Please Note - Club Evening Time Is Now 7.30 P.M

BULLETIN VOL 87, No 4 December 2012 Quarterly publication of the Mt Egmont Alpine Club (Inc.) PO Box 62 Hawera 4640 www.mtegmontalpineclub.org.nz

PROGRAMME ***** Please note - club evening time is now 7.30 p.m.*******

Please contact the trip leader by Tuesday of the weekend of the trip (or the date specified) if you are interested in going, so leaders can organise transport and adapt the route accordingly to experience and fitness

Cost Sharing Some people like to drive, others like to be driven. We need to be mindful of the costs of travel and contribute to the driver’s costs. As a rough guide I suggest: Dawson Falls or the Plateau, Opunake - $8 New Plymouth - $10 Beyond New Plymouth, e.g. Kaitakes, White Cliffs - $12 - $14

2 Date Activity Description Trip type Contact Sat 15 Dec Xmas The annual Bring a Maria Cunningham 2788799 Party – club Xmas present [email protected] Clubrooms BBQ. Santa up to the The Hub arriving at value of 5pm on. 7p.m. BYO $10 for BBQ food and your child refreshments. for Santa Own BBQ or to give share with out others 13.1.13 Kayaking Family fun day Easy Jim Finer out. Join us for 062728138 some paddling about on Patea dam. Canoes may be available – ring to confirm. 19.1.13 Lunch at Get together Easy/Mod Maria Cunningham Kapuni with your fellow 06 2788799 Lodge clubbies for 021 2314507 and/or lunch at our [email protected] Fantham’s lovely lodge. Peak climb Keen beans can stretch their legs with a climb up Fantham’s Peak beforehand. 2.2.13 Club Meeting at the Hard David Sattler 0272100621 Summit Plateau at 6 [email protected] Climb – a.m. Keep an Jim Finer 062728138 members eye on the and friends website for updates. Do the summit or just walk to Tahurangi or drinking rock

3 6.2.13 Club night Tramping in Maria Cunningham Bosnia: 06 2788799 Kathleen Curtin 021 2314507 makes a [email protected] special trip south to re-join us and tell us about her adventures in Bosnia and Croatia. (or DVD night) 10.2.13 Daywalk Rim Rock, Easy/Mod Lois Sundy, Leaves Eastern 062785363 from Taranaki: Clubrooms Join Lois and at 8am Eastern Taranaki local, Isobel Walter, on a trip with stunning backcountry scenery. Morning tea will be a Papanui trig and lunch at Tututawa trig. 16.2.13 Bushcraft A ‘Bear Grylls’ Easy Jeremy Johnston style adventure 062729155 or 0274366848 weekend at Patea Dam. 20.2.13 Trips Bring your Maria Cunningham meeting – ideas about 06 2788799 7.30 p.m. interesting and 021 2314507 29 Reid diverse trips for [email protected] Avenue, the winter Hawera months that will help build our club. It would be great to see some fresh faces at this meeting –

4 especially more committee members! Your club is only as good as it’s last trip! 21.2.13 Committee David Sattler meeting 067648996

24.2.13 Take a kid Visit the sites Easy Jan Fleming tramping! of York Road 062784460 circuit – an old quarry and bush railroad at the foot of Egmont National Park inland from Midhirst. An easy 2- 3 hour walk with tunnels and bridges. 6.3.13 Club night Chris Watt Maria Cunningham spent two tours 06 2788799 of duty with the 021 2314507 Provincial [email protected] Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Come and hear about his reflections on this war-torn country. Taranaki Three day Head from Moderate Maria Cunningham Anni tramp and Moera up the (route 06 2788799 9,10,11.3.13 camp gut-buster onto finding on 021 2314507 the Koane Koane [email protected] ridge and camp required) along the ridge to listen for kiwi. On

5 Saturday, travel down to Trains hut and up to Tahupo hut to check out the beech decline and watch for bats. On Monday, walk out to Kapara and link up with the day trip for a lift home! Taranaki Daywalk An easy, flat , Easy Marilyn Finer Anniversary family-friendly 062728138 11.3.13 walk alongside the Waitotara River up to the old Kapara homestead site for lunch. Four hours return. 21.3.13 Committee David Sattler meeting 067648996 Clubrooms, 7.30pm 23.3.13 Daywalk An adventure Moderate David Sattler with David on 067648996 the mountain - either be a trip to Curtis Falls and up through the Maunganui Gorge, and or a trip up and around the base of Warwick's Castle area, depending on the weather forecast.

6 Easter Free for 29 March – private 1st April trips

3.4.13 Club night Kaupokanui Donna Cram 062745778 5.30pm Beach clean-up and twilight beach walk, camp fire with sausages and marshmallows. People wanting to help with clean up come an hour earlier. The tides might be against us walking too far tonight but we can enjoy the last week of daylight saving together and do the environment some good at the same time. 6-7.4.13 Overnight A bush-bash to Hard Werner Gut tramp and uncover the 067554129 camp mystery of the stock tunnel in the middle of the Matemateonga. Head in via Puniwhakau and Letterboxes, find the stock

7 tunnel then head up to Mt Humphries.

17.4.13 Annual Our all David Sattler General important 067648996 Meeting, AGM. All club Clubrooms, members are 7.30pm requested to attend and consider taking a role on our committee. Help make your club better! Inquires and apologies to David Sattler. 18.4.13 Committee The first David Sattler meeting meeting of our 067648996 new committee. 20.4.13 Daytrip A family- Easy Maria Cunningham friendly trip for 06 2788799 lunch at Lake 021 2314507 Mangawhio, [email protected] inland from Ngetuwera. 1.5.13 Club night MacPac show their latest gear.

16.5.13 Committee David Sattler meeting 067648996

22.5.13 Trips Get a spring in Maria Cunningham meeting – your step! Start 06 2788799 Clubrooms, thinking about 021 2314507 7.30 what you’d like [email protected] to do in

8 September, October and November.

5.6.13 Club night A visual feast of views from camping trip of the National Parks of America with Yolanda and Werner Gut. 20.6.13 Committee meeting

3.7.13 Club night Jenny Rawson takes us through her meditative journey through China. 18.7.13 Committee meeting

Presidents Report

Hello Everyone

Just a short report this month, firstly on behalf of the club I would like to extend our sympathy to our club Patron Mr. Ross Corrigan and his family on the loss of Ross’s son Duncan, a sad time for everyone. Ross if you ever need anything just let us know.

The annual at home dinner was another success with great, food, wine and company, a big thank you to all those who helped organize this neat event, come along next year if you couldn't make it this year.

It was good to see Jeff Rawson during his short break back in NZ, Alan Kerrisk hosted a pot luck tea (very yum) for Jeff, with Jeff putting on a show for us giving an update on his winter over in Antarctica and treated us with some fantastic and

9 interesting images of his work and adventures there. Jeff is now back down on the ice for several months on an interesting scientific mission, for details check out our web site blog. Special mention - Congratulations to Jeff and Susanne Grieves on their recent engagement, we wish you both all the very best for your future together.

As you will know, it was decided not to run the open climb next year, instead we will be running a club climb for members old and new as the club has done in the past. This is intended to be purely a social and fun day for everyone, so I encourage you to come along and help make this a great day to remember.

Don't forget! The 15th of December = Christmas BBQ at our club rooms, come and join in, if your lucky you may even see Santa there!

Thank you to all those who have taken trips and club nights this year, there has been some awesome trips out and about along with some very interesting club night speakers, thanks also to the committee and all those who help with the club in some way, many hands make light work. Finally, Anne and I would like to wish you all and your families, a Happy And Safe Christmas, And Happy New Year For 2013.

Regards - David Sattler President Mt Egmont Alpine Club. Club Trips Moki and Rerekapa tracks, 29th and 30th of September

For those in the know, these tracks (45 km) are usually linked up and completed in one day as a mountain-bike ride. Jenny Kerrisk and I decided to do the same as a weekend walk. Heading off in brilliant weather, we drove to Uruti, turning inland and onto the Moki road. Very soon, we found ourselves driving over a saddle, through a tunnel and into bush reserves and regenerating farmland. Some spectacular erosion was visible on the hills to the right, further inland. Were the Moki meets the Rerekino road, we parked and set off through the gate onto the paper road. Both tracks were officially closed for lambing but I had got hold of all the landowners. Essentially, you follow the Waitara River back to its source on the Rerekapa track. Starting off walking east, we came to a tunnel in a buttress where the road turned into farm track. To the left was the Mironui reserve with what looked like untouched forest. The Moki area was logged in the thirties and forties but is noted to have regenerated quickly. As well as lots of

10 anxious ewes and their lambs, we saw two pairs of Paradise ducks with nine exquisitely pied ducklings a piece. After two hours walking, we reached the single track into the bush which made for pleasant, well-benched walking. Some of the drop-offs into the river were quite steep and I’m not sure I’d be game to bike this section! At the end of a few of hours in the bush, we came out to a well-appointed hunter’s hut – one of a pair, with the other (featuring a bath!) at the start of the Rerekapa hut. Another hour or so on farm track took us out to Mangapapa road, where we camped the night at the picnic area. This was perfectly adequate, although it did require a grovel down a bank into the Waitara river for water. We stayed up late (8.30pm!) listening for kiwi and hoping against hope for kokako but eventually retired for the night, the only disturbance being moreporks making the most of the full moon. After a lazy start the next morning to compound the effects of daylight saving, we wandered along the Rerekapa track for an hour until it entered regenerating bush beside the rather underwhelming Rerekapa Falls. Spotting a series of big kiwi prints on this section of the track amongst the large manuka was a highlight. Jenny had previously visited this area listening, unsuccessfully, for kiwi, so it was good to see evidence of their presence. She’ll be back, no doubt. Apart from the mud, I can imagine this track would make a good cycle ride. Soon, we reached the bookable Boy’s Brigade hut at the source of the Waitara and saw a gigantic worm (honest!) that the kiwi had missed. This gem of a hut sleeps 16 and features a fire circle outside perfect for children. It’s now run by a trust and costs $5 a night for adults and $2 for children. We had a short walk over a well-graded saddle to the Kiwi road. On the way over, we spotted a pair of the cutest kids ever and even heard a native falcon while we viewed them. Reaching Kiwi road after an hour and a half, there was the somewhat daunting task of walking the 14km back to the car! This was made somewhat easier by lots of red admiral butterflies and clematis in full floral flood. This trip has lots of potential for biking, walking and family trips and I look forward to visiting this area again soon.

KAPUNI LODGE SPRING CLEAN 27TH OCTOBER Firstly, I must thank the members who put in apologies for those who were unable to attend either through work commitments or Saturday sport or just whatever. David McNair & I made the trip to the Lodge for the spring clean in perfect conditions. Dept of Conservation have been doing track & water table maintenance and it is in good condition. We could not have got a better day as the views were spectacular. We found the Lodge to be in a very tidy state so we set about doing the basics like: cleaning windows, emptying out fire and replacing fire bricks, cleaning the cobwebs, wiping kitchen selves & window sills

11 etc., cleaning hand basin & toilet cubicle, topping up mice bait etc. A few small jobs outside were attended to also. This is my first trip to the Lodge since the deck has been built. I was really impressed. Our intentions were to have lunch out on the deck but the cooling temperature made us quickly change our minds. I must congratulate everyone who put time and effort into building it. Great. By mid afternoon, the jobs were finished. Rubbish and t-towels were collected and brought down. Great day and a lot was achieved. I would like to thank Dave for his help and also to Lois Sundy who has since returned the clean t-towels back to the Lodge. Marilyn Finer

October 29th – 30th – Kohi Saddle Jenny Kerrisk, Maria Cunningham, John and Helen Cooper braved a dodgy weather forecast to attempt a circuit from Kohi Saddle to Puteore Hut, then on to Pouri Hut via the Omaru Stream. On balance, the weather was quite good, especially on the Saturday when no rain and good temperatures made for pleasant tramping. It was the first time anyone in the party was able to try out the re-marked tracks from Kohi Saddle to Letterboxes Junction. These avoid using Whaka road, perhaps because Whaka road isn't public access or perhaps so you can enjoy more bush-walking. We found Whaka road faster in comparison. It rained overnight on Saturday but we decided to venture down to the Omaru stream to see if we could get across and carry on to the junction with the Matemateonga track. This section of track is no longer being maintained but is quite well marked. On reaching the stream, it was immediately apparent to all of us that we wouldn't be crossing it. Using our poles, it looked as if we would be waist-deep in water within our first step! The rushing water was brown with plenty of debris. We estimated it was at least a foot above it's usual flow level and still rising. On the plus side, a blue duck happened to fly in, whistle loudly and then disappear up a side stream in the half-hour we were there. In the rain, we started the slow sliding slog back up to Puteore Hut. On the way back, we caught sight of a native falcon and small flock of what we presume were whiteheads. Back at the hut after four and a half hours, Jenny readied herself for a kiwi-listening session and was duly rewarded with a faint call coming from the west. We walked out the way we came on Monday and took advantage of this by tracking down points and places we had missed on the way in. We didn't quite work out where the track to the stock tunnel starts or where the daffodil patch is but all and all, a good trip!

WHITE CLIFFS WALKWAY – Sunday 11 November The forecast was poor – rain was forecast to come up the island from the south, reaching North Taranaki by early afternoon, but the day didn’t look too bad so Lois made the call that we should give it a go. Two carloads left the clubrooms

12 at 8 a.m., arriving at the White Cliffs road end at 9.30 a.m. It was very pleasant walking for the first 1 ½ hours, admiring the views, looking at the alpine flowers. We reached the Waipingau Stream junction at 11 a.m. and had a refreshment stop. At this stage the group broke into 3 parties. Helen and John Cooper and Kathryn Jones headed up the Waipingau Stream to follow the Kupe pipeline, Jan headed towards the coast for a slow walk back to the cars, and Alan and Anne Mitchell, Lois Sundy and Maria Cunningham headed up the ridge towards the tunnel. The promised rain descended upon us so Jan sheltered under a cave waiting a while for the tide to retreat, and those who continued to the tunnel had a hasty lunch stop and headed down the beach, now very stony. Jan arrived back at the car at around 1.30, the others arrived back at about 3.45, very wet. We all enjoyed the first half of the day and even though we knew the forecasted rain would come it was still well worth the effort. The other 4 times I have done this walkway it has been uncomfortably hot, small reward for pursuing on a not so good day.

Jan Fleming

Kayaking at Patea Dam 24 th November Our group had 16 kayaks and one Canadian paddling merrily on the Patea Dam. The Crams hauled down the majority of the kayaks and were joined by the le Fleming family, Michael and Donna McCarty, Anthony, Southall family, Croc, Richard, Jim and Marilyn. We were glad to be navigated correctly up stream as we would have hated to expend unnecessary energy going up the numerous dead ends. A lovely long beach to land all the kayaks was discovered and we spread out to devour our lunches. Tom and Anthony amused us with their unsuccessful log rolling. We continued up stream and found an area with tiny fish and an abundance of piggybacking dragonflies. Muscleman Karl, in his Canadian, good naturedly towed a long line of young kayakers then instigated a game of racing back and forth along our row of kayaks that were parked up in a raft. Many ended up crashing and splashing into the river. Some of our youthful friends were a bit tired paddling home but once they had arrived they had enough energy to frolic around in the water. It was a gorgeous day kayaking. Linda le Fleming

Private Trips On Wednesday 31 October Kathryn Jones and Helen Cooper had an interesting climb of Mt Egmont via Peters Stream. They began from North Egmont and walked around to Holly Hut. A little past the hut they took an old overgrown trail through to the Peters Stream. From here after nearly three hours on the go, they began their climb. They followed the Peters Stream up, which involved negotiating a rock wall. They finally reached the snow at 1510m where they

13 geared up with ice axe and crampons. The snow was softish as they continued up past the Hammer. With the Turtle on their right, they traversed into the Minarapa Valley. As they topped out by the Turtle, the wind became very strong so it was on with the Parkas. After a short break they traversed into Crater Valley and the Northern Entrance to the Crater. Over this section they made sure of their footing as the wind was rather strong. Finally the last walk up to the Summit. They were rewarded with great views which included the South Island. They descended into the Crater for a bite to eat and to shelter from the wind. They had been on the go for over 8 hours. It was an easy walk down the Northern Route in softish snow. However, the strong wind was blowing lots of snow around. When they reached the Around The Mountain Track they were suddenly out of the wind and were able to take their parkas off. They descended back to North Egmont via the Razor Back, meeting several groups of TAC people who were either going to the Summit, or to Tahurangi Lodge. An interesting, rewarding but long day!

Kathryn Jones topping out near the Turtle high on the northern slopes

October 3rd 2012 – Pinnacles Hut and Beyond Lois Sundy, Kathryn Jones, Jenny Rawson and Jenny Kerrisk drove to Thames on Sunday September 23rd and headed into the hills for Pinnacles Hut next day.

14 Tramping up the Kauaeranga Valley, an area of kauri forest thoroughly logged up until 80 years ago, they were fascinated by the historical remains of the logging operations and the regeneration of the bush since that time. The Pinnacles rock formation is impressive with steep spires of rock and a good track up to the top at nearly 800m. Pinnacles Hut is large (80 bunk) and sure enough a group of school children arrived late afternoon, but they were able to take over one bunkroom and leave the other for our group and a handful of others. By the hut is a stand of kauri up to 8m tall - sadly the biggest in the area. The two Jenny's took a walk along a rather boggy track for a view down into the head of Kauaeranga valley and across to Table Mountain. The kauri dam a couple of minutes from the hut was very interesting - imagine huge logs being flushed down valley in a flood when it was tripped. The forecast rain did not arrive and the return trip to the car via the Billy Goat Track took only until lunchtime. Remains of a railway incline and other historical artifacts featured, also abundant flowering tree daisies. The afternoon was filled in with a walk starting behind the holiday park called Rockys to Tinkers Stream, a loop up and over a hill. In search of some larger specimens of kauri trees, the group opted to do the Waiomu/TePuru loop next day, starting 10km north of Thames. The more mature forest in these parts was attractive and the Waiomu Kauri stand were on a different scale from those seen up until then. From there was a long climb up to 700m before coming down the Te Puru track, past an isolated even bigger kauri. A kind bloke gave us a ride back to the car from the bottom, saving a 4km trudge along the road. Moving south to Te Aroha, windy damp weather seemed to catch up with the party. Jenny Kerrisk was the only one to head off on a trek next morning, with a climb up Mt Te Aroha. The top at nearly 1000m was cold and windy, but dropping down into the Waiorongomai Valley was more pleasant. The main track is being upgraded, but the Kauri Loop track up the side of the valley was steeper and more overgrown. The were plenty of remains of logging in the valley as well, some of it restored. Meanwhile the others enjoyed a soak in the hot pools. This area of the Coromandel Peninsular has loads of tracks and walks, lots of potential for tramping, especially if pick-up could be arranged for through-trips. This time of year seems good to be in the area, not many people about and not too hot either. - Jenny Kerrisk

Mountain Safety Council Courses MSC Workplace First Aid in the Outdoors Mountain Safety Taranaki runs full weekend First Aid in the Outdoors courses at Vertical Horizon Adventure Centre, Everett Road, Inglewood. The course aims to educate first-aiders to respond correctly to common outdoor first aid problems and emergencies. Skills are transferable to the home and

15 workplace. A minimum of six hours of practical work will be spent in the outdoors working with other participants in mock-accident situations. The course is divided into 13 modules, each with its own set of competencies. A course workbook and First Aid manual is issued to all participants. Candidates successfully completing this course may apply through New Zealand Mountain Safety Council to register the workplace First Aid unit standards 26551 (provide first aid for life-threatening conditions) and 26552 (demonstrate knowledge of common first aid conditions and how to respond). Duration: Two days –- $170.00 covers accommodation and meals, all course materials, a First Aid book and course Unit Standards. An Outdoor First Aid Certificate valid for two years is issued to all successful participants.

Other Notes: A refresher course is also available every 2 years, to update the holder of a current OFA certificate with recent changes in protocol and to refresh their skills. The course is skills-based, involving 'hands on' scenarios and practicals. For enquires or updates contact Phyllis, course organiser on 06 256, or visit the website at www.mountainsafety.org.nz

Interested in South America Travel – check this out! Dear Mount Egmont Alpine Club, My name is Rachel Williams. I am the owner/operator of a NZ based company called Viva Expeditions that specialises in active travel & tours to South America. We have some tours that we feel would interest your members, in particular those who like to travel and who love getting outdoors and actively exploring a region. At the bottom of this email I will briefly describe some of these tours.

What I would like to ask is if you can help me to share this information with your members. Ways to do this would include: · I would love to present to your club at one of your club meetings – I put together very interesting presentations which can be of any length suitable to you with a nice visual presentation as well. Having spent over 5 years in South America travelling and working as a guide I have a lot of great stories and first hand information to share. These would be informative presentations about the destinations and a little bit about the type of tours we offer, there would be no hard sales push. · A feature or mention in your club newsletter with a little bit about what we do and our contact details for people to request brochures and information if the wish. · I can send you some brochures to distribute at your club meetings. · You could forward this email to you members. · Perhaps you have some other advertising opportunities?

16 We are a boutique company that focuses on small group and individual tours that have a lot of attention to detail and have received wonderful reviews. We are not a large commercial operation like so many others and as such instead of large scale advertising which is very costly we try to go directly to the people for whom these types of tours are designed. We have a lot of guests from hiking clubs in New Zealand due to the active nature of our tours and that is why I am contacting you directly. Here is some tour information: Tour Types 1. Overland Adventures – we operate small group tours in our own custom built expeditions vehicles in Patagonia & Peru (max 16 guests, also available for private charter) 2. Independent Adventures – we can tailor make itineraries for groups & individuals based on where they would like to go, what they would like to see, their interests and the standard they prefer. Here are a few regions of interest:

Patagonia - Southern Argentina & Chile This is an area we specialise in and an area that has fantastic hikes in some of the most spectacular regions on earth. Our group expeditions are extremely popular in this region. They are:

Wild Patagonia – The Best of Southern Argentina & Chile – 26 days. I have attached some information about the treks that we include on this tour & have also attached a tour dossier.

Southern Explorer – Highlights of Southern Explorer – 13 Days Lakes District Discovery – Lakes & Wines of Argentina & Chile – 9 days Route 40 & the Carretera Austral – South Americas Best Road Trip – 6 days We also offer trekking tours such as the Big W trek in Torres Del Paine and other multisport options. To see our Patagonia tours online – www.vivaexpeditions.com Peru & Bolivia Both of our Peru expeditions include the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Lost Civilizations – The Best of Peru & Bolivia – 23 Days Inca Discovery – Highlights of Peru & Bolivia - 15 days We also tailor make lot of itineraries in this region and have great trekking options in and around Machu Picchu & the Cordillera Blanca. To see our Peru tours online visit - www.vivaexpeditions.com Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands The Avenue of the Volcanoes is Ecuador offers some fabulous hiking and Ecuador is a great place to visit the mighty Amazon Jungle. The Galapagos Islands are more incredible than words can really describe and it is hard to believe a place like this still exists today. We have cruise and land based packages available and some great multisport options.

17 Elsewhere in Latin America. Where ever people want to go in South America we can help them with personalised itineraries. Such regions include Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, Costa Rica and elsewhere. I want to thank you very much for you time. I would really appreciate any assistance you can offer and hope to hear from you soon. Kind regards Rachel Williams

Mt Egmont Alpine Club Equipment The Mt Egmont Alpine Club has climbing gear available to club members ONLY for use on club trips and instruction courses etc, at very reasonable rates. Fee for club members is $5/day/item with a max of $10/day for unlimited items. Club Gear can be hired out at $10/day per item to non-members provided they are with a club member. The club reserves the right to charge the full day rate for all items that are not returned promptly. Gear Custodian,

Club Equipment Amnesty Some items of club hire equipment appear to be missing, particularly some over- trousers and parkas, also a chest harness. If you have any of these or anything else please return them immediately, no questions asked. Gear custodian, Jeremy Johnston, Ph 062729155 or 0274366848,

MACPAC have opened a shop in New Plymouth on Devon Street and they are offering club members a discount of 20% on products. I do not think that will be on anything that is on sale or on a special but do ask. John Cooper has forwarded them a membership list and you must tell them that you are a member of the club and have some form of ID on you so that they can then check it against the list. They have some fantastic products so please do support them and sometime later in the year, they will be doing a club evening. FOR SALE  The club has Beanies for Sale, embroidered with the club logo. Black and navy, $17. Contact Marilyn Finer, 06 2728138.

CLUB EVENINGS: Held at Mt. Egmont Alpine Club’s rooms at Hicks Park, Hawera at 7.30 pm the first Wednesday of the month. CLUB TRIPS: The Committee has decided trips in the future will depart from the clubrooms. The clubrooms are easily accessible from the main road, and safe parking. However, it is important to contact the trip leader beforehand, especially if you require transport or are able to provide transport. The Clubroom’s walls are always available to anyone who has photos to share of club activities.

18 Exciting news for all adventure travellers NZ Alpine Club Travel Insurance is now available to other NZ outdoor clubs. What makes this insurance cover unique is this not only covers you for ordinary leisure travel but can be extended to cover “higher risk activities” such as trekking, skiing (including back country), rock climbing and mountaineering (up to a maximum of 7000m). for pricing schedule, application form and full policy details visit the website: www.alpineclub.org.nz/climb/insurance

Hut Warden Opportunities Have you fancied spending a length of time on the mountain as awarden? Here is an excerpt from the DOC Volunteer pamphlet. “Holly and Pouakai Huts, on the popular Pouakai Circuit, are our highest priority huts for wardens. Other huts we place wardens at are Makatawa, Waingongoro and Waiaua Gorge huts and also Lake Dive and Symes huts. Holly, Pouakai, Lake Dive and Waiaua Gorge Huts have warden’s quarters. There are two bunks, gas cooking facilities and some pots and cutlery in these quarters. It is a good idea to take your own cooker just in case the gas supply runs low. Let DOC know on your return if the gas needs replacing. Please note that the hut warden’s quarters are also used as storerooms and while we try to keep them clean and tidy they are far from palatial. The other option is for you to stay in the main hut. Hut wardens at Makatawa, Waingongoro and Symes huts stay in the main hut with other trampers. While there may be some choice of hut this will largely be determined by management requirements. Sometimes a warden will be expected to move between two huts”.

For further information e-mail Marilyn – [email protected] or Jan – [email protected] for a copy of the DOC handout.

BULLETIN: Leaders of club trips (and private ones) are requested to supply a trip report to The Editor before the deadline in the programme. Remember that the sooner you write the story the easier it is! Also, leaders have power to delegate!! Editor Jan Fleming, 136a Manawapou Road, Hawera. Phone/fax 06 2784460. E-Mail – [email protected] Membership Senior/Family subscription $60 Junior subscription (under 18) $30 Associate $35

19 To join, fill out a Nomination form (available at the Clubrooms or e-mail the Club), sign as Nominee and get two club member to sign, one as proposer, one as Seconder. Forward the form with payment to Treasurer. Kapuni Lodge Fees Non Members $25 and $15 for children 12 yrs and under. Members, $10 and $5 for children 12 yrs and under. Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue organisation now has a website. You can link to the URL at http://www.tacr.org.nz

CLUB CONTACTS: Patron Ross Corrigan Ph 06 2784223 [email protected] President David Sattler Ph 067648996 [email protected] Publicity Officer Alan Kerrisk Ph 062722893 [email protected] Secretary Marilyn Finer Ph 062728138 [email protected] Club Captain Maria Cunningham Ph 062788799 [email protected] Bulletin Editor Jan Fleming Ph 062784460 [email protected] Equipment Hire Jeremy Johnston Ph 062729155 [email protected] 0274366848 Kapuni Lodge Marilyn Finer Ph 062728138 [email protected] Bookings Treasurer Donna Cram Ph 062745778 [email protected] WEBSITE www.mtegmontalpineclub.org.nz E-MAIL [email protected] POST Box 62 Hawera www.mtegmontalpineclub.org.nz Please send us trip reports and information of relevance to the club to keep our website lively and entertaining both for members and non-members who find us on line. Don't forget the Gallery page, the photos are changed from time to time, and if you have images you would like to share of a recent trip please e- mail them to the website editors Alan Kerrisk at [email protected]

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Mt. Egmont Alpine Club would like to acknowledge the generous support from the following local businesses and ask for member’s support of these businesses:

TSB Community Trust

20 Andy Harris Trust

Beck Helicopters Ltd

Industrial Chemistry Services MACPAC As an MWC member, you’ll receive exclusive special offers and 10% off the RRP of all Macpac clothing and equipment. MACPAC NEW PLYMOUTH, 66 Devon St West, Ph 06 7587209