The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand Inc.

Annual Report & Statement of Financial Performance

For the year ending March 31, 2001

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the
Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand
will meet at The Novotel Hotel, Ellerslie, AUCKLAND
on Friday June 29, 2001 at 10.30 a.m.

Business

• Receive District Council reports

• Election of executive members: Messrs Lester and McKerrow retire by rotation

• Receive recommendations from the UBS Council and Horse Stewards Council

• Consideration of the annual report, audited statement of financial performance

• Appointment of auditors

• Notices of Motion and consideration of Remits

• Special or general business.

The Royal Agricultural Society has ended the first year of the new century in sound financial order, and while we still have many challenges in front of us, we have made significant progress with the many issues that faced us twelve months ago. The new constitution takes effect from 1 April 2001 and will have its first real test at the conference in Auckland.  The first result of it is apparent in the very much stream-lined conference agenda for this year and the real interest from the districts in ensuring that all members use their vote at the MRC or Annual General Meeting.

This report is being written at a time when rural New Zealand is favoured with record export prices and an upturn in profitability that is more sustainable that any I have seen in my farming time.  Dry conditions in the lower North Island and the north and east of the South Island have served warning that the massive changes in land use occurring in agriculture must be very carefully managed and the margins (feed and cash) must always be carefully retained.  Failure to do this will inevitably lead to ecological and animal welfare issues and put more pressure on the people that work and manage our farms and rural businesses.  Our major export companies and co-operatives all appear to be performing well and farmers throughout the country are taking a leading role in most of those entities giving some confidence that their progress will be maintained.

The stock breeders of New Zealand are at last getting well rewarded for their efforts and this will lead to renewed encouragement and demand for our seed stock providers to increase the pace of genetic improvement.  The demand for young people to enter the agricultural sector has never been higher and huge opportunity exists throughout the rural sector for young people to forge interesting and rewarding careers.  The demand for new technology and methods will also pick up and let's hope that it encourages farmers and the rural related businesses of NZ to increase their contribution to research and development.  As this demand kicks in it may well stimulate renewed interest in agriculture from both our educationalists and scientists and perhaps lead to our industry again becoming the "trendy" place to work in this country.  I mention these three issues (seed stock, education and R&D), as they are all key factors in the mission statement of the Royal Agricultural Society, and factors that our A&Ps and our competitions address constantly.


ROYAL SHOW

The 2000 Royal Show was held in Hamilton under the auspices of the Mid-Northern District and proved to be very different to previous Waikato Royal Shows, with the completely revamped showgrounds resulting in a pleasant atmosphere and an attractive livestock show.  I would congratulate Rosalie and her team on presenting the 2000 Royal Show in such a pleasant manner.


ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2000

Manawatu A&P Association, on behalf of Western District Council, hosted the 2000 annual conference in Palmerston North from 27 June to 29 June 2000.  A special acknowledgement is made to Grant Hadfield, Hugh Akers and Eric Salisbury for the work they undertook to ensure this event went smoothly.  The conference was a milestone in that the Society's new constitution was successfully passed and the changes are expected to add considerable value to the activities of the Society's affiliate organisations.   With the new constitution taking effect from 1 April 2001, the changes will become apparent in the future as we work together with our affiliate members to develop generic products and move forward in a direction that will maintain an influence in our key interest areas.

A&P ASSOCIATIONS

During the course of the year the majority of our A&P Associations have staged very successful events and proved yet again what a resilient and creative group of people our local A&Ps contain.  All who give their time and energy to these most important local events are to be congratulated for their efforts and wished well for the future which will be bright provided we innovate and change as our districts or regions change.  Changes in land use and in population create changes in people's interests, and in many areas this has been dramatic.  We must continue to attract these people with their new ideas and their activities into our organisations as we progress if we are to ensure our survival.

HORSES

The horse section of the RAS has come under the microscope in the past year and progress has not always been as good as I would like, however we now have the framework for the new rule book and have instigated discussion on a small levy to cover the increasing costs of managing the horse section of our organisation.  It is envisaged that this levy will eventually be all-inclusive and will replace the existing levies that cover drug testing, measuring and administration.  I would like to thank John Grigg and the team in our horse sections throughout NZ for their work during the year.

Measuring is always going to create some problems because of the very nature of the horse, however on the whole the current system works well and I should like to thank all those people who give so much of their time to ensure our horses and ponies are measured each year.

Drug testing will always prove to be a little controversial and perhaps even a little unpopular.  During the past year I had the opportunity to view first hand the method and manner in which our drug tests are taken and as a result have complete confidence in our stewards and systems and would urge that anyone able to help should enlist with their district horse section as this is a most necessary part of our horse section business.  Again I would thank Anzac Paratene and his team for a job well done.

COMPETITIONS

During the year, many of our members are involved in the competitions that we run annually.  There is a great deal of work that goes into selecting suitable candidates to put forward, judging etc.
While the individual convenors will report on their respective competitions later in this report, I make special mention of the role these convenors play and thank them for their efforts.  These competitions provide an opportunity for the Society, and its affiliates, to continually search for and promote excellence.  I put a challenge to you all for the ensuing year to check that your organisation is making the most of the opportunity that is available through these events to promote the high-performers in your area and/or organisation by participating in these events.

SPONSORSHIP

The National Bank has again supported the Society through their continued position as principal sponsor, for which we are very grateful.  We have been very fortunate over the past 10 years to have received sponsorship from The National Bank and we thank them for their wonderful contribution to our organisation.  However, The National Bank's major sponsorship of the Royal Agricultural Society will cease in May 2001 and the time is right for the Society to stand on its own feet.  The withdrawal of this sponsorship means the Society needs to take affirmative control of its own finances and destiny, without needing to rely on the generosity of a major sponsor.  (All links with The National Bank have not been lost, as we will continue our association through the national ewe hogget competition.)

In addition, the Society is also fortunate to receive sponsorship from a number of other long-term sponsors, and while they will be acknowledged by each of the competition convenors in their specific competition reports, they deserve special mention.  Without the assistance of these sponsors we would not be able to continue to work towards our goals of recognising, rewarding and promoting excellence in agribusiness.

As sponsors, these organisations deserve reciprocal support from our members and we hope that you will reward them with your custom.  The Society also has a number of other sponsors who assist us in many ways, and we also thank them for their support.

UNITED BREED SOCIETY

At last we have a period of what appears to be sustained income in our stock breeding fraternity which will enable some added reinvestment in the seed stock industry to take place and I for one look forward to the results of this.  Our breeders and breed societies do a wonderful job for Agriculture in NZ and I thank William Mitchell and his team for the work they do for the Society.


OBITUARIES

Special mention is made of two of our Past Presidents and Honorary Life Members - J.L. (Jasper) Herrick, and T.M.R. (Rae) Maskew - who passed away during the year.  Their contribution to this organisation in their roles as President and as supporters of the Society cannot be under stated and we offer our sincere condolences to their families and friends.  They will be greatly missed.  We also extend our sympathy to the families of those other Society members who have passed on during the 2000-2001 year.


PATRONAGE OF THE SOCIETY

The Society's patron for the 2000-2001 year was again Sir Michael Hardie Boys, who continues to support our organisation and attend our events whenever his schedule allows.  In the upcoming year we will farewell Sir Michael, who retires from his position as Governor General of New Zealand, and we wish him well in his new endeavours.

In conclusion, I thank my wife Sue for her tolerance and support, Phil and Bev King for their support throughout the year, Mike Vernon for the extra work load he has had over the past two years as we changed firstly Offices and then Auditor, my Executive for their hard work and support throughout the year and all those people who run our districts and keep our organisation rolling along.

Finally I would take this opportunity to thank Chris Mason for the wonderful job she does for us as Executive Officer.

Ian McKelvie
President


ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2001 show a net surplus of $21,324.00.  This result is encouraging as the coming year will be all the more testing for the Society now that the generous sponsorship from the National Bank of $50,000 will not be available.  Overall the Society has operated within budget, an increase in income and a decrease in expenditure - a tribute to our Executive Officer Chris Mason's diligence and expertise.

This result has come about due to PR/Promotion fees reducing by $12,000; Secretarial Fees reducing by $10,000 when compared to last year when there was additional costs associated with the change of secretariat, and reductions in printing, stationery, and telephone costs.  The full payment of the Rural Excellence Award prize money is also an expense items yet to be incurred.

Membership at year-end stood at 1,113 Life Members, 82 Annual Members, and 18 Corporate Members.  During the year five new life members joined the Society.  As has been the case in the past, five percent of the Life Members Fund has been credited to the current account to assist with the costs of service/maintenance of the Society's life members.  With the change in the Society's constitution, annual membership ceases from 1 April 2001.  All existing annual members have been invited to join the Society as Life Members, at a special rate in recognition of their previous financial support of the organisation.

During the past 18 months, the Society's Executive has undertaken to increase access to the many Royal Show trophies.  These have been removed from Wellington, the engraving has been brought up to date, and in many cases, the relevant Breed Societies have agreed to administer these on the Society's behalf.  We believe this will make the trophies more visible to those people who compete for them.  The costs associated with updating the engraving - many of which had not been updated since the early 1980's, have been capitalised.

I take the opportunity to thank the President, the Executive, Convenors of all the Society's activities for their help and input to what has been a very successful year.  On behalf of the Executive I extend a very special thanks to Chris Mason for without her diligence, this result could not have been achieved.

Mr President, I formally move the adoption of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2001.

Mike Vernon
Hon Treasurer


THE 70th NEW ZEALAND ROYAL SHOW - WAIKATO 2000

A most successful two-day Show was hosted by Waikato A & P Association on behalf of the Mid-Northern District in glorious weather.  "We couldn't have asked for more."  The weekend commenced on Friday evening with a Mayoral reception kindly sponsored by the Hamilton City Council.  Entertainment by way of jazz music and comedian, Shamus, performing lighthearted illusions was enjoyed by all who attended.  Mayor Russ Rimmington, one of Waikato's joint Patrons, spoke most favourably of the region and our movement and confirmed the City's support in the future.

With National Children's Day being held throughout NZ on the Sunday of the Show, Waikato decided to focus on families for the entertainment.  This proved to be very successful with children's side show rides, secondary school sawing competitions, the farmyard, pet dog competition, clowns, and a rodeo all being able to be enjoyed at no extra cost.  With a very successful photography competition, spinning and weaving demonstrations and all the normal attractions of a Show there was plenty for everyone to see and do.  The sounds of Pipe Bands and Brass Bands in the background made a real family atmosphere that was buzzing on both days.

During the Show, it was our privilege to host the British High Commissioner Mr. Martin Williams, who, along with other distinguished guests, congratulated us and described the Show as "an awesome livestock show of the good old days".  We, as a Society, should be encouraged and proud of those words.

It was also very pleasing to have the Royal Agricultural Society President, Mr. Ian McKelvie and his wife Sue along with some of his Executive and their wives in attendance.  Chris Mason, the Executive Officer of the RAS was based in the Mid-Northern District official marquee promoting the Royal Agricultural Society and it's events alongside displays by The District Council and local A & P Societies.  Thanks to Ian, Sue and Chris for your most valuable help.

To Alan Whitehead, our Mid-Northern District Chairman and his wife Jeanette, we appreciated all your help and support so freely given.  We were indeed fortunate to have you heading the Organisation in this District.  At this point we would like to thank all the Shows within the Mid-Northern District who kindly donated time and money towards the Royal Show.  To all the individual Shows and the District Council that put on displays to promote their areas, it all helped to make the Show more interesting and a bigger success.  On behalf of Waikato Council and Members I would like to say a big thank you.

LIVESTOCK SECTIONS

From an Exhibitor's viewpoint the success of any Show is judged on the number and quality of exhibits at the Show.  Judges were very complimentary on the standard of stock paraded before them.  Some 3000 animals participated at the 2000 Royal Show.  There were 21 horse sections, 16 beef cattle breeds, 6 dairy cattle breeds, 14 sheep breeds, 112 dogs competing in the dog trials, Dairy Goats, Kune Kune Pigs, Boer Goats, Llamas, Donkeys and over 400 head of children's calves, lambs, and kid goats (a spectacle on its own).

Every section was enhanced to the maximum with 420 dairy cattle and sheep being judged in the main halls, creating a wonderful spectacle.  In the same area a display of milking sheep and the tasting of their products was popular with both town and country folk.

To all Exhibitors a special thank you for record entries that were exhibited in all sections.  Congratulations to all Champion and Reserve Champion Royal Show winners.  The RAS awarded their medals to all the Supreme exhibits, and Waikato awarded a special Millennium medal to all Champions.

To the major sponsors, Wrightson and WEL Energy Trust, along with all the sponsors we extend our appreciation and special thanks.

Our appreciation and thanks also to all Judges, Stewards and Recorders for giving their voluntary time so willingly.

TRADE EXHIBITION

We were fortunate to attract the largest Trade Exhibition that Waikato has had for many years.  Although the Fieldays seriously affects the Trade Exhibition in this area, the incentives offered helped to entice them to attend.  A highlight in the Trade Exhibition was the awarding of the prizes to the winners of the Suzuki Young Achievers competition at the Suzuki stand of the local agents Road & Sport Motorcycles Ltd.

As President of Waikato A & P Association, I would like to thank the RAS Members for finally granting the 2000 Royal Show -the first of the new millennium - to Waikato.  We did you proud.

To Canterbury, we wish you every success for the 71st Royal Show in November.

Rosalie Zanders
President


THE 2001 ROYAL EASTER SHOW

The 2001 Royal Easter Show, held April 7-16 at the Auckland Showgrounds in Greenlane, was another 10-day family entertainment extravaganza.

The famous Easter attraction which runs right through the school holidays is a top destination for families thanks to more child-friendly entertainment and free entry for those aged 14 and under (accompanied by an adult).

This year's Royal Easter Show celebrated it's 158th year with a number of special guests including a member of the Spanish Royal family, HRH Princess Theresa de Borbon, who judged the Arabian and Part Arabian Horses, along with a variety of other events.

The success of the 'Pacific' theme in last year's Royal Easter Show to reflect the diversity within our increasingly cosmopolitan city was well received by show visitors and remained the theme in this year's Farmworld and Arts Pavilion.

The traditional Farmworld feature continues to bring the country to the town with rare breeds alongside all the farmyard favourites.  The Royal Easter Show continues to work with the Rare Breeds Preservation Society to maintain public awareness of the breeds that gave New Zealand the powerful farm animal breeding base that we enjoy today and to illustrate the importance of maintaining the base genetic pools.

The increasingly interactive Farmworld featured a sheep expo featuring blade and machine shearing demonstrations.  Hand-milking sessions were offered within the petting pen area.  Outdoors, two huge fully restored steam engines were chuffing away giving show patrons a glimpse into the past further enforced by the working forge and a team of Clydesdales.

The Arts Pavilion, home to New Zealand's Premier National Arts Exhibitions and Competitions in Ceramic Art, Pottery, Painting, Photography and Woodturning, received record entries as Artists tried their luck to win their share of the prize money and products totalling more than $30,000.

As well as displaying many of the Art Award entries, the Arts Pavilion also provided an opportunity to see many of the artists at work.  Live art displays included Pottery, Woodturning, Mouth and Foot painting and 'hands on' ceramic decorating.

Completing the Asia Pacific Art theme were live demonstrations of traditional art from Asian, Indian, Maori and Pacific Island communities.  Included in the festivities were Maori and Pacific carving and flax weaving, Chinese calligraphy from internationally recognized calligrapher Mr Chan Wan Yiu, Japanese floral sculpture from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Janie Syred crafted Origami and henna painting by Usha Reman.
The New Zealand Wine Society Royal Easter Show Wine Competition, sponsored by Cardmember Wines, celebrated its 48th birthday with a record 819 entries.  The wines judged in Auckland over February saw 48 Gold, 107 Silver and 310 Bronze Medals awarded.  Champion Wine of the Show went to Forrest Estate Stonewall Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2000 and the Royal Agricultural Society Gold Medal for the Winemaker of the Show was awarded for the third year in succession to Michelle Richardson of Villa Maria Estate.  A full list of the results is posted on www.wineshow.co.nz

The 2001 Royal Easter Show is proud to retain the traditional charm of yesteryear with A&P events like Axemen, Sheep Shearing, a Heritage Court, Dairy Cattle, Beef Cattle, Goats (both Milk and Fleece), Sheep, Pigs, Caged Birds, Poultry, Sheep Dog Trials, Highland Dancing and the massive Art and Equestrian Sections.

These events and displays complement newer additions such as the Sports Hall in the Logan Campbell Centre, which hosted the National Aerobics Finals, 3-on-3 Basketball Jam, Breakdancing, NZ Karate Open and Junior Pacific International Judo Championships.

The Axemen's arena featured Woodchopping and Strongman, while the NZ Rodeo Championships starring Australian Bull-riding Champion Brad Scott was the attraction in the main arena.  The remain of Cyclone Sose that hit Auckland put paid to the Showjumping for the Easter weekend and saw the exciting array of Showjumping events including the Thai International Airways Royal Easter Show Classic Showjumping Final and the Royal Easter Show Pony Grand Prix Series Final transferred to the second arena at Alexandra Park.

Pole Climbing attracted international competitors from France, Great Britain and Australia.  Australia's Mark Dryden defended his Australasian pole Climbing Championship title set at the 2000 Royal Easter show with a new world record time for the 80ft vertical climb to the top of the pole, of 9.61secs - beating his earlier record of 10.08secs which he set on Easter Sunday during the World Team Challenge.

The main exhibition halls with their set themes based around the Information and Technology Food and Wine and Home Decoration attracted the crowds especially over Easter and satisfied the exhibitors; many already booking forward space. As always the ever-popular Trading Post was booked solid with the interesting and bizarre.

Headlining the 2001 Royal Easter Show entertainment was Pacific sensation Te Vaka.  Hitting the right balance between radio-friendly songs and soft Pacific rock, the 10-strong New Zealand band is an internationally acclaimed WOMAD festival success.  Having opened for Ringo Star and the All Stars in Surrey, England, performed at Ronnie Scotts - world famous jazz club in Soho, London - and toured more than 20 countries around the world, Te Vaka with their distinctive sound had the crowds 'Pacific Rocking!'

A wide variety of supporting acts including Marion Burns and the Kids Music Company, the famous European Clown - Strawberry, as well as local talent including The Rag Time Band Wagon, Auckland City Brass Band and many more were scheduled in regular time slots during the Show.

The Faber-Castell Children's Art House was busy with youngsters drawing their way towards the prize of a family trip for four to Sydney and nearby the Children's Theatre was busy entertaining the little folk.

The 2001 Royal Easter Show survived the remnants of Cyclone Sose and with a mix of beautifully fine weather, pouring rain and showers, was a happy festive occasion attracting Aucklanders in their thousands who enjoyed the unique spectacle that is an inner City A & P Show.

Kevin Cholmondeley-Smith
Manager - Royal Easter Show




FARMERS' MUTUAL GROUP RURAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
in commemoration of A. C. CAMERON

Following a very comprehensive advertising campaign at the end of 2000, there was strong contention for the 2001 Farmers' Mutual Group Excellence Award, in commemoration of A. C. Cameron.  Several districts held regional finals with up to four top farmers in the area vying for position as the regional finalist.  This led to a very high standard of candidates and created a tough judging dilemma for the national judges in April.  The seven finalists were:

Northern	David and Pip Howard	Hikirangi, Whangarei
Mid Northern	John and Catherine Ford	Rotorua
Western	Nathan Guy	Levin
Eastern	Jeremy and Jane Williams	Ruatoria
Tasman	Robin and Shirleen Oakley	Halkett, Christchurch
Aorangi	Paddy and Barbara Boyd	Haldon, McKenzie Country
Southern	Leon and Wendy Black	Ermedale, Southland

The judges for the 2001 award were Prof Steve Morris, Massey University, and Mr Murray Donald, who is currently a Farmers' Mutual Group Director and farmer near Invercargill.

As to be expected it is a large logistical exercise judging a national competition, with the candidates spread from one end of the country to the other.  The judges are thanked for their expertise and for the time they both freely gave when judging this event.

Jeremy and Jane Williams won this year's competition, which was announced at a presentation function held at the Rutherford Hotel in Nelson on 26th April.  Each finalist was presented with the Society's District Medal, an award from Farmers' Mutual Group and a $1,000 voucher from Ravensdown Fertiliser.

Jeremy and Jane also received the Royal Agricultural Society's gold medal and a Life Membership, presented by President, Ian McKelvie, and the A C Cameron Memorial Trophy plus a $7000 Travel Voucher, presented by the Chairman of Farmers' Mutual Group, John Wills.

Special acknowledgement is made to the District Convenors of this competition, who make the event such a success at regional level and without whom we would not have such a closely fought final, with seven all very deserving finalists, at national level.

I would also like to thank the financial sponsors - Farmers' Mutual Group and Ravensdown - both of whom have demonstrated their commitment to this award through their recent three-year sponsorship renewals.  Without their continued support, this event would not be possible.

Phil King
National Convenor


THE 2000 GOLDEN FLEECE EXHIBITION

The 2000 Golden Fleece Competition and Exhibition was hosted by Manawatu A & P Association in conjunction with the Society's annual conference in June 2000, in Palmerston North.  Many of the fleeces were displayed during the conference, adding atmosphere to the functions held in that particular meeting room.  Prior to the conference, the fleeces were also on display during Bull Week at the Manawatu Showgrounds and a special thanks to Hugh Akers, North Island Convenor for his hard work and assistance with this.

The winners of the 2000 Golden Fleece Competition were both previous winners of the award, with Mr. Richard Warren, Rawahi Romneys of Featherston, winning the strong wool section and Ian and Graeme Stevenson of Fernside, Rangiora again winning the fine wool championship.  Mr. Warren and the Stevenson brothers are not new to the event having previously won their respective sections five times each.

In addition, the Stevenson Brothers also previously won the strong wool championship in 1998 - the only other winners of this category in the past six years - as Rawahi Romneys have won the championship award since 1995.

The competition, which began in 1969, encourages and recognises excellence in agriculture, and both winners received the Royal Agricultural Society's prestigious Gold Medal and a cash prize of $500.  A total of 127 fleeces were entered in the competition this year, spread from Invercargill to Kaitaia, and these were judged by Mr. David Maunder of A. Dewavrin Fils N.Z. (fine wool section) and Mr. John Berry, Feltex Wools, Marton (strong wool section).  Special thanks to both judges for their time and expertise.

The Royal Agricultural Society is grateful for the sponsorship support it receives for New Zealand's leading fleece wool competition from the following sponsors:

The 2001 Golden Fleece Exhibition will be held in Blenheim in conjunction with The National Bank Ewe Hogget competition on Thursday 24 May, and you are cordially extended an invitation to attend this event.

Roger James
National Convenor


THE NATIONAL BANK EWE HOGGET COMPETITION 2001

The organising committee is pleased to advise that the major sponsor of the ewe hogget competition - The National Bank - has renewed its sponsorship of the competition for a further three years. Our three other supporting sponsors for this event - ivomec, NZ Rural Press and Ravensdown - have also renewed their sponsorship, and we are delighted to welcome Alliance Group to the team as a further supporting sponsor this year.  Without the contribution made by these organisations, the ewe hogget competition would not be able to continue as a national event, and we thank the above organisations for their continued support and generosity.

The competition is open to all commercial sheep farmers, and is driven by a points system that rewards the entrant not only for presentation but a third of the total points awarded are for production and performance.  Geographic and climate conditions are also accounted for.  My co-judges this year were Mr George Murdoch, The National Bank; Mr Fraser Fletcher, Ravensdown and Mr Robbie Burrows of Culverden.

Despite drought weather conditions in some parts of the country, resulting in no merino entries this year, over 200 flocks were entered in the competition at local level.  This was reduced to 16 flocks going through for final judging in the national event.

The breed winners were:

Coopworth	Rex Richardson	GISBORNE
Perendale	Andrew & Natasha Kirk	HASTINGS
Romney	Geoff Blakely	RANFURLY
Corriedale	Philip & Donna Parker	ROXBURGH
Crossbred	SK & BJ Rabbidge	WYNDHAM

The overall winner will be announced as part of a special Sheep Forum, incorporating the 2001 Golden Fleece Exhibition, in Blenheim on Thursday 24 May.

Many A&Ps throughout New Zealand support this competition by holding their own local events, and the contribution made by the volunteers and convenors throughout New Zealand, both in terms of their time and, in some cases, funding from their own pockets, deserve a special mention.

I would also like to thank the regional convenors, who draw together all of the local winners into regional semi-final, prior to the overall national judging.  A special mention is also to be made to Frank Amos, Ashburton, who has retired from his position as regional convenor this year, and I welcome his replacement, Charles Ruddenklau, Waimate, to the committee.  The organising committee formally thanks Frank for his years of tireless work to ensure a strong competition in his area.

Finally I want to thank all of the volunteers and the various breed societies involved for continuing to support the national event.  We believe the ewe hogget competition is now the premier sheep competition in New Zealand and we thank everyone who has supported the event so that this has been achieved.

George Fletcher
National Convenor


UNITED BREEDS SOCIETY

Performance and production classes at some shows are creating more interest in beef and sheep sections, and the expansion of these classes is one way A&P Shows can increase entries in this important show sector.  I would like to thank all breed societies and individuals that supported me in our quest to stop the bringing in of the live organisms of Foot and Mouth, Scrapie and BSE into the containment laboratory in NZ.  The UBS Executive is still working on recommendations on the tampering of stock at shows; it is taking some time as we are trying to have one set of guidelines that will be applicable for all stock.

During the year, a number of our member organisations ask me what the benefits are of belonging to the Society, and what the United Breed Society is about.  I would like to remind you all that the role of the United Breed Society (UBS) is an important one to the rural sector.  The United Breed Society Council acts on behalf of stud breeders' and kindred organisations on matters that affect their business.  The UBS is committed to the representation of its membership through promotion or assistance with work or activities that are regarded as being beneficial to primary production and/or the improvement of livestock.  It acts as a representative body for all of the affiliated breed societies on a number of important national committees and organisations.  As an example, the UBS has a representative of the MAF Agricultural Security Consultative Committee (a forum for animal industry representatives and MAF to discuss issues related to New Zealand's biosecurity).  The UBS representative is the only one speaking on behalf of breed societies.  Another example is the Equine Health Authority (a group specifically concerned with ensuring that equine diseases are not imported into New Zealand).  Again, our affiliated breed societies are represented on that committee by their membership to the UBS, through the Royal Agricultural Society.

Affiliation to the Royal Agricultural Society also allows members of the affiliated organisations to have input into schedules, judges and classes at Royal Shows, and to compete for Royal Show medals.  One representative from each affiliated organisation is also able to represent that organisation and vote at the annual general meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society, and I urge all member organisations to utilise this benefit by joining us at our conference in Auckland this year.

I must thank the Chairman of the various Breed Meetings who have assisted with their areas of expertise during the year - George Fletcher, Sheep Breeds; Trevor Beer, Beef Breeds; John Grigg, Horse Stewards Council and Maurice Pedley, Dairy Breeds - and also thanks to our Executive Officer, Chris Mason, who efficiently handles all United Breed Society business assigned to her.

William Mitchell
Chairman


The Royal Agricultural Society would like to acknowledge its CORPORATE MEMBERS and asks all members to support these organisations with their custom whenever possible:

NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Reporting Entity

The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand is incorporated under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908.

General Accounting Policies

These financial statements are a General Purpose Financial Report as defined in the Institute of Chartered Accountants' Statement of Concepts and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice as defined in that Statement.

Measurement Base

The accounting principles recognised as appropriate for the measurement and reporting of financial performance and financial position on an historical cost basis is followed by the Entity subject to any revaluations as detailed in the specific policies below.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following specific accounting policies, which materially affect the measurement and reporting of financial performances and financial position, have been applied.

Differential Reporting

The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand is the Entity for the purposes of the Financial Reporting Act 1993.  The Entity qualifies for Differential Reporting as provided for in the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants' Framework for Differential Reporting as it is not publicly accountable (as defined) and it is not large (as defined.)  The Entity has applied all applicable differential reporting exemptions.

Stock

Stock of items held for resale or use in later years are valued at cost, determined on a first in first out basis, or market value.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable are valued at expected realisable value.

Trophies

Trophies are recorded at market value from an independent valuation.  Market value is reviewed every three years.

Investments

Investments are recorded at market value.  Investment income other than dividend income is recognised on an accrual basis where appropriate.

Commitments for Capital Expenditure & Contingency Liabilities

As at balance date, there were no commitments for capital expenditure, and the Society had no contingent liabilities.

Goods & Services Tax

Income and expenditure items are stated exclusive of Goods & Services Tax where applicable.

Taxation

The Society, being a charitable organisation, is exempt from taxation under Section CB4 of the Income Tax Act 1994.

Changes in Accounting Policies

There have been no changes in accounting policies; all accounting policies have been applied on bases consistent with those used in previous years.

NOTE 2 - LIFE MEMBERS' FUND

An amount of 5% of the balance of the Life Members' Fund is transferred into income each year being the estimated amount applicable to income in that year.

NOTE 3 - OTHER SPONSORSHIP AND INCOME INCLUDED IN ACTIVITIES

Net income from Activities reports the net surplus or deficit from each activity that is, it is the result of Income less Expenditure.  Included in the following activities are the following amounts of sponsorship and other income:

NOTE 4 - TROPHIES

The trophies are revalued to market value every three years.  The Society obtained an independent valuation of trophies from McLeay Jewellers (June 2000 & March 2001) and from Dunbar Sloan Limited (Registered Valuers) in February 2001.

This Year Market Value $	1998 Market Value $
$88,980	$85,130

NOTE 5 - INVESTMENTS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Investment Summary

Additional Expenditure Notes:

General:	Key expenditure includes: Bad Debts $-, Education Kit $-, Entertaining $226, Equestrian related $-, Freight/Courier $194, Hire Venue $-, Interest paid $-, Losses on shares $-, Manufacture Medals $2463, Ribbons $414, Subscriptions to publications $348, Sundry expenses $815.
Communications:	Key expenditure includes: Media Clippings Service $1,608, Telephone and tolls $2,564, Advertising (Contacts in Agriculture) $711, Postage $1,529, Maintaining Website $1,783.