The Bay Of Plenty Branch of the
Cactus and Succulent Society of New Zealand Inc.

History of the BOP Branch CSSNZ

Before 1981 BOP cactus and succulent growers had to travel to Hamilton (about 1.5 hours) for the nearest meeting, but on the 19th September 1981, the first meeting of the "Tauranga sub-branch of the Hamilton Branch CSSNZ" was held in Tauranga, in the BOP.

Nominations were called and Stella McIntosh became our first President, Mary Galbreath Secretary-Treasurer. Alex Blaikie became vice-president and liaison officer with Hamilton.

Over the following years meetings were held in members homes, continuing sharing in social events and bus trips with Hamilton.

In 1985 we moved to a new venue - the Polytechnic College. This was also the venue for our hosting of the National Society AGM in 1991

In 1986 we became a autonomous Branch of the CSSNZ - The BOP Branch of the CSSNZ, and a newsletter, Maritimus (by the sea) was started.

In 1991 we moved our meeting venues again, to our current venue of the Craft Hall in Elizabeth St.

Ironically the Hamilton branch ceased to function in 1997 and now some Hamilton growers travel to Tauranga for their local branch meeting.

Our Presidents have been:(Nov-Nov)