At the end of August, the Minister for the Environment David Parker announced that an application from Westpower Ltd to build and operate a hydro-electric power scheme on the Waitaha River in Westland has been declined.

FMC would like to congratulate the Minister on a thoroughly considered decision that puts protection of the environment ahead of commercial interests and development on public conservation land. The news is welcomed by recreational users and environmental organizations around the country.

Read more

The Department of Conservation’s Hut Service Standards were first approved in 1999. They were last reviewed and revised in 2004.

DOC manages and maintains a network of 950 backcountry huts. Other organisations, such as the Backcountry Trust, are now maintaining some of these huts and there have been a number of changes in backcountry recreation since 2004.

DOC has announced an imminent review of the Hut Service Standards, and has contacted a number of stakeholders for a first round of consultation.

FMC is being involved in the early stage of the consultation, and has submitted comments on the current hut service standards.

Read more

In August this year DOC announced its intention to add Pinnacles Hut and Woolshed Creek Hut on Mount Somers (Canterbury) to its online booking system.

FMC canvassed feedback from southern tramping clubs and individual supporters, and submitted an extensive document for DOC’s consideration.

DOC has now confirmed that both huts will be on the booking system for the summer season, starting 1 October 2019.

Read more

FMC is pleased to report that “The Waitaia Forestry Limited application (WK-28733-OTH) for a concession (considered as a reconsideration) for a right of way easement over Coromandel Forest Park has been declined, as the Minister has decided not to proceed with the proposal.”

The proposal for a private forestry road through Coromandel State Forest Park came up in 2016. FMC opposed the proposal, and wrote a comprehensive submission to the Department of Conservation.

Read more

James Thornton, Nina Dickerhof and Ross Cullen are working on this title which will replace the Barron Saddle – Mt Brewster guidebook in spring 2020, with more than 100 new climbs since the current edition. 

The authors are requesting colour photographs for publication and information such as errors and omissions in the current edition, changes to existing routes, access, huts, and of course, new routes.

Please contact the authors directly:
j.m.thornton@live.com (Landsborough, Hunter/Makarora, West of the Hooker Range, McKerrow Range)

rosscullen.kiwi@gmail.com (Bush Stream, Twin Stream rock and ice climbing)

nina.dickerhof@gmail.com (Dobson, Hopkins, Huxley, Ahuriri, Barrier Rane, Ben Ohau Range)

The celebrated activity for the 2019/20 Outdoor Community Campaign is Family Tramping.

Since July, we've published a number of articles on Wilderlife to inspire and inform parents of the youngest trampers to get out in the hills and consider FMC clubs. Recently we spoke to the family trip coordinators of the Tararua TC and North Shore TC as well as FMC staff members with young tramping families. From those discussions, we've put together a resource filled with advice for clubs on family friendly trips. We hope your club will find inspiration to reach out to the next generation of tiny trampers!

If your club also has a family program, or has a crack at running a few family friendly trips, we'd love to hear how it goes! Drop us a line: development@fmc.org.nz.

FMC has a number of cash grants to give to young people to help with the Gold and Silver adventurous journey component of the award. If you know any local schools, individuals or groups involved in this award, we'd love for you to pass on information about the grant.

The next round of applications close on the 15th of November. Visit our website for more info or to apply.

Calling all past and present members of the Pukekohe Tramping Club: you are invited to the club’s jubilee, held over the weekend of 9 and 10 November.

Activities include a lunch event (with anniversary cake!) and a club day walk in the local area.

Contact pukekohetrampingclub@gmail.com to learn more.

All members, past and present are warmly invited to PTC’s celebration:

Friday 8 November
Gather at Parawai Lodge at Otaki Forks in the evening.
Those that want to can stay overnight!

Saturday 9 November
Gather at Otaihanga Boating Club from 3:00pm for meet and greet.
In the evening there will be a catered birthday dinner and cutting of the Jubilee Cake.

Sunday 10 November
Walk the Paekakariki Escarpment.
Gather for lunch at Finns in Paekakariki.

To find out more or register, go to https://www.parawaitc.org.nz/index.php/jubilee

We're confident many of our members will be interested in attending the Kea Summit. Visit www.keaconservation.co.nz/projects/2019-kea-summit/ for more information.

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 021 215 7059 to place an ad.