Newsletter, October 2007

Welcome to new members

Jin Mizimisha, Aucks Hoogeveen and Susan Sinclair .
UPCOMING CLUBNIGHT: (Put it in your diary!)

Monday 3 December 2007 – End of Year Clubnight and Photo Competition .

This is your chance to show your record of sights seen during the year that you caught on camera. While the rules are as listed below and judging will be by an independent and qualified judge, Don Pitham, this is a fun competition. So dig into your photo archives and bring along your reminders of events, sights and incidents to share with others. As an added incentive there will be a “peoples choice” winner, which will include all four competition categories, plus the exhibition photographs. Come along to enjoy the fun, wine, cheese and nibbles, and social atmosphere of this last Clubnight of the year.

The Photo Competition format is : -
Four categories of photos: Landscape, People, Humour, and Flora/Fauna
Photos are to be 6 x 4 inch size
Photos are to have been taken within the current year
No manipulated photos
The person submitting the photo must be the person who has taken the photo
Entries are limited to three per category per person

Exhibition Photographs : These are the “anything goes” photographs, which are not part of the above competition – panorama shots, large/blown-up photos, and manipulated photos, anything you like. The only rules are that you must have taken the photo yourself and done so within the current year.

Nelson Intermediate School, Tipahi Street, 7.30 pm, gold coin admission. Mark Stevens Ph 5457564

Notice of a General Meeting preceding the Photo Competition
Notice is given that a Short General Meeting will be held at the
Nelson Tramping Club December Club night on Monday 3 December 2007
Nelson Intermediate School , Tipahi Street, 7.30 pm
Clubnight 1 October 2007

Acting President Mark Stevens chaired this well attended meeting where forty four club members and guests were captivated by Pat’s pictorial presentation on a five day trip in Kahurangi National Park last summer in glorious weather - Trilobite Hut - Fenella Hut - Lonely Lake - Adelaide Tarn - Boulder Lake- Aorere River. Swims everyday, humorous and entertaining commentary, warnings about areas with potential to get off route, should lead to a good response for the planned club trip over the same ground (in reverse direction) in December. Pat’s video making and dubbing skill were evidenced by the short video he had put together on Lees Creek, a gem also worth visiting. (But don’t tell too many others about it!). Our Patron Ian Bethwaite made a brief summary of the report he was to have tabled at our AGM had he not been unavoidably absent.
Warning Notice. Possum Control in Golden Bay

Tasman Pest Control Limited will be using ground laid poison baits and trapping from early October until mid November this year. Warning signs will be placed at access points and remain in place while toxic baits are present. The operational area is mainly on private land but also covers conservation estate in the Pupu, Onekaka and Parapara localities, extending from Mt Burnett Road to Rockville (following the Aorere River) in the north, to the Anatoki River in the south and extends inland to the front faces of Kahurangi National Park. The Takaka to Collingwood road and the inland margin of the Ruataniwha Inlet forms the eastern boundary of the operational area.
From DoC

West Matiri River Cableway

This cableway near the road head has been out of action for several months. DoC is considering whether it is worthwhile to repair it. NTC has made a submission to DoC pointing out this is an important access to the 1000 Acre Plateau and other interesting parts of western Kahurangi. We have asked that some form of safe crossing should be maintained for use in high river conditions i.e. repair the cableway or put in a bridge.

Abel Tasman National Park Management Plan

DoC has acknowledged the NTC submissions and has accepted some of our recommendations for consideration by the New Zealand Conservation Authority, and has responded with explanations to the balance of our submissions. 

Ministerial Panel on Control of Deer, Chamois, Tahr and Pigs

Chris Carter, as then Minister of Conservation is asking for submissions to this newly established panel. The consultation document is available from the club secretary and also may be viewed on-line:  www.gameanimalpanel.org.nz . On a related matter; in April ERMA released the Evaluation and Review Report for 1080. This contains all the ins and outs leading to the decision to maintain the current registrations, mainly for possum control. There are some recommendations for closer consultation with interested parties when particular areas are treated. There is also a call for further research into potential side effects. The club has requested a copy on CD-ROM. Ask the Club Secretary if you wish to borrow. This weighty document with many appendices is also available online:  www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/focus/1080/index.html
Identify yourself as a member of NTC

We have some high quality embroidered Club badges for sale to Club members. Contact Mark Stevens.

For those who like to leave their mark in Hut books we now have Club stickers for club members which are free and are available from Gillian and Hec at Basecamp.
Gourmet Tramping

John Sawyer (Department of Conservation) and Liz Baker (Cromwell-based chef) have written a delightful book called Gourmet Tramping in New Zealand. This is a tramping guide cum cookbook, with great photographs and excellent tips and advice. Fourteen two-day walks from around NZ are detailed, and for each the authors provide a delicious recipe and wine suggestion, so that the hungry trampers can complete their trek in culinary style. Where possible, the authors have used ingredients and wine local to the region. (RRP$29.50). For details contact: Kaye Godfrey, CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY PRESS, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. Ph +64 3 364-2914 Fax +64 3 364-2044 kaye.godfrey@canterbury.ac.nz
Looking for writers in Nelson region

Wilderness Magazine: From Alistair Hall, Editor, Wilderness Magazine Lifestyle Publishing.

Wilderness Magazine has been published for 16 years now and we are looking to make some changes to the format by including more walks and tramps in each issue and in particular more walks in parts of the country that we infrequently cover. I am writing to see if you could pass this message around your club members because I am seeking more stories from the Nelson region and would like to discuss the possibility of recruiting one or more of the Nelson Tramping Club members to write some stories for us. We would pay for the articles and photos published in the magazine and I would be looking for at least three articles per year from the person(s) we contract to write the stories. I can provide more details on what we are looking for, including payment, article length and style, if I receive a favourable response from any of your members.

PO Box 14-109. Panmure, Auckland. 09 570 2658 www.wildernessmag.co.nz

Intrepid Magazine : From Ryan Holden, Publisher, Intrepid Magazine.

In case you haven't heard of us we are New Zealand's newest adventure magazine. The reason I'm emailing is to say that we are always looking for quality tramping content and if you know of anyone at your club that may be keen to submit an article on tramping then please let me know. Any questions feel free to ask.

P (07) 834 3932 M (027) 357 6051 ryan@intrepidmagazine.com www.intrepidmagazine.com
Hints on Safety

(From NZ Mountain Safety Council “Going Bush” and “Survival” pamphlets)

PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR TRIPS

REDUCE THE RISK OF THINGS GOING WRONG

Get up-to-date information and advice about where you’re going tramping. DoC Centres have local track information and maps. Choose a trip that’s in keeping with the experience, fitness and ability of your group. Consider alternative routes should conditions become unsafe. Take clothing and equipment suitable for the trip and always be prepared for the worst conditions. Include a Mountain Radio. Consider whether an emergency locator beacon (Club members have free access to these, subject to availability) is required for backup. Contact the Met Service for an up-to-date weather forecast. Leave details of your trip with a responsible person who will contact the police if you don’t return by your intended date.

ROUTE FINDING

All outdoor users should carry and be able to use a map and compass. Location awareness skills are also important; know where you are and where you have traveled, be observant, and remember natural features. MSC’s Bushcraft Manual can help you learn navigational skills. Navigation courses are run by Mountain Safety branches and outdoor clubs, and provide practical instruction in the field. Despite your best efforts you may still get lost or disoriented so you need to know how to cope with a survival situation.
Trip Companion(s) wanted.

Dusky Tramp 10-22 November 2007

One more companion wanted to do the Dusky trip in early November. Leaving Richmond/Nelson on Saturday 10th driving to Ashburton, overnight with family. Sunday on to Dunedin to pick up daughter and friend then Tuatapere Sunday night. Monday 12th boat across Lake Hauroko, then start walking! It is reputedly a 7 - 9 day walk (Classic Tramps Book). Intend being back in Richmond Thursday 22 November. Contact Lawrie Halkett 5444096 (evenings)

Franz Joseph / Fox Glacier Visit 2008

Anyone interested in visiting the Franz Joseph / Fox Glacier area for a few days in Jan, Feb or March next year is invited to contact Dave Blunt ph 548 6826 or email d.blunt@xtra.co.nz.

A variety of walks/tramps or climbs can be arranged to suit. These could include Castle Rocks Hut above the Franz Joseph glacier and Fox Peak with its stunning views over the West Coast and nearby Southern Alps. Relaxing in some hot pools is also a possibility.
Useful Websites

Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (Inc) www.fmc.org.nz

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council www.mountainsafety.org.nz

New Zealand Weather www.metservice.co.nzwww.metvuw.comwww.niwa.co.nz

Department of Conservation www.doc.govt.nz

New Zealand Tramper www.tramper.co.nz
Family Group Outing. Saturday 1 December Marsden Valley

The Marsden Valley has experienced a rejuvenation in recent years through the regeneration project supported by many schools in the district and presents some interesting, educational and easy walks. This is ONLY for family groups, so if you have children to take along, and you’re interested, call David Rae 548 0686.

 Unidentified subscription payment : Treasurer Gillian advises having received an electronic transfer into the Club bank account for an annual subscription of $28.00 on 21 September 2007, which has no name as identification. Could the payer please contact her immediately.
Contributions from Club Members

Opening of the new Hacket Bridge (scribe Pat Holland)

Lobbying from various directions including NTC has resulted in DOC replacing the 20-year old swing bridge across the Hacket River with a brand spanking new suspension bridge. The bridge was formally opened on 22 September by Kerry Marshall representing the Tasman Environment Trust (and now Mayor of Nelson) and in front of a good gathering of about 50 outdoors enthusiasts. Representing NTC were Tony Haddon, Gretchen Williams, David Blunt, Uta Purcell Ted Brooks and Pat Holland. As well as listening to the speeches, we all worked diligently (more or less) on the planting of about 1000 native seedlings into the cut-over area on the South side of the bridge and finishing with morning tea courtesy of DOC. The new bridge is very fine with a curve reminiscent of the Golden Gate. The conservative loading of 5 at a time means we can anticipate a 5-fold increase in our speed of access to the Richmond F.P. via the Hackett but also a few more MTB'ers and dogs.

Go to Photo Galleries to see pictures of the new bridge and the opening celebration.


Photo by Ruth Hesslyn
Why I like tramping --- by David Blunt

Photo by Ruth Hesslyn

Had I been asked if I liked tramping when I first started out in the mid sixties I think my response would have been ambivalent. Back in those days tramping for me was more of a means to an end in order to get to a mountain top or some other high place to see what was on the other side. Quite often it was not a particularly enjoyable experience because of a lack of fitness and having to carry a heavy load in a Mountain Mule pack (which was never designed for comfort) and with none of the other lightweight or high tech clothing and equipment that is the norm today – I still have some items that are well beyond their use by date, so I have recently been told. However since taking early 'retirement' a few years ago I have had more time to appreciate the joys and benefits that tramping can bring despite the occasional hardship or mishap or the difficulty of trying to keep up with someone who has the agility and speed of a gazelle when the going gets tough! Regular tramping, apart from helping me to keep fit and healthy, has got me into many places of great natural beauty with others who also enjoy being in the back country environment and I look forward to having many more shared experiences in the years to come.
It is reported that our ex President and ex Secretary recently spent 9 hours wandering up and down Mt Cullen (near Havelock) on a Marlborough TC trip. Evidently the party of 12 were a cheerful and quite fit bunch. The trip was almost entirely off track, and at least one participant fell in the water. (Forwarded anonymously to the editor, unless someone knows who TH is!)

Editor’s Comment. Contributions from Club members, such as those included in this newsletter, are always gratefully received and will be included, subject to editorial review and availability of space.

All trip reports received have been included, and while some are brief, and some are not, it is for the interest and edification of Club members that trip organisers are asked to submit these, or arrange for someone else to be the scribe. Those completed trips which are not reported on to date will hopefully be in the next newsletter.

Contributions and comments to the Editor, Hec Arbuthnott by email footnotes@ihug.co.nz fax to 5481710, Mail to 10 Wiltshire Place, Stoke or hand in to Basecamp at 295 Trafalgar Street. NELSON.

REMINDER: Club members receive a 10% discount from Basecamp and Rollo’s.