Newsletter, April 2009

Welcome to new members: Ron Mailer, Ian Pavitt and Lindsay Twiname.

UPCOMING CLUBNIGHT: Monday 8 June 2009 (Put it in your diary!) 

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal. Pat Holland will describe his adventures on this classic 21 day trek in the Himalayas. He went as part of a guided party organised by the Nepalese company "3 Sisters Adventures" with Nepalese women guides and women porters (men for PTH and the other male). Wonderful and diverse scenery with friendly locals of many ethnic groups.

Nelson Intermediate School, Tipahi Street, 7.30 pm, gold coin admission. Pat Holland Ph 539 1340

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING Monday 8 June 2009

In order for the Club to meet the requirements of the Charities Act and be accepted by Internal Affairs Dept for exemption from GST, the following change to our Constitution will be put to the meeting regarding distribution of funds upon winding up (addition of the word 'charitable'): 

Winding up

Clause 41 ...... but shall be given or transferred to some other charitable Club, association or body having purposes similar to the purposes of the Club ....

75th Jubilee Comment from President Mark Stevens

I am informed that wine and cheese improve with a good measure of aging. But I believe that tramping and trampers also improve with a good measure of aging. This brings me to the 75th Birthday of the Nelson Tramping Club celebrated at Lake Rotoiti Lodge over a weekend of tramping, photo board viewing, birthday cake, pot luck meal, fun and games, and of course wine and cheese. The weather gods did not look upon us kindly for the weekend as it rained all weekend. This did not faze the many to brave the elements and join the organized tramps of varying levels. The photo boards created by Ruth with many hours of hard work, (thanks Ruth) depicted the Club’s adventures from the 1930s to present day. And a few of us in the photos had indeed improved with age. That evening a pot luck meal was enjoyed by all. Come to think of it all the meals I have had tramping have been good, or was it just because I was so hungry when tramping that dehydrated food tasted so good ? And of course a birthday has to have a cake and a cake we did have. A big thanks to Kaye for the cake, very yummy. When everyone was suitably full of food and cake, the games commenced and were played in good humour and a great sense of fun. Balloons, Jaffas and string being involved. I would like to thank all members who attended a great weekend of birthday fun. And a special thanks to all members of the committee, for their time and energy in making the weekend a great success. I hope to see you all at the next Club birthday.

April Meeting: Show and Tell Club Night

No chance of anyone dozing off when there is such a fascinating variety of places visited by Club members, both within New Zealand and overseas. The evening started off with Mike Marren taking us with him as he revisited, during 2004, 2006 and 2007, the sites of some of his trips from thirty years ago around Hokitika.

Then Gretchen Williams was up, up, and away with Tony Haddon to Mt Severn, including some great views of, and from, the new loo!!! Cupola Basin was the source of the next great series of images, presented by Barry James, before David Blunt gave those of us who were unable to attend the 75th, an insight into the events and activities which took place. Some attendees were delighted to see themselves perform!! David had also taken the time to put together a range of images from the Mt Hopeless trip held over the weekend just gone before, as well as a brief presentation on Mt Snowden.

Slumdog Millionaires we did not see, but Marguerite Verheul did travel to India in 1992 and shared her thoughts and photographic records of what was a challenging high altitude trip into a remote part of the Indian Himalaya.

We then moved on to a lo tech presentation by Alvin Johnson, showing us a part of NTC history, and explaining the significant contribution that the Club made to the hut network in our area. Alvin carefully unwrapped a wooden sign showing a cup, stating a time, 5 mins and NTC. This was the sign to advise trampers that they were five minutes from Rocks Hut. 

PS. Your surplus and unused gear may be of use to someone else, so bring it along for the Club Night “ Sale Table”.

NOTICES

2009/2010 AGM 3 August 2008 

Our AGM is only a little over three months away and now is when you need to contact Secretary Pat Holland Ph 5391340 , for further information on how you can contribute to the Club, by offering to put your name forward for election. The following clauses in our Constitution refer: 

15 The entire management of the Club and of its property shall be deputed to a Committee of not less than eight and not more than ten members consisting of President, Vice-President, Correspondence Secretary, Minutes Secretary, Treasurer, Programme Co-ordinator and ordinary members. 

Nomination and Election of Committee 

17 Written nominations for committee members, duly signed by a proposer, a seconder and the nominee must be received by the committee at least thirty days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Nominations shall be notified to all members at least seven days prior to the Annual General Meeting together with the notice of the meeting. The election shall be by general ballot of members cast at the meeting.

Banff Film Festival
7.30pm Saturday 23 May at theAnnesbrook Community Centre.

Tickets available at R&R Sport, Sportsworld in Motueka and Stirling Sports Richmond. $15 or $10 for NZAC members and children. There will be a range of action films to please everyone - kayaking, mountaineering, skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing etc. You will need to get your tickets before the event as there are no door sales.

Massey University Alpine Club 80th Anniversary.

Message from Robyn Dewhurst. I am a current member of the Massey University Alpine Club (MUAC). This year MUAC is celebrating its 80th Anniversary and we are inviting past members of MUAC to come and celebrate with us in Palmerston North on 18 July 2009. There will be guest speakers and some entertainment. If you know any former MUAC members who would be interested feel free to pass the message on. For more information go to muac80th@yahoo.co.nz

Hollyford Track

Have you ever thought about experiencing one of New Zealand’s greatest walks, set amidst the grandeur of spectacular World Heritage Area scenery, and just needed the ideal excuse? Hollyford Track Guided Walks have just developed a special offer for the 2009/10 season that may be of interest to your members. The offer represents significant savings to members of specific groups only, and is a great opportunity to enjoy one of New Zealand's most stunning and remote wilderness landscapes. With maximum group sizes of no more than sixteen it's a personalised experience suitable for small groups or individuals alike and is far removed from sharing the outdoors with a multitude of other people. Our passionate and knowledgeable guides will deliver an unrivalled level of personal interpretation on Fiordland's flora, fauna, natural and human heritage and history. This 3 day / 2 night all inclusive guided wilderness experience is enhanced with comfortable well appointed and intimate private lodges where you'll have plenty of time to enjoy three course cuisine and to sit back, relax and reflect with the other guests in your group. 

For more information contact Sarah Stacey sarah.stacey@hollyfordtrack.co.nz or Ph 0800 832 226

Extracts from FMC Newsletter

Special Offer – Introduction of New Topo-50 Maps

Federated Mountain Clubs is supporting the introduction of the new Topo50 maps later this year and between September and December 2009, will offer bulk purchasers of the new maps significant discounts on the normal retail prices. The coordinates used in theTopo50 series will supersede those of the current NZMS 260 series and the new maps will be essential for those using GPS navigation aids or requesting aid from rescue services such as LandSAR and DoC. Clubs and individual members wishing to take up the special offer should contact Secretary, Phil Glasson: secretary@fmc.org.nz or Gail Abel on admin@fmc.org.nz

Changes to Concession Management signalled by DoC

The Department of Conservation is planning to introduce changes designed to simplify its concession management. It will be important that any changes are in accord with DoC’s empowering legislation and that there is appropriate consultation with affected parties. It is critical that any new regulations for commercial activities do not adversely affect the enjoyment of conservation areas and national parks by trampers, climbers and other outdoor recreationists. Your Executive is monitoring developments. 

Campaign to Protect our Remaining Wild Rivers

A coordinated campaign has begun, involving a wide variety of recreation and conservation groups with interest in keeping New Zealand's remaining wild rivers wild. In early April, Executive members Rick Barber and Quentin Duthie joined other NGO representatives for a two day workshop and campaign planning meeting at Murchison. Murchison is the epicentre of wild river hydro proposals at the moment, with schemes planned for the Matiri, Matakitaki, Maruia, Mokihinui, and ongoing threats to the Buller itself. The gathering at the NZ Kayak School developed analyses, alliances and strategies to promote wider appreciation of our remaining wild rivers, the ability to generate NZ's power needs without sacrificing wild rivers, and the need to improve protection under the law for wild rivers rather than continue to fight river by river. Expect to see more of this campaign in the FMC Bulletin and on our website soon. 

Executive Policy on Hydro Electricity Development

Following on from the proposals that were circulated with your December newsletter, your Executive has adopted a set of guidelines that will underpin its stance on hydro electricity development. These principles are aimed at emphasizing the importance of rivers for their intrinsic natural values and recreation. Details of the principles are available on the FMC Website .

FMC Concerns about Changes to the Regulation of Overseas Investments Federated Mountain Clubs has written to the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Bill English, expressing concern over the lack of time for a proper debate about the Government’s proposals to simplify the regulation of overseas investment in New Zealand. It is vital that any investment is soundly managed to ensure that long-term conservation and associated recreational and tourism values are not eroded or destroyed by poor governmental management of irreplaceable national assets. 

Developments in Tenure Review 

Federated Mountain Clubs is finalizing its submission on the tenure review for Glenfellan Station in the headwaters of the Nevis Valley. Your executive is requesting improved access for trampers, mountaineers and backcountry skiers in the Diggers Creek area. Submissions on the Mt Aspiring Station in the Matukituki Valley are also being finalized and we are also developing submissions on other leaseholds currently under review. These include: Cambrian Hills, Cluden, Deep Creek, Long Gully, and Mt Pisa. Members who have issues that they believe FMC should consider in submissions should contact executive members: David Round; djround@xnet.co.nz, David Barnes; mcilroy.barnes@clear.net.nz, Mike Floate; mike.floate@xtra.co.nz. In addition, Mike would also appreciate any offers of assistance from members who could accompany him on his inspections of high country properties undergoing the review process. 

Proposals to Change the Resource Management Act 

Your Executive has sent a submission to the Select Committee that is examining proposed amendments to the Resource Management Act. On the surface, the amendments are intended to 'streamline and simplify' the Act, but a closer examination has revealed many changes that will worsen environmental outcomes and decrease public participation, including that of Federated Mountain Clubs and its members. The submission is available on the FMC website. FMC also has a keen interest in the proposed Phase 2 reforms of the RMA. These will be much more fundamental and will tackle the big environmental issues including freshwater pollution and allocation, and the role of an Environmental Protection Agency. Your Executive will have representatives at a conference hosted by the Environmental Defence Society in Auckland in July, which will debate the Phase 2 reforms and potential solutions for these major environmental issues. 

Mt Aspiring National Park Management Plan Review 

After many months of delays the Department of Conservation has released the draft revisions of the Mt 

Aspiring National Park Management Plan, for comment from interested parties. Your Executive will be developing a submission based on consultation with key local clubs. Other members and clubs who wish to participate are asked to contact David Barnes; mcilroy.barnes@clear.net.nz . DoC is encouraging feedback to: Editors: Rob Mitchell: rmitchl28@xtra.co.nz Dennis Page: dennis.page@bdg.co.nz

Contributions from Club Members

FROG'S END OLIVE PICK. 24 May 2009 Ruth Hesselyn 
This is an open invitation to all Club members and their partners to join the annual 'trampers pick' at Frog's End Olive Estate. (160 Westdale Road, near The Playhouse) Come and experience the joys of good hard physical labour amongst the olive trees while you socialise with your fellow trampers. Starting time around 9.00am (depending whether you need a Sunday morning sleep in or not) Bring clothes for all seasons, sunglasses and boots/gumboots are a good idea, at least for the morning. A pot of homemade soup and bread will be provided, plus a spot of wine to celebrate the new harvest. If you require more sustenance, feel free to bring a plate. You will also receive a litre can of the good oil for your troubles. 

Please ring either Ruth, 544 0870 or Rae (her sister) on 544 0570 at least a week beforehand if you are interested. This will help to dictate the size of the soup pot plus allow time to organise transport if required...

Marguerite Verheul 548 5944.

I'm after any information regarding routes/route from or around the general location of Roaring Lion Hut and up to Lake Jewel onto Morgan Range/Aorere Saddle and back toward Island Lake. I read of someone doing the circuit but have failed to find anything useful in writing especially regarding the Lake Jewel end. Any tips would be appreciated and if anyone is keen to try a wander through this area let me know

Editor’s Comment

Wilderness Magazine, a great read and source of information, is purchased on behalf of members by NTC. Copies are held by Peter Wise at Wises Picture Framers in Buxton Square and are available without cost to all Club members. 

Contributions and comments to the Editor, Hec Arbuthnott by email footnotes@ihug.co.nz fax to 548 1710, 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, Altitude and Rollo’s