Flower Sector Conference & AGM 2017

Arrangements for the NZ Flower Growers conference and AGM are beginning to be put in place. Chris Smellie provides the following update on the proposed programme:

Arrangements to Date.

• NZFGA and the Peony Growers are combining their conferences this year in Christchurch at the ‘Chateau on the Park’ hotel corner of Deans Avenue and Kilmarnock Streets.
• The event will run from the 3^rd of August to the 6^th of August 2017.

Programme: -     4th August NZFGA day conference and AGM.

                               Peony Society hold executive meeting.                  

5^th August - combined half day conference followed by bus tour and combined Dinner in the evening

6^th August Peony Society Conference.

• Confirmed speaker for NZFGA conference – Stephen Wratten, Professor of ecology at Lincoln University and principal instigator of the ‘Bio Protection Research Unit’ at Lincoln University. The unit aims to enhance biological pest control in crops and counter current and future threats to horticulture in NZ.
• The future of NZ Flower Growers Association will be a major discussion point with ideas, details and possibly presentations from two groups with whom NZFGA could merge – HortNZ and the NZPPI [NZ Plant Producers Inc]

Hoped For: -

• That in co operation with John Harris, senior advisor for Horticentre, Horticentre will again be able to provide the opening address on growing practice and technology.
• That Frans van Dorsser will be able to provide us with the latest statistics and trends for imported flower products.
• That we can get an update from UFG management on how they see their role in the flower industry.
• That Rebecca Jones can inspire us with the latest in promotion from the ‘National Flower Promotion Group’.
• That ‘Egmont Horticultural Supply Company’ can add to our growing skills and knowledge.
• That the bus tour will include a visit to Zealandia’s major production unit near Christchurch.