FMC Newsletter August 2022

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Climbing above Lake Constance, Nelson Lakes NP. Photo (c) Luke Carpenter. Expedition supported by a 2021 FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship.

FMC's 2022 expedition scholarship and training grant applications close 15 September

Applications for the FMC youth expedition scholarships and for the Simon Bell Memorial scholarship are now open. You have one more month to submit your application.

For information on how to apply, and to check your eligibility criteria, see the FMC website.

Why not download a scholarship poster to pin up in your clubrooms, local outdoors shop or climbing gym?

We are also offering training grants for the second year running, to support FMC clubs by making training opportunities more accessible. More information here.

Applications for both expedition scholarships and training grants close at 5pm on Wednesday 15 September 2022.

For any queries, e-mail our executive officer at eo@fmc.org.nz.

Ice formation. Photo (c) Mike Peck, Waikato Tramping Club

Photo competition entries close very soon!

There is still time to enter this year's photo competition! Individual Supporters have until 1 September 2022, whilst FMC member clubs have until 15 September. All the details are on our website.

If you have any questions, or need assistance with your entry, please email photocomp@fmc.org.nz.

We are pleased to announce a great prize pool, donated by our main sponsor, Bivouac Outdoor, and a great range of other goodies from Outfitters (RAB), Aspiring Safety, Potton & Burton, Toa Music, Fiordland Packs, Riverton Arts Centre and Wilderness Magazine.

Tramping on the Mataketake Range tops in the Cook River/Weheka to Haast River Conservation Area. Photo (c) Danilo Hegg

Submissions on the West Coast stewardship land reclassification are still open

In July 2022, FMC submitted on the West Coast stewardship land reclassification recommendations.

The submission period has been extended by 20 working days. The old closing date was 26 July 2022; the new deadline is 23 August 2022. Those who have already submitted can add to their existing submission or choose to resubmit.

FMC has updated and amended its submission, which is available online.

We would like to encourage our members and supporters to submit also, Instructions on how to submit are on the DOC website.

Trampers crossing the Waipakihi River, Kaimanawa State Forest Park. Photo (c) Megan Dimozantos

Kaimanawa State Forest Park access

FMC has been working alongside the Outdoor Access Commission and other recreational stakeholders to understand the background and legal status of Waipakihi Road and Rangipo Intake Road. OAC have published a detailed review of the situation here.

With the information currently available, FMC maintains that our most appropriate option is to continue to work alongside the landowners to reach an amicable solution. We are also looking at what other access options may exist, either temporarily or in the long term.

Work on this issue is ongoing; we will endeavour to keep our members up to date.

FMC Youth Award Grants

Through the generous support of the Maerewhenua Trust, these cash grants help candidates of the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award and Scouts NZ's Venturer Award with the cost of their backcountry journeys and expeditions.

Check out some of the stories of past recipients on Wilderlife.

The next round of applications close on 15 September 2022. Visit our website to learn more and to apply.

We are aware of the challenges surrounding COVID19 protocols for trip planning, and are committed to be as flexible as we can be to support recipients of the grant.

Auckland University Tramping Club 90th anniversary

Calling all past and current AUTC members!

The moment you've been anticipating has arrived, and the club is now taking sign ups for their 90^th Anniversary Birthday Bash in the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges. This will take place during the weekend 9-11 September. The celebrations will include multiple tramping options, a shared Saturday night feast and hut games from across the generations, and for those residing in Auckland, the option of stopping off at some hot springs on the way home. Sign up here.

There will also be a banquet in Auckland on 18 September, with sign-ups available soon.

Contact 90years@autc.org.nz for more information about either of these events.

Novice climbers on Taranaki. Photo (c) Ian Harrison, Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club

Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club 75th anniversary

Congratulations to Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club who are celebrating 75 years of tramping.

Past and present members are invited to join in the celebrations including a dinner, overnight stay at Paua Hut and barbecue at Catchpool Valley over the weekend 4-6 November 2022.

To find out more, email anniversary@wtmc.org.nz.

South Canterbury Tramping Club 50th anniversary

Congratulations also to South Canterbury Tramping Club, who are celebrating 50 years of tramping.

Celebrations were postponed from March this year, due to the Covid situation; the reunion will now be held over the weekend of 19-20 November 2022. Past and present members are invited to join a combined 50^th reunion and Christmas function on Saturday and to walk the Little Mt Peel track on Sunday.

To find out more, email sctrampinginfo@gmail.com.

Donate to the Mountain & Forest Trust

To support activities such as research, projects related to outdoor recreation, legal work, books, and more.

Maerewhenua Trust

FMC is grateful for the continued significant support from the Maerewhenua Trust. The contributions allow FMC to have a much wider reach and impact, and FMC's volunteers to focus on the core purposes of the organization.

FMC Supporter Card

Make the most of your FMC Supporter Card for savings on travel and touring, outdoor gear, magazines and digital accounts.

On Wilderlife: Whitewater kayaking - top choices for whitewater huts

After asking paddlers from Whitewater New Zealand about their favourite huts for whitewater kayaking, Shaun Barnett shares their top choices along with a few of his own.

“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)

Editor: Danilo Hegg. Feedback welcome to eo@fmc.org.nz

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Federated Mountain Clubs
PO Box 1604
Wellington, 6140
New Zealand

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