The AGM was held on Saturday, 21st June at the Rolleston Community Rooms, Selwyn, Canterbury. Twenty one people attended.
Chair Pete Barrowclough welcomed attendees and introduced Associate Professor Clive Kaiser (Lincoln University) who generously assists the Association with his time and knowledge. Unfortunately, the new Executive, Christine Robinson, was unable to attend because of Covid.
Michael Petherick presented the Financial Report. The executive support cost was low while Christine learned the job. This cost will likely increase as project-demand increases. Membership is up from 57 to 63. Michael took over registration of the HGANZ website and is investigating whether ownership can and should be transferred to a current committee member. Subscription increased to $90 in the last year in anticipation of funding the executive resource and planned R & D.
Paul Rollin (Secretary), explained the requirement to revise the Constitution because of changes to legislation governing incorporated societies. The Companies Office provided an online constitution builder to develop the draft circulated at the AGM. The main points are:
- A special general meeting will be convened to vote on the adoption of the revised constitution.
- HGANZ financial records no longer require an audit. Annual income is under the threshold for that obligation.
- The ‘purpose’ is specific to each society. Clive Kaiser suggested adding wording regarding marketing to the draft purpose text.
- Should the HGANZ be ‘wound up’, funds cannot be returned to members. The funds must be passed to a similar organisation (a not-for-profit) in a similar domain; or a resolution made to give the funds to others. Members suggested Tree Crops NZ, Southern Nut Growers Association (perhaps with a stipulation that it’s used for the benefit of hazel growers) and/or a Lincoln University scholarship. These gained broad support and will be considered for inclusion in the Constitution should a resolution be required.
Les McCracken presented an overview of the current status of food regulations. These relate to the requirements of growers and processors under the Food Act 2014. Les advised that work is under way to develop more specific and relevant requirements for hazelnuts for submission to MPI. The exemption for hazelnut growers to register under the Food Act was extended to 12 June 2027. He stressed that we should be ready to negotiate revised requirements with MPI. It is important that members are aware of the significant compliance impost of food regulations.
Pete presented his ‘citizen science’ experiments.
- In the first, big suckers were removed from trees resulting in a positive yield difference compared to the 2023 harvest.
- In the second, he hard pruned some trees to allow more light onto fruiting wood. Conclusions will be made after the 2025 harvest. Pruning and removing the branches was a lot of work.
Pete also presented a draft R&D plan. This will be provided to all members for feedback. The Committee will consider priorities, achievability and where to put funds.
The new committee was elected. Pete Barrowclough continues as Chair. Committee members are Alison Bentley, Deb Whiteside, Kasia Henderson, Murray Redpath, Paul Rollin, Shane McKenzie and Rose McDermott. Grace McGowan‘s confirmation is pending – she was understandably focused on her family at this time. Rose is a new-old member, who has previously organised Field Days and whose knowledge of members will be invaluable. Kasia is new to the HGA Committee. She works in the horticulture industry, as well as farming hazelnuts in north Canterbury. Michael stepped down from the Committee, but remains as Treasurer.
Clive suggested that a Technical Sub-Committee be established, to meet quarterly. Clive, Murray and Michael were willing members.