Welcome to the Bay of Plenty Branch of the CSSNZ Inc.
Our cactus and succulent members come from all around the BOP area - Waihi, Katikati, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Papamoa, Te Puke, Whakatane, Tokoroa and Rotorua. Plus also a few from Hamilton.
History of the BOP Branch CSSNZ
Before 1981 BOP cactus and succulent growers had to travel to Hamilton (about 1.5 hours) for the nearest meeting, but on the 19th September 1981, the first meeting of the "Tauranga sub-branch of the Hamilton Branch CSSNZ" was held in Tauranga, in the BOP.
Over the following years meetings were held in members homes, continuing sharing in social events and bus trips with Hamilton.
In 1985 we moved to a new venue - the Polytechnic College. This was also the venue for our hosting of the National Society AGM in 1991
In 1986 we became a autonomous Branch of the CSSNZ - The BOP Branch of the CSSNZ, and a newsletter, Maritimus (by the sea) was started.
In 1991 we moved our meeting venues again, to our current venue of the Craft Hall in Elizabeth St.
Ironically the Hamilton branch ceased to function in 1997 and now some Hamilton growers travel to Tauranga for their local branch meeting.
Meetings
We usually meet on the second Saturday of each month (except January) in the Craft Hall, Elizabeth St, Tauranga. The meeting starts at 1:30pm with members arriving from 12:30 onwards.
The meeting includes
- competitions of selected plants (for both senior & junior members)
- raffles
- library from which members can borrow books for the month
- plant sales
- interest table (bring along a flowering plant, an unusual plant or even an unnamed plant for identification)
- name the plant competition
- short talk on a cactus or succulent related subject, sometimes a slide show.
Download Club contacts and Competition Rules
Programme for 2011
Download Printable programme for 2011
Greerton Show. 23rd, 24th and 25th Sept.
| Date & Venue | Programme | Cactus | Succulent | Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12th - CLUB | Bring along up to 5 different plants of interest to discuss with club members, WORKSHOP: John S to demonstrate how to graft and take cuttings from Adeniums. Plant Sales | Flowering Cactus | Claudiciforms | Any plant of interest that you would like to share. Any plant for name or bug identification. |
| Mar 12th - VISIT | Jean R - Omokaroa and Simon D - Katikati. Times to be Advised | BYO LUNCH | ||
| Apr 9th - CLUB | Speaker Ed M | Gymnos | Euphorbia | Interest, as above. |
| May 14th - VISIT | Trip to Hamilton: Kim W, Hamilton Gardens; Syd and Phyllis Te Rapa | BYO LUNCH | ||
| June 11th - CLUB | John S to present talk on experience at the Australian Conference and a DVD of many specimens and private collections | Ferocactus | Agave | Interest, as above. |
| July 9th - VISIT | Megan L - Welcome Bay | BYO LUNCH | ||
| Aug 13th - CLUB | Speaker: Roger B to talk on photographing plants. Photo Competition: 1 Garden view.; 1 close up of own plant. | Mammillaria | Aloe | Interest, as above. |
| Sept 10th - Trip to Thames | Thames Market then onto Malgre Gardens $3.00 entry Fee. Guided tour. | BYO LUNCH | ||
| Oct 8th - CLUB | AGM: Nominations for positions by 1.00pm. Club Birthday Celebration. Bring a plate | Rebutia | Gasteria | Interest, as above. |
| Nov 12th - VISIT | Trip to Rotorua/Taupo - Ces M & Ed M | BYO LUNCH | ||
| Dec 10th - CLUB | Awards / Christmas Hampers . Bring a plate to share. Items for Xmas draw. Megan to give demonstration on how to make simple xmas table arrangement | Epiphyllium | Pachypodium | Xmas decorated Plant/Bowl |
| *** 2012 *** | ||||
| Jan 21st - Christmas BBQ | John and Janeen S - Hamilton. 11.00. BYO Meat, Salad and Desert to share. PLANT SALES | >|||
| Feb 11th - CLUB | Bring along up to 5 different plants of interest to discuss with club members | Flowering Cactus | Claudiciforms | |
Subscription
(includes branch and national subs & branch newsletter and national journal - due December 1st)
Full membership .... $29.00
Associate .............. $14.00
Junior ................... $14.00
The CSSNZ Seedbank
Photo Gallery
Receipients of CSSNZ Life Membership and the Phyllis Bruce Award of Merit
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