Tēnā koutou katoa
Happy New Year – hopefully each of you has been able to enjoy various outdoor adventures.
We’re aware that the uncertainties and challenges from covid-19 are unsettling for many, with the recent shift to the Covid-19 Red traffic light setting also bringing more uncertainty.
There’s a full schedule of tramping and other trips on the club’s website – with club trips going ahead as planned at Red.
A valid vaccination and scanning in continue to be required. Masks are also required in certain situations (e.g. when picking up club gear) and otherwise encouraged, as are good hygiene practices, and checking locations of interest before attending any club trips or facilities.
Back to the schedule – the year’s started with a range of great trips including just over the last few weeks to the top of Mt Ruapehu, a “plane wreck crossing of the Tararua Forest Park” and a glorious ascent from Maungahuka hut to Neill Forks hut (and more). In the leaders’ own words: “Not a bad adventure!: and “a fantastic but grunty loop ( up onto the Main Range (via Mid Waiohine) and back via Neill Forks)”. I’ve included a few photos to further whet your tramping appetite.
The schedule has lots more to come – from beginners packrafting, classics like the Aorangi Crossing and various Tararua FP huts through to river walking and navigation. There’s also a Bushcraft course (25-27 March), which will cover basic bushcraft and tramping skills, as well as Chips and Leadership (evening of Wednesday 23 February) which will be a 101 intro to trip leading. Details and online sign up are on the schedule.
Anne – with help from many of our leaders – has been working hard on the next schedule full of more great trips for all levels. Keep a look out at the website over the next few weeks. If you’re interested in leading a trip (or having one added), email .
The families group is likewise busy planning its autumn schedule. It also looks like another good one – lots of tramps, camps, and day trips! Get in touch to join in at .
Descent from Maungahuka. Photo credit: Daniel Madley 
Ruapehu Crater Lake. Photo credit: Matt Cowan
The start of the year also means membership renewals are due. If you haven’t received the email, check your spam folder or search for (the email was sent on 9 January 2021), or email Jane at . The slight increase is to help the club keep up with inflation – but there’s still time for the prompt payment discount. Huge thanks to Jane and Juan for all their work in getting the membership subs out to everyone.
For those wanting to know more about what the Committee’s up to and our decisions, once approved, the Minutes are on the club’s website here (under the Committee minutes folder).
The next AGM will be on Weds 7 April 2022, 7.30pm at the club’s meeting hall (TTC hall, 7 Moncrieff St, Mt Victoria) and will also be online. As I’ve said numerous times, it’s your club – and also your Committee so I’d encourage you all to come along and vote. If you have any motions or anything else to raise, email Aimee at .
We’ll also be looking to fill some positions.
- Jane after six years as membership officer is looking for someone to pass the Membership baton to. She’s happy to help the new Membership officer to get up and running, and will be available with ongoing support for as long as they need. If you’re interested or want to know more about the role email .
- There’ll be some other vacancies, as some other Committee members (including myself) will also be stepping down.
- If you’re interested in any Committee position or want to know more, feel free to talk to or email myself, our secretary Aimee or anyone else on the Committee. Any nominations for a role should be emailed to Aimee at .
Lastly (but by no means least), I want to do a massive shout out to all the Committee for their kindness and generosity of spirit and additional efforts over the last month or so. I’ve had to recently step back from being actively involved in the Committee for personal reasons, with our Vice President, Tony, and the other Committee members taking on extra to keep things running smoothly.
Noho mai rā ngā manaakitanga ki a koutou katoa (Stay well, remain well all),
Maj-Britt
Shingle Knob Wreck , Photo credit James Johnston 
Crashed bomber on the way to Mick, Photo credit: James Johnston