FMC published a policies document in December 2018. It was the result of a year-long policies review process that included consultation with clubs. Hard copies of the document were sent to clubs, politicians, and others we wanted to inform. There is an online version.
FMC’s policies committee reconvened this year to ensure our policies, individually and as a whole, remain fit for purpose. The committee recommended a handful of minor changes, which were approved by the FMC Executive at an Exec meeting in Wellington on 19 October 2019. The online version of our policies has thus been updated.
FMC’s policies have been amended as follows:
Commercial use of public land
Point 10. (wording change)
From: ‘mining is unacceptable in national parks or wilderness areas. In other areas, mining concession applications should be treated on a case-by-case basis.’
to: ‘mining is unacceptable on public conservation land.’
Fostering the outdoor community
Point 1. (new policy)
‘FMC supports a spectrum of recreational opportunities.’
Large-scale environmental issues
Point 2. (wording change)
From: ‘FMC will advocate for conservation and other natural values legislation, policy, and planning that will reduce carbon emissions.‘
to: ‘FMC will advocate for conservation and other natural values legislation, policy, and planning that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.’
Point 3. (new policy):
‘FMC will advocate for sustainability in all aspects of backcountry recreation.’
Huts and booking systems
Point 1. (new policy)
‘FMC emphasises that the primary purpose of huts is shelter.’
Point 9. (wording change)
From: ‘huts with booking systems should have wardens’ quarters and have resident wardens whenever possible at times when the system is operating.’…
to: ‘huts with booking systems should have resident wardens whenever possible when the system is operating. Wardens should be volunteers where appropriate.’
Photo at top: Mt Somers (summit on right) is a recreational hot spot and contains rare earth minerals. (c) Neil Silverwood
