29 - 31 October 2021, Queenstown 

The Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ warmly invite you to celebrate our 90th Anniversary, with a weekend of activities, discussions and debates.

Our event is the weekend after Labour Weekend, so it is the perfect opportunity to take some leave, go on an adventure down south and then join us for our celebration!

During Friday and Saturday evenings, join us for Taonga Lands and Waters: Conservation and Recreation for the Future.  Experts in conservation law, ecology, Maori issues, recreation, and wild rivers will present and debate.  Politicians will present their perspectives on priorities for conservation legislation’s future. Respected outdoors people will discuss sustainable recreation, alongside inspiring presentations from the young rising stars of our outdoor community.

Prior to the evenings' activities, local FMC clubs will be organising day and half-day tramps, paddles, climbs and visits to some of the nearby recreation opportunities. A chance to mix and mingle with other like-minded folk from around NZ, whilst enjoying Queenstown’s backyard and discussing the future of conservation and recreation.

Watch for reminders and announcements via our Backcountry magazine, monthly newsletter and social media channels. 

www.fmc.org.nz/90th/ 

Nominations for the FMC Executive 2021-22 closed on 7 April. Since the number of nominations does not exceed the number of available positions, this year no election is required. The new Executive will take office on 20 May 2021.

Jan Finlayson will serve as FMC President for the third year running, while Neil Silverwood has been confirmed as Vice-President.

Current Exec members returning next year are John Beech, Allan Brent, Owen Cox, Megan Dimozantos, Lauren Kelley, Robin McNeill and Tony Walton.

New members nominated to be on the Executive are Raymond Ford (Christchurch; nominated by the Peninsula Tramping Club), Keith Morfett (Hokitika; Buller TC and Hoki Trampers), James Thornton (Christchurch; Canterbury Mountaineering Club) and Kate Williman (Wellington; Manawatu Tramping and Skiing Club).

Current Exec members who have decided not to stand again in the coming year are David Barnes, Norm Judd, Tania Seward, Jamie Stewart and Peter Wilson. We would like to thank all of them for their contribution during the past year, or past several years in some cases! Jamie Stewart and Peter Wilson are staying on as special vice presidents to work on Recreation Transition and progressing the gazettal of the Southern Rakiura Wilderness Area respectively. 

Eleven out of thirteen Exec positions are thus filled for the coming year.

DOC promised UNESCO it would look after the South Westland World Heritage Area. So why is it considering allowing a quarry there?

The proposed site for the quarry is covered by old-growth native forest, and sits within the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Read more

A decision on the application by Griffin Creek Hydro Ltd is expected any day now.

While we are waiting, here is some background and a timeline of the saga.

Read more

FMC still has a few copies of the Kennett Bros' new guide, Bikepacking Aotearoa, to give away.

To win one, send us a story about a bikepacking adventure. The first stories we select for publication on our Wilderlife.nz website will get a free copy!

Stories should be 800 to 1500 words, and be accompanied by at least one photo per 200 words.  The adventures don’t need to be epic, and the photos don’t have to be mind blowing; just an enjoyable read and something we can use to inspire others to follow suit! 

Email your entry to development@fmc.org.nz

You must be a current FMC club member or supporter to enter, and consent to your story and photos being published on our blog. Selection of the winners is at sole discretion of the FMC Development Officer. 

FMC is proud to have financially supported this project, as part of the Outdoor Community campaign spotlight on Bikepacking.

From mountaineering to bikepacking; Brian Alder has had some marvellous accomplishments.  This conversation traverses his evolution as a climber through to organizer of the first Tour Te Waipounamu Bikepacking brevet. 

Listen to Episode 8 online, or search for Untamed Aotearoa Podcast on your favourite podcasting app.

FMC is proud to be sponsoring this podcast; good conversations with good kiwi adventurers.

A lost packraft, flooded rivers, wetsuit tramping and SAR callouts: a reflection and analysis of an ill-fated paddling trip to the Waiohine Gorge.

Read one of our most popular recent posts from our Wilderlife.nz blog. 

Does your club have a lodge, gear hire service, van or anything else you'd like the wider outdoor community to use? A reunion or event you'd like to advertise to all Backcountry readers? 

FMC 'Little Ads' appear at the back of each issue. Activities or services which aren't intended to make a profit (i.e. reunions) are free, all other club ads are charged at 50% of the normal rates. 

Visit our website, or contact Dan Clearwater adverts@fmc.org.nz or 021 215 7059 to place an ad.