Wilding pine update
Graham Leach reports: The next trip will be a familiar location to many who have helped before, but may be somewhere exciting and new for those who haven’t joined us yet. We will be heading to the Kaweka Lakes to go over areas we have previously visited. It is vital to go back to previously visited areas as the pines have a habit of popping up just when we are not looking.
The date for this trip is Thursday 14 May. We will meet outside Omahu Urupā / Cemetery as usual (leaving any cars on the opposite side of the road) at 7.50am for an 8am departure. We’re normally back (happy and tired) to the cars at around 3pm. Remember to bring a range of clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable – warm clothes, beanie, gloves, raincoat and sunscreen.
Please contact HB Wilding Pine Control at alexia.morgans@pb08.wixemails.com or call Alan on 027 539 6278 by Monday 11 May if you’re keen to join in. If you know others who are interested, they can sign up on the HB Wilding Pine Control website.at https://www.hbwildingpinecontrol.org.nz
Future diary dates: 17 June and 14 July.
Track closures
Some tracks and car parks in the Kaweka Forest Park were closed from 15 February. The closures may be in effect for up to five months. Details, including a map, are here
Ruahine User Group
Please see the February meeting minutes of the Ruahine Users Group. Julia, our club representative, was unable to attend this meeting.
Predator control in the northern Ruahines
The next phase of DoC’s predator control operation in the northern Ruahines began in early February. You can get the details here. The department says that warning signs will be placed at all normal points of entry to the operation prior to the application of 1080 bait and that the carcasses of poisoned animals pose a significant risk to dogs for several months after the operation. Warning signs will remain in place until this risk has passed.
Owners of PLBs: Please read this!
New guidance applies to anyone taking their own PLB on a club tramp.
The club’s PLBs link the national Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) to our group’s contact, Brian Mackie. They immediately call him if a club PLB is triggered, to ascertain group numbers, names and so on. When Brian is alerted by the RCC, he tries to contact friends and relatives about the incident and keeps them updated.
But if a tramp member sets off their own beacon, the RCC will only contact the emergency person named for that PLB.
It’s now essential that, before you go tramping, you advise your emergency PLB contact that, if your PLB is activated on a club tramp and they receive a call from the RCC, they should:
- Answer all questions, and then
- Tell the RCC caller that this is a Napier Tramping Club event and that they should also contact Brian Mackie on 021 613 914 for further information about the party.
Changes to the tramp booking system
We’ve changed the system to improve security and privacy. It’s no longer possible to use the booking pages unless you are authorised. Anyone without permission will be blocked, but you’ll be offered the opportunity to request access. Just follow the prompts.
Tramp Control will receive an automated email message with your details and request. Please allow time for this to be processed. It usually takes less than 24 hours for verification but if you experience a longer delay or require earlier confirmation of approval, contact a committee member. Once approved, please carefully read the guidance notes before you make a booking.
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