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 fourth year running, to support FMC clubs by making training opportunities more accessible. More information here.

Applications for both expedition scholarships and training grants close on 15 September 2023.

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

There is still time to enter this year's photo competition! Individual Supporters have until 1 September 2023, 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 RAB, Aspiring Safety, Potton & Burton,  Fiordland Packs, Excio and Wilderness Magazine.

Each year, the NZ Mountain Film Festival aims to showcase films from high-octane sports such as skiing, climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. It also features increasingly topical environmental and mountain culture films to inform and entertain.

The festival is currently touring New Zealand during August and September, with shows across the country. Click here to find a screening near you, and if the show isn't already coming to your town you could host your own screening, possibly as a fundraiser for your club. 

Federated Mountain Clubs free school tour

Federated Mountain Clubs is proudly supporting the NZ Mountain Film Festival to offer a selection of films which can be shown free of charge to school students and Scout groups. Any school or Scout group can register by emailing programme@mountainfilm.nz. Click here for more information.

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 2023. Visit our website to learn more and to apply. 

A central section of tracks in the Kaimai Ranges are closed at least until the end of September because routine soil sampling has identified kauri dieback on the Wharawhara Track, near Katikati. Two positive samples were found near the wash station at the start of the track, and another one further along the track. In those locations there are no kauri trees.

DOC is now conducting extensive soil testing on all nearby tracks - each test takes about 3 weeks of lab testing before a result is obtained.

Detailed information is available on the DOC website. A map of the closed tracks can be found here.

These closures mean Te Rereatukahia Hut is not accessible, and Motutapere Hut cannot be accessed via the North South Track.

Please respect these closures and we hope for a better outcome over the next few months.

At the end of May, FMC appointed a new Communications Officer, Masha Oliver.

Based in Christchurch, Masha is a keen tramper. She has previously worked for the Department of Conservation, and as a curator and a librarian.

Masha joined Executive Officer Danilo Hegg and Administrator Rebecca Gray as a member of FMC staff. All our staff work part-time. Welcome on board, Masha!

Read more on our website

The Backcountry Trust is looking for tramping clubs in the North Island who would like to do "tramp and work" trips. These are trips where you plan your usual weekend club tramping outing around a track or hut that needs maintenance, and do some basic (hand tool) mahi as you go. Auckland Tramping Club did one recently; you can read about it here. For more information, email megan.dimozantos@backcountrytrust.org.nz.

Club kōrero

On 8 August FMC held its first "club kōrero". The turnout was small, but the conversation was well worthwhile. Executive members gave clubs an update on what they had been working on recently, and then we had an excellent conversation around clubs, how they remain relevant, how they attract new members, and how they maintain a diverse membership base. It was really wonderful to facilitate an environment where clubs could share ideas and bounce off each other, and where FMC executive members could get insight into the things that are really top of mind for clubs right now. Our next "club kōrero" will be in early November, and we'd love to see it grow over time. Keep an eye out in the newsletter for dates of the next one and we look forward to seeing you there!

Te Korowai o Wainuiārua deed of settlement

On 29 July FMC attended the signing of the deed of settlement for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, and it was an absolute privilege to be able to witness such an historic moment. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of why working alongside Iwi is important not just for our members, but also for Mana Whenua who Whakapapa to the places we enjoy spending our time in. FMC sincerely hopes the signing of the deed provides a good foundation for the future of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua and allows them to reconnect fully with their Tīpuna.

Mount Ruapehu ski fields

There has been a lot of talk recently surrounding the liquidation of the ski fields on Mount Ruapehu. This is obviously of concern for our member clubs who have lodges on the maunga, and also for individuals in terms of how they access and utilise the mountain for recreation. The government has provided a $5 million package for the ski fields to trade through this winter and allow a more robust solution to be sought out with potential purchasers of the ski field. FMC is supportive of this solution as it allows the appropriate amount of time to "get things right" in a dynamic environment with many stakeholders and lots of moving parts. FMC is actively working with DOC on ensuring that the voice of private recreationists is heard, and that the concessions being drafted for the new ski field operators ensure public rights of access are maintained.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

FMC is part of a reference group working with DOC on solutions for overcrowding on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The reference group discussions have been productive. Whilst we are unable to comment publicly on any of the current discussions, we would like members to be reassured that we are doing our best to ensure public access and access for private recreationists in the area is not unfairly or unintentionally compromised. It's a complex situation, and whilst we do know there will be some changes to how traffic and visitors are managed in the area, we feel confident that we should be able to find a solution to ensure recreationists' needs are considered in the broader mix.