Council News – January 2008		Council News – September 2008
Council News – 21 May 2008		Council News – November 2008
Council News – April 2008

 

Council Updates November 2008

Following are the updates from the 5 November, 2008 meeting held in Christchurch

New members

The following new members were approved at the November 5 meeting

Full Richelle Doerner-Corson and James Corson Coalgate

Alison Highman Blenheim

Colette Hosking Hamilton

Dean Louise Stewart Kumeu

Leslie Ellery Australia /Houhora

Applications awaiting further information before final approval:

Donna Evans Christchurch

Angela O'Connor Rangiora

Portfolio Reports

WAHO – Fiona McLachlan

A photo and details of the NZAHBS WAHO award winner 2008 have been sent to the WAHO office for inclusion on their website. The 2009 WAHO conference will be held at Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman from 30 January to 5 February 2009.

As part of the proceedings, the WAHO World Registrars' meeting will be held at the same venue on 1 February. New Zealand is part of the Australasia and Far East Region.

Registrations – Jan Wilson

All members have now received their re-vamped member packs. The feedback from members has been very positive. Processing of last season's foals in well underway. A late fee of $50 has been instituted for those who are late with filing their purebred registrations. The late fee will apply to any applications for purebred registrations that are received at the office after 30 November in any year, beginning November 2008.

As Fiona has mentioned in her Secretarial report (which will appear in December 08 edition of Arabianz), a fault has been discovered in the automatic numbering system in the horse registration programme. Would owners of purebred horses carrying registration numbers between 4276 and 6585, please return them to the office where they will be renumbered and returned to you. This fault dates back to Purebred registrations that have been entered since Stud Book 9 was printed in 2006. Many thanks for your assistance with this matter.

Financial – Jan Wilson

Finances are ticking over as we would expect at this time of the year however, it is a concern that quite a number of accounts, mainly for Arabianz billing are somewhat overdue, in some cases, some date back to last year. While we are aware that billing for Arabianz in 2007 was somewhat erratic due to our previous secretariat not processing the accounts in a timely manner, there can be no excuses for these accounts not being paid by now. This matter re-enforces the need for advertising to be paid at the time of booking. We have already cut one edition of the magazine to keep costs to a minimum and if members continue to 'drag the chain' the publication is in danger of being lost altogether.Therefore, to ensure the survival of the publication, I believe we need to introduce payment at the time of booking. With the economic forecast looking somewhat gloomy, we need to concentrate on keeping our finances as tight as possible.

Arabianz – Lee Cox and Jacquie Webby

I would like to correct some of the information being spread with regard to the fact that the magazine is now printed only three times a year instead of four. There have been some unfounded rumours that the edition was cancelled to support funding of the National Show. This is totally incorrect and it is particularly unfortunate that some choose to start and fuel these rumours with incorrect information. This was not a decision that Council took lightly. Council has always maintained a financial baseline with costs related to the publication and because advertising revenue was failing to reach the required baseline, the decision to drop one edition of the magazine was reluctantly taken. Updates on Council meetings are always found on the NZAHBS website: www.newzealandarabs.com and are printed in the next magazine most appropriate to the applicable council meeting. Thank you to those who support the publication with advertising and/or stud news. Council knows that the magazine represents our frontline means of communication with members and we are constantly reviewing the situation and the fourth edition may be reinstated in future.

The final edition of Arabianz 2008 is the December edition. March 2009 is the first for the new year and will include full coverage of the 2009 National Arabian Titles Show and other events that showcase our Arabian horses, handlers, riders and breeders.

In line with a recommendation from Treasurer Jan Wilson, Council agreed to introduce a 'Payment with Booking' system for advertising in Arabianz. When you book your advertising with Fiona or Jacquie, an advertising space booking form will be forwarded to you together with an account from the Secretary.

Website – Lee Cox and Jacquie Webby

Updates are being done progressively following council meetings and other timely information as it comes to hand. The free classifieds are popular with some listings coming from offshore. Website address: www.newzealandarabs.com

Annual Judge's Return – Jacquie Webby

These were mailed out by the Secretary in August. Most judges have replied. Requested upgrades will be taken care of in the next round of NZAHBS Judge's exams to be held in 2009. For those judges who have not mailed their returns, can you please advise whether you wish to be removed from the list. Thank you.

Publicity - Lee Cox and Jacquie Webby

The second round of pre-National Show publicity has been rolled out to various media outlets including those offshore. This will continue leading up to the show. Nationals posters have been sent around the country and the upload of the Nationals schedule on the website: www.showdayonline.com is now complete. Paper copies for the National show are also available from the office.

Congratulations to the Auckland Club for their various initiatives such as the “Prepare to Win” Seminars and the recent Ribbon Day which included classes for non-Arabian horses and to the Otago Club for their the Mini Show with an opportunity for Arabian horses to compete against their peers.

National Show 2009 – Fanus Crous, Jan Wilson and Jacquie Webby

The 2009 National Show will be held at Cambridge Lodge on 28 February and 1 March 2009 starting both days at 8.30am. Premier sponsor is Rhodium Arabians. Championships will be awarded progressively during the program and a “Night of Stars” will feature a parade of all champion and reserve championship winners prior to dinner being served. The 2009 NZAHBS National Show schedule is now available for download from the website: www.showdayonline.com Four new National Titles have been added this year. These are:

* Arabian Show Hunter – to jump 4 jumps, open to purebreds and derivative horses

* Arabian Dressage – open to purebred and derivative horses – Dressage Judge, test 2.1 2007

* Amateur to Handle (ATH) Purebreds – Junior and intermediate horses (colts/fillies and geldings eligible) Top 3/5 Qualifiers to go through to overall National Purebred Champion ATH

* Amateur to Handle (ATH) – Purebreds – Senior Mares, Stallions and Geldings – Top 3/5 go through for overall National Purebred Champion ATH

* Amateur to Handle (ATH) Derivatives – Junior and intermediate horses (colts/fillies and geldings eligible) Top 3/5 Qualifiers to go through to overall National Derivative Champion ATH

• Amateur to Handle (ATH) – Derivatives – Senior Mares, Stallions and Geldings – Top 3/5 go through for overall National Derivative Champion ATH.

The Youth section has also been expanded including a Youth Costume where riders may partcipate in a costume of choice (not necessarily an Arabian-themed costume).

Definition of Amateur to Handle (ATH) is as follows:

Amateur to Handle classes (ATH) are open to any person other than those who derive all or part of their income from showing horses. ATH entrants may be employed within the equine industry but are not deemed professional handlers as such.  (In the event of a protest re eligibility of an entrant, the protest committee will make the final decision, following the lodgment of the required protest fee).

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Sponsorship/Donations

Principal sponsor for the 2009 NZAHBS National Show is Rhodium Arabians of Auckland. Many thanks to Fanus and Ria Crous. There are many opportunities to sponsor at the 2009 event, including a limited number of gazebos suitable for studs to host their friends and guests. Please contact Lee Cox, Jan Wilson, Fiona McLachlan, Jacquie Webby or Leesa Anderson (leesa@regentpark.co.nz if you would like to offer sponsorship in cash or kind. Many thanks.

Hard hats/Top hats etc. for senior riders

Discussion has taken place regarding senior riders wearing non-standard hats (i.e. Non- approved safety helmets) at the 2009 National Show. Those senior riders who wish to wear top hats etc. will be required to sign an indemnity which will protect the Society and its members, office bearers and show officials should a rider fall off and sustain an injury. A reminder that the NZAHBS conducts it's shows under NZAHBS Rules for Showing and Judging Arabian Horses, current edition 2008.

Enhancement of white markings on faces and legs – clarification of rule

Those showing horses at shows held under NZAHBS Rules for Showing and Judging Arabian Horses 2008 edition are advised that existing white markings such as white sox etc. may be enhanced with chalk etc. However, white stars drawn/painted on the face of the horse (where no white hair exists) will not be permitted.

AucklandArabian Horse Club – Fanus Crous

The AAHC has had two successful events in the last couple of months, being the ‘Prepare to Win’ seminar with Doyle and Kate Dertell and the AAHC Pre-season Ribbon Day.

The Seminar was a huge success, with people traveling from as far away as Taranaki and Kaitaia to attend.  Numbers far exceeded expectations and everyone who attended learned a great deal not only about the topics discussed, but also the approach that the Dertells take in selecting/running their show team in Australia and its applicability to local conditions. Follow-up seminars are already in the pipeline. The seminar also saw a marked increase in the AAHC member base, with a large number of persons joining the club on the day. This is attributed principally to the increase in advertising of AAHC events, the up to date website and the improved quality of the newsletter.

The AAHC pre-season Ribbon Day held mid-October had a sufficient turnout and all those who attended enjoyed themselves.  There were a number of new faces and those AAHC committee members that were present made an effort to encourage the latter people to also attend, in particular the Auckland Arabian Spectacular and the NZAHBS Nationals.  We expect to grow this show in the future into a bigger affair and were disappointed to learn that there are no longer any "B" or "C" classifications for shows but will still endeavor to promote the show regardless.

Arrangements are well in place for the Auckland Spectacular/North Island Championships, with early entries starting to arrive.  It is anticipated that the trend of increased young-stock entries to continue on from last year, especially with the introduction of Intermediate championships.  The AAHC has also continued their commitment to the derivative sections by offering them the same classes as the purebreds, in an effort to increase entries in this domain. The Spectacular/NI Championships will again be a two-day event with liberty classes in the Isola indoor arena on the Saturday evening.

Another area of focus is increasing entries in the ridden sections, where numbers last year were very poor.  Certain ridden classes where there are clearly no/low entries have been consolidated, in an effort to increase class sizes.  Last year was the first season where Supreme ridden titles/trophies were awarded, and it is expected that this will also aid in the efforts to increase entries.

Youth - Fanus Crous

A surprising number of youth turned up for the “Prepare to Win” seminar.  This seminar was sponsored and made available free of charge to the youth. Although the numbers for youth attending shows, clinics and seminars are still not at acceptable levels, we are confident that this will grow with time, provided the effort to involve the youth is maintained and even expanded. It would be encouraging to see that all Arabian clubs in the country get actively involved in promoting the youth sections at their local shows, which will then undoubtedly result in an eventual increase in youth numbers at National level.

On a further positive note, the AAHC have doubled their youth numbers in the Auckland area over the last year. Each AAHC committee members is consciously encouraging the existing youth members to attend the North Island Championships and the National Show and also to invite any of their young equine and non-equine friends to Arabian events.  The increase in youth was also experienced at the recent Ribbon Day, both in the in-hand and the ridden classes.  Increasing the number of young Arabian enthusiasts through the NZAHBS will remain one of our priorities and it is envisaged that seminars similar to the recent 'Prepare to Win' event will also be facilitated for the South Island during the course of next season. The concept of Youth exchange programs are currently being entertained by Council and hopefully this will develop into an annual occurrence, especially between New Zealand and Australia.

Roll of Merit – Lee Cox

The first 'A' class shows of the season will be the Christchurch Royal to be held in November for the South Island and the Auckland Spectacular (also hosting the North Island Championships) for the North Island. Results will be published in the Arabianz March 2009 edition.

Endurance – Tracey Rhodes

Council discussed a request to have the NZAHBS sash for the first registered purebred or derivative to qualify in the 160km ride at the National Endurance Ride reinstated. This was previously donated to the Endurance sector by the NZAHBS and was then discontinued for a number of years. The sash will be reinstated in time for the 2009 National Ride, with the stipulation that eligibility for the award is that horses (either purebred or derivative) must be fully registered with the NZAHBS and that they must be entered and compete in the event under their NZAHBS registered name.

The 2009 National Ride will be held at Whareama in the Wairarapa over Easter 13-15 April hosted by the Wairarapa Club. The North Island Championships will be held at Aria in the King Country on 2/3 January 2009 hosted by the Taumaranui Club. The South Island Championships will be held at Fairlie on 6/7/8 February 2009 hosted by the Mackenzie Club. The Horse of the Year 110km Endurance ride will be held near Hastings on 21 March 2009. These events will be run under the new FEI rules which take effect 1 January 2009.

Andrea Smith and her horse Sierra Nevada were the sole representatives flying the New Zealand flag at the recent World Endurance Championships that were held in Malaysia. From a starting lineup of 127 competitors, 70 vetted out, reinforcing some opinions about the difficulty of the climate and track. Andrea's time for the event was 11:46.

The Board of Endurance New Zealand has prioritised the aligning of the discipline rules with those of the proposed new FEI Rules which come into force on 1 January 2009. Some of the changes are the requirements for a stepwise qualification process from one star through to three star rides, a change in distances for CEI star rides:

• CEI* 90 to 110km (was 40 to 79km)
• CEI** 120 to 139km (was 80 to 119km)
• CEI*** 140 to 160km (was 120 to 160km).

Australia-New Zealand Horse Quarantine Regulations

The current five week quarantine period for horses coming into New Zealand from Australia could be lifted as early as next year. The lock-down of horses from Australia to New Zealand was one of the major fall-outs of the outbreak of equine influenza that occurred in Australia in August last year. Although imports from Australia to New Zealand resumed in mid-May 2008, they were subject to tough new conditions which required three weeks of quarantine in Australia and two weeks in New Zealand and additional costs of around $10,000.

It took 125 days to eradicate the disease in Australia at a direct cost of in excess of $AUD100 million.

Upcoming meeting date – 22 January 2009. Please forward any matters for discussion to the Secretary at least 14 days ahead of this date.

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Council Updates September 2008

Following are the updates from the NZAHBS Council meeting held in Christchurch on 1 September 2008.

 

 

The following were confirmed as full or associate members of the NZAHBS

Full:

Caroline Barber Wellington

Jennifer Becker Otaki

Jessica Main Auckland

Astrid McCormick Fairlie

Louisa Muir Owhango

Kim Wilkinson Tauranga

Associate

Karena Montgomery Porirua

Portfolio Reports

National Show

Richard Petty of the USA has been confirmed as the judge for the 2009 National Championships to be held in Cambridge. He will judge both halter and performance classes. The schedule has been finalised and will be made available shortly both in a printed form (from the Secretary) and also on the website www.showdayonline.com It will be downloadable from the showdayonline website.

Awards

Submissions for the 2009 awards (Life Membership, Distinguished Service Award and Young Achiever Award and High Point NZ Breeders' Award) will close at the end of December 2008. Submissions be discussed and recipients decided at the January 2008 meeting apart from the NZ Breeders Award which, being a points award, will be known at the end of the 2008/09 season. .

Registrations

Some registrations are still being received well outside the deadline dates. Please ensure these are received in a timely fashion.If you require an extension of time, please advise the secretary. Overall feedback on the new registration forms has been positive.

Arabianz

Lack of advertising revenue to meet costs was the reason for dropping one edition of the publication (June 2008). This was a reluctant decision, however, it comes down to budgetary requirements. Quotes are currently being sought to produce versions of the magazine in other print formats including limited colour pages. These will be discussed at the 5 th November meeting.

Website

The current list of DNA horses has been uploaded onto the website.This list is updated approximately every 4 weeks. The website also offers complimentary classifieds, notices of general interest (seminars/ribbon days etc).

2008 Stud Directory

This was mailed out with the August 2008 edition of Arabianz. Revenue resulted in a small profit after costs.

Show Gradings

No changes for the 2008/09 season.

Roll of Merit Recipients

These will be announced at the 2009 NZAHBS Annual General Meeting and will include any purebred endurance horses who have achieved 5000km or over

RAS Liaison

Fiona McLachlan and Jan Wilson attended regional meetings with looked at the “Future of the RAS”. Both reported on their findings at the meeting advising that the proceedings primarily targeted the A&P associations rather than breed societies.

Bio-Security

The NZ Racing Board and Equine Health Association have applied to ERMA for approval to import two genetically modified vaccines for the protection of horses against EI. Further updates will be presented as they become available

Stud Book 10

Target for production will be the end of 2008

On-Line Electronic Stud Book

Work being done on this currently is purely investigatory at this time and at no charge to the Society and its membership. Council will receive and discuss findings, costs etc. at its 5 th November 2008 meeting and will decide after studying that information whether to progress it further.

Next Meeting

5 th November 2008 in Christchurch.

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Council Updates for NZAHBS Council Meeting held in Christchurch on 21 May 2008.

Following are the main points from the above meeting.

NZAHBS Annual General Meeting 2009

Council approved an application from the Otago Arabian Horse Club to host the 2009 NZAHBS AGM and Stud Tour. The dates of the 2009 AGM and Stud Tour will be ANZAC weekend, 25 th and 26 th April 2009.

2009 and 2010 National Shows

These will be held at Cambridge Lodge and the Christchurch Showgrounds in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The 2009 National Show will be held over the weekend of 28 th February/1 st March 2009. Council considered a list of nominees for judging appointments for the 2009 show and the successful appointee/s will be announced as soon as possible. The schedule will now be common for both islands and a core committee will run the events in both islands.

The Purebred Championships will now be split into Junior (foals, weanlings and yearlings), Intermediate (two and three year olds) and Seniors (four years and over). Derivative Championships will also be slightly re-jigged and a full schedule is expected to be mailed out in August.

Entries (both on-line and paper entries) for the National Show will be administered by the National Secretary who will ensure all registration requirements have been met. Championships will be awarded progressively throughout the program on both days with a new function being planned for the Saturday evening.

2008 NZAHBS Show Rules

This booklet will be available shortly to members and will also be available for download from the NZAHBS website. There are some new rules in this latest edition and judges, stewards, owners, handlers and exhibitors are advised to familarise themselves with the new rules.

Portfolio Allocation

Portfolio allocations for the next 12 months have been made. Please check the allocation to each Councillor alongside their respective names.

New Registration Forms and Member Packs

Member packs will be mailed to all full and associate members. They contain the new Application to Register/Mare and Stallion Return books /loose forms (applicable for all purebred, derivative and anglo arabian registrations) and instructions on how to complete the forms. Membership cards are also enclosed, together with DNA envelopes, new Scale of Fees information and transfer and lease forms. New Registration forms are also available for download from the New Zealand Arabian Horse Breeders Society website – please check under Fees, Forms and Fact Sheets. The new Application to Register Forms/Mare Report and Service Certificate replace all other forms which should now be discarded.

2008 Stud Directory

This publication will be printed in time for mailout with the August 2008 edition of Arabianz.

Derivative Roll of Merit

Initial discussions have been held and this matter will be further discussed at later Council meetings.

Stud Book #10

This is scheduled for printing end of 2008/early 2009 and will be sold on a pre-paid basis. Only 100 hard cover books will be available. The final cost will be advised once quotes are approved.

Show Gradings 2008/2009

There are no changes to the existing A and AA graded shows for the upcoming show season.

Next Council Meetings

2008/2009 Council meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

1 st September 2008
5 November 2008
22 January 2009
24 April 2009
25/26 April 2009 – Annual General Meeting

Please have any correspondence lodged with the National Secretary at least 14 days out from a Council meeting.

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Council News – April 2008

Following are the key points from the Council meeting held at New Plymouth on 25 th April 2008

 

Full Members approved:
Phillipa Jones Waihi Beach
Daniella Stockinger Orere Point
Brent Stringer & Stephen Billing Porirua
Sue King Amberley
Tamara Jenkins Motueka

Associate members
Christine Boniface Nelson
Trevor Little Palmerston
Michelle Woods New Plymouth
Hazel Schofer New Plymouth

DNA Fees: The DNA fee will continue at the current rate of $100 (inclusive GST) for a further 12 months following negotiations with Massey. DNA fees are now incorporated into registration fees.

New Registration Forms/Mare and Stallion Returns : The new forms have been signed off and will be sent to members shortly. The forms apply to all purebred, partbred and anglo registrations. DNA fees must accompany applications for purebred horses. Forms will also be downloadable from the NZAHBS website. Please dispose of all old forms.

Membership Cards: Members and those joining the Society (both Full and Associate) will receive a membership card which will have their membership number on it. Please quote this number when completing all paperwork for the Society.

Export Fees and Embryo Transfer Fees: Council has set two new fees – the first is for Export documentation for horses leaving New Zealand. This fee will be $168.75 (the same as the import fee) and must accompany applications for export documents. The second fee is for ET's – this is the same as the AI fee - $11.25. New fees are posted on the website and each member will receive a printout showing the new Scale of Fees.

Show Gradings: There are no changes to the existing A and AA show gradings for the 2008/2009 show season.

NZAHBS North Island Championships 2008: These have been allocated to the Auckland Arabian Horse Club. The event will be held on 6/7 December 2008 at Isola.

NZAHBS South Island Championships 2008/09: These have been allocated to the Canterbury Arabian Horse Club – date to be confirmed.

NZAHBS National Show 2009: The 2009 National Show will be held at Cambridge Lodge in Cambridge. .

NZAHBS Show Rules: These have been updated and will be forwarded shortly to members. Please dispose of the previous edition (2006 – light green cover). There are several changes to the Rules. Members, show organisers and exhibitors should familarise themselves with the changes.

Stud Directory: The 2008 version of the Stud Directory will be printed in time for the start of the 2008 Stud Season.

Arabianz: With a desire to closely monitor costs, Council have decided to print Arabianz only three times a year – March to coincide with the National Show, August – leading up to the breeding/foaling season and December – foalings/show news/performance events etc. This decision will be fully monitored and the fourth edition may be re-introduced at a later date.

Stud Book Volume 10: This is projected to be printed towards the end of 2008/early 2009. It will be on a pre-order, pre-paid basis. Only 120 copies will be available.

Awards 2008: The following awards were presented at the Annual General Meeting 2008 -

• Life Membership – Kevin Cholmondeley-Smith nominated by Mrs Sue Spratt/seconded by Mr Mel Gubb, presented at the AGM 2008 by John Morrissey
• WAHO Trophy 2008 – AA Parade owned by Greg Bickerton of Morrocco Arabians
• Young Achiever Award (created in memory of the late Brian Ross) 2008 winner Jessica Magill of Katikati. Runners-Up Zoe Preston and Natalie Bickerton.
• There were no Roll of Merit awards presented for 2008.

Equine Data Base: Outgoing Councillor Belinda Simons submitted an excellent report relating to the establishment of an Equine Data Base which will prove invaluable should New Zealand ever get Equine Flu. Members will be asked to approve their names/addresses etc. being provided to the data base. All breed societies have been approached to canvas their memberships.

Subscriptions for 2009: A decision to offer a discount on full memberships for 2009 will be discussed at the next meeting.Members will be advised of the outcome of those discussions.

Appointment of a New Auditor: The appointment of a new auditor for the NZAHBS was approved by those attending the AGM. The new auditor is Hooker and Associates of Christchurch.

Appointment of New Accountant: The appointment of a new accountant was also approved at the AGM. The new accountant is Ben H Collins of Rangiora.

Election of Council: John Morrissey's resignation from Council was advised to those attending the Annual General Meeting and accepted. John was thanked for his valuable contribution to the Society and membership overall during his seven years as a Council member – part of this period as President. Council now comprises as follows: Lee Cox, Fanus Crous, Tracey Rhodes, Jacquie Webby and Jan Wilson.

Thank you to the Taranaki Club for hosting the 2008 NZAHBS Annual General Meeting and Stud Tour. The Stud Tour proved very popular and special thanks are due to all the stud owners who participated – their helpers and presenters for the great day.

January 23 meeting

Following are the Council Updates and Portfolio Reports from the Board meeting held in Christchurch on January 23, 2008.

The following applications for membership were approved:

Full

Sascha Rowson Paeroa

Gaewyn Churchill Te Kuiti

Associate

Nicole Munro-Johnson Wellington

Douglas Hough Timaru

A letter has been sent to Noelene Ross who has recently resigned her NZAHBS membership thanking her for her valuable contribution over many years. Noelene and her late husband Brian ran the very successful Dellmount Stud.

Accounts for Arabianz advertising

These will now be forwarded with the applicable magazine in which advertisers are taking space bookings. Payments can be now be made by electronic banking and this information is printed in the invoice.

Memberships

Some membersships are still outstanding and service from the Society, including copies of the magazine Arabianz will not be available until outstanding fees are settled. Thank you for your co-operation.

Office Report

Council has approved the purchase of a new computer and printer package to replace the existing machine that has been in use for several years and is now inadequate for requirements. Transfer of all data will occur once the machine has arrived and the new computer is expected to be well up to speed by the end of March. Please send all transfers, applications for registrations, leases, etc. to Fiona – she will now process all transactions.

Portfolio Reports

REGISTRATIONS – Jan Wilson

Registrations are pretty well up to speed, although am still receiving late applications. Members should be reminded that any application for registration received after 1 June following the season of the foal’s birth is a late registration. Some members are well in arrears with Mare and Stallion Returns. With the new forms coming on line it would be prudent for those members who are in arrears to get their paper work in order.

Imports are well up to date also, although a number of horses have been in the country for quite a period of time that are not processed due to the fact that the owners have not completed the paper work, or paid the fees necessary for the New Zealand registration to proceed. Owners of these horses should be aware that they cannot show these horses or have any progeny by them registered until such time as all the necessary documentation has been completed. With the North and South Island Championships and the National Show fast approaching time is running out for getting these imports into the system in time if owners intend showing them at any of these shows.

We still have a file of ‘problem registrations.’ This has been hugely diminished over the last months but there is still more than I would like left. In a lot of cases there has been no response from the members concerned and when communication stops it is rather difficult to do anything. Having been given the Registration Portfolio I am here to help wherever possible. Most of the problems have been sorted with the help of a bit of communication from both parties, but it takes communication from both parties, not just one to resolve most problems.

Hopefully over the next month or so I will be able to hang up my witch's hat and put my broomstick away in the cupboard and Fiona will be able to carry on with the registrations minus a large amount of the ‘baggage.’

TREASURY – Jan Wilson

By now all members will have received their subscription renewal invoices. It made alarming reading to view how many members were in arrears with annual subscriptions, in some cases over years. It amounted to too many thousands of dollars to be comfortable about. To be able to maintain the services that members expect these subscriptions must be paid up to date. I am aware that in the past unpaid subscriptions have not been followed up as diligently as they should have been, but members must take some responsibility, it is not hard to check a bank statement, cheque book or credit card statement to see if a subscription has been paid. We are trying hard to provide an efficient service to our members and if this goal to be achieved I would ask those members who are in arrears to bring their subscriptions up to date as early as possible. I would also ask members to be aware of the time frame for the discounted subscription. Any paid after the close off date for the discount will need to be paid in full.

The Arabianz billings should be up to date by now and in the future all accounts for advertising will be mailed with the magazine. For Arabianz to continue and improve it is most important that advertising is promptly paid and those of you that are in arrears please send your remittance as soon as possible. Most publications request payment when booking advertising space . This concept may be looked at in the near future.

Arabianz – Jacquie Webby

The December 2007 Arabianz was mailed out in the second week of that month along with sub renewals, Annual General Meeting information, including a booking sheet for the meeting and stud tour and details of the National Show and the ability to enter electroinically at showdayonline.com. Thanks to those who support this publication.

Publicity – Jacquie Webby

Various on-going work continues in this arena including the forthcoming New Zealand breeders feature in the Arabian Horse News (Australia), New Zealand news in the Australian Arabian Horse Express, reprints of profiles (previously run in the Arabianz) in the UK-based Arabian Magazine and other outlets. Reports on the 2008 National Show will run in all the above publications.

NZAHBS Showing Rules - jointly

These will definitely be updated this year in time for the coming 2008/2009 Show Season.

BioSecurity/EI – Belinda Simons

Belinda had attended a meeting held in Christchurch and presented a very comprehensive report. The focus of the task group is to keep Equine Influenza out of New Zealand. Belinda recommended Rapid No/Fire No/MAF No's (as applicable) be added to all membership renewals to enable this information to be added to an overall horse data base which can be accessed should an outbreak occur.

Rules and Legal – Belinda Simons

Nothing to report

Awards – Belinda Simons

Council debated applications for the following annual awards

• WAHO Award
• Young Achiever Award
• Life Membership
• Distinguished Service Award and winners have been decided.

Recipients of these awards will be advised by confidential letter early in April ahead of the Annual General Meeting to be held in New Plymouth where winners will be announced and trophies/certificates awarded. Thank you to all those who submitted applications.This year the standard was very high.

WAHO Liaison – Belinda Simons

WAHO members will be aware that the new American registry PAT (Purebred Arabian Trust) is now in place and officially sanctioned by WAHO. This new registry is the result of over a decade of negotiations between the various parties.

Endurance – Belinda Simons

FEI Passports – Passports are now required for the 2008-2009 season and apply to horses entering FEI 3* events. The current cost of $300 per passport which lasts four years and is then renewable by paying a further fee.

Stud Directory – Lee Cox and Tracey Rhodes

A new Stud Directory will be published this year. A form for completition is enclosed with this mailout and should be sent back by 25 April 2008 to Fiona.

Roll of Merit - Lee Cox

Secretaries for A and AA Shows are advised that it is imperative that results of their shows are forwarded to the Society so that points can be suitably accorded to eligible horses. Eligible shows for Roll of Merit points are as follows:

AA Class

• National Titles Show
• A Class
• North and South Island Championships
• Taranaki All Arabian
• Auckland Spectacular
• North Island All Breeds (Hamilton)
• Auckland Royal Easter
• Northland Classic (06/07 season only) review 07/08 season
• Canterbury All Arab
• Royal Show (Christchurch)
• Otago All Arab

Any Roll of Merit receipients for this year will be presented at the Annual General Meeting to be held in New Plymouth.

 Showing of Imported Horses

Imported horses cannot be shown until full New Zealand registration has been processed. This applies to both purebred and Derivative horses. Any Roll of Merit points gained by imported purebred horses unregistered in New Zealand at the time of the show, will be deemed invalid.

Website – Lee Cox

This has recently undergone a major facelift and will be uploaded as soon as final changes have been completed.

Mare and Stallion Returns

The usual mare and stallion returns are enclosed with this issue of the magazine. The updated form is still under design and final consideration and will be made available as soon as possible. In the interim, please complete the enclosed forms and return them to the National Secretary, Mrs Fiona McLachlan, PO Box 80, Cust 7444.