Conchology Section
Auckland Museum Institute

Doug introduced the speaker Lisa Hankey from the Department of Conservation. She explained CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. CITES was formed as an international body in the 1960s, before this trade was not monitored and many species were nearly wiped out. Since then DoC has monitored 32,000 items, 9-10 million orchids, 2-5 million live birds, 500 million tropical fish, 10 million reptiles and several million frogs' legs. The International CITES body has a considerable concern about habitat loss as well as trade. 60% of corals and 20% of clams have disappeared. The profit from trading in furs, parrots, training falcons and Orangatan skins is so great that the minimum fines are no deterrent. Drug trading carries higher penalties.

DoC is New Zealand's management authority, but has a limited budget for awareness training. Much that they confiscate is due to ignorance rather than intent. Check out DoC website www.cites.org Tuatara are on the list, last year Paryphanta were taken off but are still protected under New Zealand's Wildlife Act.

CITES is more about monitoring than prohibiting, permits are easy to obtain if:
1. Obtained legally
2. Non-detrimental
3. If live animals, are transported correctly
Lisa was thanked for her interesting talk.

Doug and Glad brought in trays of Pectinidae.

AUCTION 22 SEPTEMBER
This was a success with keen bidding from the 34 people attending. It was good to meet Jenny and Pat from Wellington, Barbara from Cambridge, Derek from Orewa, and Colleen from Rotorua. Thanks to Glenys and Jack who shared the auctioneer's job, also to Joan Coles, Noel and Rosa who did the scrutineering and Nick who coped with all the money.

Doug and Judith's open day on Sunday 23 September was enjoyed by about a dozen visitors.

THE NEWSLETTER WILL GET THROUGH!
Thanks to Fiona who made notes for this newsletter and also pulled out all stops to get the August newsletter out on time. Being laid up with the flu I ordered a delivery by Skyroad couriers to get the master copy to the Museum for copying and posting. The package was picked up on Monday midday but did not arrive. Despite many frantic phone calls none of the promises to sort it out actually occurred. On Wednesday I reprinted and sent the second package by a more reliable courier (my husband!). Thanks to Fiona and Noel who were able to do the rest.

CORRECTION to the membership list. Derrick Crosby should be (07) 308 6776 and Wellington Shell Show really is in January 2002 not 2001, you haven't missed it!! If those attending have shells to exchange or sell they would be welcome. Registration or other enquiries Deidre Standish, (04) 938 6554. or deirdrestandish@clear.net.nz or 27 Fitzpatrick St., Johnsonville, Wellington.

WANTED
Send your cockroaches from the Auckland area to Nicholas Martin who is studying them. Yours may be a new species!!!!! Check details MartinN@crop.cri.nz

LIBRARY
A catalogue of books is enclosed. The library is now available to members in Mataapuna, the resource centre on the first floor near the Oceans gallery, during all Museum opening hours. You do not need to pay the entry donation, just say you are going to the library in Mataapuna. Take some ID, they have a list of members.

MAHIA 16-19 OCTOBER 2001
Bookings have been made at Blue Bay Holiday Park for people on the list. There are a few places still available if you want to add your name and give a $30 deposit. More details will be available at the meeting or Ph. Margaret 576 8323. It looks a beautiful place on the brochures.

OFFICERS 2002
Nominations greatly needed for 2002. Positions vacant will be President, treasurer, secretary, newsletter writer and committee members. Contact any committee member for more information, to nominate or to volunteer.

November meeting - A travelogue with slides by those who visited New Caledonia in July 2001.

NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 9 October 7:30pm. Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Entry by the Administration door between 7:15 and 7:30pm. No late admittance.

The speaker will be Mike Hart recounting his recent dive expedition in the Coral Sea off the east coast of Australia. This popular speaker may attract another full house. Please bring a tray of Australian shells or items of general interest.

• August 2001
• July 2001
• June 2001
• May 2001
• April 2001
• March 2001
• February 2001
• December 2000
• November 2000
• October 2000
• September 2000
• August 2000
• July 2000
• June 2000
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• March 2000
• February 2000