Diane says that Don Peel does a great job carding llama fibre.

His contact details are:

Don Peel
Raes Junction
RD Dunedin
Ph 03 4468 561
Shop: 03 4468459

Amy took these photos. Thanks Amy.

The Bay Harbour News lent us one of their reporters on Sunday. This is Breeze’s item in this weeks Bay Harbour, complete with lovely llama photos and one of Ferne and Tansy (thats Tansy being sniffed)

Bay Harbour News May 6 2009

Thank you to all the wonderful llama lovers I met over the week-end of the AGM. You all included me and made me so welcome as a new member. I had a wonderful time and learned so much. I hope that all of you had a satisfying and replenishing time. A special thank you to the visitors who did dishes and cleaned up so efficiently.

Sara Crane, Fernhill Llamas

After another llama morning tea we got all the llams in and had Llama packing demonstration with Keith Payne. He showed us a few thing he looked for in a packing animal and showed us how to put on a pack. Looks easy – yeah OK! you try it.

Lunch was at Fernhill so we haltered up most of the adults and chattered up the hill. Seemed to go well and everyone had a story of some tricky moment successfully negotiated. Free time for llamas while people had soup and wandered round the house (whoops ‘Castle’). Back over to LL and our girls are saying oh no not again. They (and we were tired coming home.

Hi Ho down to the Governors Bay Hotel for dinner. I’m sure Jeremy and Clare will look after us well.

Morning tea with Lllamas. Pack Trials and more about Poo than you’ll ever want to know. Beautiful food followed by a very enlivening AGM. Cyber-Julie attended by Skye. Motions were passed – no not that kind.

Sitting around now with some Coasters talking up a storm. … A big day!

We all got together this morning. Cold and blustery outside and so warm in. Sara asked us to tell each other about ourselevs, were we are from (we made a map of NZ) how many llamas on how much land and what we had come for. So many interesting llama lovers! Morning tea shared with Llamas on the lawn was fun and cold.

Back inside for fibre with Betty Rae and beautiful its was. Ohs and ahs of appreciation.

Stephen got technical with histograms and then said ‘its really about how it feels’. So we all felt fibre and did our own assessment.

Photos to come…

We had a great time. Food and wine, llama stories galore.

Things are going well at Llama Lookout and Fernhill Llamas. We had a much needed downpour yesterday and temperatures are cooler. Bring your gumboots, raincoats and possum/woolies (oops I mean llama/woolies… whatever).

We have been astounded by the level of response and excitement of people for the weekend. We think there will be about 45 people here for the weekend and there are still a few maybies.

Counting down to the weekend. See you all tomorrow.

Robyn and the crew

You are asked to vote for the executive committee of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer from amongst the eight nominees below. This can be done by postal, proxy or in person at the AGM. Postal or proxy votes need to be returned by 5pm Saturday 2nd May to:

NZ Llama Assn AGM, Robyn Robinson
11 Bay Heights,
Governors Bay
RD1 Lyttelton
or faxed to 03 329 9493

Future committee’s comments

Uta Bleidistel Nominated by Vicki Catlow Seconded by Peter Webster
I am committed to supporting the NZLA for the wellbeing of the llamas here in New Zealand. I like to promote llamas and do fundraising for charities etc. I also go to resthomes and visit schools to show their gentleness and to explain their uses.

Vicki Catlow Nominated by Uta Bleidistel Seconded by Julie Insley
I am the proud owner of 3 beautiful boys, and auntie to Uta’s herd. I am passionate about animal health and well-being, I am also a textile artist and weaver.

Julie Insley Nominated by Jenny Arscott Seconded by Geoff Clarke
I am happy to continue working for and promoting the Association, llamas and their appropriate care. I have been President since inauguration in 2003.

Penny King Nominated by Jenny Arscott Seconded by Geoff Clarke
I am keen to support and promote the Association and I will continue to be involved in responsible promotion of llamas, their needs and uses.

Jacky Middleton Nominated by Robyn Robinson Seconded by Alex Robinson
Last year I was nominated as a volunteer committee member and have enjoyed being part of such a proactive and positive team. I have been involved with llamas for six years and now have 22 llamas roaming on our 26 acre block. My llamas are a huge part of my family and are such great friends. I love being part of the llama world and feel so blessed to be in its field.

Robyn Robinson Nominated by Jacky Middleton Seconded by Alex Robinson
Llamas are my life. I enjoy llamas mainly to gaze in awe at their beauty and to laugh at the silly things they do. They have taken over our home and are an extension of our family. We love everything about them from having babies, to using their fibre, to trekking and showing. My husband, Mike and two children, Flax and Ferne are very supportive of my addiction particularly with our adventure into Suri llamas.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being on the NZLA committee and I am happy to continue for the 2009/10 year. I would do my best to promote “Green Lights for Llamas”.

Emma Schwithal Nominated by Mike Richardson Seconded by Lynn Richardson
I have been the Treasurer for NZLA from the beginning and am happy to continue for the coming year.

Peter Webster Nominated by Raewyn McKenzie Seconded by Penny King
I am happy to be on committee again for this year. I’ve been Secretary since we began in 2003 and I would be happy to carry on in the same role.