FMC Newsletter December 2022

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Lake Colenso, Ruahine Range. Photo (c) Megan Dimozantos

Mokai access to Ruahine Range

FMC have been working hard alongside DOC and other NGOs to get access to the Ruahine Range across Mokai Station re-opened to the public. Currently, DOC are in the process of having signage made to install along the 1976 easement. While it is expected that access should reopen in the days before Christmas, we don't have an official date yet. We will be announcing it on our website and on social media as soon as we know it.

Please be mindful of the hard work that has gone into this campaign and be respectful of the private land that the route crosses. Stick to the marked route, follow all the rules on signage that is provided, leave all gates as you found them, take your rubbish with you, and give a friendly wave to any of the farm workers you see.

Walking towards Ripiro Beach. Photo courtesy of Whangārei Tramping Club

Locals work together to reinstate popular Northland walking track

Earlier this year DOC advised that a popular walking track from Kai Iwi Lakes to Ripiro Beach was being closed, because of the lack of an easement across farmland. The track is an important link from the Lake Kai Iwi campground through to Ripiro Beach, then north over the dramatic Maunganui Bluff to Waikara Beach.

However, the walking track has now been reinstated as a result of negotiations involving Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa (Outdoor Access Commission), the Whangārei Tramping Club, the land owners and the manager of Kai Iwi Farms Ltd.

Earlier this year, the above parties worked on building new stiles over fences and marking the route across the farm to a point where walkers can drop down through the sandhills to the beach.

A great win for locals working together - thanks to all of you!

Read more on the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa website.

Fiordland Waterfall. Photo (c) Ken Ericksen, Individual Supporter.

FMC photo competition 2022: slideshow of entries

The winners of the 2022 FMC photo competition were announced in November's Backcountry. If you haven't had a chance to see the photos yet, you can find them on our website.

Each year, FMC provides slideshows of all the entries to our competition. You have the option of running the slideshow with captions or without. Many clubs enjoy an evening playing “guess the location” or simply having them playing in the background at the end of a meeting.

Unfortunately, the FMC photo competition exhibit at Christchurch Arts Centre has been cancelled. The winning photographers will still receive an A1 sized print of the photo to hang on their wall.

FMC card discounts

With your FMC supporter card you are eligible to discounts and special offers from over 60 outfits, including a 30% reduction on an adult DOC Annual Hut Pass.

Other benefits include help with track transport, special trips and adventures, discounted gear from outdoor retailers, as well as smaller gear items like Crocs, Kai Carriers, Water-To-Go filter bottles and lightweight meals from Real Meals or Local Dehy, or for something a bit different how about a topomap coaster of your favourite area.

For a full list of member benefits, go to www.fmc.org.nz/discount-card, or scan the QR code on the back of your FMC supporter card.

2% for FMC

FMC has negotiated a member-driven fundraising agreement with Rewarding Concepts where 2% of the purchase price of any member sale goes directly to FMC to support our mission. There are thousands of discounted products available, from homewares to electronics to outdoor gear and more.

FMC members and individual supporters can sign up to Rewarding Concepts for free.

You can find more information on our website.

Freedom of the Hills video updated

FMC's film, Freedom of the Hills, has been updated. You can watch it directly on our YouTube Channel or on the About FMC page in our website.

Comms position coming up

FMC is planning to advertise a position in Communications early in 2023. Watch this space.

For more information, contact FMC Vice-President Allan Brent, 027 306 2965.

FMC office closure during summer

The FMC office will close on Friday 23 December 2022, reopening on Monday 16 January 2023. Phone messages and emails will be responded to after the office reopens.

For urgent enquiries, please contact FMC President Robin McNeill or FMC Vice-president Allan Brent.

Enjoy your summer adventures!

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: Youth Outdoors - The Murchison Camping Club

It all started in the nineties with a group of paddlers keen to meet annually and paddle whitewater. Now an official tradition after twenty years, this tight-knit group continues to gather every Christmas to pass on their knowledge and love of kayaking to the next generation.

“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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