1980-81 Summary
Tree crop activity and interest in most branches of the South Island has been at a high level and to a large degree is a direct result of the stimulating Conference held at Queenstown by the Central Otago branch during ANZAC weekend 1980.
Several positive moves have been introduced by the Association and principal amongst these have been the holding of regional seminars at Dunedin and Hanmer Springs. Other moves with important implications for areas of high unemployment have been the introduction of a Work Skill Development Programme whereby the Canterbury Branch will shortly assume responsibility for employing several young people for a six monthly period at the Lincoln Research Centre. The prime objectives of which are to propagate trees, maintain existing plantings and teach young people in the 16-25 age group basic skills of tree crop culture for eventual placement in the expanding Hort. industry.
Three overseas visitors working in Tree Crop related areas have visited Christchurch and all have expressed amazement at the progress being made towards attaining our National objectives.
Two of the four Management Committee meetings, June 1980 and March 1981, were held at Lincoln College. Transfer of information and most back copies of Journals have been sent to National Headquarters, Hamilton.
June 1980: Management meeting - Lincoln College.
Address by President and Vice Presidents and Secretary to Canterbury Branch.
Address by President and Vice Presidents and Secretary to Marlborough Branch.
Address by President, Vice President and Secretary to Nelson Branch.
Visit to DSIR Hort/Process Division, Fruit Research Station, Appleby.
Visit to DSIR Riwaka Research Station, Riwaka.
Inspection of two large tree nurseries Waimea, Nelson.
July Attended Farm Forestry weekend seminar at Timaru (NZTCA display)
August Printing and distribution of NZTCA Journal V5 N2.
Planning Tree Crop & Blueberry seminar programmes.
September Private visit to Japan. Host Dr I. Kajuira.
Met up with members of Fruit Industry tour at Yatqbe and Nagano. Inspected crops of chestnuts, Asian pear, grapes, persimmons, blueberries. Inspected trees of Akobia vine and Chinese date and Pomegranate. Inspected tropical tree crops in Malajsia
October Attended Silviculture field day on integrated forestry at Okuku Pass organised by Lands and Survey and N.Z. Forest Service.
November Visit from David Noel, President of West Australian Tree Crop Association. Most useful discussions on reciprocal exchange of information and seeds with "Quandong".
Tree Fruit and Nut Course at Lincoln College one week. Poor representation from NZTCA branches.
December Visit from John Kenez, Horticultural Economist, with Victorian Department of Agriculture. Presented paper on economics of hazel, walnut, almond and macadamia production in Australia to N.Z. Economic Society.
1981
January Meeting with northern branch secretaries to arrange seminar at Hanmer Springs.
February Addressed inaugral meeting of Buller Branch at Westport. Excellent attendance of 50 interested people - meeting decided to form 2 groups, one at Westport and the other at Karamea.
Inspected plantings of Chestnuts, avocado, tamarillo and kiwifruit.
Attended 2 day summer seminar of combined 4 northern S.I. branches at Hanmer Springs.
Address by Miles Merwin, Director of USA Eastern zone chapter of the International Tree Crops Institute.
Printing and distribution of NZTCA Journal V6 Ni.
March Attended 3 day Management Committee meeting at Lincoln College. Inspected Tree Crop trial areas at DSIR, Discussion with Registrar of Plant Rights and Prof. Rowe, Head of Department of Landscape & Horticulture at Lincoln College.
April Participated in well attended Canterbury Branch field day and AGM to inspect temperate and subtropical tree crops on Bank Peninsula. Preliminary results of Lincoln College Economic Research Units survey on potential for horticulture in the region was presented by Ron Shepherd, Many interesting exotic vegetable tree fruit and temperate nut crops were inspected including nursery.
Attended farewell lecture at Christchurch Town Hall by Richard St Barbe Baker, Patron of International Tree Crops Institute.
In conclusion I have attempted to be brief which for me is difficult. Many of you would have been just as deeply involved in promoting Tree Crops as I have. This Association which we have all helped to create, enjoys credibility within New Zealand, is active and vibrant; Has a respected international reputation, sometimes I fear unjustified but nevertheless true. Please be guided by your leaders who literally work their guts out on your behalf and please show tolerance and thanks to them all for a job well done. Put more effort in sharing knowledge and planting trees for food production rather than generating ulcers by politicking about trivial internal matters. The machinery is there for all to use.
DJ Davies
Vice President S.I.