Morgan Gorge on Waitaha river could be under threat by the new legislation. Photo (c) Neil Silverwood.

April marked the deadline for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill. FMC has, along with another tens of thousands of NGOs, community groups and members of the public, made a submission requesting the Fast-track Approvals Bill to be withdrawn.

We believe the bill is undemocratic and harmful to the environment, and will not facilitate its own purpose: 

“There is no need for special legislation. The existing statutes, such as the Resource Management Act and its policy documents, could achieve the same outcomes, with less risk to the environment and our national reputation,” says FMC president Megan Dimozantos. “We hold significant concerns that the bill bypasses democratic processes and places the decision-making power in the hands of a small group of ‘development’ ministers, none of whom hold conservation or environmental portfolios.” 

FMC sees the FtAB as a breach of good faith with the New Zealand public. We sincerely hope to see it scrapped.

Griffin Creek. Photo (c) Neil Silverwood.

FMC is launching a fundraising campaign to save Griffin Creek and keep it roaring. This absolute gem of a wild, free-flowing river on the West Coast of the South Island is unfortunately under threat due to a planned hydroelectric scheme. 

For a few years now, FMC has been fighting a legal battle to save this creek's recreational and natural values and to determine how much water can be taken from it to produce power, while still keeping it roaring. 

Our court case against the Department of Conservation and Griffin Creek Hydro Limited continues in the Court of Appeal with a hearing coming up in May. To be able to cover the legal costs of this ongoing and potential future court cases, we are raising funds.

The Griffin Creek case holds great importance, as it sets a precedent for how other pristine rivers and land are used and treated in the future. We hope you can join our cause and encourage your club members and friends to do the same.

Donations can be made through a Givealittle page, set up specifically for this cause. 

Help us save Griffin Creek and become a conservation hero!

April each year is the time when clubs nominate their members to join our Executive Board for the coming year. This year, we received nine nominations from seven clubs, which means no election will be needed.

We are pleased to see some of our current board members continue to join us for another year: Mick Abbott (NZ Alpine Club), Allan Brent (Canterbury Mountaineering Club), Jan Finlayson (Geraldine Tramping Club), Raymond Ford (Peninsula Tramping Club), Stu Gray (NZ Alpine Club), Emma Gregg (Palmerston North Tramping and Mountaineering Club), Robin McNeill (Mountain Turk Club) and Tony Walton (Auckland Tramping Club).

It is with mixed feelings that we farewell our departing members. FMC would like to thank Judith Bogle, Rob Frost, Lauren Kelley, Paul McCredie, Paul McGahan, Rob Mitchell and Neil Silverwood for their time, knowledge and energy invested in FMC. Special thanks go to Lauren, Neil and Rob Mitchell who have been part of FMC for years. We will miss their tenaciousness, passion and intimate knowledge of local lands and conservation issues.

Megan Dimozantos continues in her presidency role for the year 2024/25.

Our Club kōrero has been going for almost a year and is proving very popular. To be more closely connected with our member clubs, we have been hosting quarterly online catch-ups, where clubs can dial in for an hour to get an update on FMC happenings and ask questions of the Executive.

There are still a few places available to join us for our fourth kōrero on Monday, 6 May 2024, 7-8 pm. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to communications@fmc.org.nz 

If there are items you would like to see on the agenda for discussion, please let us know so we can ensure we have the right information in front of us to answer your questions.

Marlborough Sounds from Mt Stoke. Photo (c) Ray Salisbury.

Are you planning a trip across Cook Strait?

FMC members are eligible for discounted rates on Interislander sailings between 1 February 2024 and 15 December 2024. Even if you have travelled on your FMC card before, the way the discount works has changed - check out the members' rates and booking instruction sheet. The discount code is available on the FMC website. Reservations can be made at https://www.interislander.co.nz/members-fares. Space is subject to availability at the time of the booking request. 

Discounts are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Normal fare rules apply. Please show your Federated Mountain Clubs membership card at check-in otherwise retail fares will be charged.

All societies need to re-register under the new Incorporated Societies Act and can do this any time between October 2023 and April 2026.

FMC Membership Convenor Tony Walton has been helping clubs with the process and has created the following resource, available on Wilderlife: Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

Even if your club only wants information about creating a new constitution, it is recommended you read the whole article. It contains explanations about what clubs need to consider and links to other useful sites such as the NZ Companies Officer Constitution Builder tool, plus some templates for draft constitutions.

If you have any questions, you can contact Tony Walton at tony.walton@fmc.org.nz.

Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust is protecting and improving access to crags across the country. Photo (c) Penzy Dinsdale.

Big congratulations this month go to the Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust (ACAT) for winning the Outdoor Access Champion award for their work on advocating public access to climbing areas. 

ACAT have been working to improve access to rock climbing and bouldering areas by working with landowners, iwi, DOC and councils. Since their inception, they have protected and improved access to many treasured and iconic rock climbing sites nationwide. Edwin Sheppard, the establishing and driving force behind the ACAT, sees public access to incredible, beautiful outdoor spaces as a part of our New Zealand heritage and something that requires an organized approach to protect it.

The Outdoor Access Champion award is awarded yearly by Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, to people or organizations who have made significant and lasting contributions to public access to the outdoors in New Zealand. 

Ka rawe ACAT and keep up the good work!

Napier Tramping Club's 50th celebration will be held on Saturday 12 October 2024. A tramp up to Kaweka J in the morning (the usual tramp to mark each yearly milestone) will be followed by a celebration dinner in the evening. Ex and current members and friends welcome. 

To register or for more information go to www.napiertrampingclub.org.nz or email Di or Sue at napiertramping@gmail.com.

“We must closely guard the welfare of our National Parks and Reserves. These should not be regarded as the property of our minister or the government. They belong to the people of today and tomorrow. We must fight for their protection if necessary.” Fred Vosseler – Inaugural FMC President (1932)

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