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Minutes of the Executive Committee held by Teleconference
On Friday 3 April 2009 at 8.15pm
Present:
Steve Clark, Margaret Edwards, Graham Keen, Ian Juno, Brian Milne and Bruce Robertson (EO)
Apologies: Nil
Welcome
Brian Milne welcomed all to the meeting
Meeting Chair
Brian explained the appointment of a Chairperson for this meeting – under rules 11.5 and 13.6.2.
BM was nominated to chair this meeting by SC and seconded by GK. Passed unanimously
Resignations.
Resignations from the executive of ONZ were tabled from Jim Syme, Andrew Taylor, Colin Campbell and Margaret Edwards.
IJ moved that these resignations be accepted. Seconded –SC
Motion to accept the resignations with regret was proposed by BM. Motion passed unanimously.
Co-opting of a Member – refer rule 13.7.1
BM moved we co-opt ME under rule 13.7.1- seconded by SC.
GK suggested we could co-opt ME for a specific role on our executive- in response SC suggested such a move could subject us and ME to undue criticism.
IJ seconded ME’s nomination for co-opting is accepted with a right to vote. Motion passed unanimously
Spokesperson for the Executive.
BM explained the need for a spoke person- offered his services to fulfil this role.
GK moved to appoint BM as our spokes person. Seconded by IJ. Motion passed unanimously.
Commodity Levy Proposal
BM elaborated on meeting in Nelson of the previous day
BR elaborated on meeting in eastern BOP
GK – advised meeting scheduled in Canterbury 19 April- expressed view that Canterbury members keen for ONZ to progress the levy ASAP.
ME – commented meeting in Waiheke yet to be held- chances of acceptance of levy 50/50.
BR- to follow up with Ross Legh re Northland stance
SC- advised their AGM to be held on 18 April- adverts re mtg to be in local press- cost approx $300
BM- emphasised the need to keep full records of ALL meetings and advertisements placed and to advise the EO of non members in their regions that we can despatch voting papers to.
BR- explained response from recent meeting in Hawke’s Bay.
IJ- advised meeting in Wairarapa scheduled for 19/4. Would like voting papers to distribute.
ME- advised a meeting in Auckland is to be scheduled soon.
BM- reiterated that it is imperative we get papers in on time and will keep us up-dated on meetings with Ian Turk
Certification Programme- 2009-04-08
ME advised exams/sample have arrived from the IOC
First test is on 14-15 April for the panel
We need to review certification documents from 2008 and determine fees for 2009.
ME advised that Plant & Food had expressed a willingness to assist with the certification programme.
Awards Programme.
BM advised he had taken legal advice with a Wellington QC and an opinion would be forthcoming. ME was also submitting a report regarding the awards.
It was agreed we need to compose a clear and concise document for the 2008 awards, with what was done now and for the future.
We will have a formal statement for the members shortly.
A statement will be released regarding the Chen Palmer opinion and we will take further steps regarding the opinion, if so required.
Estimated cost for the solicitor - $5000.
Any enquiries regarding this matter are to be referred to BM.
ME asked if the cost for our legal opinion could exceed $5000. BM confirmed that this was a fixed price deal.
SC sought elaboration on ME’s report and BM explained the basis of the report.
ME commented that for the 2009 awards, we need a venue for scientific evaluations etc- we will need a sensory facility. ME advised that the Massey University, Albany Campus had indicated a willingness to assist but they have a limited number of sensory booths. The judging timetable would need to be scheduled to cope with this.
ME advised that we could incur some additional costs with the 2009 awards now that sponsorship from Hort Research is not available. Massey would charge a venue hire and staff costs( mostly for graduate students who would act as technicians).
GK moved we have an award programme for 2009. Seconded IJ
Passed unanimously.
IJ advised he was very happy to assist in the programme where possible
Legal Matters
BM confirmed he had taken suitable legal advice re matters raised.
BM read his draft proposed statement to members.
GK moved that the statement be dispensed to members. Seconded by IJ. BM advised that the statement to members will be sent, together with a statement from our legal advisor and also placed on our forthcoming newsletter, due out on 20 April.
Newsletter.
SC suggested we could elaborate on the recent movements and resignations of some executives.
ME read her draft report/statement.
GK commented on the recent Canterbury branch newsletter and the actions that resulted from this.
SC advised that we could place ME’s statement on the newsletter and asked if we could also include the letter from Charlotte Meehan in the newsletter. ME asked that we do what is best for ONZ.
General Business
BM suggested we should revamp the minutes of the recent combined meeting of ONZ Executives and Regional chairs as the current minutes were very long and should be bought down to a bullet point report.
IJ offered to undertake this task and should be ready for despatch by late Sunday.
BR was unable to undertake this task as he would be involved in the forth coming processors course.
BM sought opinions as to whether we should have another ‘face to face’ meeting with the regional chairs soon and suggested that perhaps a meeting room at Wellington Airport would be a suitable venue on either 2 or 9 May. It was agreed that we should plan for 2 May. BR to check on availability of room at Wellington airport.
BR to email all Regional chairs, copy to exec, proposing a meeting on 2 May, 0930 to 4pm.
ME advised that the Olive Oil Growers and Processors were seeking information regarding our issues with P Heard. BM to contact them.
GK advised we need to pay AOG&P’s latest account – BR to do so per ONZ credit card.
IJ asked if BR could put on the ONZ computer an ‘out of office message’ when absent from the office. BR to discuss further with IJ on how to implement this.
There was no further business.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm.
Bruce G Robertson
Executive Officer / Secretary
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