FMC calls on Kiwis to join them for the third year of Love Our Huts

Love Our Huts is returning for its third consecutive season and Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) is calling on Kiwis to give some love to the backcountry.

FMC’s hugely successful Love Our Huts campaign invites outdoor recreationists to give a backcountry hut a spring clean and health check to ensure they remain in good condition for future generations to enjoy.

“I’ve looked at volunteering as a hut warden or getting involved in trapping projects but never found the time. Love Our Huts was an easy way to get involved and give something back, in a way that worked for our family,” says Suzi Bell, a volunteer from last season.

“It was amazing to see how little it took to make a big difference and it motivated me to do my part for each hut I visit. If we all do that little bit extra, it’s a better place for everyone. I’m still proud of the difference we made to those long drops!”

Mark Nicholls, another volunteer from last season, said Love Our Huts is a chance to contribute while doing something you enjoy.

“Love Our Huts gave me the opportunity to indulge in three of my favourite things – tramping, cleaning and data analysis!

“By the end of last season, I’d cleaned a total of 13 huts. It felt great to contribute to the upkeep of huts that are often overlooked and don’t usually receive a lot of love,” Mark says.

FMC President Allan Brent says Kiwis have shown they love our public conservation lands, including our unique hut network, and this campaign is an opportunity for them to contribute to caring for our much loved special places.

“Last season was a huge success, with more than 250 huts getting a spring clean and health check from more than 300 volunteers. We’re hoping to see even more huts get cleaned this summer.”

FMC has made it easier than ever to love a hut with the launch of its brand-new and user-friendly website www.loveourhuts.org.nz.

It is the one-stop shop for Love Our Huts. Simply create a profile, then find a hut on the interactive map, register it for a clean, and once you’ve visited that hut, complete a simple report and upload a few photos. A simple hut loving checklist is provided to help remind people what to take, what to look for, and what to do.

“Our huts are more than places to rest. They’re where we shelter from storms, share stories, have adventures, connect with each other and nature, and have a base for important conservation work. They’re part of our history and our future,” Allan Brent says.

“Every hut we clean and every health check we report shows decision-makers that these places are loved by people all over the country, and helps the Department of Conservation and Backcountry Trust plan for maintenance and repairs to keep these huts going.

“Whether it’s taking out rubbish, cleaning the windows, or reporting issues, every small action helps ensure these special places remain available for everyone to enjoy.

“These huts have provided a safe haven  for so many of us. This is your chance to show them some love and appreciation, and help preserve them for many more generations.”

Registrations are now open. To find out more about Love Our Huts and to register a hut for some love, head to www.loveourhuts.org.nz.

Image: Alison Arron, Sylvester Hut