The first meeting of the Auckland Seed Exchange (ASE) was held on 23 March 2002 at the Auckland Regional Botanical Gardens. ASE has been run by Bryce Palmer for nearly 3 years. Bryce co-ordinates the distribution of seeds between ASE members and publishes the ASE newsletter.
The meeting was the first time ASE members were able to meet in person to exchange seeds. Around 20 people attended including Kay Baxter and Wendy Klink from Koanga and Steve Benham from the Botanical Gardens. There was a discussion on the state of Seed Saving in New Zealand and the problems of obtaining funding from the Government. Koanga have reduced the number of staff they employ and the range of services they provide due to financial problems. It was suggested that seed saving groups could work more closely with the Botanical Gardens in their local regions to maintain their seed varieties and to promote heritage seeds and plants. Koanga offered to assist the Auckland Regional Botanical Gardens to set up a heritage garden. The meeting was followed by a tour around the Edible Garden and a visit to the Library. Everyone left carrying large amounts of seeds and tubers from the trading tables.
The ASE Spring Meeting will be held on Saturday 24 August 2002 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Auckland Regional Botanical Gardens, Hill Road, Manurewa.
Contact: Bryce Palmer
Email: ase@seedsavers.org.nz
Post: P.O. Box 69228, Glendene, Auckland