Header image: Mt Hooker from Marks Flat, Landsborough Wilderness Area

Despite our efforts to have a voice in the Fast-Track process for the Waitaha Hydro Scheme, the Fast-Track Panel did its best to exclude FMC from it. The Panel was also forced to commission an independent review after we publicly raised concerns about a recreation assessment prepared for Westpower, which included incorrect information about access to the valley.

We believe the decision to approve the project was reached through a fundamentally flawed process.

We've sought legal advice on the decision, though entering a legal challenge would carry significant risk for us as a volunteer-led, non-profit organisation. We believe it is better pursued by DOC; however, we are unaware if DOC has taken this step.

We will continue to keep our members informed on updates regarding the Waitaha. You can read the full update on our website.

Pictured: A Westpower sign up Kiwi Flat and a new structure at the beginning of the Gorge. Credit: Masha Oliver, May 2026.

NOTE: We are unaware of what the structure is for or if it belongs to Westpower.

Conservation Reform

New Zealand is facing the most significant changes to conservation legislation in 40 years, and our skilled volunteer Executive team will be working hard in the coming months to engage with and respond to these proposals. 

Earlier in May, FMC President Megan Dimozantos spoke with RNZ's Nine to Noon about the proposed Conservation Reform Bill, raising several significant concerns. You can listen to the full interview here.

There are three consultations open currently that affect our public conservation land, with more to come soon. We encourage members to have their say.

• Conservation Amendment Bill: The Government wants to make changes to the Conservation Act 1987, some of which will adversely affect recreation and conservation across Aotearoa. We are collaborating with a number of organisations to lead a joint submission on this major proposal. Submissions close on 2 July. Find out more here.  
• National Conservation Policy Statement: DOC is consulting on the first National Conservation Policy Statement, which will replace the current policies directing how public conservation land is managed nationally. Submissions close on 9 July 2026. Find out more on the DOC website.
• Evangeline Bivvy DOC is proposing to dispose of Evangeline Bivvy in Lake Sumner (Hoka Kura) Forest Park. Submissions close on 9 July 2026. Find out more at the DOC website.

Other advocacy

Tukituki water storage land exchange 

• We submitted on a proposed land exchange that would enable the construction of a dam and reservoir on the Makaroro River in the eastern Ruahine Forest Park. Our primary concern is public access. We are calling for legal easements guaranteeing practical access to be agreed with landowners before any consent is granted. Without that certainty, we oppose the proposal. Read the full submission on our website.

Illegal track closures

• We met with DOC for a discussion on track closures following a list put together by FMC followers, noting concerns on certain tracks that had been closed. In the meeting, we came to a common ground and reaffirmed our position to avoid using 'closed' wherever possible, leaving people to make informed decisions.  It was a positive meeting, and DOC has begun taking steps internally to review the tracks and also ensure the use of 'closed' is only used when necessary.  We meet with DOC again to assess progress in June. We will continue to keep members up to date as we know more.

The new FMC Executive Committee will take office on June 1. With most members returning to volunteer their time and expertise once again, each Executive member brings a unique set of skills and a shared passion for the outdoors, and we're excited for this new team to lead FMC into the future.

President

• Allan Brent | Canterbury Mountaineering Club, NZ Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

Vice President

• Liz Wightwick | Christchurch Tramping Club, Peninsula Tramping Club, NZ Deerstalkers Association

Executive Members

• Megan Dimozantos (Immediate Past President) |  NZ Alpine Club, Packrafting Association
• Graham Pomeroy | Nelson Tramping Club
• Nick McBride | Hutt Valley Tramping Club
• Peter Chaly | Upper Clutha Tramping Club
• Raymond Ford | Peninsula Tramping Club
• Robin McNeill | NZ Alpine Club, Southland Tramping and Outdoor Recreation Club
• Tony Walton | Auckland Tramping Club

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our departing Executive members, who have given their time, expertise, and passion to FMC. Mick Abbott, Stu Gray, Emma Gregg, Louise Hammersley, and Jan Finlayson. We are incredibly grateful for everything you have contributed. 

To read more about our Executive members, visit our website below.

From Megan and Allan: a presidential handover

Megan Dimozantos, Immediate Past President

"It's been an indisputably tough few years for the places we care about deeply, and there are times when our defence seems futile. But things change quickly in this game, and holding the line when things are tough is what gives us a foundation to start again when the political climate inevitably changes. I feel proud that FMC has done a great job clearly and fairly representing the views of a large and diverse community, while moving forward in a progressive way that sets us up well for the future.

What has been an absolute highlight is working alongside the FMC executive, staff and contractors — a group of intelligent, talented and inspiring people who continue to work diligently for the outdoors community, keeping access open, ensuring legislation is fit for purpose, and making sure the places we care about most are protected for generations to come.

Allan and Liz are incredibly talented advocates, each bringing unique skills to the FMC leadership team, and they have my full support. I look forward to watching where FMC goes under their leadership.

Thank you to our clubs, members, donors, NGO partners, iwi, DOC, and the many politicians we have worked with. The relationships I have built in this role have been respectful, robust, and genuinely enjoyable — something I will miss greatly. I hope our paths cross again over a cuppa and kōrero.

For now, that's me signing off. Over to you, Allan and Liz!"

- Megan

Allan Brent, President

"Kia ora koutou,

I'm Allan Brent, and I'm fortunate to be taking on the role of FMC President.

I grew up in Otago — the only home I've ever known. The mountains eventually beckoned, and over the years I've enjoyed alpine climbing, running, paragliding, and transalpine work. I've never gotten technically very good, but I don't really care, because the mountains aren't about that for me. They're a chance to know yourself, your companion, and the place you call home that little bit better. When something gives you so much, reciprocity is essential as well as natural. That's how I came to join the FMC whānau in 2020.

Since then, I've served as Vice President, working on everything from commercial concessions to backcountry hut advocacy and law reform across 15 outdoor organisations. Our shared love for the hills is under sustained challenge in 2026, and responding effectively needs almost professional-level work. Executive members collectively put in thousands of volunteer hours annually — I've often done 10 and sometimes 20-hour weeks. It has been varied, demanding, and deeply rewarding work, and I am proud of what the team has achieved.

As I start my term as President, I would like to give a huge thank you to Megan Dimozantos for an incredible shift that has lifted FMC.

I look forward to working alongside Liz Wightwick and the rest of the Executive team!"

- Allan

The second season of Love Our Huts is done and dusted — and what a community effort it was.

Despite a tough summer of unpredictable weather, nearly 400 individuals and groups signed up to love huts across the motu, with at least 258 hut cleans reported.

Across the campaign's first two seasons combined, volunteers have now cared for 502 huts, close to half of New Zealand's entire backcountry network.

Hut books photographed during the season told their own story, recording nearly 27,500 visits across 130 huts in the past year alone, with around 80% of those visitors being Kiwis exploring their own backyard.

The response from participants has been fantastic, with 93% rating the campaign positively and 92% planning to get involved again next season.

Thank you to everyone who pulled on their boots and headed out this summer. And a big thank you to our sponsors, Tūpiki Trust, Earth Sea Sky, Rab, and Dwights Outdoors, for making it all possible.

Registrations for the 2026-27 season will open in October. 🏔️

Image: Liz Wightwick

Our next Annual General Meeting will be held online on Saturday, 13 June at 9 am for roughly half an hour.

If you are a member club, associate, or individual supporter, you will have received an email invite from us. If you haven't received this, please get in touch.

FMC's Youth Award Grants are open for applications. Running four times a year, the grants support Duke of Edinburgh and NZ Scout Venturer candidates with a $250 grant to help bring their expedition to life, building skills, confidence, and capability in the outdoors. 

Want to see what past recipients got up to on their expeditions? Head to Wilderlife for trip reports and inspiration. 

For more information about applying, criteria, and any other questions, head to our website for more: 

Image: Emily Graney

Scattered across some of New Zealand's most remote corners, Wilderness Areas represent the highest level of protection available for public conservation land. These are places where nature is left entirely to its own devices — no huts, no tracks, no roads, no helicopter landings. Just raw, untouched wilderness and the kind of solitude that is increasingly hard to find. 

Securing that protection has been one of FMC's most significant contributions to conservation. Since 1959, FMC has championed the cause of wilderness protection, and from the 1980s onwards played a central role in identifying, advocating for, and winning legal recognition for these special places. 

Curious about where they are? FMC has the only publicly available interactive map of Wilderness Areas and their boundaries. Explore it on our website below. 

Keep an eye out for your new FMC discount card, arriving with the June issue of Backcountry. If you are a member of an affiliated club (including if you have a D2U subscription), the card will be sent to your club. Individual supporters will receive theirs directly with their magazine unless they are a digital member.

Your discount card gives you 20% off a DOC Backcountry Hut Pass, savings on travel with Bluebridge, and discounts across a wide range of gear, equipment, trips, and publications.

Monthly theme

This month, we've been highlighting our monthly theme of ensuring the wise management of publicly managed lands. We've been having conversations about our publicly managed lands, reflecting on historic pictures, and recognising some hard mahi going into restoring access in places. 

We also asked you about your favourite pieces of public conversation land. Here's what some of you said... 

“The uplands of Kopuwai and similar landform of Rock and Pillar. At first glance, both feel like deserts - but the vegetation and meandering streams are there if one looks. And - bonus! Leaning Lodge is the coolest hut I can readily access.” 

“Aoraki, Mount Cook” 

“That's like asking someone to pick their favourite kid.” (Oops - true!) 

Next month, our theme is on working with the wider community, including tangata whenua and with all levels of government.  

Image: Pat Holland

As always, our work is only possible with the support of our funders. Thank you for being on this journey with us, powering us to advocate for and protect an outdoor life worth living.

Youth award grants, expedition scholarships, training grants, Love Our Huts, submissions - it’s all possible thanks to you!

We’re all here for a common reason - we love our beautiful outdoors - and we’re hell-bent on keeping them that way.

“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)