Waikato 60th Jubilee Show
A lovely weekend and thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended, and were entertained by the special guest speaker, Roy Neale. Sandra Simpson has kindly written a special piece about the show which is available on the OCNZ website.
Hybridising
Brian Pryor is looking for an Odontoglossum crispum plant (originally Odontoglossum alexandrae). “If we do not continue to hybridise Odont crispum type orchids we may well run out of this shape of Oncidium. The sad part here is there is only a very few original plants around and they are almost not available to New Zealanders any more. Personally if I can get a plant I will mericlone it and give away free plants to anyone who wants them.”
He also teaches tissue culture to anyone who is interested in learning, for free. Bryan, who lives at Horotiu in Waikato, has 40 years’ experience in tissue culture and so far has helped/is helping about a dozen people to set up labs and develop skills. He can give advice in person, by phone or by email. He established Bio-Tissue Products, including a lab, in 1979 providing services to the horticulture industry, including orchids and house plants. Ph 07 829 9729 or email bioplus@xtra.co.nz
Iwitahi Annual Summer Camp
You will have read the article in your Year Book 2021 that we now are working in collaboration with Timberlands and the University of Waikato with regards to mapping the reserve. This year’s camp is being held from December 3–5 working from Sika Lodge. For more information email Toby Marris or Keith Smart.
South Island Judging Seminar
This year’s seminar will be held at Labour Weekend (October 23-24) in Nelson, as in previous years, but the Canterbury Judging Group will be the hosts. Please register before September 1 to avoid a late fee. Find the registration form here: South Island Judging Seminar_2021
Speaking Tour
Ross Bicknell has been on an OCNZ-sponsored speaking tour, talking about Pleione orchids at special meetings arranged by Tauranga, Waikato and NZOS (on behalf of the Auckland clubs). His itinerary was Tauranga (July 29), Hamilton (July 30), Auckland (August 1).