Contents:
- Who is the NZ Tree Crops Association?
- Mission Statement
- "TreeCropper" magazine
- Is there a Branch in my area?
- Other Membership Benefits?
- Research
- What if I have a special Interest?
- Interested in Joining our Membership?
Who is the NZ Tree Crops Association?
Our members include a real cross-section of people - home gardeners, orchardists, hobbyists, farmers, investors and so on. Some are big landowners, while others do not even have a back yard! Some are learners; others are experienced growers; and yet others are researchers of high repute.
We share an interest in investigating new crops, improving existing varieties, and learning more about the care and management of a wide range of fruit and nut trees and other useful species.
Mission Statement
To promote quality information on Tree Crops, and the value of sustainable management of treecropping for New Zealanders.
Goals
- To stimulate and promote interest and active participation in tree cropsactivity.
- To encourage investigation into tree cropping, especially into new crops and cultivars.
- To research and disseminate information on growing and using tree crops.
- To develop and promote diversity in farming.
- To promote the identification and standardisation of accurate cultivar names and support the validation of our proven varieties.
- To investigate and promote the benefits of using tree cropping to improve the environment.
- To educate and support people in the growing of tree crops.
- To promote constructive and informed debate and represent members' interests where public issues impact on the growing of tree crops.
Objectives
1. To strengthen our organisation
2. To improve the financial position of the organisation
3. To improve communication
4. To improve planning
5. To improve education on the benefits of growing tree crops
6. To improve our professional image
7. To investigate strategic alliances with kindred organisations
8. To conduct research and development in relation to growing tree crops
"TreeCropper" - Official Journal of NZTCA
"TreeCropper" has long been the communication backbone of our organisation, and our flagship publication.
Published approximately quarterly, it is an invaluable announcer of news, research, references - and a sharing of all sorts of experience in the pursuit of Tree Cropping.
"TreeCropper" is included in your membership fee when you join us (below).
Is there a Branch in my Area?
The Association has been established over 20 years and we now have about 3000 members.
The National management committee co-ordinates the many local Branches and Interest Groups throughout New Zealand.
Each have their particular Activities to pursue, and newsletters which announce and disseminate the information collected.
Our members receive Branch newsletters with information specific to their own area. We meet at field days, seminars, workshops, conferences, plant sale days, and social events. With like-minded people we talk about our problems and successes, and learn from each other's experiences.
Branches are listed in Joining (below).
More details:
NZTCA History and Structure
Contacts - Management, Research
Other Membership Benefits?
As well as providing the Tree Cropper journal for our members, and a range of Branch activities and Action Group options, our association has a number of other benefits.
Our members:
- are able to purchase our Publications at discount prices;
- receive for free our Member's Handbook listing many suppliers of trees;
- are often able to purchase a wide range of trees, plants and horticultural supplies at discounted prices;
- gain privileged access to a gathering wealth of members-only internet facilities.
These extra benefits would alone justify becoming a member.
Research
Members are encouraged to experiment with new crops and varieties, either as individuals or through participation in projects organised by the Action Groups and Branches.
We have our own highly qualified research co-ordinators who are available to advise on setting up trials, and evaluating and reporting on the results.
More details: Contacts - Management, Research
What if I have a Special Interest?
As well as the Branch structure, which provides a wide range of general-interest activities, there are special interest groups called Action Groups, which concentrate on particular tree crops. Some of these crops are of interest only to the hobbyist, while others have exciting potential for commercial production.
We hold one-day seminars on specific crops, and members may request the formation of new Action Groups to investigate other interesting tree crops.
More details: see Contacts - Management, Research
Are You Interested In Joining?
[Current member Renewal click here]
You might want to check the overview (top of page) information first -
Join us, and let's learn together!
This could take a few weeks - our services are largely fulfilled by volunteers -
Membership year is from date of joining.
Choose your payment method:
1. I use internet banking and I want to apply on-line
Note: we cannot accept credit card payments
2. I will include a cheque and apply by postal mail
(We regret that card facilities are impractical for our non-profit group)
Inquiries about membership application - see below
By postal mail:
a. Click Here to PRINT an APPLICATION FORM then Fill in your details!
b. Otherwise, in writing a letter to us, include in your letter your:
- full name,
- address,
- phone,
- Email,
- occupation,
- how you heard about us,
- you tree interests;
Next, nominate the Branch you would like to receive newsletters from:
- Northern Region,
- Franklin,
- Waikato and Thames-Coromandel,
- Bay of Plenty,
- Gisborne-East Coast,
- Hawkes Bay,
- Central Districts,
- Wairarapa,
- Wellington-Horowhenua,
- Marlborough,
- Nelson,
- West Coast,
- Canterbury,
- Aoraki,
- Coastal Otago,
- Central Otago.
Finally, enclose cheque payable to:
"NZ Tree Crops Association Inc", for $NZ40,
in 50cent-stamped envelope addressed to:
C/o Jennifer Hutson
773 Moonshine Road
R D 1
PORIRUA, (New Zealand)
Membership queries: write to the above address.