The New Zealand Arboricultural Association

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008

Hamilton City — 20th-25th November, 2008

In early Spring, international and national visitors will descend on Hamilton City to attend the Annual Conference of the New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZAA). Over six days, Hamilton City will be host to the dynamic conference that involves four days of tree climbing workshops and conference presentations, which surround the two day NZAA/STIHL National Tree Climbing Championship (NTCC), Masters Challenge, and international Trans-Tasman ‘Climb Off’.

This New Zealand Arboricultural Association event will address a wide range of topics such as job safety, tree health, safe (and risky) tree climbing, removal and pruning techniques, and much more.

The 2008 Annual Conference has gathered a number of excellent international speakers for the event, including keynote speakers Dr John Ball and Philip Smallman, as well as Craig Hallam and Graham McMahon, and several notable local speakers. There will also be two days of practical workshops, with multiple World Champion Beddes Strasser from Germany and Dwayne Neustaeter from Canada.

To top it off, the NZAA will assist in offsetting the carbon footprint of attendees’ flights by arranging a tree planting event.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Thursday 20th    Workshops

Friday 21st           Workshops;
                                          NTCC Climber Registration/Judges' Briefing

Saturday 22nd    NZAA/STIHL National Tree Climbing Championships

Sunday 23rd        NZAA/STIHL Masters Challenge;
                                          Trans Tasman ‘Climb Off’;
                                          Conference Dinner & Awards Ceremony

Monday 24th       Conference – Day 1 Sessions;
                                          NZAA Annual General Meeting (evening)

Tuesday 25th      Conference – Day 2 Sessions

A full Conference Programme available soon

THEME & CONTENT

"Arboriculture: A risky business?"
Working safely, reducing ‘body and business’ risk and enhancing our trees for the future is important to everyone.

Our aim is to advance and share our knowledge and experiences of safe, modern arboricultural practices and its regard to risk, furthering our understanding of arboriculture in the 21st century.

It is the safe climbing, planting and maintaining of trees that will help ensure our personal, national and global safety and future.

Keynote Speakers

Dr John Ball
"Arboricultural Safety: It's a world-wide issue."

John Ball is a Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University where he instructs courses in arboriculture and forestry as well as conducts an active research program in arboricultural safety. He also serves as the
campus arborist and leads the tree care and removal operations on the University grounds. Previously Dr. Ball managed tree care companies in several states.

Dr John Ball will talk about the intertwined nature of tree health and tree safety.

Philip Smallman
"Building Safety as a Personal Value."

Philip Smallman, an Australian arborist, could have lost his life as a result of a workplace accident. He didn’t – but will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. One small lapse in concentration and his world came crashing down. He is now a paraplegic.

Philip Smallman is unique. He is a professional speaker on a mission. In two powerful hours, Philip will change attitudes towards workplace safety.

Philip espouses the need to undertake safe tree work practices, Phil will make attendees sit up and
take notice that Arboriculture is indeed a risky business. Phil's real life experiences have assisted many, who work in major manufacturing industries throughout Australia, to positively change attitudes to workplace safety.

Craig Hallam
"A scientific perspective to Arboriculture."

At the age of 16 Craig left school to work in the family farm. Craig commenced employment in the Horticulture industry on an apple orchard undertaking all horticulture duties. In 1985 Craig commenced employment with a tree removal and pruning company and commenced study in Arboriculture through adult education programs. The tree work was predominately in powerline clearing in Victoria and New South Wales. In 1999 Craig left this company started ENSPEC Pty Ltd.

Craig’s vision is to bring a scientific perspective to Arboriculture in the field. He believes that with the value and importance of amenity trees growing, litigation cases and political issues becoming extremely difficult to manage, arborists have to make more scientifically justified decisions instead of using assumptions and educated guesswork.

Craig’s company ENSPEC has the largest range of scientific measuring equipment in the world and he continually is developing more equipment to introduce and ensure the correct assessment are made by arborist is ensure our trees are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Other speakers and events include:

• Seven-time world champion Beddes Strasser from Germany and Dwayne Neustaeter from Canada will conduct two days of practical, informative and highly entertaining workshops.


• International presenters Graham McMahon and Martin Norris from Melbourne, Australia, are booked in to present the latest in Risk Management, safe tree assessment practices and ‘cutting edge’ tree dismantling techniques.


• New Zealand’s Pest and Disease expert Simon Cook, IT guru Simon Garten, international climbing ‘Squirrel’ Andrew Barrell and 3-times National Tree Climbing Champion (and Hamilton local) Andrew Harrison will also be presenting their latest discoveries, experiences and developments.


• NZAA/STIHL Tree Climbing Competitions - National, Masters and Trans-Tasman Tree Climbing Competitions will showcase the talent of our world class climbers to delegates and the public.


• Conference Dinner and Awards Ceremony, tree planting ceremony and the Climbers' Barbeque will provide an opportunity for delegates and sponsors to further develop their business and personal relationships.

2008 Annual Conference Flyer

Click here for the Conference 2008 Flyer (PDF)

SPONSORSHIP

There are a wide range of sponsorship investments available for this exciting event, including the conference, workshops, tree climbing competitons and trade booths. Should you require any information regarding sponsorship for this opportunity, please contact:

Kate Wells - Conference Organiser (onCue Conferences & Events Ltd) by email via kate@on-cue.co.nz or by phone on (03) 546 6338, ext 5.

or alternatively

David Kainer - Business Development Manager (NZAA) by email via david.kainer@nzarbor.org.nz or by phone on 021 771-898 or (09) 529 1032.

We welcome your support and involvement with this exciting and educational conference.

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ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS
20th and 21st November - Hamilton

“The Rigging Seminar” presented by Dwayne Neustaeter, will introduce rigging and communication techniques that will reduce accidents and mishaps while improving safety and results. Venue to be advised.

Click here for the Technically Rigging flyer (PDF)

“Climbing With Lightness” presented by Bernd ‘Beddes’ Strasser, which will include the latest climbing equipment and techniques, performance knots, and aerial rescue. This workshop to be held at Parana Park (cnr Riro St & Memorial Drive), Hamilton.

Click here for the Climbing With Lightness flyer (PDF)

Note: Each of these workshops are available on both dates above.

- - - - -

2008 TREE CLIMBING COMPETITIONS
22nd-23rd November - Ferry Bank Park, Grantham St, Hamilton

The NZAA/STIHL National Tree Climbing Championship (NTCC) is increasingly gaining media and public spectator support with its stunning displays of tree climbing skills and endurance.

Currently, New Zealand climbers hold the top men’s titles from English and Dutch competitions, as well as runner-up in the recent Australian competition and third place in both the Scandinavian and English championships. We also hold the top women’s title in the Australian competition and have proudly held the Woman’s International Tree Climbing Championship title for the last three years!

We are expecting an exciting battle to see who will win the National and Trans-Tasman Champion titles. The winners from the National competition will qualify to attend the International Tree Climbing Competition to be held next year in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

For details, contact Mark Armistead by email via MarkA@asplundh.co.nz

For additional information, click here to go to the NTCC webpage

- - - - -

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

Go-Carting
20 November - Daytona Indoor Raceway, Te Rapa, Hamilton

After a long day of arboricultural education at the workshops, get ready for a not-so-quiet evening of thrill and adrenalin excitement as you go all out to be the king or queen of the circuit.

Racing starts at 5:30 pm at the Daytona Indoor Raceway, 46 Sunshine Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton. This event will have limited places, so be in quick!

For more information, contact Andrew Harrison

Climbers' Barbecue
22 November - Short walk from Ferry Bank Park, Hamilton

After hard day of climbing (or sitting around watching hardened climbers), why not talk about the day's activities, and the next few days' upcoming events, with like minded individuals in a mix-and-mingle informal setting of the Climber's Barbecue.

Annual Golf Challenge
23 November - Hamilton (exact golf course TBA)

Anyone for tee? The annual Golf Challenge is taking off as an event of 'life and death' proportions - a battle between a mishappened stick and a far too small white ball. Are you brave enough to take on a local course and get around the fairways without breaking a sweat, a 7-iron, or a score of a hundred?

For more information, contact Stacy Colyer

Conference Dinner & Awards Ceremony
23 November - 7:00p.m. Novotel Tainui, Hamilton

The conference dinner will be held at the Novotel Tainui, which is in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Waikato River. This ticket only affair will include a fabulous buffet meal and will be include the NZAA Awards Ceremony. One ticket is included in the full registration fee. Additional tickets for partners can be purchased on the Conference Registration Form.

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REGISTRATION

How to Register
To register for the 2008 Annual Conference, you can either register online or complete the registration form in the brochure.

Click here to Register Online

If the above link does not function directly in your browser, please enter the following line in your browser's Navigation Bar:-
https://online.on-cue.co.nz/ei/getdemo.ei?id=160&s=_6MC0TAFKM

Click here to download a Registration Form (PDF)

Registration Fees
All prices are quoted in NZ$ and are exclusive of GST. Early bird rates apply for registrations received on or before the 19th October 2008.

Inclusions

Full Registration (Members, Non-Members, International Speakers, Premier/Gold/Silver Sponsors)
Includes:
- All conference sessions on Mon 24th & Tues 25th Nov.
- All morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas on Mon 24th & Tues 25th Nov.
- Conference handbook and satchel.
- A ticket to Conference Dinner & Awards Ceremony.
- Does NOT include a ticket to the Climbers Barbecue.

Full Registration (Conference Speakers & Students)
Includes:
- All conference sessions on Mon 24th & Tues 25th Nov.
- All morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas on Mon 24th & Tues 25th Nov.
- Conference handbook and satchel.
- Does NOT include a ticket to the Climbers Barbecue.
- Does NOT include a ticket to Conference Dinner & Awards Ceremony.

Day Registration
Includes:
- All conference sessions on day selected (either Mon 24th or Tues 25th Nov).
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on day selected.
- Conference handbook and satchel.
- Does NOT include a ticket to the Climbers Barbecue.
- Does NOT include a ticket to Conference Dinner & Awards Ceremony.

Additions

Conference 2008 T-Shirts
Top quality "Chalky Digits" T-shirt. $50.00 (incl GST).
Sizes: Women - 8 to 16; Men S to XXL

Click here to view the design

Orders can be taken at the Conference on the day, but if you want to wear your T-Shirt at the Conference, then you need to pre-order when you register for the Conference on-line or by post.

Registration Desk: the registration desk will be open at the Novotel Tainui from 3.30pm - 5.30pm on Sunday 23rd November and from 8.00am on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th November.
A registration desk will also be situated at the Tree Climbing Competition venue on Saturday 22nd November.

Workshop Registration: If you would like to register for the One Day Workshops being held on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st November, please contact Rick Mexted on +64 7 959 6941.

Climbing Registration: If you have qualified for the NZAA/Stihl National or Masters Tree Climbing Competitions, please register for these events online (click here for link).

ACCOMMODATION/TRAVEL
If you wish to book accommodation, please do so when registering online or use the registration form in the brochure. We are holding rooms at the Novotel Tainui Hotel (conference venue), as well as the Ibis Hotel and Bella Vista Motel, especially for conference delegates. Alternative accommodation bookings can also be arranged if required.

Accommodation is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do our best to meet your first choice, but may offer alternative accommodation of a similar nature and will confirm this by email.

Novotel Tainui
Novotel Tainui is the conference venue and is located in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Waikato River, adjacent to the Skycity Casino and entertainment complex. This 4 star hotel features an award winning restaurant, lobby bar, 24 hour room service and a health club, with gym, sauna, spa and beauty therapies available. High Speed internet access is available in all rooms. Car parking is available at cost of $10/day.

Ibis Hotel
Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, the Ibis Hamilton Tainui is primely positioned in the heart of Hamilton City. Next to the conference venue, this brand new 3 star hotel is ideal for both leisure and business trips and offers easy access to relaxing river walkways, cafes, restaurants, Skycity Casino, shopping and entertainment. High Speed internet access is available in all rooms. Car parking is available at cost of $10/day.

Bella Vista Motel
Bella Vista Motels offer high quality accommodation and service at an affordable price. Bella Vista Motel Hamilton has a 4 Star Qualmark rating and is conveniently located on 1 Richmond St (corner Ulster St & Richmond St), a 10 minute walk from the conference venue. FREE BROADBAND internet access and off-street car parking. Cooked and continental breakfast is available.

Alternative Accommodation (Backpackers/B&Bs etc)
If you are interested in alternative accommodation options, please contact onCue as we can arrange these bookings for you.

Payment
Credit card details are required to pass on to your accommodation provider in order to secure your booking. No money will be deducted from your credit card by onCue Conferences & Events Ltd or NZAA. Please settle your account directly upon check-in/check-out by cash, eftpos or credit card.  
Note: cancellation fees may apply. Please inform onCue in writing ASAP of any changes or cancellations and refer to the cancellation conditions listed in the Terms & Conditions below.

Car Parking at Conference
Car parking is available at Skycity for approximately $10 per day.

Flights / Travel Bookings
For flight or tourism/travel bookings, please call Lea Boodee at onCue on
+64 3 546 6338 or email: lea@on-cue.co.nz.

Special Requirements
If you have any dietary or special requirements, please ensure you indicate this when registering for the conference.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Conference Cancellations

• Cancelled registrations before 20 October 2008 will receive a full refund of registration fees, less administration fee of $100.00.
• Cancelled registrations on or after 20 October 2008 will not be possible unless exceptional circumstances prevail and are at the discretion of the organising committee. Substitute delegates are welcome without penalty.
• All cancellations must be made in writing strictly through onCue.

Accommodation Changes & Cancellations

• In the event that you do not inform onCue of a cancellation or change to your accommodation booking, or do not check in on your specified arrival date, your booking may be cancelled and accommodation charged to your given credit card by the accommodation provider.
• Cancellations or changes made to all or some of your booking may incur a cancellation fee. As these policies and fees differ by accommodation provider, please inform onCue urgently so you can be advised of these.
• All cancellations or changes must be made in writing strictly through onCue and not through the accommodation providers or operators.

Disclaimer
onCue Conferences & Events Ltd (onCue) accept no responsibility for changes and/or cancellations made by the service provider.  onCue disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of any failure to operate, accident or injury which may occur on services reserved and ticketed by onCue or where operator error or accident is the cause.

Privacy
Privacy Act: The conference handbook may include a list of attendees and their contact details. Please tick the box on the registration form if you DO NOT permit your details to be included in the handbook.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information regarding registration, conference events, or other queries, please contact:

Kate Wells - Conference Organiser (onCue Conferences & Events Ltd) by email via kate@on-cue.co.nz or by phone on (03) 546 6338, ext 5.

or alternatively

David Glenn - Conference Co-ordinator (NZAA) by email via david.glenn@nzarbor.org.nz or by cell phone 029 200-9242.

NZAA MEMBERSHIP

Join the NZAA now and you can get a significant discount on Registration for the Annual Conference, as well as all the benefits associated with being a member of the NZAA. For more information on Membership click here.

ISA EXAMINATIONS
22 November - Novotel Tainui, Hamilton

The NZAA will hold the next ISA Certified Municipal Arborist exam during the conference at Hamilton in November - the exam is a 200 question, multiple-choice exam.

Furthermore, the NZAA intends offering the ISA Certified Tree Worker exam for the first time in New Zealand at the conference too - the exam is a mixture of practical and theory assessment and requires an arborist to have been working in the industry for a minimum of 18 months. It is possible to apply for a waiver for the practical component, if you have competed in the climbing competition.

Applications for these exams must be received before 24 October, 2008.

There will be limited places due to time constraints, so if you wish to apply to sit either of these exams, use the application form below. If you require more information, contact David Glenn by cell phone 029 200-9242 or email via david.glenn@nzarbor.org.nz

Click here for the Certified Arborist/Tree Worker Application form (PDF)

Past NZAA Conferences

• The NZAA Annual Conference
• Conference 2007 Archive
• Conference 2006 Archive