Summits-on-the- Air - ARM for North and South (E5) Summits on the Air

COOK ISLANDS (E5)

Association Reference Manual

Document Reference S123.1 Issue number 1.0 Date of issue 1st September 2015 Participation start date 1st September 2015 Authorised by SOTA MT 1st September 2015 Association Manager Andrew (Andy) Neill Duncan E50A / E51AND

Summits-on-the-Air: An original concept by G3WGV and developed with G3CWI

“Summits on the Air” SOTA and the SOTA logo are trademarks of the Programme. This document is copyright of the Programme. All other trademarks and copyrights referenced herein are acknowledged.

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Summits-on-the- Air - ARM for North and South Cook Islands (E5) Table of contents.

1 ASSOCIATION REFERENCE DATA ...... 3

1.1 PROGRAMME DERIVATION ...... 3 1.2 GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 4 1.3 RIGHTS OF WAY AND ACCESS ISSUES ...... 4 1.4 MAPS AND NAVIGATION ...... 6 1.5 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ...... 6 1.6 FOREIGN HAMS IN E5 ...... 6 1.7 AWARDS ...... 6 1.8 DISCLAIMER ...... 6

2 SUMMIT REFERENCE DATA...... 7

2.1 REGION REFERENCE – Island ...... 7 2.1.1 Regional notes ...... 7 2.1.2 Table of summits ...... 7 2.2 REGION REFERENCE – Island ...... 9 2.2.1 Regional notes ...... 9 2.2.2 Table of summits ...... 9

Change Control

Date Version Details

1st September 2015 1.0 First formal issue of this document

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Summits-on-the- Air - ARM for North and South Cook Islands (E5)

1 Association Reference Data

Association COOK ISLANDS (E5) (North and South Cook Islands)

Commencement date 1st September 2015 • Mangaia Island (MG-xxx) 1 Peak S. Cook Islands • Rarotonga Island (RA-xxx) 6 Peaks S. Cook Islands Regions The remaining 13 islands in the Cook Islands are low lying islands or true atolls and have no qualifying peaks.

Association parameters Summit operation criteria Operation must be within 25m vertically of the summit Band 1, score 1 point Summit altitude less than 400 metres a.s.l. Band 2, score 2 points Summit altitude between 400 and 499 metres a.s.l. Band 3, score 4 point Summit altitude between 500 and 599 metres a.s.l. Band 4, score 6 points Summit altitude over 600 metres a.s.l. Seasonal bonus Yes Bonus rationale Summer period with high temperatures over 30ºC accompanied by very high humidity. Min. height for bonus 3 Points for activations >=500m ASL Bonus period dates January 1st to March 31st Association sponsored None awards Association Manager Andrew (Andy) Neill DUNCAN. E50A / E51AND [email protected] P.O. Box 518, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Ph: +682 25995 Mobile +682 79904

1.1 Program Derivation

E5 SOTA is a derivation of similar programs already active in other countries.

The database of summits is believed to be complete; however, if you find a summit which you believe qualifies and you’d like to add to SOTA-E5, or you find a mistake in this ARM, please contact the Association Manager. Summits cannot be counted for points until a reference number has been allocated by the Association Manager.

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Summits-on-the- Air - ARM for North and South Cook Islands (E5)

1.2 General information

The Cook Islands are a widely dispersed group of 15 small islands scattered across 2.25 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean.

The North Cook Islands (DXCC Zone 191; CQ Zone 32; ITU Zone 62) are all true atolls and generally do not exceed 5 metres ASL and therefore have no qualifying summits.

The South Cook Islands (DXCC Zone 234; CQ Zone 32; ITU Zone 63) are either the tips of ancient volcanoes, or are raised coral (Makatea), or both. Within the Southern group there are 7 qualifying summits, one on Mangaia Island (IOTA OC-159) and 6 on Rarotonga (IOTA OC-013).

To qualify for a summit it must have at least 150 m prominence.

In the case of doubt the Management Team will decide whether the Summit will be added to the list

The summit database is thought to be complete and can only be changed by the acceptance of the management team. Summits cannot be counted for points until a launch date and reference number has been allocated by the Association Manager and approved by the SOTA Management Team.

1.3 Rights of way and access issues

RAROTONGA Island

The summits on Rarotonga are the heavily eroded peaks of breccia and basalt that once surrounded the caldera of an ancient volcano. They are heavily forested with extremely dense “cloud” or rain forest. Where there are trails, they tend to be steep at the higher elevations and commonly follow “razor back” ridge lines with steep drops on either side. Several of the summits have trails while the others are considered inaccessible by the Manager.

In a tropical environment like Rarotonga, trails overgrow rapidly and a guide is strongly recommended. Additional details will be provided in the “Regional Notes” section of the summit data in Section 2 of this document.

Land ownership is an EXTREMELY important issue for Polynesians so unless you follow a clearly identified trail, you will need the owner's permission before attempting activation.

Photo: Ewan Smith. Air Rarotonga, Cook Islands

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Peaks on Rarotonga.

Peaks on Rarotonga are the heavily eroded remains of an ancient caldera.

At higher elevations they are steep-sided and covered with dense “cloud” or rain forests.

While there are some trails, several summits are inaccessible

MANGAIA Island

On Mangaia, the summit is the high spot on an island some 10km in diameter. It is not a distinct peak. It lies close to the junction of three cross island tracks (vehicle accessible) but is on private land. Permission should be sought and received before activation. It may be necessary to go to Mangaia to determine the land ownership and request permission.

The terminal at Mangaia Airport. In the background is the terrain typical of the island. Grey, raised coral (makatea) slowly rising from 20 or 30 metres around the coast to 169m at the high point in the centre of the island. This is, by far, the most accessible summit in the Cooks. (If you don’t count the isolation of the Cooks group, together with the additional travel to the tiny island of Mangaia.) Page 5 of 9 Document S123.1

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1.4 Maps and navigation

The easiest way to obtain a map is to get online. The most common cartography is at https://data.linz.govt.nz/x/YBTi47 for Rarotonga, and https://data.linz.govt.nz/x/BZGSyc for Mangaia. HOWEVER; while maps and compasses/GPS should be carried, the services or a guide, at least on the first visit to the summit, is strongly recommended. (www.Pastreks.com)

1.5 Safety considerations

Before hiking always consult a weather forecast. Please remember that weather in the mountains can change rapidly and you should be always prepared for rain, strong wind or intensive sun. After rainfall, trails can be extremely slippery and treacherous, and vertical rock faces extremely dangerous.

In case of emergency you should call 999, the emergency number for the Cook Islands. It should be noted that cellular service is limited and unreliable in the mountains.

1.6 Foreign HAMs in E5 (North and South Cook Islands)

Holders of Amateur radio licences with HF privileges can obtain a Cook Islands licence on Rarotonga upon presentation of a copy of their home licence (with an English translation if necessary) and payment of a fee of $20. They will be issued a call in the format E51xxx.

The Manager can assist with issuance of the licence before you come to the Cooks enabling you to notify DX lists, IOTA and SOTA in advance, and to set up a QRZ or other web page.

1.7 Awards

There are no Association-specific awards at the moment.

1.8 Disclaimer

Hiking, hill-walking and rock-climbing are potentially dangerous activities. The SOTA Management Team and their associates assume no responsibility or liability for accident, injury, loss of life or any other loss directly or indirectly as a result of participation in the SOTA programme.

Activators take part in the Programme entirely at their own risk and must be competent to undertake their proposed expedition. They must carry suitable equipment, taking account of the terrain, weather conditions, etc. The Programme in its entirety shall accept no responsibility for injury, loss of life or any other loss.

Accidents can and do happen in the mountains and the risk is neither increased nor mitigated by the SOTA programme. The inclusion of a summit in this Reference Manual does not indicate that it is safe, legal, or even possible to climb the summit. The Summit Reference data is provided for information only and is not guaranteed to be complete or accurate and no reliance should be placed upon it.

Each person participates at his or her own risk, and must decide, on the basis of his/her own ability, whether an objective is safe and achievable. Page 6 of 9 Document S123.1

Summits-on-the- Air - ARM for North and South Cook Islands (E5)

2. Summit Reference Data

2.1 Region Reference – Rarotonga Island

Association Cook Islands (E5) North and South Cook Islands Region Rarotonga (E5/RA-xxx) Region manager Andy Duncan E50A / E51AND. [email protected]

2.1.1 Regional notes

Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the centre of government. It is the point of entry to the Cook Islands with international flights daily. Rarotonga has six (6) qualifying summits of which three (3) are accessible. The other three are believed to be inaccessible although there may be trails in the lower slopes or to adjacent non-prominent peaks.

2.1.2 Table of summits

Ref. Summit name Alt (m) Alt (ft) Latitude Longitude Prominence Valid from Valid to Score

E5/RA-001 Te Manga 653 2142 -21.235784 -159.76336 653 01/09/2015 6

E5/RA-002 Te Kou 588 1929 -21.242045 -159.77741 178 01/09/2015 4

E5/RA-003 Maungatea 523 1715 -21.228005 -159.78297 163 01/09/2015 4

E5/RA-004 Maungaroa 509 1669 -21.231038 -159.8042 229 01/09/2015 4

E5/RA-005 Ikurangi 485 1591 -21.221626 -159.76262 165 01/09/2015 2

E5/RA-006 Toroume 329 1079 -21.259484 -159.75151 154 01/09/2015 1

2.1.3 Notes.

E5/RA-001 Te Manga. The Te Manga summit is accessible via the Te Manga trail starting on the NW side of the island. A guide is recommended. (www.pastreks.com)

E5/RA-002 Te Kou. The Te Kou summit is accessed by the Te Kou trail from the south side of the island. Parts of this trail are extremely challenging and there are “rope assists” in some of the tough spots. NOTE: Maintenance on the ropes is sporadic and climbers should assure themselves that the ropes are in condition to support them. A Guide is strongly recommended. (www.pastreks.com)

E5/RA-003 Maungatea. This summit is believed to be inaccessible; however the Maungatea Trail from the north side of the island accesses a north facing bench below the summit. It is not known if one can get within the 25m contour but it is considered unlikely.

E5/RA-004 Maungaroa. The Raemaru trail on the west side of the island leads to a non- qualifying summit (Raemaru) which is about 2km SW of the Maungaroa summit. However it is un-cleared rain forest across private land with several landowners involved. It is considered inaccessible.

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E5/RA-005 Ikurangi. The Ikurangi summit is accessible from the Ikurangi Trail, a westerly branch of the Te Manga trail which originates on the NW side of the island. A guide is recommended. (www.pastreks.com)

E5/RA-006 Toroume. Toroume is in the southwest quadrant of the island and is believed to be inaccessible.

Above: A Map or Rarotonga showing the Districts, Streams and Peaks

Below: Photos on near vertical sections of Rarotonga trails

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2.2 Region Reference – Mangaia Island

Association Cook Islands (E5) North and South Cook Islands Region Rarotonga (E5/MG-xxx) Region manager Andy Duncan E50A / E51AND. [email protected]

2.2.1 Regional notes

Similar in size to Rarotonga, the Island of Mangaia is the most ancient of the Cook Islands and leas approximately 156 miles SE of Rarotonga. Mangaia is accessible via Rarotonga by air on Air Rarotonga. It is a 50 minute flight on a Bandiera – a twin prop aircraft with a capacity of about 20 people. Baggage is limited to 11kg so additional baggage or freight charges may apply to get anything but lightweight equipment to the island.

2.2.2 Table of summits

Ref. Summit name Alt (m) Alt (ft) Latitude Longitude Prominence Valid from Valid to Score

E5/MG-001 Rangimotia 169 554 -21.92719 -159.92346 169 01/09/2015 1

2.1.3 Notes.

E5/MG-001 Rangimotia. Rangimotia is the high spot on a small island (10km diameter) made of raised coral (makatea) around the remnants of an ancient and much eroded caldera. Island roads (tracks) pass very close to the “actual summit” which may not be discernable without a GPS or map and compass.

The rugged terrain of Mangaia is evident in this picture of the makatea adjacent to the well signposted “Mangaia International Airport Terminal.” Makatea encircles the island but, within it, there is a region of relatively fertile volcanic soil in the interior of the island.

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