AGM will be brief. The agenda and reports will be sent out with the next newsletter in early February. Have you considered a stint on the committee? It's worth some serious thought.
Fruit juices and berries will be available for purchase on the day. |
January 2003
| When: |
Sunday 19 January, at 1pm |
| Where: |
McLachlan's Property in Te Kowhai Road, will be signs posted. |
| Bring: |
Bring a friend! Bring some afternoon tea! |
| What: |
Field day - See for yourself in January how a working-bee to chop down an old tree led to a Plant Variety Patent, and six trees lining the drive became an orchard of 250 trees.
A Tree Crops Tale of Fortune:
Once upon a time in the steamy, sleepy market town of Hamil lived the beautiful
(almost) newlywed Princess Hilary and the charming Dave McLachlan. On their per-urban country estate they had begun the construction of their new palace with the
erection of a Well Appointed Shed, the envy of all the Kingdom.
Among the friends with whom they would sport at court was the Falconer Doug, a
seeker-after-his-fortune. Doug Falconer (as he became known) was an ace volleyball
exponent and their highnesses PH and CD would often join in. To celebrate the
purchase of his house in town Doug invited The Team to bring along their
woodsman's axes to ceremonially remove the Thicket of Thorns (to whit, one
menacing old plum tree on the boundary). But when at last their sport and merriment
was over and night had fallen, their glinting axes lay still untarnished in the boot of
the carriage and the party tarried not until the next day.
And so it came to pass much to Doug's wonder that the old tree blossomed and bore a
crop of Golden Plums. As he was passing in the cool of the evening, as if in gratitude
for being Spared The Axe, the Golden Plum Tree said, "Eat of me, my boy." As
Doug's teeth sank into the luscious ripe flesh of plump plums and the nectar of warm
summer afternoons gushed from the ruptured skin of the Golden Fruit, fireworks
exploded in his mind.
"At last my fortune is made," he exclaimed in a plummy voice.
Immediately Doug put all his worldly possessions in hock to purchase Plant Variety
Patents for his tree and secure his Happily Ever After.
Much impressed by the golden plum trees, Princess Hilary desired to have six of
them to adom the carriageway to the palatial shed. Alas, when she inquired of
Doug's licensed propagator, Handy Andy McGrath, the cupboard was bare! But
wait! There's more! Some Two-Timing Thundering Tycoon had cancelled an order!
And so it happened girls and boys that the Princess Hilary planted not six, but four
score times six, and ten Golden Luisa Plum Trees, in the Royal Orchard in the swamp
behind the palace.... but that's another story.
To find out more (if the spring
frosts have allowed) and taste
the glory, come to the field day
at Hilary and Dave's.
- Nick Empson
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November 2002
| When: |
Saturday 30 November, at 10 am |
| Where: |
Lochiel Road. |
| What: |
End of Year Visit and Social Gathering
Pot Luck Lunch - a TCA dinner but in summer and at lunchtime
A prize will be awarded for the best TCA dessert. Nev's barbecue will be available for those with flambeau specials - let your creative juices run wild! Limit yourself to a main, a salad and a dessert but please be generous with the quantities. Don't forget your plates, mugs and eating irons!
Plant auction - now is the time to bag up something for the auction if you have anything you can donate. Nev will bag up a small selection of heritage apple varieties to be auctioned on the day. Northern Spy, Priscilla and Freyberg all distinct possibilities - perhaps others besides.
Plonk - If you show me yours I'll show you mine... Those with something of their own to share to foregather at 10:30am for a wee tasting before we set out on the grand nosey parker tour. This should be fun! The branch will add a more pedestrian sample of Chateau de Cardboard, Joose and Dizzy Drink to the liquid refreshments.
Bring your umbrella, the sun tan oil, mozzie lotion, hat, sunglasses, culinary creations, plates, cups, cutlery, money for the plant sale, your sense of humour and your ENTHUSIASM!
And the visit section: Nev and Jose have a chestnut orchard, firewood coppice and a vege garden. They also have 73 apple varieties, a stool bed for a few M9 and Northern Spy rootstock, and a small propagation area with 200+ grafted specimens for next year's sale. They grow damsons and feijoas for such things as wine making. Kunekune pigs, ducks and chickens share their property and have access to an unfenced pond. (Parents please note that children are your responsibility and not that of the host.)
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October 2002
| When: |
Sunday 20 October, at 10 am |
| Where: |
Walton; will be signs posted. |
| What: |
Field day - Establishing a Buffer Zone - a visit to Tracey's Nursery and Conservation Planting at Walton.
A Buffer Zone is a (riparian) strip of land bounding waterways (including swamps) that is fenced off and planted, usually in colonising plants, to absorb nutrient run-off from our farming enterprises.
Come and see the progression from seed collecting through to the fourth year of growth in a developing buffer zone at the Gordon Gow Reserve, and find out
- if buffer zones are difficult and costly to establish
- whether they can be multi-purpose
- whether you should be creating one
- what effect they can have on waterways and wildlife
- whether they add value to your property.
View the nursery where Tracey establishes her trees from seed and cuttings. Plants can be purchased for a very reasonable price. She has an interesting garden and a smattering of fruit and nut trees.
Tracey is also working with children at the Walton school. She has established a nursery with them and involves them in local planting. She will take us to visit this area also.
Bring a picnic lunch. Tea and coffee making facilities will be provided.
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September 2002
| When: |
Tuesday 10 September, at 7:30pm |
| Where: |
Knox Presbyterian Church Sunday School room, Albert Street, Hamilton |
| What: |
A talk by Haikai Tane on multi-tiered Tree Crop Farm Ecosystems.
"Think globally, act locally" is a key to effectiveness that fits professor Haikai Tane, our dynamic september speaker. His focus is on sustainable development of watersheds, restoration forestry, and integrated tree crops systems. He will talk to us in Hamilton and show some practical examples from his recent visit to China.
Based in Twizel, where he is a member of Aoraki Branch of NZTCA, President of the Southern High Country Farm Forestry Association and director of the Watershed Systems Ltd Centre for Catchment Ecology, Haikai is also Adjunct Professor, Sustainable Development in Health and Environmental Sciences at UNITEC Auckland and Adjunct Professor, Chinese Academy of Science for the Lushan Botanical Gardens in the UNESCO World Heritage Area.
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August 2002
| When: |
Wednesday 28 August, at 7:30pm |
| Where: |
Knox Presbyterian Church Sunday School room, Albert Street, Hamilton |
| What: |
Tom Dinning of Palmers Gardern Centre will be speaking of his experiences dealing with people in a garden centre.
Tom has been involved with treecrops for many years. He was national secretary for 12 years and publications officer for 2 years. Maurice Denton and Tom produced many of the earlier "facts sheets" for tree crops. Tom was also involved with the importation of Italian hazelnut cultivars. He is a keen gardener living in the Pukete area.
Before taking up his current job with Palmers Tom was a training officer working with the unemployed, developing their orcharding and farming skills, on a block of land at Puketaha.
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July 2002 - Pruning
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When:
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Saturday 27 July at 12:30pm
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Where:
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Evans, North Ridge Drive, Hamilton.
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What:
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Pruning Demonstration - The Evans have established an orchard and pleasant native bush area on their one hectare block. The day will commence with lunch and a talk about pruning.
Hot water will be provided for drinks, and the barbeque will be lit for those who wish to cook. A double garage is available should the weather be inclement, but a ground sheet or portable seating may be advisable.
John Lelieveld will then be demonstrating the art of pruning on citrus, figs, persimmons and various pip and stone fruit.
North Ridge Drive can be accessed by driving north along Hukanui Rd and out into the country (3km from Chartwell Square.) The road name changes to Horsham Downs Road along the way, but just continue until you see North Ridge Drive on your left. Their property is at the end of this road. Look forward to seeing you there.
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July 2002 - Tree and Plant Sale
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When:
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Saturday 6 July at 10am
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Where:
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Hamilton Rose Garden Carpark -
Enter from Cobham Drive, nearly opposite Grey Street. About half way down the drive, on the left, is the entrance to No. 3 carpark. This is a large sealed area, with room for buyers and sellers to park.
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What:
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Plant Sale!
- Everyone welcome
- Tell your Friends
- Bring and buy (10% Commission to WTCA to fund local tree crop research)
- All Trees and Plants
- Bargains galore
- Some unusual items
- Weather? Our sale will take place wet or fine. No cancellations!
Social Occasion -
Even if you don't intend to buy or sell, come along anyway. Dally a while, browse and chat.
Sausage Sizzle -
If buying, selling or talking makes you hungry, you will be able to stoke up on site at our sausage sizzle. Hot drinks available, too.
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See a review of this event: |
June 2002
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When:
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Saturday 1 June at 6.30 pm
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Where:
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Life Unlimited Centre (Formerly known as the Disability Resources Centre) in Palmerston Street, Hamilton.
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What:
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Annual 'Pot Luck' Dinner - This is a family affair. Bring plenty of food and some drink. Entertainment for children and adults is being planned. A good family night out.
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May 2002 - field day
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When:
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Sunday 19 May, at 12 noon
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Where:
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Lake Ngaroto, Ngaroto Sailing Club Rooms, end of Bank Road (off Paterangi Road) out of Te Awamutu.
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What:
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Field day - Look at revegetation projects, followed by visit to old Kahikatea stand.
NATIVE NOSH AT NGAROTO
Before Europeans arrived in the Waikato with their iron tools, their agriculture and their commerce, from what environment did people eke a living? And what did they have for lunch?
Thanks to the Ngaroto Sailing Club we will have hot water, seating and toilet facilities available at their clubrooms to anyone who would like to come for a twelve-o-clock byo lunch, the May trip to the Ngaroto peat lake and environs focussing on the amazing pre-European aquacultural society of the Tainui. Ngaroto Nurseries is offering a prize voucher to the person judged to have brought the most indigenous lunch. Now what is it to be, a kete of kumara, watercress and wild duck? Use your imagination, prime your creative juices for the June 1 Tree Crops Dinner! (No penalty for sandwiches.)
We will hear the archaeological evidence from Owen Wilkes, how with indigenous technology the lake level was regulated and hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of spoil was placed in the lake to make islands. Also, what has been learned about their lifestyle, their foods, and how Tainui triumphed in a major pre-European tribal conflict in the battle of Hingikaka on Ngaroto shores. Owen is an archaeologist with a special interest in Maori sites, file keeper for the Archeological Association, who has recently retired from the Department of Conservation.
Also over lunch we will hear from Max Ward about the peat lakes and their origin, Waikato lowland Podocarp forest as a food source for Maori, and what is being done locally to conserve these unique natural and cultural features. Max is the Waipa District Council's Recreation Asset Manager.
The lunch and talks will be followed by a brief incursion into the revegetation area around the lake shores and a visit to Yarndley's Bush only a few kilometers away, a podocarp forest remnant with boardwalks and viewing platform. Those who feel compelled to milk cows or what-have-you can then escape while the rest of us retire to close-at-hand Ngaroto Wholesale Plant Nursery for coffee, hot scones and a browse - and to see what the indigenous lunch winner redeems with their voucher!
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About Us
Waikato and Thames-Coromandel Branch of New Zealand Tree Crops Association
http://www.treecrops.org.nz/bracts/bract04/bract04wai.html
Created: 22 Feb 2002 - Updated: 2008 July 11
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