Although the attendance is not up to where we would like, those present enjoyed the occasion in the normal manner.
Club Notices and Director's reports brought all up to date with current activity as reported already, plus some updates as follows were also shared;
- RYLA is still scheduled to run from July 2 - 9, although subject, of course, to any Covid restrictions that may impact the event. Tom S. will again be coordinating St. Johns participation and he reminded us that nominations of potential participants are due by the end of March, interviews will take place in April, and if any members are interested in supporting Tom through the interview process, please contact him directly.
- Our Club Services Director, up from Pauanui for the day, came loaded with Pauanui grown "wind fall" avocado's which were free for the taking - thanks Robyn.
- PE Gary advised that he expects to announce the club officials at the first dinner meeting of the year on March 3rd.
Following the formalities, John Lewisham was pleased to introduce our guest speaker Terry Beckett, who also happens to be Johns brother-in-law. John mentioned that Terry is an avid fisherman and what's more he is very good at it! He can also boast a successful commercial career. His primary interest today is focused on "Fresh Water", how it is managed and maintained, and his talk to us focused primary on the Rotorua Lakes District and specifically Lake Tarawera which has been a significant part of Terry's life since he was a child.In New Zealand we each use on average 160 litres per day per person and 50% of all water available goes on irrigation.
Our lakes play a very important role in the provision of water, they are very fragile and have to contend with numerous invasive weeds, algae, fish, snails and other conditions that could assist with the degrading of fresh water supplies in a very short time frame. Over time, hopefully many many years, all lakes will degrade and die, which makes the work that Terry and many others do to monitor and maintain as critically important.
Many thanks for your time Terry and for the very interesting talk - much appreciated.