July Social Meeting - Wednesday 25th July

17/05/2012

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At the Senior Citizens Hall, The Strand, Takapuna 7.30

Come along to our usual venue in Takapuna for an interesting and varied presentation of photos and a talk by Ian G. Morris and Garry Brooks, two of the very small party who took on the Tararuas over the Christmas 2011 period.  It promises to be fascinating for anyone with a botanical interest as Garry has plenty of orchid pictures, and Ian’s photos should not disappoint either if you are wanting to see some trails well off the beaten track in the lower North Island.  A tasty supper will follow, so come and enjoy some fellowship among your fellow trampers.  You should perhaps also get acquainted with your new club committee members, elected at the May AGM.

See you there, Pam, Gill and Elizabeth
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May Social Meeting

17/05/2012

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30 May NSTC Annual General Meeting Senior Citizens Hall, the Strand, Takapuna  7.30
Guest speaker: Dr.  Nick Waipara of the Auckland Council about Kauri Dieback

You will all be aware that a number of tracks in the Waitakeres are going to be closed for a year for a trial in an attempt to control the spread of the kauri die- back disease. This will have an impact on both where we can go as a club and where you can go on private trips. Come along to the AGM and as part of it find out from an expert what is going on and which tracks will be shut.

Wilderness Magazine reported:
About 27km of popular walking tracks in the Waitakere Ranges will be closed in a bid to halt the spread of a kauri tree-killing disease. Formation of protection zones around unaffected kauri in the dense forest west of Auckland City was called for yesterday by Auckland Council's parks, recreation and heritage forum.

Officials had reported a higher incidence of the kauri dieback disease in areas more often visited by walkers and survey work showed the need for more extensive measures to protect healthy kauri than the present boot disinfection stations. It is estimated about 8 per cent of the ranges' dense kauri areas are already infected and another 3 per cent probably infected.

"The disease may have long-term ecosystem impacts if it continues to spread unabated and uncontrolled," said a biosecurity team report. In some cases where it was not practicable to close a track, there would have to be upgrading and rerouting.

Forum chairman Sandra Coney said it was a precautionary approach that still allowed enjoyment of most of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, which had 256km of tracks.

Protection zones were proposed for the Cascade Kauri, Anawhata, Waiatarua, Piha, Karekare, Huia and Parau areas, to be reviewed in a year while scientists learned more about the disease and whether a vaccine or cure could be found.

You can see the full article including details of the proposed closures here:
http://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/view/page/articles/read/updated-auckland-trampers-face-track-closures/  
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September Social Meeting - Patagonia

22/10/2011

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There was a good turnout for the Patagonia photo presentation in September – thanks to Neil for doing this.

For those of you interested in visiting such wild places FMC might just have the trip for you. FMC travel group is off to Patagonia for 29 days on November 15th, taking in Southern Chile and Argentina plus the Iguassu falls in Brazil. The trip is led by Eileen Cameron. See the FMC web page for more details  http://www.fmc.org.nz/travel-club.
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Tawharanui: Waitangi Day 2012 Camping - Come to Paradise!

24/07/2011

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This is the traditional family camping weekend at this fantastic venue

A group of people has been going for many years now – so come along to enjoy convivial company.

Fantastic beach, body boarding and walks in the park .  and, of course, there’s the traditional happy hour………………

You can check availability on line now at this site – 

http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/stay-in-a-park/camping.cfm

Then ring this number to make your booking,(3662000 (Ext.2) Bookings open on August 1st.

Note it is a popular spot with  a limited number of camping spaces so you need to book soon. 

Helen is happy to be a contact for this and suggests that- dates can be from Friday evening 3rd of February through to Waitangi day on Monday the 6th.  Extra day can be Tuesday 7th and onwards for those who wish. 

Helen’s contact information is ph 444 1397.
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Social Meeting - Weds 27 July at 7.30pm

24/07/2011

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Join us at the Senior Citizens' Hall, the Strand, Takapuna, on Weds. 27th July, at 7:30pm, for an interesting evening of photos and narration by Ian G. Morris, Helen Orchard and Paul de Vos. Their recent trip to Sikkim is sure to fascinate you and you will almost certainly come away from it with the realisation that a Kiwi winter isn't so bad after all!  If you've never heard of Sikkim or are just a little curious, come along and all will be revealed.  Then, linger a while for supper afterwards.
See Meeting Places for how to find the Senior Citizens Hall.

Pam, Gill and Elizabeth
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Maps

24/07/2011

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Do you have Waitakere and Hunuas maps? If not come along and get them from a social evening or contact Gill Sanders – see contact list.

Waitakere and Hunua maps are $7 each and, we also  have pack liners to keep your gear dry-  $3 and $3.50 depending on size.
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Social Meeting - January 26th, 7.30pm Senior Citizens Hall Takapuna

07/01/2011

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Come along to our first social evening of the New Year, January 26th which has a Scottish theme. Roger will be showing photos and talking about his conquest of a number of the Munroes. Then you will be treated to a viewing of Bill Macfarlane's DVD on the West Highland Way.  It promises to be compelling viewing even if you may not relate to the Scottish mists at the height of the southern summer!  Linger a while afterwards to enjoy the company of your fellow trampers over a nice cup of tea and a tasty supper - sorry no haggis this time.

As requested by you we are increasing the number of social meetings – bi monthly for 2011.  The dates for the rest of 2011 will be  -  30 March, 25 May (AGM), 27 July, 28 Sept, and 30 November.

Pam, Gill and Elizabeth.

Remember that the next one after this one will be 30th March – now bi- monthly for 2011.
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