At this very moment I am sitting in an office in central Christchurch, dreaming of what I could (Should!) be doing. Although currently office-bound workwise, my background is conservation science, ecological monitoring, and ecological monitoring and restoration. I am experienced in native plant propagation, pest plant control, plant nursery management, and working with volunteers.
Do you have a project you are not sure where to start with? Do you need a community nursery designed, implemented or managed? Or do you know of an individual or organisation which might need stuff done?
If I can get three days a week paid (would consider accomodation, food, etc as well as mainstream payment methods!) I will do a 4th day for free, and quit my job! Otherwise I am restricted to doing weekend volunteer work. I am also happy to relocate.
I would love to quit this job and start my next adventure- this feels like the year for it!
If you think you may have something for me, please contact me on here, at Serra.Kilduff@pvr.govt.nz or on 021 029 56455.
Thank you all!
Replies
Oh, and forgot to say. My cv and references are available if required.
Hi Serra
I don't know about any jobs unfortunately, but I wish you lots of luck! Just going by your e-mail address I wonder though if you are the person to ask about TM and PVR protection on plants. I've come across this a number of times now and wonder what it actually means and if I should avoid these plants.
Many thanks, Hanna
Hi Hanna, Yep, I'm your girl!
A plant with a grant of pvr has been protected as intellectual property by the owner. This gives the owner of the variety control and protection of the commercialisation of the variety. The ownership is of the physical expression of characteristics of the plant; genetics of the plant cannot be owned.
When you see a plant in a garden centre with pvr on it's label, it just means that royalties are being paid to the owner, and that it is not legal to commercially propagate material, or sell material of that variety, without the owner's permission.
A trademark is a bit fuzzier- it protects the name of the plant, but does not protect against sale of the material under a different name. Trade marks often cover several varieties of plants, being sold as a 'line'- "FlowerCarpet" Roses are a good example. In this case the individual varieties are pvred, with legal denominations, but are additionally trademarked.
So whether you want to avoid these plants depends on what you are using them for! I would avoid the native varieties which are pvred if doing native restoration work, as their origins cannot be vouched for- we have Cordylines out there which were bred in China and Australia- not so good eco sourcing wise!! -But if you are after ornamentals in a more general garden setting, no problem as far as I can see. Food crops I cannot vouch for- I am only involved in Ornamental testing.
If you are propagating, it is all good if it is for yourself.
Phew! Three years ago I knew none of this!! It is really not my passion, despite being interesting in its own way. I never meant to get into this area- I have little to no interest in the commercial horticultural industry. I think my skills and experience should be put to better use elsewhere- not at a desk in the Ministry of Economic Development (crazy!)
I hope this is helpful. I also recommend going here for more information, or email me if you have more specific questions :)
http://www.iponz.govt.nz/cms/pvr/