Annual General Meeting
MINUTES OF THE AGM, 13 APRIL 2024
Held at 273 Malvern St, Dunedin, at 1.30
PRESENT
Convenor Dr Robert Fisk, Dot White, Laurol Chadwick, Elaine Fisk, Brian Hopewell, May Hopewell, Chris Fitzpatrick, Colin Fitzpatrick, Barbara Keen, Karen Baughn, Elva MacFarlane, Maureen Trevor, Beatrice Huang.
APOLOGIES
Marion Rutherford, Stan Rutherford, Kate McLachlan.
PREVIOUS MINUTES
The minutes from May 20, 2023, were read. There were no matters arising.
CORRESPONDENCE
Emails of importance were circulated. Most notable, KIT from NZIS, Newsletter Dunedin Hort Soc.
FINANCIAL AND CONVENOR’S REPORT
While this Group’s membership is so low, the roles of Treasurer and Secretary were combined in the single role of Convenor. Dr Robert Fisk read the attached report.
OIG Convenor’s Report 2024
I have pleasure in presenting the Convenor’s Report for the subscription year that ends today.
I want to thank you all for your support. As the size of the Group fell and activities became hard to source, you responded with help and advice and accepted the situation with a determination to keep going. As a result, the Otago Iris Group had a successful year both in terms of activities and increased membership. Well done, everyone.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
I want to speak first about our financial year. We made a profit of $44.18. This is due to low spending on our part and higher interest rates from the ANZ bank. Our balances are
Current
2023
579.63
2024
189.83
-389.80
Savings
2023
3686.86
2024
4097.37
410.51
Petty cash
20.61
Our income for the year was boosted by the higher interest rates for our money in the Savings account.
Incoming
interest
164.18
subs
55.00
donations
0.00
219.18
We spent $150 subsidising our meal at the Mosgiel RSA. A further $20.60 was spent on sundries, leaving $9.40 in petty cash.
Outgoing
Events
120.00
social
30.00
affiliations
25.00
175.00
As our transactions for the year resulted in a profit of $44.18, I recommend leaving the annual subscription at $5 per family.
I will now summarise our activities for the year.
ACTIVITIES
We met for the 2023 AGM on May 20 at Chris and Colin Fitzpatrick’s house. It was wet. We saw the more accessible parts of the garden. We congratulated Colin and Chris on their sixtieth wedding anniversary and admired the messages sent from King Charles III. We agreed to have a mid-Winter lunch.
The mid-Winter lunch on June 24 was at the RSA restaurant, Diggers in Mosgiel. The food was excellent. Twelve members attended. The day was cold but the restaurant was warm and we had a table set aside for us.
The winter was a strange mixture of warm days and bitterly cold days. In the garden, plants previously hardy were cut down. With Robert and Elaine travelling overseas and cold weather in September, it was October 28 before we met again. The garden had some standard dwarf bearded irises in bloom, plus what was believed Golden Immortal (TB) in bud. Elaine made a presentation about Siberian irises, a species that grows well in Dunedin. We noted the passing of Jackie Auld, a long-serving member who had been unable to attend our recent meetings due to ill-health. We also noted the passing of Laurol Chadwick’s mother. A walk around the garden in a cold wind was followed by a welcome afternoon tea.
A month later, on November 25, we held a potluck lunch at Stan and Marion Rutherford’s at their Taieri Beach home. The meal hit the right spot. After the meal, Robert spoke about and showed photographs of ‘Archie Owen’ a bright yellow spuria varietal that grows well in Dunedin. Dring a walk around the garden Stan spoke of the struggle to build the soil’s texture and to drain water with only a thin layer of topsoil. Although the bloom season was well-advanced, spells of cold weather ensured there were tall bearded irises still in bloom, as well as other species including arils in bud and miniature dwarf bearded irises.
On December 9 we had the pleasure of visiting the Poulters Road garden of new members Beatrice Huang and Yushin Lin, although the visit was almost scuppered by heavy rain. This large property in the Leith Valley towards the top of the northern motorway held many treasures. Tall bearded irises were still blooming, with early ensatas making a first appearance. There were special plants in every corner of the garden. Although slippery steep slopes kept some members confined to the terrace, this overlooked an extensive plot of tall bearded irises in bloom. The weather cleared up and a pleasant time was had with afternoon tea on the deck in the sun.
February 10 saw us back at Beatrice and Yushin’s garden. The focus of the meeting was propagation from seed. A variety of methods and experiences was discussed. Beatrice showed us her seed raising trays, Laurol gave out seeds of a special iris in her garden. Robert handed out rhizomes donated by Shona McAra, a keen gardener. A walk through the garden discovered new treasures. Although the irises had all but finished there was still plenty to see.
The next meeting on March 9 was held at Elaine and Robert’s house in Mosgiel. Elaine explained the arrangements for membership to the National society, and the benefits that brought. She showed and described items in the latest Bulletin as well as several useful reference books held by this Group. This led to discussion about the Iris Society Convention in Christchurch in early November. The sharing of sharing cars and accommodation can help cut costs. Swaps and donations included packets of seeds as discussed at the February meeting, donated by Laurol, I. sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’, alliums, and lily bulbs, plus red broad bean seeds, donated by Beatrice, potted Iris sanguinea ‘Kamayana’, donated by Elaine, and SDB ‘Tinkerbell’, plus sweet pea seeds donated by Robert. A walk around the garden was a chilly experience. In the garden, Robert showed how to prepare irises for the winter, including how to prepare the soil and use pre-emergent herbicides to cut down on Spring weeding.
The management of the Group by one person as Convenor is working well. The support given by members has eased the burden of leadership. Thank you all. Your loyal support has seen us through the difficult time following the Covid 19 pandemic, a time when many small groups simply faded away.
It was a busy year, despite the lull through winter and early Spring. We have gained six new members, Beatrice Huang and Yushin Lin, Barbara Key, Rachel and Nadine Dickson. and Karen Baughn. Welcome to these people. We now look forward to the Otago Iris Group gaining strength in the forthcoming twelve months.
MOVED the acceptance of the Annual Financial report RF/ LC. Carried.
MOVED the receipt of the Activities Report, RF/Chris F Carried.
BUSINESS
Arising from Robert’s report: that the annual subscription for membership to the Otago Iris Group remain at $5 per family.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
There was unanimous approval that the current management continue, i.e. one management role as Convenor to include Treasurer plus Secretary. There were no nominations and the incumbent agreed to continue for another year.
MOVED: that RF continue as Convenor for another year. EF/ LC. Carried.
GENERAL MEETING
Following the AGM, a brief meeting was held with the same Attendees and Apologies to discuss a possible lunch together, plus any matters arising.
After discussion it was resolved that we meet at the China Palace Restaurant at noon on May 11th for an end of year luncheon. The normal practice has been to subsidise this meal by $10 per person. Guests pay their own way. The Convenor has discretion to make a decision should the China Palace not be available at that time.
Held at 273 Malvern St, Dunedin, at 1.30
PRESENT
Convenor Dr Robert Fisk, Dot White, Laurol Chadwick, Elaine Fisk, Brian Hopewell, May Hopewell, Chris Fitzpatrick, Colin Fitzpatrick, Barbara Keen, Karen Baughn, Elva MacFarlane, Maureen Trevor, Beatrice Huang.
APOLOGIES
Marion Rutherford, Stan Rutherford, Kate McLachlan.
PREVIOUS MINUTES
The minutes from May 20, 2023, were read. There were no matters arising.
CORRESPONDENCE
Emails of importance were circulated. Most notable, KIT from NZIS, Newsletter Dunedin Hort Soc.
FINANCIAL AND CONVENOR’S REPORT
While this Group’s membership is so low, the roles of Treasurer and Secretary were combined in the single role of Convenor. Dr Robert Fisk read the attached report.
OIG Convenor’s Report 2024
I have pleasure in presenting the Convenor’s Report for the subscription year that ends today.
I want to thank you all for your support. As the size of the Group fell and activities became hard to source, you responded with help and advice and accepted the situation with a determination to keep going. As a result, the Otago Iris Group had a successful year both in terms of activities and increased membership. Well done, everyone.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
I want to speak first about our financial year. We made a profit of $44.18. This is due to low spending on our part and higher interest rates from the ANZ bank. Our balances are
Current
2023
579.63
2024
189.83
-389.80
Savings
2023
3686.86
2024
4097.37
410.51
Petty cash
20.61
Our income for the year was boosted by the higher interest rates for our money in the Savings account.
Incoming
interest
164.18
subs
55.00
donations
0.00
219.18
We spent $150 subsidising our meal at the Mosgiel RSA. A further $20.60 was spent on sundries, leaving $9.40 in petty cash.
Outgoing
Events
120.00
social
30.00
affiliations
25.00
175.00
As our transactions for the year resulted in a profit of $44.18, I recommend leaving the annual subscription at $5 per family.
I will now summarise our activities for the year.
ACTIVITIES
We met for the 2023 AGM on May 20 at Chris and Colin Fitzpatrick’s house. It was wet. We saw the more accessible parts of the garden. We congratulated Colin and Chris on their sixtieth wedding anniversary and admired the messages sent from King Charles III. We agreed to have a mid-Winter lunch.
The mid-Winter lunch on June 24 was at the RSA restaurant, Diggers in Mosgiel. The food was excellent. Twelve members attended. The day was cold but the restaurant was warm and we had a table set aside for us.
The winter was a strange mixture of warm days and bitterly cold days. In the garden, plants previously hardy were cut down. With Robert and Elaine travelling overseas and cold weather in September, it was October 28 before we met again. The garden had some standard dwarf bearded irises in bloom, plus what was believed Golden Immortal (TB) in bud. Elaine made a presentation about Siberian irises, a species that grows well in Dunedin. We noted the passing of Jackie Auld, a long-serving member who had been unable to attend our recent meetings due to ill-health. We also noted the passing of Laurol Chadwick’s mother. A walk around the garden in a cold wind was followed by a welcome afternoon tea.
A month later, on November 25, we held a potluck lunch at Stan and Marion Rutherford’s at their Taieri Beach home. The meal hit the right spot. After the meal, Robert spoke about and showed photographs of ‘Archie Owen’ a bright yellow spuria varietal that grows well in Dunedin. Dring a walk around the garden Stan spoke of the struggle to build the soil’s texture and to drain water with only a thin layer of topsoil. Although the bloom season was well-advanced, spells of cold weather ensured there were tall bearded irises still in bloom, as well as other species including arils in bud and miniature dwarf bearded irises.
On December 9 we had the pleasure of visiting the Poulters Road garden of new members Beatrice Huang and Yushin Lin, although the visit was almost scuppered by heavy rain. This large property in the Leith Valley towards the top of the northern motorway held many treasures. Tall bearded irises were still blooming, with early ensatas making a first appearance. There were special plants in every corner of the garden. Although slippery steep slopes kept some members confined to the terrace, this overlooked an extensive plot of tall bearded irises in bloom. The weather cleared up and a pleasant time was had with afternoon tea on the deck in the sun.
February 10 saw us back at Beatrice and Yushin’s garden. The focus of the meeting was propagation from seed. A variety of methods and experiences was discussed. Beatrice showed us her seed raising trays, Laurol gave out seeds of a special iris in her garden. Robert handed out rhizomes donated by Shona McAra, a keen gardener. A walk through the garden discovered new treasures. Although the irises had all but finished there was still plenty to see.
The next meeting on March 9 was held at Elaine and Robert’s house in Mosgiel. Elaine explained the arrangements for membership to the National society, and the benefits that brought. She showed and described items in the latest Bulletin as well as several useful reference books held by this Group. This led to discussion about the Iris Society Convention in Christchurch in early November. The sharing of sharing cars and accommodation can help cut costs. Swaps and donations included packets of seeds as discussed at the February meeting, donated by Laurol, I. sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’, alliums, and lily bulbs, plus red broad bean seeds, donated by Beatrice, potted Iris sanguinea ‘Kamayana’, donated by Elaine, and SDB ‘Tinkerbell’, plus sweet pea seeds donated by Robert. A walk around the garden was a chilly experience. In the garden, Robert showed how to prepare irises for the winter, including how to prepare the soil and use pre-emergent herbicides to cut down on Spring weeding.
The management of the Group by one person as Convenor is working well. The support given by members has eased the burden of leadership. Thank you all. Your loyal support has seen us through the difficult time following the Covid 19 pandemic, a time when many small groups simply faded away.
It was a busy year, despite the lull through winter and early Spring. We have gained six new members, Beatrice Huang and Yushin Lin, Barbara Key, Rachel and Nadine Dickson. and Karen Baughn. Welcome to these people. We now look forward to the Otago Iris Group gaining strength in the forthcoming twelve months.
MOVED the acceptance of the Annual Financial report RF/ LC. Carried.
MOVED the receipt of the Activities Report, RF/Chris F Carried.
BUSINESS
Arising from Robert’s report: that the annual subscription for membership to the Otago Iris Group remain at $5 per family.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
There was unanimous approval that the current management continue, i.e. one management role as Convenor to include Treasurer plus Secretary. There were no nominations and the incumbent agreed to continue for another year.
MOVED: that RF continue as Convenor for another year. EF/ LC. Carried.
GENERAL MEETING
Following the AGM, a brief meeting was held with the same Attendees and Apologies to discuss a possible lunch together, plus any matters arising.
After discussion it was resolved that we meet at the China Palace Restaurant at noon on May 11th for an end of year luncheon. The normal practice has been to subsidise this meal by $10 per person. Guests pay their own way. The Convenor has discretion to make a decision should the China Palace not be available at that time.
Question time
- How many petals does an iris normally have
- Which iris species typically has a fan of leaves
- Name a yellow flowered iris
- What do the letters SDB mean
- What is the Miniature Tall Bearded iris also called; Table iris, dwarf iris, or bedding iris
- Name an iris that should not be sold or traded
- What should you spray irises for in July
- What causes the ugly yellow spots seen on some iris leaves
- Name a species of bulbous irises
- What are two ways to propagate irises
- Name an iris used as a medicine in the Middle Ages
- In which direction should you plant iris rhizomes
- Does Iris unguicularis bloom in Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter
- Name a red iris with the Latinised name of a New Zealand city
- What is special about a species iris
KIT notices
Keeping in Touch February 2024.
Welcome to the New Year.
We have a need for a new Vice President to come on board the committee this November. If anyone is
interested in this position please get in touch with Carole Flyger. It is imperative that we have a
president—without one the Society no longer exists.
We welcome Lyndsay Parker and Lindsay Davies on to the committee and also thank Stephanie Boot and
Wendy Davies for their time on committee.You will all have your Bulletin in the post and our new Editor
is Julie Warren
[email protected].
Julie would like to see information coming from groups about an event, a garden walk , Iris Show, etc.
Photoes would be great too. Please keep those articles coming so that we have an interesting and
informative bulletin.
Convention 2025.
This will be held in Havelock North.
Seed Pool
Seed Pool seeds need to be with Lyndsay Parker by the beginning of April.
Website.
Graham would like to refresh the website with photoes and information from groups
Judges.
Do you want to be a judge.You will need to attend three judges school either taken nationally or taken
by a senior Judge in your region. All attendees need to have their names sent by the Judge to the tutor
judge Julie Warren.
Judging handbooks are available from the Treasurer at a cost of $15 including postage. All exam
questions come from this book and there is also a visual pointing of a Tall bearded iris on the show
bench.
Trophies.
Just a reminder that the Cook and Paul Richardson photographic entries need to be with the Web
Liaison Officer by the 30 th of June.
Begg Shield Irises. 2025
Please get in touch with the Hawkes Bay group if you wish to send irises to this competition.
Dorothy McLauchlan Trophy.
This is held at convention for a cut flower of your choice on the Friday night.
Changes of Person.
The editor Julie and Web Liaison Officer Graham would like to receive any changes in Secretary Personal
at your A.G.M. before the June bulletin goes to print.
Marilyn Fleming.
Welcome to the New Year.
We have a need for a new Vice President to come on board the committee this November. If anyone is
interested in this position please get in touch with Carole Flyger. It is imperative that we have a
president—without one the Society no longer exists.
We welcome Lyndsay Parker and Lindsay Davies on to the committee and also thank Stephanie Boot and
Wendy Davies for their time on committee.You will all have your Bulletin in the post and our new Editor
is Julie Warren
[email protected].
Julie would like to see information coming from groups about an event, a garden walk , Iris Show, etc.
Photoes would be great too. Please keep those articles coming so that we have an interesting and
informative bulletin.
Convention 2025.
This will be held in Havelock North.
Seed Pool
Seed Pool seeds need to be with Lyndsay Parker by the beginning of April.
Website.
Graham would like to refresh the website with photoes and information from groups
Judges.
Do you want to be a judge.You will need to attend three judges school either taken nationally or taken
by a senior Judge in your region. All attendees need to have their names sent by the Judge to the tutor
judge Julie Warren.
Judging handbooks are available from the Treasurer at a cost of $15 including postage. All exam
questions come from this book and there is also a visual pointing of a Tall bearded iris on the show
bench.
Trophies.
Just a reminder that the Cook and Paul Richardson photographic entries need to be with the Web
Liaison Officer by the 30 th of June.
Begg Shield Irises. 2025
Please get in touch with the Hawkes Bay group if you wish to send irises to this competition.
Dorothy McLauchlan Trophy.
This is held at convention for a cut flower of your choice on the Friday night.
Changes of Person.
The editor Julie and Web Liaison Officer Graham would like to receive any changes in Secretary Personal
at your A.G.M. before the June bulletin goes to print.
Marilyn Fleming.