Caryl

We are working on that bit Alan. The fares there are certainly cheaper and they offer good family rates. The problem is more how to get around in a group once we are there. There is a lot of travelling from place to place as points of interest are spread out. In the islands, you just wander down the beach

That last post was the information I have so far. Work is still being done on options so you can be presented with a range of options. At all times, costs have been the over-riding factor as we want to keep these as low as possible. By the same token, we also need somewhere with plenty of fishy things to do with venues you don't have to spend ages travelling to get to.

The following is a report on findings so far for the 2004 conference. As you can see, John has done a lot of work so far on our behalf. The idea of a conference off-shore first arose as a direct result of no club being willing to put themselves forward as host in 2004. It was pointed out that internal travel is expensive anyway so going off-shore would not make that much difference as overseas flights are a lot cheaper. Conference 2004 update Gael and I are off to Australia, and I will check out Brisbane and the Gold Coast and compare notes with Rowan Lee, when we get back on the 18th September. (Rowan and Trea have been on the Gold Coast recently exploring the possibilities.) Gael and I are also off to investigate Vanuatu as a possible venue, on October 15th and will return on 22nd. Having said that.... Gael and I have recently visited England. Not cheap and too far to go for a conference unless someone else is paying, and you can afford to lose two days out of your life flying. No great fishy theme either. Paris. Same. They speak French, eat tough bread rolls with a bit of soapy cheese inside, can't cook to save themselves have bad wine, and are arrogant, (they think they run the world) and it is very, (did I say very????) expensive. Most fish is imported. Spain. Great place to go, but too far to go and the famous Paella is like rice risotto. Sri Lanka Great place to go, but too far not as many tropical fish as you might imagine. Thailand Great place to go, but a little awkward to do the organising for a group the way I want to do it Hong Kong not cheap anymore, costs a lot of money, just to get from the new airport to the expensive city hotels. Western Samoa. Forget it!!!! People get sick and it ruins a holiday and a conference. I have been sick every time I have been there from the food, and I have been there a lot. Tahiti. Forget it!!! Prices are out of this world, it's grubby, and they speak French, nuff said trust me. NOW!!!!! I have a very positive conference plan organised, I just need an acceptable venue and am obviously still checking them out. It is an easy formula that I use and I am very used to arranging on my own.... a venue and a fabulous function for up to 250 people. I have just had 30 people to Fiji very successfully. So successfully the buggers didn't want to come home and start work again. So the FNZAS conference will be a breeze, although the formula will be a little different as far as a weekend is concerned I am looking more at a week's worth. I believe that people will want to get the best value they can, and if they are to shell out for a return airfare... they might as well stay a week and make a holiday out of it, and will have to shell out a few more bucks for accommodation. I am mindful of the comment made by New Plymouth at conference, that it is elitist to go off shore, and am doing my best to see what can be done to relieve that argument. Do elitists have passports??? I am mindful that if the conference was held in Auckland, it would cost the travellers some money to attend, so have looked at air fare costs from and to Christchurch plus accommodation as a base or starting price for reasonable calculations. I am mindful of the fact that Scottie has been to every conference in living memory, and I will make sure that if he is in good health, he will get there and have a good time, same goes for Eddie. These guys are legendary and loyal conference attendees. Paul Munckhof is the most handicapped member of the FNZAS I know, so am basing requirements for travellers around his possible requirements being the biggest ask. Paul has been to Argentina, Portugal, and Australia to represent New Zealand in his chosen sport, so I am aware of his needs if he decides to come. My father travelled to Rarotonga with us when he was 88, so Scottie should not be as big a deal as one might imagine. I am mindful that there are some that will not be able to afford it, so am doing my level best to keep them in mind as well. As a consideration....It may be better for everyone to arrange their own way there and back so they don't feel ripped off by the tour leader, (as if I would, I don't need the money, trust me on that point) and that will be a definite possibility on the pricing agenda. A point I will consider seriously; is to say that the venue for conference will be at ????????? and feel free to make your own way there as we usually do, if it looks a better deal for everyone, given the "specials" that are often advertised (with strings attached). Those that want to organise their own way there will be more than welcome to do so, but trust me the conference will be off shore. For these reasons.... We have for many years held conferences all over New Zealand and those that want to come, come. Those that don't want to come, don't. Even though the host club always goes out of its way to do the best they can to make sure every detail is perfect, some folk just don't come. To some it's a big deal, to me on this one it is a consideration to get as many people to attend but if they don't and I have their deposit, it will be non refundable, passport or not. Having been to all the conferences since 1972 (I think). I have yet to attend a bad one, but that in itself does not seem to attract every club, or in fact all the same people every year. Every year we get new comers, and some that really enjoyed themselves at Marlborough and said they would, will not come again.... not because they didn't have a good time. Or indeed will not be able to attend because of lack of money, or any other reason you might like to think about, or put forward on their behalf... but because THAT’S THE WAY IT IS, sh*t happens. So because I have been given a mandate to organise the next year's conference and have put in a great deal of work so far.... it will be an off shore conference, and those that come, will have a fabulous time, so help me God. (I'm a fun loving bloke and love to see people enjoying themselves) Those that choose not to come, will miss out on one of the finer experiences in their lives, just as those that missed the last few conferences for one reason or another, do not know, and will never know first hand, the great times we have all shared because the conference organisers did a fabulous job of making our conferences really enjoyable and worthwhile. Not everyone is as well off as me, I know that, so I am honestly considering all others even those in places far away from JAFFA land. Now for the reports here are my findings so far... A possible trip to Fiji for the FNZAS conference I have just returned from Plantation Island where I took 30 staff , partners, spouses, family and friends in August 2003, for a one week holiday as a "dry run" to check it out. Getting to Fiji from Auckland is easy, the flight is just on 3 hours and that goes very quickly if you watch the in flight movie, have a feed, and order a drink or two. Mind you, including breakfast each morning, it cost $1,678.00 per person share twin and $1,560.00 per person share three for the airfares, transfers and Sunday to Sunday holiday, and costs are not known exactly because nobody will commit to pricing as yet for a June 2004 conference. We arrived in the afternoon and stayed overnight at the Raffles Gateway Hotel just across the road from Nadi (pronounced Nandi) airport. Quite a nice hotel. Everyone wanted to go to Nadi the following morning to do the shops over. Before the trip to the island. I forgot to warn everyone about the stick carving rip off guys that walk the streets, and some got ripped off for $20 a stick, but laughed about it later. I think everyone bought a Bula shirt. Bula is the local greeting and is the word for hello. Bula is an easy word to remember because everyone says it to you with a big smile as soon as they see you. In the afternoon, we all travelled by fast cat to the Plantation Island resort on Malolo Lai Lai Island which is about 15 kilometres or 40 minutes off the coast of the main island. Check in was very easy and we were met and greeted in a very relaxed and friendly way, and shown to our Bures (accommodation). The accommodation bures feature private showers and toilets, overhead fans, IDD phones, tea and coffee making facilities, and a bar fridge. The beds were firm but comfortable. There is plenty to do on the island, and not one of the 30 people in our party had a bad day or a bad meal all week, and there were a few fussy eaters. The meals are about the same cost as a restaurant in any New Zealand town. Beer is from F$3.00 per stubby, and the exchange rate is in New Zealand’s favour so a dollar Fiji is less than a dollar New Zealand, or one New Zealand dollar is about F$1.07. There are a couple of wee supermarkets or mini markets on the island and anything from Coca Cola, cooked chickens and fishing gear, to flour, bread and even an anchor for a yacht can be purchased at reasonable prices. Bearing in mind that everything has to be imported, we found that prices were not "over the top" at any of the shops. In fact not even one grizzle from any of the group. Free sun and relaxation, swimming pools, tennis, windsurfing, hand line fishing each day, hobiecat sailing and kayaking. Free snorkelling trips or indeed you can snorkel straight off the beach and see lots of brightly coloured tropical fish including Moorish Idols. There is always something going on, even crab or frog races at night if you want to have a bet. There are semi submersible trips, for those that don’t want to get wet when seeing the fish. Deep sea fishing, para sailing, surfing, Scuba diving, golf with electric golf carts if desired, mini golf, banana boat rides, dolphin watching, table tennis, pool tables, volley ball, and trips to other resort islands are also available at reasonable cost. Once again budget on $100.00 per day spending money for meals and the pay activities and you will have a fabulous time, most of our group had money left over, except the two guys that never left the bar areas. You can get by on a lot less than the budget, if you feed yourselves (as we do at home), by shopping at the mini markets on the island. What's wrong with home made sandwiches for lunch? Or even cereals in your room for breakfast? Although there are no cooking facilities in the bures, one day we bought our BBQ supplies meats and salads and went to the island three dollar bar at the other end of the island just past Musket Cove resort. All drinks cost F$3.00 each and the plates, sauces & condiments, cutlery and BBQ facilities are free and with a smile. Evening activities usually started with happy hour around 4-30pm which for us also started with sampling each other’s duty free outside a bure somewhere. This is not frowned on by the management. We dined at any of the 3 restaurants and usually chose one to invade for the evening. Nobody got sick from the food. Naturally John grabbed a guitar and joined in with the local band and the music and dancing fair shook the island. On the few nights when John didn’t perform, it was back to the quiet Fijian Island music, which was very pleasant. The verdict from the 30 travellers all of whom wanted to stay forever……. A fabulous place to go for a holiday or conference, when can we go again? And now................................ A possible trip to Rarotonga for the FNZAS conference Hotels:- There are a number of them on the island, the best part of the lagoon is around the Moana Sands Hotel area this is also recognised as the better side of the island. Most of the hotels are very friendly and clean. We liked the family atmosphere at Moana Sands. Next door is Little Polynesia and no ankle biters are allowed, we have stayed there too, it is very private and has fully self contained units, it would be one of the best places to stay in the heat of the summer because there is a lot of shade. The Rarotongan is OK for large groups and kids but never again for us, Crown Beach is quite romantic and has the Windjammer, a fabulous restaurant food wise, in front of it. Rarotongan Sunset is where Gael and I might stay next time we go on our own, because we can swap our time share in Fiji for it. We inspected the rooms and found them to be very nice with extremely friendly staff, the only drawback is that when the tide is out it is not such a good outlook across the reef, but the sunsets will be spectacular, (similar to Crown Beach). The Edgewater is a huge complex, and we have heard from lots of people that stayed there, quite mixed reports. Some loved it, some hated it. The Pacific Resort looked nice, but an expensive looking nice, and was situated on the better side of the island. The island is very clean, and the people are very friendly, and laid back. There are no rip offs that we found, except at the bar in the Rarotongan hotel. Lion Ice cans of beer at the Bond (where their local brewery is) was charging $25 for 2 dozen compared with $32.95 at Super Liquor here in New Zealand. Restaurants:- It was hard to find one that served bad food. The loudest one was Trader Jacks, and they overcooked Gael’s fish, the rest of the places we visited were fairly quiet. The restaurant meals were the equal of anything here in New Zealand. Mains vary from $17.00 to $28.00 We have been to The Flame tree, Tumunu, Hop Sings, Windjammer, Vaima (where we had our company birthday dinner, which was very well received by all hands), it is now under new owners that are quite good according to our accountant. We also went to The Kaena, Albertos Steak House, and to the Rarotongan Hotel Island night on Saturday night and found all had excellent food. The service in most places is a bit slow but if you know that, it is well worth the wait. We were told by some of the locals that the food at Sails was good, but the service was extremely slow, so we didn't get to try it. For lunch we visited The Sandwave by the airport. The Café in town, and a little tropical garden restaurant opposite Little Polynesia, which after a small wait served the most magnificent salads and smoothies, better than the equal of anything we have ever had in New Zealand. Ronnies in town didn't have anything going for it quality wise but the service couldn't have been friendlier. Papa Joes makes the most fabulous sandwiches any day for you to take on a picnic, the wine selection at the Bond store in town is second to none, Papa Joes also makes the most fabulous bacon and egg pie on Sundays, but you should order it, because it gets sold out quickly, and it is the only shop open on Sunday. In other islands I have visited, it is hard to escape the two step, (two into the toilet and two out again), but nobody that we have talked to, has ever been sick on Rarotonga, from the food. A few of the lads couldn't handle their rum one or two nights, but otherwise in my opinion, the food is very safe. Dress code:- Casual, but if going in winter, it can be quite cool in the evenings, some of our mob had to buy $10 sweat shirts. Drivers Licence:- Obtainable from the Police station in Avarua (town) for $10.00 just show them your New Zealand one and they will take your picture and give you one of theirs. A good little fund raiser for the island economy. If you hire a car explore the back roads they are even nicer than the main road around the island. Don't drive too fast because you might miss seeing something, and you will get the idea why most people there are not in too much of a hurry. They smile a lot, and are quite intelligent. Buses:- go around the island all day. One leaves Cooks Corner in town every half hour. One goes clockwise on the hour and the other does the 31 Km, anti clockwise on the half hour. Get on costs $1.70 get off anywhere you like, just ask the driver to stop. Travel around the island all day for $1.70 if you want to waste time. There are loads of activities on the island, from deep sea fishing, cross island walks, the 4WD safari, (which we really enjoyed) for the magnificent views and safe and happy driver. Captain Tama’s glass bottom boat and snorkelling cruise complete with island entertainment. (Snorkelling was optional). Piri Puruto III coconut tree climbing, umu make it yourself style, and his, rub 2 sticks together and make the fire the way the ancestors did, show. The whole group enjoyed his show, which is on Sundays. Church singing in 5 part harmony is good to experience, if you are into going inside one. If not, sit outside and just listen on any Sunday, the island almost closes on Sundays. Visit Beachcomber in town (3 streets, if you get lost you will be the first) for black pearls and other expensive stuff that girls like. The cultural village and circle island tour is well worthwhile. If you hire a scooter be careful of the exhaust pipe on your legs, you could end up with a "Rarotongan tattoo". Be careful of the dogs too. They used to eat them, before the do gooders stopped the Sunday roast dog dinner ritual. A side trip to the island of Aitutaki is a pleasant experience for the day, if you have time. It is not cheap, what is these days? but it is worthwhile. Take your swimming gear and feed the fish in the most fabulous lagoon you will probably ever see. There are no dogs on this island, and no sharks in the lagoon. The bus is even airconditioned (no windows). There are 3 main supermarkets on Rarotonga, we found Foodland in town to be the one that suited us best, and on the other side of the island try Wigmores Super Store. They have 4 shelves full of stuff, and a few fresh veges and drinks etc. If you buy wine make sure you have a corkscrew available. Conclusion:- Prices will have to be checked out at the beginning of the new year, Rarotonga is a very nice place to go, but as a conference venue, I would say that Plantation Island is the best venue for a large group at this stage. DOES IT LOOK AS THOUGH I AM ON THE BALL?????? UPDATE 27.11.03Here are the costings for Fiji June 2004. NZ AQUATIC SOCIETY GROUP Have based it on Departure Tuesday 01 June with Air New Zealand. This will allow transfer out to the island on the day of arrival. On the return you can transfer back to Nadi on the 7th June, overnight Raffles Gateway and then fly out at lunchtime the next day. Itinerary would read as follows - Tuesday 01 June 2004 Depart 8.00 am from Auckland Airport aboard Air New Zealand arriving Nadi at 11.05 am. On arrival at Nadi Airport and after clearing Immigration and Customs, you will be met by a representative from Leeward Island Services who will transfer you to Denerau Marina (15 minutes drive from the airport). From here the launch departs at 2.00 pm to take you directly to Plantation Island. Accommodation at Plantation Island Resort. Costings below are based on 1. Garden View Hotel Rooms - twin basis (i.e. 2 people per room) or 2. Studio Garden Bure's or Beachfront Hotel Rooms - twin basis. Monday 07 June Today you will transfer back to the mainland. Launches depart the island at 9.00 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm. Would suggest the 12.30 pm as this would allow the group to get access to their hotel rooms and then take off shopping in the afternoon. The group will be met at Denerau Marina and transferred to Raffles Gateway Hotel - deluxe twin rooms for your overnight stay. Tuesday 08 June Check-in time at the airport will be around 10.00 am. You will be transferred from the hotel to Nadi Airport by coach. Depart Nadi Airport at 12.10 pm aboard Air New Zealand arriving Auckland at 3.15 pm. Quote 1 - based on Gardenview hotel rooms on the island. COST PER PERSON - $1599.00 Quote 2 - based on Studio Garden Bure or Beachfront Hotel rooms on the island. COST PER PERSON - $1819.00 GROUP QUOTE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING - - Return economy class flights Auckland/Nadi/Auckland with Air New Zealand based on high season fare. - Fiji Departure tax and ticket taxes - Auckland Departure Tax - Return coach and launch transfers to Plantation Island with Leeward Island Services. - 6 Nights accommodation at Plantation Island as stated below with buffet breakfast daily - 1 night accommodation at Raffles Gateway hotel based on deluxe rooms - room only - Costs based on special: stay 6 nights at Plantation get 1 night free plus 1 night free at Raffles Gateway. General Quote Conditions: · Quote valid for 14 days from today’s date · Quote is subject to availability of air and land arrangements specified · Costs have been based on a minimum of 30 passengers travelling, should the numbers drop below this, the quote may have to be re costed · Quote is subject to currency fluctuations, general and airfare increases · All costs subject to change without notice until paid in full · Airlines/Agents require a deposit of NZD$200.00 per person on confirmation of flights. Deposit is non-refundable within 60 days of departure date. · Costs are based on departure of 01 June 2004 travel, and will need to be reviewed should this change.

Very pretty. Can't see much green or gold though :-?

Good to see you malawimad. I am not sure the range of African fish here is anywhere near what you are used to. It is improving but we have very strict quarantine regulations in NZ. There will be others better at telling you what is available as there is no lfs where I live and we don't see too many Africans (of the fish variety) down our way either. I myself have an Mbuna tank (set up about 6 months now) with Labidochromis caeruleus, Copadichromis borleyi, Stigmatochromis modestus, aulonocara jacobfreibergi and Julidochromis marlieri (I know that last one doesn't fit but shhh). You must be in love to be leaving it all behind. I hope you stay in love too Welcome to NZ (almost)

:lol: @ Ira We have fish and one or two oscilloscopes here. What do you do next?

It is in the next AW. John Eastwood volunteered to scout out locations and that is what he has been doing - he was asked to by the exec. Rowan Lee has been doing so too and between them they have visited several locations looking at prices, ease of travel etc

Information is in the next AW Mitch. Sorry there has been a delay in printing but these things happen some times. Since it has been confirmed the next conference will be overseas since last conference, that will have been 12 months for people to save. I have certainly been doing so in anticipation. I think an overseas conference is better than no conference at all, which is what would have happened as no club would volunteer as host for 2004. Who is this one person you are talking about and what are they deciding exactly?

Your short term memory must be worse than the fish's! :lol:

Not a fan of them myself.

If anyone else has photos from the Molly Hunt, please send them to Cees for inclusion in the gallery.

Hi Ballistic. Good to talk to you in chat tonight

I think a few members of the Upper Hutt club keep and breed killies.

Also, if the fish were bought together and one has died of possible old age, it is a good chance the other is the same age. If they were a pair for a long time it is quite possible he is missing her.

We are overdue for a re-seal then as I believe our main tank has been set up for almost 14 years, plus we used it as a wardrobe for a couple of years before that.

It could be that conditions are not correct for him so he is not well. Can you give us some information as to what size tank he is in, what is in with him, water temp, pH, ammonia and nitrate levels?

Thanks Cees. I have asked Kevin to send you any pics he may have too. The site above, posted by Cees, is the pictures Nico sent me from the Molly Hunt.

Oh yes Sue

We didn't make him the national breeding coordinator for nothing now did we?

Welcome to the fishroom! What sort of killies do you have and where did you find them? They are not often found in shops. Many killies do better in a species only tank. Good luck breeding enough to cover fish food expenses By the way, that plec might live 18 years :lol: Won't need a university education though. Goldfish can live for 30 years.

Welcome Apo. Sorry I can't help as I know nothing about marines but pies has started a lot of us drooling!

The registering refers to FNZAS members only carla. The FNZAS has a breeding scheme and competition to encourage people to breed their fish. When fry reach 1 month, and they have at least 10 of them, the club breeding coordinator will verify the numbers then send off to the FNZAS for a certificate for that member. The member gets different points depending on whether they have bred the species before or not. At the end of the year the points are tallied and the member with the most points wins the breeding trophy.

OK. I will send them to Pegasus and ask him to do it for us.

Thanks for the photos nico. Can you post them here for all to see? They will certainly go into the next magazine along with the fantastic article that I am sure is currently being written by someone who went on the hunt :lol:

Hi there mouse and welcome to the fishroom. There are plenty of discus lovers here so you will find plenty to talk about.