Nominations for the FMC Executive 2019/20 closed on 11 April. Congratulations to Jan Finlayson, who will be taking over as FMC President on 18 May 2019. As per our new rules, incumbent President Peter Wilson will be immediate past president for one year.

An election is required for the position of Vice President. Three candidates have put their name forward. A mailout about the election has been sent to all clubs. Club votes need to be sent to the returning officer by 5pm on Friday, 17 May 2019. You can find information about the VP candidates and (for clubs only) on how to vote here.

The full 2019/20 Exec's composition will be announced in the next newsletter after closure of the elections.

In February this year the New Zealand government announced the end of tenure review. Shortly afterwards, Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Crown’s management of pastoral land in the South Island high country. The consultation is centered around a discussion document, "Enduring stewardship of Crown pastoral land", and closed on 12 April 2019.

FMC wrote a comprehensive submission on the above document.

Read more

FMC is working to ensure the interests of outdoors people are properly represented in discussions concerning the management of kauri dieback both locally and nationally.

Norm Judd has been facilitating a local users forum for the Waitakere Ranges and has worked with the Auckland Council to resolve local issues on the ground, while Jamie Stewart is putting the recreational point of view forward in the development of a National Pest Management Plan for Kauri Dieback, while also looking forward to the Auckland Regional Parks review coming up next year. See Jamie's recent submission on behalf of FMC, to the draft Waitakere Regional Parks track plan here.

FMC's support to the NZ Canyoning Association has resulted in a stay of execution for the canyoning opportunities in Griffin Creek.

Although the existing concession remains in place, the concessionaire has withdrawn the variation request. The applicant claimed that the scheme was not viable without the variation. Whether that claim was just for effect (and they will still construct the smaller hydro scheme) or whether it was true (and they have to abandon the project) remains to be seen. But for now, at worst we’ve significantly reduced the potential impact of the hydro that could be build, and at best we’ve saved Griffin completely from this hydro scheme.

FMC continues to monitor the situation alongside the NZ Canyoning Association.

FMC recently received a complaint about illegal helicopter landings at Top Forks Hut at the head of the Wilkin River. This was corroborated by a guiding company advertising the activity on their website.The Department of Conservation investigated the issue, and the guiding company concerned has stopped advertising the activity as a result.

FMC would like to thank DOC's director of southern operations Aaron Fleming for taking the issue seriously and for enforcing the Mount Aspiring National Park Management Plan.

This July, the Tararua Tramping Club marks 100 years of getting people into the hills with a commemorative tramp up Mt Kaukau, Wellington.

All clubs are invited to schedule their own commemorative tramps, to celebrate the fantastic milestone of TTC as well as taking the time to delve into the heritage of your own club. Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club President Anthony Pettinger says "The OTMC are onboard - our first trip was on Sept 1, 1923 to Flagstaff, we will redo this on Sept 1 this year - congrats to the TTC!"

Find out more about the commemorative tramp invitation on our website or about the other Centenary celebrations on the TTC website.

Has your club considered hosting a screening of the NZ Mountain Film Festival national tour?

Marlborough Tramping Club did so for the first time last year, and the event raised $2000 for the local rescue helicopter, as well as promoting the club to lots of potential new members. Funds raised don't have to be for another charity, they can be just for your club!

Read the Marlborough TC's story on Wilderlife, which has links to more information and how to get involved.

Consider getting in touch with other clubs in your region to see if they have keen people who might be able to help fill those courses up.

It'll help keep costs down for all, provides opportunities for more people and helps build up inter-club relationships. Why not give it a go?

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 (ie 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.