Waikato
The recently elected Waikato committee met on the 6th of May. Steve Burton was elected as Chair, Angela Martin as Treasurer and Grant Eyre as secretary. The committee spent time discussing how a Waikato District Council could be run to mutually benefit and bring a closer working relationship to all members. It is pleasing to report that there was much enthusiasm and many ideas of what the group can do to promote and further the horticultural community in the Waikato.

Initial plans are to run at least two events during the year; the first one mid year, will have an educational focus with some networking time afterwards, which may include nursery and garden center visits, speakers or supplier visits. The first of these is planned for the 10th June - Gus Flower the curator of the Hamilton Gardens will give a guided tour of a selection of the prominent gardens and talk on the philosophy applied in design and construction of these world class displays. The second event timed around Christmas will be a social occasion held at a venue suitable for the whole family. There was also considerable discussion on what the council can do to further education of our young people. The committee would be interested in any feedback on this topic.

We encourage all members to attend the event on the 10th of June. This is not just for business owners. Send some of your staff to educate, and meet others in the industry. Join us for a unique opportunity to hear from the curator of the Gardens and a fun game of ten pin bowling afterwards.

Taranaki
There was a social gathering in New Plymouth with excellent attendance by 25 local industry members and non-members. Both Peter Fraser and John Liddle were there and gave a report from NGIA on matters that are currently in discussion – plastics recycling, MAF, Hort NZ, EMA, plant trolleys and proposed TV gardening programme.

Canterbury
A team from the Canterbury region have been involved in organsing the July conference and will meet again soon with NGIA executive to fine tune details of the event.

We’d like to hear news from the other district councils – Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Southland - and expect to establish the Hawkes Bay council in the near future.

The NGIA Constitution outlines the requirements of a District Council [referred to as Regional Councils] to be active. In summary:

• An AGM shall be held each year, no later than 31 March, when a Chairperson and Secretary/Treasurer shall be elected

• To hold at least one other general meeting each year

• The Council will provide an annual report to the Board on its activities and financial affairs