Anniversary dinner date
We will be having our anniversary dinner at the Puketapu Hotel on 9 October. You are all invited! Partners, etc welcome, too.
Most meals are $20-$30 or you can have a bar snack. Please let Di know if you’re coming (and if you are bringing a guest, as well).
Important information for owners of PLBs: Please read this!
Recent experience has revealed a gap in our safety measures.
There is new guidance for 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 tells 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 registered 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:
- 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.
Ruahine Whio Protection Trust 2026 Calendar
The RWPT 2026 Calendar – same price as 2025
Janet Wilson, Chair of the Ruahine Whio Protection Trust, tells us that the 2026 “Wild Ruahine” calendar is available now, for the same price of $20 + P&P. The postage has increased to $5.50 this year, but Janet can send three or perhaps four in one envelope for that price.
Janet hopes you will continue to support the work. She says: “It’s hard-going out there in the funding world, with more and more projects competing for a limited amount of funding”. Previous calendars have been brilliant, and make a fine, long-lasting Christmas present that could inspire friends and rellies to support the cause. Janet’s email: jwilson@inspire.net.nz
Important changes to the tramp booking system
We’ve changed the system to improve security and privacy. It’s no longer possible to access or 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.
Transport cost increase
The transport charge has gone up, due to higher insurance and hire costs. The new cost per tramper is $30 (an increase of $5).
If we go over 250km in a day, the hire price increases per kilometre so these trips will also cost more, usually $35 depending how far we go.
Upcoming DoC pest control operation
Aerial operations are taking place in the Southern Tararua and Project Kākā areas. You can find more details here: Southern Tararua Aerial Factsheet
FMC Photo Competition 2025
This year’s FMC competition. Categories include:
- Above bushline – (with human element)
- Above bushline – (without human element)
- Below bushline – (with a human element)
- Below bushline – (without human element)
- Historic (taken before Jan 2020) – an old photo, not a photo of old things
- Native flora, fauna and fungi
- Long exposure
Send your pictures to Sue at petesuem@gmail.com
You will receive confirmation on receipt. If there are more than two photos for each category, an independent judge will decide on the two that go to FMC.
Wilding Pine update
Here’s the latest from organiser Graham:
We know how much you were looking forward to the most recent wilding pine trip. However, the weather was pretty bad on the day, so we’re pleased we pulled the plug early. Your safety is always a priority.
For some, it’s hard to be available during weekdays – so we have decided to mix it up between weekdays and weekends from here on. The next trip date is: Sunday 28 September. On this mission, we’re heading back to Makahu to work on the pines identified in a recce trip. Meet on Osier Rd, Taradale, outside No 22, at 7.50am for an 8am departure. Let us know by Friday 26 September if you’re coming, so we know how many to expect. If you know others who are interested, invite them to sign up on our website.
Future dates for your diary: Monday 24 November and Tuesday 2 December.
Any questions? Just call Graham on 027 451 8067
Wilding Pine Trust seeks a new trustee
With the imminent departure to Australia of Giles Pearson, the HB Wilding Pine Trust will be looking for a new trustee to do a little bit of work behind the scenes and provide some leadership on the volunteer trips. Says Giles: “A passion for what we’re doing is all that is really needed. If you have some financial or fundraising experience, even better!”
If you’re interested, or know someone who could be, please contact the trust via its website. You can contact Giles direct at giles.a.pearson@pb08.wixemails.com
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