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<pre>Dear Group
My name is Trish Haydon and I live in Auckland New Zealand. My business is
called 'Waihopai Valley Olives Ltd' and it is based in the Waihopai Valley near
Blenheim in the South Island of New Zealand. I have around 3000 olive trees of
several different varieties namely Barnea, Manzanillo, Minerva, Mission,Frantoia
Picual,Verdale and Pendalino. The grove is under management and is still at the
developing stage - with just the last few olives to be planted in the spring.
The first trees went in three years ago, and this year I will be harvesting my
first small crop of olives - which I am really excited about. Minerva, so far
appears to be performing the best.
I fell in love with the olive tree on a trip to Greece where we stopped by the
side of the road and watched as olives were shaken from the tree into nets on
the ground. The scene looked, which it was, so ancient and alluring. On my
return home I decided I wanted to be involved in the Olive Industry, of which
because I was 'tuned in' I was beginning to hear quite a bit about.
I have always loved gardening but didn't know anything about olives, since then
I have learned a lot, both by researching for planting purposes, and from
discussions and reading of what was the best procedure at each stage for the
production of healthy plants etc. I also belong to the Olive Society and have
attended conferences. I still have, and am sure I always will have lots to
learn.
My next big task is to look at the production of oil, bottling and marketing
side and which is the best way to go for me.
Regards
Trish Haydon


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