[Grant Newton]

Some points to note from the recent TARHC meeting. :

1. Kime replacement was planned for 09/10, but a suggestion has been put forward for a new Oaks hut ? possibly 32 bunks (like Dart Hut) with each of the 4 bunkrooms locked ? basically you can book out 1 bunkroom but share living quarters. This idea has been put forward due to the current huge demand by family groups for the locked huts in the Orongrongo valley. Any comments regarding the choice would be appreciated. If Oaks goes ahead, the Kime replacement is likely to slip a year or two. If Kime takes the funds there is some doubt when Oaks will be replaced. The Oaks idea was initially scoffed at by the committee but then hearing the reasons, they warmed to the idea as its felt it would be a great way to encourage people into the hills

2. Wellington CMS is to be updated

3. Atiwhakatu will be replaced by a 12-bunk hut (same as Roaring Stag), adjacent to the old hut

4. Te Araroa track ? difficulty finding a low level route, so proposal for this to involve some Tararuas ? Waiopehu ? Otaki Forks ? this is different from the main route but I think will be a good option

5. There is a bequest for about $25k ? to be spent on facilities in the valleys (as opposed to tops), and not on normally DoC funded stuff. Any suggestions are welcome. A suggestion has been a contribution for a possible replacement for Waiotauru hut (non core network) in a different location

6. There were plenty of updates on recent work in the hills (track/hut mtce)

Any questions or suggestions, please drop me a line

Cheers
Grant

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