Morgan Gorge is under threat by one of the fast-track projects, the Waitaha hydro scheme. Photo (c) Kev England.

“The circumnavigation of laws designed to protect the environment and the health of the land and the people just because those laws are inconvenient for a few is ethically questionable and undemocratic,” says FMC's President Megan Dimozantos as a response to the government's recent announcement of fast track projects.

As stated in our press release, we are appalled that discredited projects that were dead in the water have now been resurrected by the Fast-track Approvals Bill.

FMC recognises the need for housing, electricity, infrastructure and economic well-being, but such development needs to be balanced with the health of the environment, and the people who live within that environment. We are particularly worried about the conservation land and projects which have previously been found to be environmentally unacceptable and rejected, for example de-watering Morgan Gorge on the Waitaha River and damming the Makororo River.

Join in with the outdoors community - Ivory Lake hut, our campaign's feature hut, is still waiting for a registered visit from a human. 

We’re thrilled to announce that the Love Our Huts campaign has over 400 huts registered, with 280 groups and individuals already involved!

But we still need more help to reach our goal. Our public huts and tracks are a crucial part of New Zealand's heritage, and together we can ensure they’re well cared for and preserved.

If you’re passionate about the outdoors, there’s still time to join in. By giving the huts a spring clean and collecting data on their condition and usage, you’ll play a vital role in protecting them for future generations. It’s easy to get involved, and your efforts will have a lasting impact.

To everyone already signed up—thank you! Your feedback has been incredible and very empowering. Your dedication is inspiring, and together, we’re making a real difference.

To learn more and get involved, visit www.fmc.org.nz/love-our-huts.

Every new registration brings us closer to protecting these special places!

Mark you calendars! We are gathering online again on Wednesday, 13th November, 7-8pm for our Club kōrero.

We are hosting these quarterly online catch-ups, so clubs can dial in for an hour to get an update on FMC happenings and ask questions of the Executive. This time we'll be discussing the main changes of 2024 FMC constitution, recent FMC submissions on Hira Forest public access issues and Te Hiku o Te Ika-a Māui/Far North draft CMS, Fast-track Aprovals Bill projects and provide an update on Love our Huts campaign and digital Backcountry magazine trial.

Please RSVP to communications@fmc.org.nz, if you would like to join us. If there are any other items you would like to see on the agenda for discussion, please let us know.

The last closing date of the year for the Youth Award Grants is coming up soon - 15th November.

If you are thinking of applying, please visit our website to learn more and start getting your application ready. The grants come from the generous support of the Maerewhenua Trust and help candidates for the Duke Of Edinburgh's Hillary Award and Scouts NZ's Venturer Award with the cost of their backcountry journeys and expeditions.

You can read the difference these grants are making for the adventuring youth on Wilderlife, where we publish tramping stories of past recipients.

Nick McBride and Louise Hammersley - FMC's new Executive Board members

We are stoked to have two new co-opted supporters join our Executive Board. Louise Hammersley from Victoria University Wellington TC and Nick McBride from Hutt Valley TC have joined our team this month.

Many of you will know Louise from Traversing the Tararua expedition, approaching multi-day outdoor missions from a fresh female perspective. Nick has been an active member of tramping clubs for over a decade, participating as a board member and trip coordinator, while developing a career as a lawyer. We're especially excited to have Louise on board to represent the new young voice of tramping generations and harness Nick's legal skills and knowledge in the challenges that are about to come.

Louise and Nick, welcome to the team. It's great to have you on board!

Mick has been working tirelessly on the Love our Huts campaign.

Kia ora koutou,

Over the past few months, I’ve been busy coordinating the Love Our Huts campaign, which is all about looking after our huts and showing Kiwis how important our backcountry network is. I’ve been developing and distributing the registration packs to get people involved. The most rewarding part for me has been the positive feedback and enthusiasm from everyone eager to take part. Seeing so many people rally behind a shared goal has been really motivating.

In addition to my work on Love Our Huts, I’ve been attending meetings as a member of the New Zealand Geographic Board, a position I was nominated for by FMC last year. These meetings have involved some interesting discussions about place names and their cultural and geographical significance. I also recently spent a few days at Tongariro National Park as part of my role with the NZ Conservation Authority, learning more about the area’s conservation and recreation challenges.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how Love Our Huts progresses through November, with the campaign gaining real momentum. On a personal note, I’m preparing for knee replacement surgery in December - it seems all that running down scree slopes is finally catching up with me!

Ngā mihi nui,

Mick

You might not be aware, but your kete of outdoors knowledge is deeper than you think and your experiences might be valuable in helping keep people safe outdoors in the long run.

Mountains Safety Council is launching their first Adventure Voice survey and is looking for trampers and outdoor enthusiast of all sorts to participate in sharing their experiences. The survey also had a large prize pool! To register and contribute, check out their website.

The idea of Adventure Voice is to create a dedicated outdoor research community, where community members can take part in regular short online surveys, sharing their experiences, insights, and opinions on various outdoor recreation topics. This helps MSC with their work to keep everyone safe in the mountains. The first survey will help the wider outdoor sector to identify what training needs exist and what resources or training methods would be most valuable to meet them.

The FMC Mountain and Forest Trust is farewelling its valued secretary and inviting expressions of interest in the vacant position.

A charitable trust founded in 1985, the organisation supports FMC and mountain recreation and conservation research and publications.

The secretary role is voluntary but costs are covered. Experience in meeting procedures and general administration is needed. A love of the hills is preferred, but not essential. Position responsibilities include attending two Trust meetings per year, booking Trust meeting venues and catering, preparing meetings' agendas and papers, preparing conflicts register, minutes taking, checking Trust's emails, responding to grant requests and working with the Trust treasurer.

Send a brief resume to FMC administrator Rebecca Gray at: admin@fmc.org.nz by 18 November or contact Trust chair Jan Finlayson on 021 502297 for more information.

Give a Trap is an initiative that enables exactly that - connecting people who appreciate the native bird chorus with those who take care of the operational business on the ground.

While many community groups around Aotearoa are making a huge impact with trapping, finding the funding for the traps they need is always a challenge. Gifts made through Give a Trap cover the costs of supplying and shipping a trap to a nominated group, as well as a small contribution towards the costs of running the platform. You can Give a Trap yourself or on behalf of someone else.

The portal, now managed by Forest and Bird, was inspired by adventure racer Penny Willocks's work towards Predator Free 2050 and developed into an impactful model by her family after her lost battle with cancer.

Festive time is approaching, so this might be a great idea for those of you who like giving.

Your FMC card gives you a discount on more than just an Annual Hut Pass.

Whether you are after a new climbing rope from Access Gear, packrafting gear from Packraft NZ or PacKraft, canyoning gear from Aspiring Safety or just need some new tramping socks from New Zealand Natural Clothing or another of our many local or nationwide outdoor retailers, there could be a discount available on your purchase.  Discounts are also available to help get you to the start of the track, such as with Heaphy Bus, Helisika Ltd, Hokitika Scenic Tours, Scottish Express or Trips and Transfers. 

For November and December only, Macpac are going to give FMC supporters a 40% discount for all Macpac branded gear!  For details and conditions see the FMC website.

For a full list of discounts, please go to: https://fmc.org.nz/members-area/members-benefits/discount-card/

“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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