The AAA had its 1st meeting on 23 July 2023.
Since then the club has come a long way. We had wonderful presentations about a wide range of subjects - A Trip to the Amazon, an Introduction to Marine Tanks, African Rift Lake Cichlids, Angelfish Genetics, The Walstadt Method, 2 talks about different aspects of Aquascaping, Axolotl, CO2 in Planted Aquariums, Plywood Aquariums, and Native NZ Freshwater Fish. We had many great local speakers, we had two speakers from other parts of NZ (Dunedin and Tauranga), and we even had an international speaker from Singapore. We also had a lavish Christmas Party, and we had a very popular Aquascaping Contest. Every meeting had an auction and a raffle, and we had tea, coffee, biscuits and usually a home-baked slice.
On average 40-50 people attend a meeting. Thanks everyone for coming, bringing stuff for the auction, and buying auction items and raffle tickets! For the regulars, AAA meetings have become a must-attend item on their calendar.
By now we have a number of people who run the meetings together – Mila, James, Kristina, Nenad, Nelson, Rebecca, Charlotte, Garth, Eddie, and someone I am probably forgetting right now, and should definitely have mentioned.
Most of all, we thank the aquarium related Auckland business community, that has supported us from the start. Their logos are on the Sponsors Page of this website, and you can click on them to get to their websites and Facebook pages. They are the 2hr Aquarist, The Aquascape Shop, New Pupuke Aquarium, Fintastic Studio, Hollywood Fish Farm, Tropical Fish Fanatics NZ, Aqua Rays, and a shop that unfortunately no longer exists, Cam’s The Aquarium Project. We wish Cam all the best for the future! Many thanks to all the businesses. The AAA couldn’t do what it does without your financial support.
There are lots of ideas how we can progress and expand the AAA in the coming year and beyond. These include incorporation, which will make donations tax deductible and allow us to have paying members. Further a web site (now done!) and a breeder award program. That’s just a start, but to make it happen, we need the help of more people. If you are able and willing to invest some time in the club, please let me or any of the people already engaged with organizing the club know. You can work on any of the planned projects or on ideas you might have. We are open to all suggestions.
To many more years!
