Agenda
1. Apologies (Simon)
Kit Howden, Gay Munro, Ines Stager, Gary James, Judith Petterson, Sophie Williams, Ken Mason

Attending
In Person:
Alison Ross, Mike Peters, Edith Jones, Simon Johnson, Colin Meurk, Ryan Young,
By Phone:
Barry Wards (04) 970-4266, Jock Fleming (04) 475-7396, John Hogan (09) 415-9336, Chris Rance (03) 213-1161, Jan Weaver (09) 820-8575, Greg Bennet (03) 314-7402

2. Presidents Report (Mike)

A challenging year
NZERN has had a year full of challenges as we have sought to carry out some very big dreams. And we are definitely getting there.

Membership
Membership is stable with $6,000 received in membership fees. We can expect major growth after July 2005 when a National Roadshow is launched to promote the New Zealand ecological restoration network and its services. To cope with this growth a high level of service for members needs to be put in place. On-line payments by credit card system to speed up processes will help.

Field Days
A steady number of field days, regional restoration days and information displays have been held in the last year around the country. These events are helping to generalise and spread knowledge about ecological restoration.
This is helping to raise common standards on a voluntary basis. The regional restoration days are tending to become topic focused. The fixed displays at garden shows, conferences and A&P shows are reaching a very wide audience and help to publicise the existence of Planterguide and the regional spread of restoration work being done at a community level. The displays are a good way of reaching farmers. The field days are targeted at rural landowners.
NZERN has funds to support 15 more events. Further funding needs to be obtained to maintain this service into the future.

National Conference
The conference is important for bringing the network together to discuss issues facing restoration. It is also an opportunity for how we as individuals, local groups and national organisations can act to solve these challenges. National Conferences are to be organised by the Events Team in conjunction with a local branch who will help sort out a potential venue and organise associated tours to local restoration sites.

2003 very successful - Wellington
2004 no funding obtained
2005 end of year - "Mapping your restoration site"?? - venue?
2006 "Restoring Drylands", venue somewhere on dry east coast
2007 Theme & venue

Possible conference themes include:
-habitat for invertebrates
-lizards
-roadside & shelterbelt
-maintenance
-research needed
-volunteer training
-native plant propagation
any other suggestions

Standards and Policy
The developing consensus from field days and conferences needs to be written up as NZERN policy. Other aspects of NZERN and its subgroups needs to be also documented so anyone can found out whats going on.

Feb 04, ver 3. NZERN Constitution
Oct 03, ver 2. Bush Telly Trust Deed
Aug 03, ver 1. Pipi4 Plan
Nov 04, ver 2. Restoration Directory design
Feb 05, draft. Research guidelines
Feb 05, ver 2. Kereru design
May 05, ver 1. Conservation Volunteering Principles (K. Howden) - next conf
Mar 05, draft. Bush Telly Production Plan
Feb 00, ver 1. Bush Telegraph style guide
Nov 04, ver 1. Pipi4 UML model (M. Peters)
Mar 04. NZERN projects
Ecosourcing (B. Wards) - next conf
NZERN renumeration (A. Ross) - next conf
Field Days for beginners (G. Bennet)

NZERN Services
Specialised areas of work are being organised by subgroups. These subgroups are developing their own leaderships, budgets and work structures of volunteers. They report big picture stuff to NZERN. We don't need to know all the details as long as they spend within their budgets and achieve
results.

The subgroups are
-Bush Telly Trust (publishing information)
-Trustees (6)
-Video Unit (4)
-Pipi Team (very technical computer stuff)
-Mapping Team (45)
-Steering Committee (5)
-Developer & Operations (20)
-Events Team (conferences etc)

The majority of NZERN running costs are associated with Pipi - ie $1000 per month.

Advisory Panel
This is a forgotten treasure. A group of experts who have offered to advise NZERN so that their knowledge can reach a wider audience. Many on the panel (20) have forgotten they are on it. Those who haven't have made wonderful contributions.

The current members are:
Botany Brian Rance
Botany Hugh Wilson
Earth Science / Catchment Management
Dr Chris Phillips
Ecology Richard Gordon
Landscape Design Ms Di Lucas
Landscape Ecology / Panel Rep to NZERN Management Committee
Dr Colin Meurk
Panel Secretary Edith Jones
Plant Pests John Thacker
Propagation Lynette McLenaghan
Propagation Chris Rance
Propagation Daphne Banks
Propagation Ian Oxley
Propagation Brian Cosslett
Propagation John Moore
Protection Grant Nelson
Restoration Simon Johnson
Restoration Ken Mason
Weeds Bill Sykes
We need to come back to this next year, have a discussion with panel members and figure out where to go on this one.

Pipi4
The new computer based information system is coming along nicely. A lot of very difficult challenges are being overcome by a wonderful team and all aspects are expected to be completed July 2005. This includes the new Content Management System, Ecotrack, Planterguide, Mapping project, Weedguide, etc etc. This work is receiving significant recognition. This kind of project normally costs millions.

The mapping project is on target and is going to be popular with farmers.

Restoration Directory
A publishing design revision has been circulated and is up for final adoption today later in the agenda. The directories will then become available as a PDF download from the web.

The Southland, Otago, Canterbury and Wellington editions are in good shape. The Auckland and Waikato editions have had a lot of material submitted and need a good edit. The Bay of Plenty edition will have a lot of work done in February next year with a trip to Whakatane over a weekend to conduct interviews. Funding has been sought to edit 3 further editions over 2005/2006 (Nelson - Marlborough, Northland, Manawatu-Wanganui).

Restoration Research
NZERN has sought for many years to get formal agreements with researchers about ecological restoration. There are a lot of questions that need answers! This year we finally signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with teams of Landcare Research scientists. This means that we will need to supply people for research panels, be prepared to be guinea pigs and help distribute the results of useful research. A policy needs to be written by NZERN on how this participation can work for our own use. A 1st draft should be circulated at the February National Council.

Strengthening NZERN
Measures will be required to strengthen NZERN as the network it is and the resources it holds become much more significant. Carefull attention needs to be made to:
-establishing more local branches that focus on a few basic tasks
-getting and keeping the website up to date
-sorting out long-term funding

Some further tweaking of our constitution is also becoming necessary in my opinion.

NZERN formally has 3 branches.
Otago/Southland, Canterbury/Nelson/West Coast, North Island

But in reality NZERN has 5 branches already carrying out what an NZERN branch should and all are doing a great job. They don't need to do anymore except call themselves a branch.
Southland - field days & keeping Restoration Directory up to date.
Otago - keeping Restoration Directory up to date.
Canterbury - giving talks, field days & keeping Restoration Directory up to date.
Wellington - giving talks, field days & keeping Restoration Directory up to date.
Auckland - keeping Restoration Directory up to date.

We need to relax a bit about this and discuss this via the web forums and come back to this issue at a future National Council meeting.

A full National Council meeting by phone conference would be very expensive. We only get 50% participation in National Council meetings. A way to resolve this would be for each chartered branch to choose 1 National Councillors in a way similar to Forest and Bird. The branches could change their National Councillors as it suited them. This would mean that the present Regional Reps would be members of their local branch committee. A further benefit would be that each branch could then evolve in a way that suits local conditions. There is also an argument to be made that a local branch committee will have a very different focus and attract different people than being on the National Council. The National Councillors need to prepared to look at the wider issues affecting restoration and guide NZERN along an effective path.

This proposal is placed on the table for discussion which can be done via the web forums and if it gathers support could be brought as a well thought-out amendment to the next AGM.

3. Elections
Resignations:
Julia White has resigned as a National Councillor for Wellington
A vote of thanks for her efforts will be sent to her

Nominations received:
Colin moved that the following nominees hereby become elected. Alison seconded. Carried
Assistant Secretary - Alison Ross (Quail Island)
National President - Mike Peters (Addington Bush)
National Secretary - Simon Johnson (Travis Wetland)
North Island Vice President - Barry Wards (Upper Hutt F&B)
Patron - vacant (someone suggested Don Merton??)
Returning Officer - Kit Howden (Hamlins Hill)
Scientific Advisor (chosen by Advisory Panel) - Colin Meurk (Urban Landscape Group/Travis)
South Island Vice President - vacant
Treasurer - Edith (Southland F&B/Home Creek)

Advisory Panel
No new nominations received.

4. Financial Report (Edith)
for year to March 31st 2004:

Opening balance: $20,534.26
Total income: $42,483.18
Total expenditure: $49,728.57
Net Loss - 7,245.39

Closing balance:
$ 13,288.87

Income:
Grants $35,490.00
Membership 6,905.90
Interest 87.28
Total $42,483.18

Expenses:
Equipment/Software $19,218.55
Travel/Field Days 12,360.18
Office/Postage,etc. 8,495.95
Rent/Security 3,398.85
Internet 3,355.29
Phone/Tolls 1,332.03
Power 1,040.00
Other 527.72
Total $49,728.57

Approved grants owed April 2004
Advice Fund 13,250.00
Advice Fund 8,500.00
Advice Fund 4,500.00
Advice Fund 4,500.00
TFBIS EcoTrack 9,000.00
Advice Fund 5,000.00
TFBIS Gear 5,000.00
SMF April 20,000.00
Total $69,750.00

Nov 2004 Bank Balance
$20,000.00

These accounts will be audited soon.

Alsin to prepare report on co-ordinator renumeration.

Alison moved and Simon seconded that this report be approved. Carried.

5. Restoration Directory Design Changes (Edith)
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Restoration Directory Standard

Author:
Bush Telly Trust

Version:
ver3, November 25 2004

Status:
Draft
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Summary:
The Restoration Directory has been published by NZERN since 1998 from a database. It contains these sections.

-Cover
-Introduction
-Restoration and Revegetation Sites
-Organisations
-Native Plant Nurseries
-About the New Zealand Ecological Restoration Network
-Revision Form

The Directories have been produced in regional editions, printed and mailed out by the NZERN National Office.

The purpose of the standard is to provide a definitive guide for the Bush Telly Trust volunteers to publish the directories.

The directories will be published as PDF downloads. The downloads will be updated each month by automated process and be dated by month and year.

This standard can be amended at any time following public discussion by NZERN.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cover

Current fields:
-Month
-Year
-Region name

Proposed fields:
-Month
-Year
-Region name
-black and white line drawing (regional species)

-----------------------------------------------------------
Introduction

no change proposed : see latest copy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Restoration and Revegetation Sites

They are listed by region and then local council area.

Proposed:
Add a black line map of each council area with numbered dots for each restoration site.

Current fields:
-ID
-Name
-Approx area (ha)
-Year commenced
-Comments
-Current Involvement
-Contact

Proposed fields:
-Photo OR Map
-ID
-Site Name
-Approx area (ha)
-Year commenced
-Comments
-Current Involvement
-Contact person + email/phone/web
-----------------------------------------------------------
Organisations

They are listed by region and then by type.

Current fields:
-ID
-Name
-Contact and phone

Proposed fields:
-ID
-Organisation Name
-Purpose (20 word max)
-Contact person & position
-Phone
-Fax
-Email
-Cell
-Postal address
-----------------------------------------------------------
Native Plant Nurseries

They are listed by region.

Current fields:
-ID
-Nursery Name
-Contact person, position and phone

Proposed fields:
sort by region and then by these types - open to public, school, private
-ID
-Nursery Name
-Contact person, position and phone
-----------------------------------------------------------
Proposed new section: - Agencies
Listed by region

Proposed fields:
-ID
-Organisation Name
-Logo
-Services provided
-Contact person & position
-Phone
-Fax
-Email
-Web site
-Cell
-Office location
-Postal address
-If Iwi Authority -provide map of tribal area (Rohe)
-----------------------------------------------------------
About the New Zealand Ecological Restoration Network

No change proposed : see latest copy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Revision Form

No change proposed : see latest copy
-----------------------------------------------------------

Mike moved, Ryan seconded that document with changes included be accepted.
Carried.

6. Conservation Volunteering Principles

To be drafted and circulated for ongoing revision and discussion and brought to a future National Council meeting for adoption.

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For NZERN to consider

submitted by

Kit Howden
Private Bag MBE M 133
Auckland New Zealand
64 9 629 4694 Mobile 021 0411667
kithowden@xtra.co.nz
-----------------------------------------------------------
Conservation Volunteering Principles

Author:
Kit Howden

Version:
ver1, November 25 2004

Status:
Draft

Send revisions and comments to
kithowden@xtra.co.nz
-----------------------------------------------------------

"The Universal Declaration on Volunteering supports the right of every
woman, man and child to associate freely and to volunteer regardless of their cultural and ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, and physical, social or economic condition. All people in the world should have the right to freely offer their time, talent, and energy to others and to their communities through individual and collective action, without expectation of financial reward."

1.. People who do voluntary work should do it out of a personal, free choose.
2.. Volunteers expect and receive no material reward however direct costs should be refunded where possible.
3.. Voluntary activity should be encouraged to manifest its self in as many forms as possible from service provision to advocacy and should embrace politically unpopular causes as well as popular ones.
4.. Volunteering should involve all members of the society.
5.. Voluntary activity is about empowering people so that they can enjoy their rights and full potential.
6.. Volunteering can provide leadership and advocacy to improve the environment.
7.. To be effective conservation voluntary activity must reflect good environmental and ecological management practice.
8.. Conservation volunteering is based on environmental ethics including:
*.. Living in a sustainable way and working with nature.
*.. Maintaining the ethic of freedom of entry and access to public parks, waterways, foreshore and the common land .
*.. Respecting the rights of private land and encouraging voluntary participation in ecological and environmental action.
*.. Respecting both exotic and indigenous life and acknowledging endemic native species needs greater recognition and protection.
*.. Balancing the need to protect and manage both cultural and natural heritage for present and future generations
*.. Respecting difference and supporting peaceful ways to resolve conflicts.

Responsibilities for Volunteers

1.. The work is based on publicly approved plans and a Volunteer Code of Practice is in place.
2.. The work is being done for a public- good function in an open democratic process.
3.. There is have one person who has the responsibility and authority in employing the volunteer.
4.. The volunteer is equipped with instructions, good working conditions and tools for safe work.
5.. The volunteer is aware of the conditions of voluntary employment and are capable of doing the job.
6.. Clear about the personal benefits such as new skills that may be obtained.
7.. Do not take a position that will result in paid staff being threatened in their employment.

Responsibilities for Volunteer Employers

1.. Volunteer projects must benefit the community as well as the environment
2.. Volunteers should have the opportunity to participate in the planning and operation of projects and the work they participate in.
3.. Volunteers like paid employees need to be treated the same in terms of recruitment, termination and other employment rights.
4.. Create working situations where volunteers do not make paid staff insecure in their employment.
5.. Training needs to be provided to volunteers to do the work efficiently and safely.
6.. Volunteers need to report to one person who has the responsibility and authority regarding their employment.
7.. Volunteers should be an essential, participatory part of the organisation .
8.. Projects need to have a public good function and not be disguised to promote private profit or cheap labour to subsidise other work in the organisation.
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7. General business

Meeting closed at 4.35pm

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