New Zealand Tree Crops Association

National Conference 2002, Wanganui - Review

Quotes from a newsletter article by Heather North

"The 2002 Tree Crops Association Conference was, again, a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from throughout New Zealand, and to see the greener grass on the other side of the country."

The preparation effort by our small Central Districts Branch was a credit to all involved. And it is worth remembering that it does not stop at preparation; it carries on through and beyond the Conference date.

"During our field trips around Wanganui/Manawatu we saw chestnuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, feijoas, olives, apricots and many more crops. We admired an organic vegetable-growing enterprise, heard the history of the Wanganui River area, and visited well-known tree nurseries. Home baking at morning tea time was a feature of the field days, and dinners at the conference venue were enjoyable social events."

"The format of the conference included focused discussion groups on specific crops and topics, rather than a number of organised speakers. Each discussion group was facilitated by an expert in that field, and conference attendees could choose one discussion group each evening. These discussion groups worked very well, allowing for sharing of ideas across regions and participation by all in the group. I personally have learned a lot from speakers I have heard at previous conferences and wonder whether there is room in future conferences for both the focused discussion groups and also lectures from researchers and experts?"

An hour or so before dinner was alloted to meeting time for interest groups. These proved interesting enough if one chose a group that was not a very familiar crop, but if it happened to encompass your particular interest, then the exchange of information could become passionate. For example, the Specialty Timbers sub-groups competitively planned high financial returns from humble farm shelterbelts, selecting the right trees for almost any situation - a lively and informative session indeed!

Scientific Selection?

At the Wanganui Conference, we did hear from researcher Roy Hart on the first evening, and he outlined tree crops trials that are currently underway. These include a search for phytophthera-resistant chestnut varieties; a walnut trial in Masterton to determine suitability of walnut cultivars in North Island East Coast conditions; ginkgo trials; a search for apple varieties that are resistant to black spot and mildew; and a planned pistachio trial to be set up in Blenheim this winter."

"Conference attendees could hear Roy's research talk, or, alternatively, could taste a selection of fruit, nuts and fruit wines courtesy of Dianna Loader. From inside the lecture room, we could hear the hilarity at the fruit wine tasting session!

"...Our delegates at the Tree Crops Association AGM voted on remits that included a proposal to increase TCA subscriptions from $35 per year to $50 per year (the AGM decided against this one), and a proposal to reduce the Tree Cropper to two issues per year rather than the present four (the AGM also decided against this one)."

"Gail Newcomb was the recipient of the Don McKenzie award, which recognised her contributions to the New Zealand Tree Crops Association over many years, particularly in her role as technical editor. In this role she brought up-to-date the tree crops fact sheets, writing new ones where necessary, and wrote the TCA best-seller "Tree Crops in New Zealand" with basic notes on more than 65 crops. She has been active in the Bay of Plenty Branch for many years, holding most of the committee offices at one time or another, including that of newsletter editor."

An earlier winner of the 'Dr Don' award, Maurice Denton, shares Gail's delight at becoming custodian for a year of the small highly-prized trophy on the tabletop.

Another well-contested award which Heather modestly neglected to mention in this review was for the Best Branch Newsletter. Congratulations, Heather! We hope this worthwhile award by Management Committee continues annually.

Membership Secretaries got looked after here.

Efficient waiters delivered fruit wines; tree crops that packed more than just pretty colours...

"I do encourage... Tree Crops members to think about attending next year's conference in Dunedin - these conferences are very worthwhile learning experiences, and sociable too! The theme will be 'The Versatile South' and the conference dates are 24th-27th April 2003."
Conference 2003 Details

"Quoted text by Heather North"

Web Editor - Les Gruebner

http://www.treecrops.org.nz/bydate/conf02/venue/review02.html
Created: Wednesday, 19 June 2002 - Updated: 2004 September 05