It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that FMC's Patron, Arnold Heine, passed away on 7 October 2019. Arnold was a stalwart of the Hutt Valley Tramping Club, a past President of FMC and a man who simply loved the hills.

We would like to pass our condolences to Arnold's wife Jan, to his family and friends.

We will pay tribute to Arnold's life and work in an upcoming issue of Backcountry magazine. In the meantime, if you would like to share some memories or reflections on Arnold's life, we will ensure these are passed on to Jan and the wider Heine family.

A celebration of Arnold's life will take place at noon on Sunday 20 October at the Hutt Valley Tramping Club rooms in Wellington. 

Okere Falls Scenic Reserve near Rotorua is threatened by a proposal by Okere Adventures to build and operate a seven-stage zipline. The application by Okere Adventures was publicly notified on the Department of Conservation website.

Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is renowned for the waterfalls on the Kaituna River, which provide a challenging run to kayakers and white-water rafters, and magnificent scenery to over 110,000 people each year who walk the Okere Falls Track. The proposed zipline would cross the Kaituna River and Okere Falls Track numerous times, spoiling the experience for recreational users of the reserve, and adding to the already heavy use of the place by concessionaires.

FMC is firmly against the proposed zipline, and wrote a submission to the Department of Conservation. Hearings are next Monday, 21 October 2019.

Read more

Geoff Spearpoint's long-awaited book on trans-alpine tramping is due to arrive at the end of the month!

Geoff is very well known in the outdoor community for for several reasons; his long history of adventurous trips in the Southern Alps, his advocacy for back country hut restoration and vice-chairmanship of the Backcountry Trust. He is also an accomplished co-author and editor, with his name on several major outdoor books; "Moir's Guide North", NZAC's guidebook to "The Canterbury Westland Alps" and with Rob Brown and Shaun Barnett on "Shelter from the Storm" and "A bunk for the night".

This much anticipated title can be ordered from publisher Potton & Burton and will be reviewed in the March issue of Backcountry magazine.

"There is something magic about Duke of Edinburgh journeys," says FMC Vice-President Tania Seward in an article recently published in Wilderness Magazine. “It’s a chance for people to really come together, and you see skills and experience gel – it can be a real transformation for young people."

“It’s hoped that the grants would be the difference between a Gold Duke of Ed trip in the Kaimanawas instead of the Kaimais or Fiordland instead of the Craigieburns for young people."

FMC has grants available for young people doing expeditions at Gold and Silver level, which have been made possible by the generous support of the Maerewhenua Trust.

Applications for the current round close November 15.

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