Aunty Rata Interview with Katja Riedel

When Aunty Rata first came along to the Club she was put at ease by a friendly woman with a big smile and a German accent. Katja was Club Promotions Officer at the time and I soon learnt that she also helped out with the Snowcraft and Bushcraft courses. These days she is more likely … Read more

Mika Verheul – WTMC Secretary

Although it is not a habit of the secretary to fill the pages in the newsletter, it seems to be a good opportunity to introduce myself to the club as the new secretary. First of all, my name is Mika Verheul. Now by saying that I hear some of you wondering whether it is actually … Read more

Aunty Rata Interview with Richard Young

If you regularly come along to Club nights or the after match debriefs at the Welshie then Richard Young probably needs no introduction – he’s the tall, skinny enthusiastic guy who is into photography. Richard is a sparky by trade and this is a good description of his personality as well. Practical, enthusiastic , diligent … Read more

Kai on the Fly – October 2010

with Aunty Rata Buongiorno trampers Aunty Rata has a soft spot for Italian food although it would be fair to say that pasta aside; it can be a little tricky to produce good quality stuff in the field. On the other hand, if you practice at home first, there is no reason why you can’t … Read more

An indoors outdoors activity – making a tent fly

Report and photos by Hans and Mika, image mixing by Steve Kohler. The weather forecast was perfect for the occasion: lots of rain and pretty cold.  Such days are ideal to prepare for future adventurous travels, so the seven of us (Steve, Lorraine, Mika, Hans, and three sewing machines) gathered for an excellent selfish indoor … Read more

Kai on the Fly – September 2010

Hi fellow trampers Sometimes it is nice to have a bit of fun and frivolity with food you take into the hills. Dessert is the perfect time to give your fun muscles a work out because even if the dish doesn’t quite work out everyone should be reasonably full after the main course. When looking … Read more

Aunty Rata Interview with Jenny Cossey

Jenny Cossey is well known in Wellington outdoor circles as a competent, resourceful, resilient and experienced tramper, climber, rogainer and tango dancer. When she is not looking after her sons she can be found undertaking epic trips to remote places in the South Island or educating kids in classrooms. Accidents that happen in the hills … Read more

Steve Kohler Says: Can we firm up the Billy-off Rules?

The “Great Billy Off Competition” in the July 2010 newsletter was very inspiring, dealing with a piece of bushcraft that we don’t use so much in these modern times, but which we would still find a blessing if a primus died, or we needed some serious drying out or warming up. But having corresponded with … Read more

Kai on the Fly – August 2010

with Aunty Rata Kia Ora trampers.  Doesn’t that snow on the Tararuas look great not to mention the snow on the Ruahines? Not much snow at Whakapapa yet but good dumps on the southern and eastern slopes of the big R and some of the ice climbing routes are looking like they may actually get … Read more