Last summer, University of Canterbury Climbing Club's Kevin Peng did some exploratory rock climbing in the Ruggedy Mountains on Rakiura. He was supported by an FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship.

What are you doing this coming summer? Do you have a big trip planned? An expedition you have been dreaming of but can't afford? Have you considered applying for an FMC Expedition Scholarship?

All FMC club members and individual supporters are eligible. Applications close 20 September 2019.

More info here:
https://www.fmc.org.nz/scholarship/

DOC is planning to add Woolshed Creek Hut and Pinnacles Hut on Mount Somers (Canterbury) to their booking system. There is no doubt that these are busy huts. On one hand, adding them to the booking system should provide trampers a guaranteed bunk. On the other hand, it will take away the possibility of spontaneous trips planned around weather and conditions.

What are your thoughts? How is it going to affect you and your club's recreation opportunities?

Click here to read more, and e-mail us your feedback by 25 August 2019.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced 10 projects that will benefit from the newly introduced $35/head international visitor levy.

FMC are particularly interested in the projects taking place at Milford Sound, the greater Westland region and the proposed visitor safety trial on the Tongariro Crossing.

As always, FMC stands firm in two areas:

That tourism is a privilege, and that the priorities enshrined in the Conservation Act 1987 stand: conservation, then recreation, then tourism; and

That mountains should not have handrails - any visitor safety initiatives need to be based on sound data and reasoning, and be compliant with the current Conservation Management Strategy.

We look forward to engaging with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Department of Conservation as these projects unfold.

Read more

Individual Supporters have until the 1st of September, whilst FMC Clubs have until the 15th. All the details are on our website. If you have any questions, or need assistance with your entry, please email photocomp@fmc.org.nz sooner rather than later!

You'll be in with a chance to win a prize out of a $13,500 prize pool, including the Grand Prize from Heritage Expeditions.

The prize is one berth on the ‘Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand’s Wildest Islands’ cruise. The voyage explores the remote and rugged Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand, followed by visits to Stewart & Ulva Islands and Fiordland. Dates are fixed; 13 – 23 December 2019. Prize is Ex Bluff. valued at $5990 USD. Winner will be invited to submit an article on the experience for the June 2020 issue of Backcountry.

We is pleased to announce that Family Tramping will be the celebrated activity of the Outdoor Community campaign for 2019/20. Take a look on our website to see what we're planning!

We've already started publishing articles to inspire parents, and are working with several clubs to help create resources that clubs can use to encourage family participation. We want to hear from parents and clubs about tips, tricks and ideas to help get families into the hills, especially as part of FMC club activities! Email developement@fmc.org.nz if you want to contribute.

Both Gold and Silver award seekers are now eligible to apply for these cash grants from FMC. The next application round closes on 15th September, and the one after that on 15th November. All information on the grants and application forms are on our website.

FMC was delighted to see 179 people from the Tararua Tramping Club on top of Kaukau to commemorate the the club's centennial.

We encourage other clubs to take a look back at their formation, and schedule your own 'commemorative tramp'. Take a look at our website for ideas of how to make it a fun event!

Congratulations to the Parawai Tramping Club (Kapiti Coast) who celebrated 50 years of tramping last month!

The club is holding a celebration over 8-10 November. To find out more or register, go to https://www.parawaitc.org.nz/index.php/jubilee

Recreation Aotearoa's Outdoor Activity Fund has $150,000 available for local initiatives that enhance diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation.

If your club has has a project planned or underway that seeks to increase participation in outdoor activities, have a read of the criteria and consider applying before September 6.

Are you a club member? Do you want to show your support for FMC? Top-Up your support to the level of an FMC Individual Supporter here. Your extra support will mean FMC can advocate more effectively on your behalf AND you’ll receive Backcountry straight to your mailbox.

It is important to the executive that we visit our member clubs, face to face to keep our finger on the pulse of our members. We keep a tally of which club's we've visited and when, but if your club feels like it is overdue and would like to invite us to speak, please get in touch!