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THE FEDERATED MOUNTAIN CLUBS OF NEW ZEALAND
(INCORPORATED)

SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT 2006

FEDERATION EXECUTIVE 2005-2006

PATRON
Allan Evans (Temuka)

PRESIDENT
Brian Stephenson (Auckland)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
John Wilson (Hamilton)

VICE-PRESIDENTS

North Island South Island
Shaun Barnett (Wellington) David Barnes (Dunedin)
Lex Smith (Havelock North) Richard Wesley (Christchurch)

SECRETARY
Barbara Marshall (Paremata)

TREASURER
Graeme Lythgoe (Wellington)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Rick Barber (Greymouth) Vivian Milne (Auckland
Owen Cox (Wellington) Rob Mitchell (Dunedin)
Tony Haddon (Nelson) Eileen Newsome (Auckland)
Hannah McGregor (Wellington) David Round (Christchurch)
Robin McNeill (Invercargill) John Wheeler (Taupo)

AUDITOR
Pritchard McCullough, Lower Hutt

OVERVIEW
75th anniversary of FMC
I am privileged to present the 75th annual report of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand. Several projects mark this special anniversary, including Shaun Barnett’s production of a commemorative calendar featuring present-day and historic alpine photographs. A function at Te Papa in Wellington follows the annual general meeting.

Public access
The preservation of public access to recreational land was FMC’s biggest single issue during the past year. FMC supported the Government’s proposal for access strips beside waterways. However, the proposal met farmer opposition and Federated Farmers campaigned vigorously against it, just as my term as President began in June last year. With the election looming, the Government re-thought its approach and tasked the Acland Committee to look at other options.

Executive member Owen Cox and I met the Acland Committee in January and expressed FMC’s support for the establishment of an independent Access Agency representing a cross-section of interests, including outdoor recreation. Funding for the Agency should be sufficient for it to provide effective leadership and to act as a catalyst for other players, such as local authorities.

The Agency’s independence is important. For this reason, FMC suggests that its administrative support should not come from a department associated with any of the various sectional interests. It could be either a stand-alone agency or could be serviced by, say, the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Acland Committee sees members of FMC’s constituent clubs as a valuable source of information about specific problems of public access to recreational areas nationwide. I urge members to advise FMC of specific problems and to attend the Acland Committee’s consultation meetings as they travel the country.

The Executive
During the year, the FMC’s full Executive met in Rotorua, Christchurch and Timaru, inviting members of local clubs to attend and to raise any issues of interest to them. The turnout of local club members is encouraging and Executive members appreciate the warm hospitality they provided.

In between full Executive meetings, the Executive functions by email and the Wellington Executive deals with administrative matters which need immediate attention. I express my thanks to all members of the Executive for their energetic work during the year. My immediate predecessor, John Wilson, has been particularly generous with his time and wisdom in easing me into the job.

Membership
With the addition of one further club during the year, FMC now represents 98 affiliated organisations, with a combined membership of some 12,300.

Honours
In the New Year honours list, FMC past President and former Patron Ray Burrell was appointed an MNZM, in recognition of his contribution to mountain safety through FMC. Ray joins other honoured FMC past Presidents, including Arnold Heine, ONZM, QSM and Allan Evans, MNZM.

FMC administration
National Secretary Barbara Marshall (known affectionately as “Bov”) celebrates 20 years of service to FMC this year. Barbara’s energy and enthusiasm is undiminished. She is FMC’s institutional memory, with her encyclopaedic knowledge of every important event during her long tour of duty. I am grateful for her expertise, enthusiastic support and patience during my apprenticeship as President.

Finance
Treasurer Graeme Lythgoe has served FMC well during the year and has taken the lead in discussions of the funding of FMC’s activities in the future. Graeme is also the Treasurer of the FMC Mountain & Forest Trust, the conduit for donations to FMC, whether by gift or by will. FMC has received generous support from the Simpson Trust during the year and is the residuary beneficiary in the will of peace researcher Owen Wilkes, who died last year. The estate is subject to a claim, the fair resolution of which is one of the tasks for the coming year.

Publications
FMC Bulletin Editor John Rhodes has contributed an energetic year. He has continued to raise the standard of FMC’s flagship publication and has enthusiastically sold advertising to help pay its way. Shaun Barnett has spearheaded other publication projects, including the much-appreciated 75th anniversary calendar. Arnold Heine has continued his work on a book to chronicle FMC’s history.

I thank sincerely all members of the Executive, the Secretary and the many others who gave their time to FMC in the course of the year. I also thank FMC’s clubs for their support and kindred organisations for their help in advancing FMC’s objectives on behalf of its members.
Brian Stephenson, President

1.0 MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB LIAISON
FMC is an affiliation of Clubs with recreational interests in the mountains and wildlands of New Zealand. Current membership comprises 81 Affiliate Clubs and 17 Associate Clubs.

NUMBERS OF MEMBERS
Year Full Half Associate Individual Others Totals
Affiliate Affiliate Members Supporters
2004/2005 10,752 3 18 224 1,360 12,357
2005/2006 10,696 0 17 216 1,280 12,209

Individual Supporters
The individual supporter category allows people who cannot or do not choose to belong to a club to support FMC and gain access to information on backcountry issues. Individual supporters receive the Bulletin and discount card and pay a $30 membership fee (which has not increased in over ten years).

Membership Card
The FMC Membership card continues to provide good discount deals to individuals and club members. A very good quality NZ made sleeping bag line is now on board under the FMC Logo. Due to the increased number of discount providers we have had to expand the card to a four sided folding format. It also allowed us to increase the print size. FMC encourages members to make use of the discounts available and support the companies that support us. The card is being continually updated. If you believe you have a potential sponsor let the Secretary know and we will follow it up. We are continually looking for new discount prospects and are currently in discussion with four potential providers.

Travel Club
This excellent member service continues to work wonderfully well. Thanks to John and all the leaders. John is always on the lookout for new trip suggestions and ‘trip leaders’ – is this you?

Promotion / Club Membership
We have continued placing display stands in tramping and outdoor gear shops, visitor centres and Information centres. The stands are an excellent way to display the Join a club brochure and our Individual supporter’s flyer. The Join a Club brochure (updated late 2005) is also available to clubs for their own membership promotions, so please let us know when you are doing your next promotion. We would love to help. The ‘Freedom in the Hills’ booklet produced in 2003 continues to receive favourable comment.

Bulletin
John Rhodes continues to promote FMC ideals through the Bulletin. This is our flagship publication and provides vital links between members and outside agencies. Have your say and submit an article!

Workshops
Special thanks to John Wilson for organizing and running training workshops. These are very good in building a good knowledge of safety in the clubs and promoting a real interface between the clubs and the Federation.

Website
The FMC website is currently going through a major revamp and will come on stream later in 2006 in a much more user friendly format More on this as the update progresses. Any contributions and suggestions will be welcomed and considered. Why not join your own club to the site? The current web address is www.fmc.org.nz.

Visits to Clubs
FMC Executive members continue to visit clubs and provide information on FMC’s role and
back country issues. These provide a very worthwhile opportunity for the Executive to meet Club members and explain issues; thanks to all those who have visited clubs – 50 plus this last year. The Executive is conscious that we may not catch up with as many clubs as we would like to – please contact your local FMC Executive member or the Secretary should you wish them to visit – all clubs have a copy of the liaison schedule. Please bear in mind that the entire Executive are volunteers and may have time constraints at times.

Insurance and Health and Safety Matters
The Executive continues to respond to regular requests from clubs for advice on insurance, and health and safety matters.
Lex Smith
Membership Convenor

2.0 ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Executive and Executive Meetings
The full Executive met three times, in March, June and October 2005. In March, the full Executive met in Rotorua hosted by the Rotorua Tramping & Ski Club. The June full Executive meeting was held on the Sunday following the AGM, in Christchurch. The October meeting was held at Timaru hosted by the South Canterbury Tramping Club. The Wellington Executive met at 4 to 6 week intervals between the full Executive meetings. The regional meetings have meant closer liaison with clubs in the various regions and have proved very worthwhile. After the Saturday formal meeting, the clubs involved include the Executive on their Sunday day trip, which means we can informally meet individual club members. The Executive have been able to travel to these meetings because of a generous donation towards travel costs. This meeting format has meant streamlining the agenda and this has led to more efficient use of meeting time and including the host club in our afternoon meeting, giving them time for questions and queries.
Barbara Marshall, Secretary
2.2 Finance
The accounts continue to show that FMC is growing financially. For the first time subscriptions (which have been held constant for ten years) represent less than 50% of total income. This is due in part to very generous donations from the Simpson Family (Banks Peninsula and Kakanui) and our Patron Allan Evans.

The Simpson donation has been used partly towards starting to electronically archive all of FMC’s paper records, and for a major update of our website (www.fmc.org.nz). High interest rates, increased bulletin advertising revenue, SPARC funding and continuing well run FMC travel trips have also contributed to this satisfactory position.

Major expenditure items were the Six Pack Campaign T Shirts and Posters and the 75th anniversary calendar. While the calendar has sold reasonably well, the sale of the Six Pack Campaign material was disappointing. However, this is an ongoing campaign.
Graeme Lythgoe, Treasurer

2.3 Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC)
During the year FMC gained recognition by SPARC as a national body. We get a grant to assist with strengthening our activities and mountain recreation. This assistance is covered by a contract with SPARC. We gratefully acknowledge their support.

2.4 FMC Strategic Plan
We have been working with 3-year plans in the past. The plan is prepared by the Executive and intended as a management document. This year we undertook a substantial revision of this as a Strategic Plan and intend to revise it regularly. The plan assists FMC with forward planning of its activities and finances. It also provides the basis of any discussions with SPARC (and before them the Hillary Commission) on their funding. The plan addresses each of the objects that the FMC Constitution sets for the Federation.

3.0 RECREATION AND CONSERVATION ADVOCACY
3.1 OVERVIEW
Recreation and conservation advocacy is a core activity and is handled by geographically based sub-committees covering Northern, Central and Southern. The sub-committees provide views on management plan reviews, concession applications and other issues impacting on recreation and natural values of the lands we use. This year was another busy one dealing with many issues.

3.2 NATIONAL ISSUES
Submissions
FMC continues to participate in the public submission process on members’ behalf. Should issues or public notices highlight a subject that concerns you, which could do with FMC’s input please contact the secretary and the information will be passed onto the relevant executive member.

Department of Conservation (DoC) Liaison
We have regular meeting with DoC management nationally. These meetings give us a chance to raise issues of concern.

Meeting with Ministers
FMC meets with Ministers at various times. We met with Chris Carter (Minister of Conservation) and issues raised included high country parks and DoC responsiveness to public involvement in tracks on conservation land. We also met The Minister of Lands on tenure review and with other Members of Parliament on a number of issues.

Work on Tracks
Around the country some local groups of outdoor people organise to put in a few low impact tracks in local reserves, more marked routes than developed tracks. Some groups just go ahead while others seek approval from DoC, only to be knocked back. If people are always denied approval for these minor tracks, they will tend to go ahead without consulting DoC. This could get out of hand. FMC takes the view that while DoC needs to control these activities it could be much more flexible in its attitude. Local access is important to people and most of these tracks have minimal impact. They are probably better than the alternatives of people wandering all over the place or cutting inappropriate tracks.

Six-Pack Campaign
FMC and Forest and Bird launched a campaign in June to promote the formation of six high country parks in the South Island. The six parks, Kaikoura Ranges, St. James/Spenser Mountains, Upper Rangitata/Arrowsmith/Lake Herson, Hawkdun/Oteake, Pisa Range and the Remarkables, are a subset of those proposed in FMC’s ‘Freedom of the Hills’ booklet. They cover existing conservation lands (much of it coming to public ownership following tenure review) and some properties that the Crown would need to purchase. With political will they are achievable within the current parliamentary term. T shirts, sweatshirts and a poster were produced to publicise the campaign. They are still available from the Secretary.

Tourism Forum
FMC is participating in this series of meetings between DoC, The Ministry of Tourism, industry bodies, and recreation and conservation organisations. Some of the tasks being worked on of interest to FMC are:
· Review of Recreational Opportunities Spectrum categories
· A tourism/conservation/recreation accord
· Criteria and processes for limiting tourism numbers
· Monitoring toolkit for concessions
· Research priorities

Concessions
We are discussing improvements to the DoC concession process with DoC. DoC are looking at altering the process for some concessions so that those are processed with regard to whether they comply with set management and conservation planning criteria or not. At present each concession is processed the same and without a planning framework. While this may make the concessions process less expensive for some applicants it could also mean that we see fewer concessions getting through that are a problem. FMC would like to see DoC plans having more impact on the concessions process than at present.

Outdoor Recreation Planning
The Government has asked DoC to discuss an outdoor recreation strategy for the conservation estate with users. We are working with DoC and others on a Summit meeting for later this year where the issues can be discussed as part of shaping such a strategy. FMC sees this as going beyond the old Visitors Strategy.

3.3 RECREATION AND CONSERVATION ADVOCACY NORTHERN
FMC has concerns about how some tracks are being developed in Whirinaki Forest Park. The use of mechanical diggers creates tracks of a much higher standard than necessary and is causing major tree roots to be severed. While DoC staff assure us that the damage causes no major setback to the trees it stretches the department’s credibility as a manager and advocate for protection of nature.

FMC submitted to the draft Kaimanawa Conservation Management Plan. We are still seeking better access arrangements through the private East Taupo Lands block in the central Kaimanawas. We made several suggestions for improvements to the track system to facilitate longer through and round trips.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands started charging a local orienteering club for holding infrequent club events in the Wairakei Tourist Park, for which they charge a small fee to cover expenses. FMC wrote to the Prime Minister expressing concern at this charge for non-commercial recreational access to public land and pointing out that it was at odds with the government’s moves to enhance public access.

3.4 RECREATION AND CONSERVATION ADVOCACY CENTRAL
FMC worked on a number of issues over the year.

One noteworthy event was the formal transfer of management of Molesworth to the Department of Conservation. This should result in better recreational access to the area. Management will be constrained by the requirement for much of the station to be farmed.

There was an attempt to amend the RMA Buller water conservation order over the Gowan River. Amendment to the Order would have provided for power development. The recommendation from the inquiry on the matter is not to change the order and our thanks go to Fish and Game and Forest and Bird who did the work this issue.

We raised the issue of the new radio repeater on Cone (in the Tararuas) with DoC. The tower is one for DoC use and will be one of a number planned so that DoC can have its very own (exclusive to DoC) VHF radio network. In addition to Cone, towers have already been erected on Ngamoko, near Waikaremoana, and Mt Watney. DoC plans its next installations for the Milford-Routeburn area.

The tower on Cone was put in without any discussion with the public, despite there being regular mechanisms for this (DoC said iwi were consulted though). The final decision rested with the Conservator who took the view that DoC was having the network so there was nothing really to discuss. Safety is given as the reason – DoC even said that they would have to shut Great Walks without radio coverage. Alternatives to a radio repeater network are available. DoC has conceded they should have consulted on this. The issue was also raised with the local Conservation Board by the South Wairarapa Tramping Club.

We are seeing a number of new huts go in to replace older ones and have discussed some of these with DoC. Flood damage has caused problems in some areas around Wellington and this altered work programmes as damage in the Rimutaka and the Tararua Ranges is repaired. Most of the damage has been to road-ends and road-end campsites.

FMC also raised the issue of advertising along tracks in the conservation estate. The issue arises with sponsored “interpretative” signs in which the main information seems to be the sponsors name and logo. These have been common on the short nature walks but there are now others along what are more properly tramping routes, an example being the track to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine Range.

FMC made a submission on the Makara windmill proposal. The site includes the Makara Walkway. Meridian, in planning the development, moved a number of windmills, so that these are now placed some distance from the walkway and cliff tops. The impact should not be a problem for users of the walkway. The consents issued for the windfarm include conditions to provide for recreational use of the area.

FMC also commented on a number other issues, including supporting land purchases over enclaves in Abel Tasman National Park ….

3.5 RECREATION AND CONSERVATION ADVOCACY SOUTHERN
Issues highlighted in last year’s report dominate the South, with very few new issues of note.

The Fiordland National Park management plan has still not been finalised. DoC’s decision to revisit the air access provisions, particularly with respect to Milford Sound, has contributed to the delay. However, we and member clubs were strongly represented at a meeting of interested parties, and we remain hopeful that the final plan will be worth the wait.

The other proposals to “improve” access to Milford by shortening the travel time – the gondola and monorail – have been joined by a proposal to tunnel beneath the Routeburn Track. On the face of it, this appears to have less impact on trampers and on the landscape than the other two proposals, but as always the devil will be in the detail. We are maintaining a watching brief. Of the other proposals, the monorail appears to be the most advanced in terms of consents etc, with the gondola proponents appearing to await the outcome of the Fiordland National Park plan process before proceeding further.
John Wilson, National and Northern
Owen Cox, National and Central
David Barnes, Southern

4.0 HIGH COUNTRY PASTORAL LANDS AND TENURE REVIEW
For many years there have been a large number of high country leases in New Zealand. The land is in fact crown property leased for the purpose of farming. Tenure Review is the process of negotiation between the Crown and the lease holder to freehold usable land, and return to full Crown control land of no economic value or which has high significant inherent value. Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is the Crown agency which administers the process with the Department of Conservation (DoC) as an adviser. DoC is given control of the resulting land unlocked from private lease control.

In general the process is providing good gains for the conservation estate and FMC believes it should be supported. It is clear though that early input into the process provides the best chance of having an influence for positive outcomes.

Late last year FMC met with the Minister of Lands Pete Hodgson to express our views on tenure review and get some idea of the government’s direction for the coming years. Meeting with ministers is always an excellent way to ensure that the outdoor community has the ear of the high level decision makers.

There are also a number of different organisations with similar views working on the process including Forest and Bird, PANZ and CORANZ. FMC is an active part of the High Country Coalition (HCC) which is a loose association of these groups which meet and work together whenever possible.

The HCC met with LINZ in an all day meeting to ensure that there was open communication on the tenure review process and to air some issues that we believe LINZ has been unhelpful with. Access to properties for inspection purposes, the number of leases under review at any one time, and the definition of significant inherent values (SIVs) are just a few of the issues discussed.

One area that is related to tenure review is the marking of public right of ways and access. As more and more land comes to DoC, it will become even more important to have marking on the ground and on maps freely available to all users. There is no use in having free public access that is secret. Signs and maps of access ways must be provided if the unlocking of the high country is to bring benefit to all those that wish to recreate and enjoy the freedom of the wide open spaces of high country.

There are a number of extremely hard working people involved with making submissions on the tenure review process. On behalf of the FMC Executive I would like to extend our warm thanks for the many hours of hard work in preparing submissions on tenure review properties.
Richard Wesley, Convenor

5.0 ACCESS
5.1 Access Reference Group
Government has been looking at mechanisms to fill in some of the gaps in the Queen’s Chain. Around 70% of land abutting rivers and the coast is either in public ownership or there is some form of Queen’s Chain along it. However, only about half of the water front has an effective Queen’s Chain because erosion or bed movement means that the strip is no longer available. The Access Reference Group (The Acland Committee) reported last year.

There was a reaction by rural interests that was blatantly misleading. For example we were subjected to a TV advert where a dog and rural looking bloke jumped a back garden fence, stomped the flowers, and headed off towards the opposite fence saying he was heading to the beach. The Acland Committee and the Government were not looking at anything remotely like this. Areas around houses were excluded and any access being looked at was along rivers.

This reaction meant that Government deferred decisions while further discussions take place.
A committee has been established to further examine the issues and s now beginning its work. FMC has had discussions with the Committee.

We face many access issues. Often there are legal access routes along publicly owned unformed road lines (paper roads) or marginal strips. Some have short sections that are physically impassable due to erosion, steep banks and so on. In others the blockage is deliberate and often there is misleading signage to the effect that the route is private. As the bulk of marginal strips and legal road lines are public land and they are usually farmed, it is not entirely selfish to expect some provision for access.

We will be raising these in our submissions to the Committee and with Government. The Committee is to consult through regional meetings later in the year. We urge clubs to attend
these meetings and to raise local issues with the Committee.

6.0 TREATY ISSUES - OFFICE OF TREATY SETTLEMENTS (OTS)
FMC monitors and liaises with OTS on Treaty Settlements. This year was a relatively quiet one on Treaty issues. It followed last year when foreshore and seabed issues dominated.

7.0 LIAISON WITH GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS
7.1 Ministers and MPs
FMC has continued to meet with Ministers of the Crown, and Government and Opposition members, to inform them on our views on important issues. This will be continued to keep MPs and Ministers aware of the importance of backcountry recreation and conservation, and to counter the claims of tourism development lobby groups.
7.2 DoC and other Departments
FMC continues to meet regularly with DoC at various levels, including regular two-monthly meetings with the Director-General and senior staff.
7.3 New Zealand Landcare Trust
FMC is one of the organisations forming the Landcare Trust. The other Trustee organisations are Federated Farmers, Rural Women, Fish and Game, Forest and Bird, Ecologic Foundation and Federation of Maori Authorities. Owen Cox is our trustee. The Trust seeks to improve environmental management in rural environments. It administers the Transpower Grant scheme. The Trust also provides useful contact with other Trust organisations, particularly Federated Farmers and Fish and Game.
7.4 ECO – ENVIRONMENTAL & CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS
ECO is an umbrella organisation for a large number of organisations with an interest in environmental care. FMC is a member and Viv Milne and Rick Barber are our contacts on the ECO executive. ECO has a very wide brief, but does assist with issues such as mining and planning law that impact on FMC’s interests in the mountains and outdoor recreation.

8.0 MEMBER SERVICES
8.1 FMC BULLETIN
The Bulletin is now standardized at 52 pages, which is somewhat bigger than previously but costing no more. Net costs after deducting advertising revenue (years ended 28 February) have been: 2002 $50,829; 2003 $41,693; 2004 $46,078; 2005 $43,183. Readers of this annual report will have figures allowing calculation of the Bulletin’s net cost for the year ended 28 February 2006.

The Bulletin owes its existence to its contributors. I especially thank Robin McNeill, Johnny Mulheron, Bob McDavitt and Presidents John Wilson and Brian Stephenson for their regular columns.

After several requests from clubs it has been decided to print the bulletin (commencing with the March 2006 issue) on thinner paper, thus making the issues easier for clubs and others to fold for posting.
John Rhodes, Editor

8.2 FMC SALES
Sales again continued steadily throughout the year. The demand for Mountain Safety Council manuals was steady, but with increased prices and the non-availability of discount, Mountain Safety Council suggested that FMC list their manuals in the bulletin, and they will now be despatched direct from Mountain Safety Council. The Bushcraft manual reprint has been delayed and at the time of writing this report, had still not been delivered.
Ray Burrell, FMC Sales Officer

8.3 FMC TRAVEL CLUB
Nine trips were offered in the year to 28 February 2006. Six departed : Queensland/NSW National Parks, Peru, Hawaii, Alaska/Yukon, Madagascar and Thailand/Laos. A total of 48 trampers and affiliated members of FMC participated, contributing a valuable surplus in gross income to FMC - an encouraging result! I am indebted to the management skills and dedication of the leaders who have worked with me to make these trips successful, and for some participants, the trip of a lifetime. The positive feedback proves that the style and content of our trips is about right, and there are a number of people who travel somewhere with us each year.

Schedule for year to 28 February 2007 :
June - U.K.
July - Switzerland
- Alaska/Yukon (2 trips due to high popularity)
August - Iceland
September - Borneo
- Papua New Guinea
November - Nepal
January - Patagonia
February - Tasmania

In addition, there are two extra trips which, if members book through the Travel Club, then FMC benefits. These are :
Colin Moore to the Larapinta Trail and Kakadu, Australia in May
Peter Hillary to Antarctica in December.
As both these trips are similar to our style and led by well known and respected leaders, this
initiative is being trialled as an additional benefit to FMC members.

Member enquiries are steady, so serious interest is gratifying. With an unlimited choice for overseas tramping, walking and adventure holidays at everyone’s disposal nowadays, Travel Club trips are shrimps in a sea of commercial sharks! Ours are modestly priced in comparison - an added attraction. Advertising our programme is limited to the quarterly Bulletin page and there is a time lag until distribution to members.

Overall the Travel Club is in great health and I am satisfied with our endeavours. I thank everyone who joined a trip this year, your support was very encouraging. Trip leaders too are absolutely fantastic, thank you so much to all who have worked with me, and who are keen to continue this role. As always, more ready, willing and able leaders are wanted! Thanks also to FMC Executive for your support and encouragement, particularly Lex Smith.
John Dobbs, Convenor

8.4 OUTDOOR SAFETY
Four training weekends for club instructors and other senior members were scheduled during the year, as follows:

North Island Alpine, July, Ruapehu, 7 clubs sent 12 members.

North Island Navigation and River Safety, October, Central North Island, 4 clubs sent 12 members.

South Island Above Bushline, September, Craigieburn, 4 clubs sent 7 members.
South Island Navigation and River Safety, November, Craigieburn, cancelled.

Participants gave very positive feedback on the training. FMC hopes the training flows on to benefit members in these clubs. North Island workshops received greater support, perhaps reflecting the higher number of club members in the north. Low numbers for the South Island Navigation and River Safety weekend were uneconomic and it was cancelled.

All workshops were organised from the North Island but it is desirable that FMC finds a South Island person to organise the southern workshops.
John Wilson

9.0 REPORTS

9.1 NEW ZEALAND CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
The New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) is a statutory body appointed by the Minister of Conservation under the Conservation Act 1987. Its functions, powers and membership are set out in that Act. During the year to February 2006 the Authority held five meetings and met in Wellington (2) and in Wanganui, Greymouth and Nelson.

The Authority approved the General Policy for National Parks in April 2005. This document gives guidance to the preparation of management plans and strategies. It replaces the 1983 edition. A sister document, Conservation General Policy, was approved by the Minister in May 2005.

The Tongariro National Park Management Plan has been received from the Tongariro Conservation Board for consideration and approval. The Board drew attention to two matters [1] The impacts caused by the over use of the Tongariro Crossing and [2] the rediscovery of the old cobbled coach road, completed in 1906, joining the then rail heads of Ohakune and Raurimu. This is identified in the Plan. It is intended to permit mountain biking on the coach road.

The Authority expects to receive the Fiordland Park Management Plan from the Southland Conservation Board later in the year for approval.

It is noted that the draft Abel Tasman Park National Plan is now available for public comment [February 2006].

In 2002 the Royal Forest and Bird Society submitted a proposal for a national park in the Kaikoura Ranges. The Authority, after due consultation, resolved that the statutory investigation required by the National Parks Act be not undertaken at this time, but a change in land status be considered at the time of the Nelson-Marlborough Conservation Management Strategy Review.

A number of conservation management strategies are now coming up for review and some have had extensions of time approved to enable the Conservation Department to complete a set of guidelines governing the reviews. Details of the dates of approval of the various strategies and plans are given in the Authority’s annual report which was presented to the Minister and tabled in Parliament.

The Authority is also responsible for advising the Minister on walkways. It is currently revising its policies on access and is awaiting the outcome of the Government Committee examining general access matters.
David Chandler, FMC Nominee

9.2 NEW ZEALAND GEOGRAPHIC BOARD
The New Zealand Geographic Board is the Statutory Authority for place names in NZ, and the Kermadec, Chatham, Auckland and Campbell Islands. Included also are NZ territorial waters, the Ross Sea Area and the Antarctica in cooperation with other national organisations with similar responsibilities.

There are exclusions and when the review of the present Act has been finalised there will be other responsibilities added.

There are four main categories of names in NZ :-

Maori Names originating from oral tradition
Maori names adapted and adopted by Europeans and often corrupted in some way.
Transliteration of European place names by Maori. eg Atene for Athens. Hiruarama for Jerusalem
The European names given by European explorers and settlers.

Whatever category the names belong to they indicate the historical and cultural influences and values of the people that name them.

Quoting from a paper written by Mr. Tony Bevin, the immediate past chairman of the NZGB “The development of dual naming and restoration of original Maori names is a sign of growing awareness and acceptance of New Zealand’s unique history ,combining Polynesian and mainly European settlement and influences. It is a valid practise for NZ’s requirements and culture.”

By retaining the more recent name along with the older Maori name, dual naming overcomes some of the problems that wholesale replacement can cause, such as loss of identify and confusion, especially in emergency situations. It also allows for either in every day use oral use, and perhaps with the passing of time, for the original name to gain in every day acceptance and use.

In place naming, as in surveying, the survey pegs of the past provide also the land marks and foundation of the future.”

In the last 12 months the Geographic Board has met but once although there have been several long telephone conferences in addition.
John Wheeler, FMC Nominee

9.3 NEW ZEALAND LAND SAR COMMITTEE
The most significant activity of the last few months has been the Strategic Review of NZLSAR. Following the unsuccessful bid for additional funding through the SAR Council earlier in 2005, and subsequent discussions with the Police, the National Committee of NZLSAR set up a review of the organisation. A company was engaged to consult with the SAR community and develop a Strategic Plan for NZLSAR. The key issues brought to light during the consultation included the high administration workload not enjoyed by volunteers, and the length of time it takes to accomplish projects, due to lack of volunteer time. The draft Strategic Plan was released at the end of 2005, with an aim of providing sufficient resources and funding to reduce the administrative burden of local SAR groups and allow them to get on with and deal with LandSAR matters. The plan includes a restructuring of the organisation to separate governance and management roles, and a funding strategy to allow the employment of a Business Manager and Field Support staff. The draft was approved at the November NZLSAR meeting, with widespread, but not universal, support. The next stage is to get the funding approved, develop job descriptions, and to find suitable people.

Another milestone to report on is the publication (finally) of the revised “SAR Field Guide”, which has been out of print for some years, and has been through the drawn out process of updating chapters and trying to write fast enough to keep ahead of new changes! This will be a valuable handbook for all SAR members, and particularly people new to SAR. Also just published is the notebook, “Incident Management Guidelines”, which sets out the roles and responsibilities under CIMS for those in the IMT (Incident Management Team, formerly Headquarters staff). This will be a great training tool, and a checklist during operations.

Operationally, NZLSAR had a pretty average year, but the search for the missing Erceg helicopter in November put search and rescue in the spotlight and raised some issues. The resulting review of the RCCNZ operation may result in NZLSAR being more involved in such searches in the future.

Computers are becoming widely accepted in the management of search and rescue, and the Communications Subcommittee has set up an Information Management Working Group to research and identify suitable equipment and software to assist search teams and management teams, and to manage training records. They will disseminate this information to SAR groups throughout the country, and make recommendations. Current projects include developing a framework for the standardisation of processes when using information management in SAR operations, implementing live tracking for the reporting of team locations, investigating use of information technology in the field and implementing training for search assistants.

Region 7 SAR groups have offered to hold the third NZLSAR bi-annual Conference, and we look forward to a good learning and social time in Dunedin during the weekend of the 18 and 19 November 2006.

The SAR Council has initiated a public awareness campaign about the change in distress beacons, from the popular 121.5 MHz to the new 406MHz beacons. Although more expensive, these will cause fewer false beacon alerts, more accurate and rapid location, and user identification. FMC’s club contact list provided valuable assistance to the SAR Council in promoting this information to potential users.
Laurie Gallagher, FMC Representative on NZLSAR

9.4 NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council staff were delighted to move back into their renovated offices at the end of October. This gives them much more space to accommodate the increasing staff, plus more meeting rooms and better arrangements for dispatch of pamphlets, manuals, and so on. The opening tied in with MSC’s 40th anniversary celebrations in December.

As part of the 40th celebrations, MSC is initiating an oral and written history of the organisation, although it may not be ready for publication until the 50th anniversary!

The new Bushcraft manual was due to be printed at the end of 2005, but a number of issues with it, requiring re-editing, have delayed proceedings. It should be published in March.

The revised River Safety section of the Manual stimulated much discussion, and not complete agreement. As a result of this, MSC is running a seminar in late March to show and explain current thinking about river safety. This seminar is intended for MSC instructors and others who can teach the methods to their network of outdoor leaders. I have been invited to the seminar, on behalf of FMC.
Laurie Galllagher, FMC Representative On MSC Council

10.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Executive of the Federation records its appreciation for the assistance from all those who have served the Federation on committees and boards, either as our contacts, nominees or in other capacities. We especially acknowledge the support and encouragement we have received from other national recreation and conservation organisations.

We also record our appreciation for the attention and help received from Ministers of the Crown, staff of their departments, from SPARC, to whom we owe sincere thanks for their funding support, and from other organisations, government agencies and individuals.

As Secretary, I extend grateful thanks to John Wilson, our Immediate Past President, for his continued willingness to help and bridge some gaps over the past year. Also, I personally wish to acknowledge with many grateful thanks the huge amount of ongoing help and support I have received from our Immediate Past President, John Wilson and to Owen Cox for meeting me to discuss urgent matters. Very special thanks to Eileen and Noel Newsome, for their invaluable help with transport and organisation at Executive meetings (in between the laughs it is hard work!). Special thanks also to Graeme Lythgoe for his continued help and support; and to Shaun Barnett, who so willingly gives me any photographs I need from time to time. Thanks also to Arnold Heine and Ray Burrell for their continuing service to members with maps and books and last, but certainly not least, to all members of the Executive, I extend my grateful thanks for their support and hard work, without which I could not operate.
Barbara Marshall, Secretary

June 2006 fmcsec@xtra.co.nz