News Update May 2011

WELRA MEETING
10.30 a.m. 13 May 2011 -  Lincoln University

1.0  Present:   David, Chris, Ray, Maree
2.0  Apologies:   Dean, Nick, James, Bob (resigned due to relocation).
3.0  Minutes of last meeting:  David/Ray  Passed
4.0  Matters Arising:
4.1  Grasshoppers:  Approach Gerry re trapping for stoats in Broad Stream.  If not doing it, would he like to, and do autopsies on kills in the area.  Chris commented that Gerry has caught first rat, and will analyse stomach contents.  Bealey Spur group would like to extend their area (Tony Edney). RAY  to contact both.
4.2  Invoice:   Coding error involved.  Was supposed to be paid by ECan but it came to WELRA and was paid.  When end of billing payments came, found overspent, and was traced back.  ECan funding was being used to supplement WELRA funding at this time on Flock Hill.  This was high priority work.  ECan then paid the equivalent amount for other high priority work on Flock Hill.  There was no double payment to Mt Hutt Helicopters.
4.3  ETS:  Exemption has been granted for Flock Hill and Broad Stream.  Work needs to be completed by December 2012.
4.4  Funding Applications:
Two major – Lotteries Commission, and new Community Environment Fund.
Lotteries – will have to reapply unless we get audited accounts.   Motion: We appoint BDO Spicers as auditors:  David/Maree  Passed
4.5  Broad Stream:  Now fully funded.  Delay until DOC herbicide information comes out in Spring.

5.0  Correspondence:
5.1  Inward:

• Community Trust – asks for copies of various documents for conditions for success of application.
• Bank statements
• Email from Chris re Upper Waimakariri Basin Wetlands Protection Project.
• Solid Energy – offering a MOU to do wilding control work.

5.2  Outward:
Nil

6.0  Finance:
6.1  Auditor:  BDO Spicers will do it between $500-$900 plus GST.
6.2  Treasurer: Bob Leonard has forwarded his resignation due to relocation and ill health, and is to be removed as signatory from accounts.  James is happy to be interim treasurer until AGM.  Ray expressed thanks for that, and James has already completed first GST.
6.3  Funding:  Balance in Account:  $59,097.31 as 7/5/11.   $18,000 due from CCT
Approximately $40,000  is allocated to  Broad Stream
6.4  Charities Commission Report:  Will need to get that done and also send a copy of auditors report.  Ray
6.5  Savings Account:  No interest so far.  Motion:  That a 32 day savings account be set up with KiwiBank, with an initial deposit of $50,000.   Ray/Chris  Passed   Ray to action and arrange a meeting with David and James.
6.6  Preparation of accounts ready for next AGM.  Motion:  Neil France continues to do accounts for next financial year, and auditing by BDO Spicers.  David/Ray  Passed
6.7 Future Funding Applications:  None planned.  Motion:  We apply to any appropriate funding organisations as soon as current ones are settled. (Lotteries Grants Board and Community Environment Fund).  David/Ray  Passed

7.0   Wilding Areas completed in last 12 months:  No contract work was done due to lack of funding.  $20,000 work may be done if weather remains favourable.  DOC swept through Korowai/Torlesse range on northern side and found a surprising number of trees.  Some scattered trees removed from Brooksdale by Lake Lyndon.
Proposed areas for near future:      $20,000 to be spent within area M, F and I. 
8.0   Contractors:  Dean to continue to supervise.  
9.0   Volunteers;  Over 150 people in two days went into “no mans land” on Flock Hill, approximately 500 hectares.  Goldrings – 10 hectares on Brooksdale and other areas alongside SH 73.  Solid Energy – 2,500 square meters on Flock Hill.
10.0   Spraying:  November is when we should have advice for best formula  from  DOC.  Trials with Pinox in spring in areas needing to be killed.  Basal bark- DOC trials promising – 4/5 times more trees than scrub bar for same time.

11.0 General Business:
11.1  ETS Exemptions:  David did an exemption for trees below Bridge Hill/cattlestop for the University, but new suggestion is that University gifts the trees to WELRA to log and benefit from the proceeds for further wilding removal on Flock Hill. 
Motion:  We get an estimate of possible returns and if favourable write to University and Flock Hill Lessees requesting that they authorise WELRA to harvest merchantable timber and to use the proceeds for further wilding control in the area.   David/Ray   Passed
David to get estimate, Ray to prepare letter in readiness.

11.2  Waterways Proposal Immediate Steps:  Upper Waimakariri Basin Wetlands Proposal:  Not conservation area so DOC will fence .  Areas in question should become Conservation Land (around lakes and Craigieburn Stream).
 Motion:  WELRA establishes a formal relationship with Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee to assist in the protection with the waterways and wetlands in the Upper Waimakariri Basin.  Ray/Maree   Passed.

• Solid Energy MOU with WELRA:  Ray presented the draft MOU from Solid Energy re annual wilding control. 

Motion: That Welra proceeds in principal with final details to be negotiated, with the aim of setting up a loose contractual MOU with Solid Energy. Possibility of pursuing the same agreement with other corporates.   Maree/Ray  Passed
11.4 – Bob’s contribution to WELRA: Ray has expressed his appreciation for all the expertise, work and effort Bob has given to WELRA since its inception. We wish him well for the future and will keep him in touch with developments as we progress the control of the wildings.
Next meeting:  September, AGM,   date to be confirmed.
Meeting finished at 1.10 p.m.

 

Maree Goldring
Secretary.