Category: Presidents Updates

PRESIDENT’S REPORT APRIL 2026

The phenomenon that time goes quicker (or seems to) as we age is an interesting one – scientifically explained by the “proportionality theory” and “Janet’s Law”. Anyway it seems like only yesterday that the new year 2026 had just begun and already we’re a quarter of the way through it! In this report I’ll hopefully inform of what’s ahead in 2026, with some reporting and reflections on the year to date. Continue reading “President Update – April 2026”

November 2024 update 

The year marches on far too quickly and Xmas will be here before we know it, which means we  would have been to the USA and Costa Rica and be back home! 

Welcome 

to Jill Thomas, Martin and Robyn Hickley, Rhonda Wilson and Peter Beal – we have enjoyed  walking and talking with you. 

Committee deliberations and follow ups 

– As part of the ongoing ‘upgrade’ of web information, the upcoming trip programme will  indicate a ‘P’ for permission required. Access to the details of private landowners are to be  requested from either John Gardiner (trampers) or Wendy Langley (hikers). Details of access to  private land is a courtesy from the landowner and the information is to be used solely for the  purposes of organising club trips. 

– Both the trampers and hikers bags that hold the emergency locator beacon for each group now  also have tape, gauze and a splint to assist with managing minor wrist damage. 

– Please note that the trip leader / tail end charlie must carry the beacon at all times, so for  instance it is not appropriate to leave it behind inside a pack on the ground whilst everyone  heads to a point of interest. 

– The club uses three locator beacons, the trampers and hikers as mentioned and a third held by  Phil K that is used mainly for the track clearing days. It was also to be used for recces where a  plb is required. After discussion should a club plb be required, it was agreed that this third plb  should be the one used for recces. 

– We identified a gap in our procedures as recces are not listed on the trip programme. Where  this plb – or either the trampers or hikers plb, if in your possession as leader for a walk the  following week – is used a text or email to Clive Crossman 021866410/[email protected] needs to be done to advise him where you will be. If the plb is turned on our contact point can   to the authorities when they call that a group/ someone is in that vicinity. Phil will also  leave the 3rd plb with Clive (who resides at 15 Calluna Crescent, Heathfield, Mosgiel) when he  is away from home. Thank you Clive for this support. 

At the combined walk to Deep Creek Weir, John and Wendy provided a demonstration and chat  on the use of plbs and how the process works. 

– John Gardiner and Wendy Langley agreed to be the trip coordinators for the trampers and  hikers respectively, and subsequently led the development of the summer trip programme now  published. Any changes to the trip programme should be discussed with either as this helps to  keep the left and right hand in sync. Many thanks to everyone for your trip suggestions,  especially Spen and Jane who have enlarged our store of walks considerably. 

– Barbara Shackell will be the social convenor (assisted by Jenni Wright and Raewyn Keene) and  note 11 December for the Xmas walk and lunch at Takitakitoa Wetland and Momona Hall. 

– As time moves on ‘things have changed’ as Bob Dylan sang, so Phil will edit the trip guidelines  to reflect those and have this ready for the next Committee meeting in the new year.

– Ross Davies redid the fuel calculations and a revised cost per km was agreed to be reflected in  the summer programme. A reminder that where a recce is done for a trip that has a fee per  passenger of $10 or more then the driver can claim three times that fee for the recce. An email  to the secretary confirming the recce was done and the date is sufficient to initiate payment. 

– It was agreed that the webteam would send the pre-trip note to leaders requesting details of the  nominated trip about three weeks in advance of the actual date. This helps get the final details  of the trip identified and confirmed and aligned with the upcoming programme. If you find  five minutes at some time have a read Trip Leaders and the Webteam 

– When trip leaders submit the trip information for trips ‘over the hill’ in town or North of town  or on the Peninsula to the web team for inclusion in the weekly update they need to be aware of  and include the practice of where those who live in the City should meet. 

City trampers meet
at Bayfield Park if the walk is on the Peninsula
at the Otago Yacht Club if the walk is down West Harbour
at Malvern Street, Woodhaugh if the walk is north over the Northern Motorway. 

In these cases there is a $5.00 ‘discount’ from the passenger fee ex Peter Johnstone Park.  Approximate the meeting time at these places should be no later than 20 minutes from the Peter  Johnstone departure time. 

Please also make sure in your notice that where to park cars at the start of a walk is clear and  precise. 

– As mentioned, our trip guidelines will be revised in the New Year. They do and will require  that recces need to be undertaken. We do not want to be too prescriptive about the ‘how’ these  are done but as a minimum access/bifurcations (forks in the road or track) need to be checked  and assessed and be sufficient to ensure leaders are conscious of walkers needs on the day.  Relying on memory is risky as the weather conditions could be different as well as the  landscape has changed since you last undertook the walk. 

– To let you know that Neville Griffiths has recently been inducted into the JP hall of fame.  Anyone requiring of JP services feel free to contact Neville, he can bring his stamps along on a  walk! 

– thanks to those who have volunteered/apologised for our first track clearing day on Monday  18th Nov. We have a high-quality team and there will be more opportunities to assist in the  New Year! 

Wishing everyone all the best for the festive season and keep up that walking to offset the increased  calorie intake. Note our first walk in 2025 is 15 January.  

Cheers
Phil

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

July 2024 Update: Taieri Recreational Tramping Club 

Hi everyone, time for another update as there has been a recent committee meeting  and to take an opportunity to highlight a few things; but first: 

Membership and Welcome 

To new members approved by the Committee – Denise Hammer, Charlotte and Chris  Handley, Sandra Lawn, Peter Dodds, Sue Beal, Shirley and Noel McRandle, Spen Walker  and Jane Bruce, Annette MacRae, Clare Banks and Lisa Harkness – I hope I have not  missed anyone! Great to have you with us and hopefully I’ll be able to keep up with you  all! 

Committee Deliberations 

• We agreed with the President’s recent advice to the Taieri Network in support of  their submission to the Clutha Council to provide public toilets in the Titri Bridge  area.  
• We discussed the suggestion for the club to initiate and maintain a Facebook page,  either private or public. There are a range of matters to consider; who would  maintain administration and standards, what topics would be covered vis a vis what  would be on the website etc. At this stage it was agreed we would further deliberate  and if you have suggestions, please let a committee member know. 
• We discussed the current membership level (130) and the suggestions made to us  that the club could close membership/ limit it to Taieri residents or charge a much  higher joining fee! etc. We are in agreement that the club’s biodiversity is  strengthened by having an ‘open to all’ membership ethos, many of the committee  and a high percentage of track clearers do not live on the Taieri! There are  approximately 45 members who either do not walk or do not walk regularly but like  to donate to the club as well as keep in touch with our comings and goings and we  welcome that approach. We will however continue to monitor the situation. 
• With now larger groups we would encourage everyone to re-read the Trip Guidelines  especially those guidelines that cover faster and slower walkers, bi furcations (ask  Dr Esther or Dr Google) and also the guidelines will be amended to cover the  scenario of injured or unwell walkers. It was agreed that depending on the context  of a trip a minimum of two and a maximum of four should return to the vehicles with  an unwell participant (where PLBs are not used). As a matter of practice, it pays to  keep an eye out for those behind you as much as those in front of you. 
• If I make a successful return from Perth in early August I’ll take a few minutes at  lunch on the combined walk to talk to these points.
• We have updated and confirmed with the Rescue authorities the process and  contacts for management of the club’s personal locator beacons. 
• In anticipation of the AGM we agreed recommendations to keep joining and membership fees at the current level ($10.00 each) and also approved the honoraria for Webteam, Secretary-Treasurer and Reviewer of Accounts. For the latter this will be the last year that Keith McKenzie will audit the accounts and we acknowledge the work he has done for us over the years. From next year Trevor Flack will undertake the review of accounts. Thanks Trevor in advance for this. 
• We had it explained to us the process the communication officer undertakes to set passenger fees for fuel reimbursement and agreed that the current process, based on AA data is working well. At this time, we will not be changing the $$ levels but will  reconsider at the time of compiling the summer programme. 
• As previously advised at an earlier meeting we agreed for the Webteam to undertake changes to the website, to refresh if you like and to make it cleaner clearer and simple to use and to work around. You will have noticed this has started  to happen, maybe in parallel with some wet days, and it is still a work in progress.  Please feel free to suggest to the Webteam members any ideas or improvements. 
• We are in the process of finalising AGM agenda items (22 August) and we will provide sometime for the Webteam to have a session to explain the changes and to provide feedback on aspects that will help everyone when you provide information for publication. 
• Roger Leslie from East Taieri has accepted an invitation to speak to us at the AGM. He was recently featured in the ODT supplement covering his new book, ‘On the Verge’ which details his exploits in walking NZ in aid of mental health. He and his wife have just returned from Europe where Roger also shore sheep in Germany and participated in ultra marathons. It was exhausting listening to him. 
• At the AGM Marijke will have some small paintings of where she has tramped for show and sale as a fundraiser for the Southland Hospice so come prepared (all the materials donated by herself and of course her talent and time) – no pressure! 

Well, that’s it, a lot happening in our neck of the woods – so keep warm while you walk  and talk. 

Raewyn and I will be in Perth for a month hoping for sun and warmth, home 1 August so see you 7 August. 

Cheers, Phil

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

April 2024 Update: Taieri Recreational Tramping Club 

Hi everyone, as mentioned at this week’s meet n greet, we have had recent Committee and Trip  Committee meetings, so this is a summary of what is happening. 

Welcome 

To Alison Kim and Sandy Webb who have had their membership approved which increases our  health and wellbeing capability considerably! We look forward to enjoying your company. 

From the Committee meeting 

1. Guests – First Outings – a reminder 

It is in the guidelines that it is the leaders’ responsibility for talking with guests to establish their  capability, medical history and expectations etc. From the Trip Organisation Guidelines:  “Leaders have the discretion as to who participates on the day.” If a member is inviting a guest  to attend, it is their responsibility to contact the leader of the trip so that there are no surprises  on the day. 

Note also, where there is the possibility of bad weather affecting the start of a trip it is not  always possible to get emails out in time on the day. The header to the printed Trip Programme  sets out the process but if in doubt pick up the phone and ring the trip leaders directly. 

2. Briefing Members on Trip Organisation Guidelines 

It was agreed that we should take five minutes or so every so often, to reinforce key aspects  from the guidelines. Ideally it would be done informally over lunch on walks. Watch this space. 

3. Locator Beacons 

It was noted that the third locator beacon is now with Phil Keene for use during track clearing if  needed. There are two separate issues to keep in mind with the beacons. The first is possession  and the second is contact people for emergencies and Jenni will check with the authorities as a  first step to confirm who is listed as contact points. 

4. Ramblers’ Formalisation? 

It was agreed that the status quo is working fine. Those who are wanting to shorten a walk  should communicate with the leaders and as long as there are two or more willing to go back,  then that is considered to be OK. If using separate transport, they should contact the leaders to  confirm they have left the area safely. 

5. Committee Members Standing for 2024/25 at the AGM. 

In terms of our constitution all positions need to be appointed each year and there is no set  term if elected to any position. Phil advised that he will be standing aside as President (and  would become Immediate Past President) and will continue to coordinate track clearing. John  would be happy to continue in the Vice-President’s role, as would Ross and Jenni in their  respective roles. Jay and Jan, after many years of service, will also be standing down, as will  Karen. Barbara, Pam, and Graeme S would be happy to be nominated again. 

6. Webteam 

Welcome and thanks to Graeme Souter for taking on this additional role. This brings the number  of Webteam members to five, headed by Ross Davies. They do a professional and important  function for the club. Many thanks.

7. Fuel Compensation for Track Clearing 

The Committee noted that around 140 hours of track clearing had been undertaken so far this  summer season. In the past, some money had been budgeted to pay members a  reimbursement for using their vehicles for track clearing. Phil moved that we formalise a fund to  compensate for those using their vehicles. This fund would be distributed in the form of gift  vouchers to help offset petrol costs, the value to each worked out at the discretion of the  President bas ed on the record of attendance. The budget for this year was set at $300. 

Trip Programme to 30 October 2024 

Following on from the committee meeting, the Trip Coordinators and teams have met and  developed the programme for the next six months and this can be printed from the website now  and/or accessed via Upcoming Trips on the home page. A reminder that the latter is always the  most current list as changes to the programme are noted there. Many thanks to everyone  involved in getting this completed so ably and quickly. 

Please have a look to see where your name appears and if you have any queries or concerns  speak to me or John and Jay as the Trip Convenors.  

We have revised the fuel reimbursement levels and note in some cases the gradings may  change following a recce by the trip leaders and a final route option determined. A confirmation  of the grade in the leaders trip report is always welcome as this helps with future trip programming. 

Note: 

1. the change to winter start times is on 5 June  

2. to diary the 3 July for the mid winter Tunnel Beach walk and lunch at the Concord Tavern  3. the AGM on 22 August at the Mosgiel-North Taieri Presbyterian Church, 11 Church St,  Mosgiel (behind Mitre 10). 

Photos for trip write ups 

Recently we have been approached and asked to remove a photo from a write up and this we  have been happy to do. The instance concerned a photo taken on a private property and we  need as a matter of courtesy to be aware of how we take and or use such photos. 

Finally 

More thanks to Anne and her team for the week at Kelvin Heights. Listening to folk talk about the  week plus looking at the photos made me pretty envious. 

Last update I said we should hopefully look forward to a warm and dryish summer, which we  have had, so why not wish the same for the next six months! 

Happy walking and talking 

Phil

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

November 2023 Update: Taieri Recreational Tramping Club 

Hi everyone, 

Running a bit late with this, but following our birthday party and AGM, a bit has been happening so  here goes. Firstly …. 

Welcome 

Who needs marketing teams to drum up business when our reputation for visiting interesting places  and walking, talking, drinking coffee and eating ice-cream is out there. So welcome to Carolyn  Pridham, Heather Reid, Chris Bezett, Val Cayford, Katrina McKenzie, Lenore Armstrong, Wendy  Langley, Sylvie Watt, Adrienne Ensor, Vivienne Manning, Karon Read and Jenny Wilton. We are  enjoying your company. 

Photo Show for 35th Birthday Celebrations 

After a bit of experimentation and playing around with options Ross has placed these photos on his YouTube site and these can be accessed at https://youtube/004hkDp4xt4. On your smart device/TV  they can happily be displayed to add background to a romantic dinner or showing others that we  have not aged down through the years or….. 

Summer Trip Programme 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and for the teams putting the programme together. The programme is presented in two ways on the website.  

1. listed under “Recent Posts” – “Upcoming Trips”  
2. can be printed direct from the link “copy of trip programme for printing”. Due to the dynamics  around trip organisation please note the “Upcoming Trips” is the most timely information. 

Fuel costs have been adjusted for the summer programme and a reminder that the club will  reimburse a driver for doing a recce where the fare is $10.00 and over per person times 3 = $30.00.  An email to the Secretary ([email protected]) confirming the recce was done and the date will be  sufficient for the reimbursement to be arranged. 

There are some trips where a grading is not shown, this can be due to a variety of reasons, maybe a  first time, or the exact details are not finalised until the recce is complete and the leader provides a  confirmed grade for the weekly email. 

One of the actions being undertaken by the Webteam is to build a master spreadsheet of all the  tracks that we use/ have used. We intend to add to this list the grading of the track as well as when  the walk was last undertaken. This spreadsheet will have multiple benefits, not the least being having  one master rather than multiple lists to comb through when compiling upcoming trip programmes. 

We have also made some small changes to the Grading document to emphasise that we are grading  the track, not fitness. The grading of a track is the same regardless of which group is undertaking it.  To assist in getting track profiles completed, feedback on gradings is always welcome and could be  included in the feedback when write ups are completed etc. 

With the ongoing changes to the contact list of members the Committee has agreed that a hard copy  will not be kept with the locator beacon bag; members (and Committee) can download a copy onto  their phones.

Webteam 

The team met recently to review how they are operating and to discuss detail, which happily most of  us don’t see, but which is critical to the functioning of the team and maintenance of the website. The  eagle eyed amongst you may notice some subtle changes. Subsequently myself, Jenni Wright and  John Gardiner joined the team. 

It was agreed that 

• a session will be run for those interested in sending in photos to the Webteam  • from time to time, the master photo (Saddle Hill) on the home page be refreshed  • we assess options for refreshing the website 
• we assess back up options for maintenance of the more IT aspects of the website; this is  quite critical as what may appear as quite easy requests or functions actually require  multiple pages of instruction! 
• we evaluate what information sets require passwords/be restricted or unrestricted 

It was also agreed that a fourth web team member be added to the team to give more flexibility and  that also we identify a back up for the Communications Officer especially in the more detailed areas  of the website administration. If anyone is interested in assisting in these roles, please contact/  discuss with Ross Davies. 

Kelvin Heights 

Arrive Sunday 25 February 2024 – depart Friday 1 March 2024 

Just a reminder to pencil this in and detail will follow in due course. This will focus on walks with no biking organised this time. Contact Anne at [email protected] if you require more  information at this time. 

Xmas Lunch and Walks 13th December 

Pencil this one in, to be held at the North Taieri Church Hall. More information shortly. Note the first walk in 2024 is on the 17th January 2024. 

Track Clearing 

A separate note will follow very shortly but as mentioned the aim is to continue the work of Neil  Morrison and Arthur Heenan by taking a working bee approach under the umbrella of the Green Hut  Group. I have met with Arthur, Neil and Graeme Elliott from the Green Hut Group to confirm how we  could assist and under what terms and conditions, as the Green Hut Group has formal arrangements  with DCC and DOC. All we need now is volunteers! 

Thanks everyone and looking forward to a warm dryish summer of walking. 

Phil Keene 5 November

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

May 2025 Update

Hi everyone

What fantastic days we have been having – the grass and weeds keep growing but time ‘in the hills ‘has been magic – things look a bit different either side of King’s Birthday!

Welcome: A warm welcome to Maryam Purvis, Carol-Anne Buchanan, Jan Palmer and Katherine Martin. It’s great to see you all enjoying your time with us.

At the last Committee meeting the winter trip programme was finalised and is well underway, remember 9.15am meet for 9.30am start after Kings Birthday. Fuel costs were assessed and held at the current level.

It’s always hard to get trip planning perfect but we need to stay focussed on what’s approved and not try and make too many changes.  We have adapted the application for membership form for new members to stress the expectation that assistance to lead or be tail end charlie with trips is critical to the growth of the club and that these responsibilities are not limited to a few. We appreciate that organising trips (and recces) comes easier to some but assistance is always at hand! And yes we acknowledge that others have done their share!

We again discussed the formalisation of the ramblers group but decided to leave things as they are – we stay open to feedback on this.  From time to time some members informally organise a walk through phone calls the night before or on the day; if they wish you could make use of the web team to send a note out the night before to let others know the where and when.

Speaking of the growth of the Club there will be changes at this years AGM.  As most know John Gardiner and I are both standing down (I will become Immediate Past President and stay on the Committee) and Jenni Wright also wishes to step down.  Please give your consideration to assisting  the club and consider nominations for when we send out AGM papers in July. (Diary the AGM for Thursday 14 August).

Whilst we have a very good framework in the Club, but also keeping it informal,  things can always be improved etc and not always done as they always have been! New blood brings new ideas.

Barbara will be organising a night for showing photos from trips members have undertaken – – around the world in an hour or two! If you would like to show some photos please let Barbara know so we can structure the night; each may have to have their top 20 photos  or so……

as well  Ross will take a short time to demonstrate techniques for photos that we send in to the web team  following the weekly walks.

Also as seen a note from Jenni has highlighted the Mid Year lunch at Waihola Tavern on 2 July. 

I know politics should not be discussed but the Committee agreed I should do a submission on a community trust proposal for Puketapu –  the Palmerston Hill – to cease grazing and implement a restoration plan with clear access to the monument.  To hand is a decision from the hearings committee of the Waitaki Council supporting and recommending to the full Council the restoration plan and reducing the grazing area.   Also at very short notice I submitted to the DCC  on the Tunnels Trust and the link between Wingatui and Abbotsford.  Hopefully we’ll get the same posituve result! Happy to provide copies of the submissions on request.

We have had 4 track clearing days this past summer, a little down on the usual but a range of factors have limited our efforts – I’m catching up with the Green Hut Group shortly.  Thanks to everyone who volunteered.

If you get the time have a quick refresh of the Track Grading document on the website.  The gradings allocated are based on a range of factors as well as a recce could result in slightly different route – and grade from the last walk write up. 

Note that track grades do not change because of the weather.  The grade is the grade is the grade – regardless of hot and dry or wet and muddy.

There is a footnote in the document  ‘Cautions

Although tracks are graded, any track may be more difficult on the day due to conditions like recent rain, deteriorating weather, or fallen trees.’ 

Lastly a wee reminder if a club plb (locator beacon) is used for a recce – (use of the 3rd plb held by Phil and Raewyn is preferred) then Clive Crossman should be emailed or txt’d ([email protected]/021866410) with the details of the recce. When a plb is activated the authorities contact Clive as our nominee to check the signal is in all probability genuine and real.

Keep walking, keep talking and stay warm

Phil

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

May 2023 Update:  Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Hi everyone

hopefully our weather settles down again, Wednesday’s are starting to get a bad weather reputation for walking – it’s broken the rhythm and I’ve been guilty of getting some times wrong, especially now we’re into winter hours.

Welcome
A ‘formal’ welcome to Avis Williamson, Bill Cubitt, Kay Seddon and Margaret Maxwell as confirmed new members.  We are enjoying walking with you.

Mid-winter / 35th Anniversary Celebrations
All club members and partners are most welcome to attend our 35th birthday lunch on Wednesday 5 July 2023, at the Taieri Bowling Club commencing 11.30am.  The cost is $15 per person.  Numbers and payment please to Eleanore, Jill Dodd or Jenni by Friday 23 June.

You are welcome to pay online or cash directly to one of the above.  Online if you don’t have the club’s bank account details recorded: 11-8367-0204225-11.  Please use your name and 35th lunch as reference.

If you have any dietary requirements, let us know.

Andrew Simms, Chair of the Taieri Community Board will be our guest speaker.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
This will be held on 24 August at the Taieri Presbyterian Church Hall at 1.30pm.  Jonah Kitto-Verhoef, Project Manager, Predator Free, Halo Project will be our guest speaker.  This will be timely as a follow-up to the coming week’s planting out day, and will provide a bigger picture perspective to what has happened to date and what the future will bring.  We will provide the AGM agenda in due course.

Kelvin Heights:  Arrive Sunday 25 February 2024 – depart Friday 1 March 2024
Anne Ward has some planning underway so pencil in the above dates.  Accommodation is at Lakeland Park Christian Camp, $30.00 pp per night.  Anne has booked the Shotover Block (lounge/dining, commercial kitchen, outside patio and bbq area;  the block has 7 dorm rooms with bunks for 4 people in each and unisex bathrooms.  Also booked 6 cabins that are suitable for 1 couple each, but will have to use the shared facilities in the main block.

We are planning 4 days of walking for both hikers and trampers, no biking this time.  We will have more detail later but feel free to contact Anne at [email protected] if you need any more information at this point in time.  Thanks Anne for all your work to date.

Website Password
As previously advised this change will be made very shortly and will be advised separately to everyone by the Web team

Fuel reimbursement
Just a gentle reminder that the club will reimburse trip leaders who undertake a recce for a trip costed at $10.00 and over, on the basis of the programme set trip fee, times 3 passengers.  For audit purposes, an email to the TRTC Secretary ([email protected]) setting out the date on which the recce took place and your bank account is all that is required.

Thanks everyone, I look forward to catching up ‘in the hills’ and remember ‘some people walk in the rain, others just get wet!”

Phil Keene 28 May 2023

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

February 2023 Update: Taieri Recreational Tramping Club 

Hi everyone, 

Good to see the weather is back in the summer pattern after last week’s welcome rain, and it is  looking pretty good for the Bannockburn walking and cycling trip starting this Friday. 

A few bits and bobs including from last week’s Committee meeting. 

Mid Winter Xmas Function/ 35th Club Anniversary
Yes, we have been walking and talking for 35 years so it was decided to have a combined function  to celebrate, more on this later. 

Trip Programme
You may be aware but to stress forms have been emailed to get suggestions in by 16 March for the  winter programme.

At the committee meeting we reconstituted the sub committees to do this, with John Gardiner  (convenor) and Pam Cocks and Jay Devlin (convenor) and Jan Butcher responsible for the trampers  and hikers programme respectively. Each sub committee will invite and co opt some additional  members to assist with ideas and formulate the programmes. 

Changes to upcoming trips
There have been a few of these lately, all with good reasons! To assist with the coordination of  changes please discuss with the convenor of the appropriate group your proposed change before  advising theTRTC webteam to update the website. Just to ensure the left hand knows what the right  hand is doing….. 

Bus trips/ Upcoming trips
Bus trips were planned to be a component of the Maungatua Traverse and Gabriel’s Gully trips in  mid March and early April. I have made enquiries of possible providers to get costs.  

Because of cruise ships there are no buses for the day of the Maungatua Traverse (15 March) and  the per head cost for Gabriel’s Gully (5 April) is approx $50.00, that’s $100 for couples! (compared  with $16.00/ $32 the last time we did Gabriel’s Gully). The committee has decided therefore that  we will use cars for this trip and get transport organised as much as possible before the day. A  caveat – I am still awaiting clearance from Rayonier/ Matariki Forests for the trampers component  before we get this trip finalised. 

We will replace the Maungatua Traverse on 15 March with track clearing – third time lucky! Hi vis tops 

The committee has approved the purchase of some replacement tops as some were starting to show  wear and tear – a good sign!

Access to DCC reserves
Where access to a DCC reserve requires a particular permission including via any locked gate, the  enquiry is to be made by email to [email protected] 

Club personal locator beacons
The third plb ex Ramblers held by Keith Munro and used for recces is currently with Phil Keene to  be taken to the Bannockburn week, but will be returned to Keith after this trip. 

Phil Keene (President)
28.02.23

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

November 2022 Update 

It’s been a wee while since the committee meeting but there’s been a fair bit of water  under the bridge since then and I’m away again next week to do five days volunteering for  DOC, cutting and marking tracks and cleaning huts on the eastern side of the Takitimu  Mountains, in behind Dunrobin station, in the head waters of the Aparima and Wairaki  rivers ….this area is now part of Te Araroa trail. Thanks to all who have been fronting  meets n greets for me over the last few weeks! 

Disclaimers of liability
This topic was discussed at the committee meeting following a member’s suggestion that  the club obtain signed disclaimers from members. We discussed the need and pros and  cons but were unanimous that the club did not require this, the main reason being that the  no faults ACC legislation covers eventualities, this being the reason other clubs similar to  ours do not require disclaimers. We did agree that from time to time we should outline  aspects of our trip guidelines over lunch or at morning tea stops and we will do this after  new year. 

A Third Way
We discussed the suggestion to allow a bit more flexibility in group dynamics without the  need to formally change the trip guidelines. We have currently two larger groups out most  days and without formally re-establishing the third ‘ramblers’ group, it was agreed that with  the hikers group, should folk wish to have a shorter walk they could have a clear  discussion with the leaders on the day to outline when and how they will return to vehicles  or another pre-arranged meeting spot. They must confirm to trip leaders that they have  finished accordingly. Such an option should only be exercised taking into account the  context of the day’s walk, weather etc. 

Trip Programmes
I think most members are now aware that the Upcoming trips on the website is now the  authoritative list and the webpage has been changed so that a legible hard copy can be  printed from there at any stage. If anyone requires a hardcopy and does not have a printer  please let a committee member know so one can be arranged. I will complete trip  gradings for the post New Year walks before the end of the year and the programme will  be updated. 

Fuel Costs
Ross completed another assessment taking into account information from the recognised  sources and some minor tweaks have been made.

Password for Protected Areas of the Website
As previously advised this will change from time to time to comply with the overall privacy  policy we looked at earlier in the year. The committee agreed we would change the  password once the renewal of membership cycle following the AGM was complete….so we  will provide a separate note on this. 

Xmas Function
Thanks to Jay for making a booking at Taieri Mouth Hall. We had assessed other  possibilities but these did not eventuate. Following feedback from Committee members  when they have been walking and talking, it was agreed that we stick with the status quo  and members bring a small plate of food for a shared lunch.  

Bannockburn 3-8 March 2023
Thanks to Anne for this provisional Itinerary to date (subject to change). Anne will speak  on it briefly at the Xmas lunch on 14 December, and will ask for a show of hands to gauge  interest etc, and this will also help with finalising details.

Friday 3 March – Travel to Bannockburn Old School (available from 12noon) 

Saturday 4 March –
Trampers – Devils Creek Track – (steep climb) travel over Cromwell Bridge, turn left  towards Tarras & travel 6km, carpark on right
Hikers – Park cars on right over Bannockburn Bridge in carpark and walk on track to Old  Cromwell Town (5.2km) and return. Toilets/Coffee shop

Sunday 5 March –
Everyone to drive to Domain at Camping Ground behind the bowling green and walk 1.2  km along road to start of track. Heading up to Stewart Town

Where everyone will stop for morning tea. 

Trampers – from Stewart Town – Long Gully Loop Track 11K and back to cars at the  domain.
Hikers – from Stewart Town – down through Slucings to Fulton Road and back to cars at  the domain. May wish to stop at coffee shop on way back to cars.

Monday 6 March –
Combined walk – over Bannockburn Bridge. Park cars on left. Lovely river walk stopping  for morning tea and lunch along way. Return on same track

Can have vehicles available if anyone doesn’t want to walk return. 

Tuesday 7 March- BIKE
Bannockburn Camp – Pisa Moorings – Smiths Way (take lunch or buy at coffee shop at  Pisa Moorings) approx. 24Kms each way. Can have transport

Available for those not wanting to bike return – Grade easy

Wednesday 8 March – BIKE
Hard Ride – Bannockburn Camp – Lake Dunstan Trail – Take Lunch to have at domain in  front of Yacht Club
Easy Ride – Bikers transported to Alexandra to bike Clyde River Track and meet up with  others at domain for lunch
Return to camp either by biking or transport provided

Thursday 9 March – BIKE
Travel to Gibbston Tavern carpark, off load bikes to bike Gibbston River Wine Trail 8.7km  to Bungy Jump, then onto Arrow River Bridge Trail

To Arrowtown for lunch 12.7km (pies from bakery yum yum) 

Return on same track back to Gibbston Tavern carpark (maybe pizza for tea before  returning to camp) 

Friday 10 March –
Clean up at camp prior to departure, must be departed by 12 noon

MEALS – will have meeting and arrange teams when we get better idea of numbers 

ACCOMODATION – 4 B/room house with kitchen (ideal for 4 couples), 2x bunk rooms  sleep 16 in each with separate room at either end of each bunkroom (20 per bunkroom).  Also sleepout with 4 single beds. Need to supply own bed linen/towels/pillows & single  fitted sheet for bunkroom beds 

KITCHEN- separate dining room which seats 60 plenty fridge/freezer  space/cutlery/crockery/cooking utensils/heating etc/barbeque/outdoor swimming pool. 

COST – $21 per person per night (was going to charge $22 night as we have to provide  own toilet paper/cleaning products/dishwash etc 

Feel free to contact Anne on 0274891366 or [email protected] if you have any  questions in the meanwhile. 

That’s all for now and will see you on 30 November. 

Many thanks 

Phil

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

President’s Update – August 2022 

Hi everyone 

Thought I would provide an update following the Committee meeting on Thursday. I’m writing it in  Wellington and the rain has followed us here, in buckets. Hopefully the rest of the week is better as  we head to sunny Nelson on Wednesday. Hoping you will all be out walking on that day – especially  as it’s been hard not getting out in the wettest July for a while, if ever…. 

1. The applications for membership from Neville Griffiths and Julie Mackenzie were approved so  officially welcome aboard folks.
   
2. Covid: the Committee has agreed that we will no longer require participants on our walks to  show evidence of double vaccination for Covid. The national standards no longer require this  when entering sites/public transport etc; however, we agreed we should ensure that Mask  Guidelines are followed. So we recommend masks are worn when sharing vehicles and also  in public, inside venues etc.
3. Whilst the AGM meeting place is not strictly a public place, we would also encourage the use  of masks on the day. We decided we should still proceed with afternoon tea (remember to  bring a small plate of finger food – thanks), as it’s a timely opportunity to socialise given the  run of wet weather. Antony Hamel has reconfirmed he will speak on his upcoming  publications on Dunedin walks.
4. A reminder that the third locator beacon (previously used by the ramblers) is now held by  Keith Munro (ph 021 0854 0355) for use by folks undertaking recces and we encourage you  to take it when out checking on upcoming walks. Just make sure you contact Keith well in  advance to make arrangements for pick up and return.
5. The Trip Grading system currently being ‘trialled’ was approved as our ongoing system to  allocate trip gradings. Feedback has been positive and it seems to help meet expectations  when folk are checking out their capability to undertake a walk.
6. In anticipation of the AGM, the Committee will recommend that the current level of joining and  subscription fees remain the same, as approved last year, and that honoraria were set at  $50.00 and be paid to the Secretary/Treasurer, the three members of the TRTC web team  and the Audit Reviewer.
7. Note for the election of officers at the AGM, I can advise that myself (for President), Jenni  Wright (for Secretary/Treasurer), and Ross Davies (for Communications Officer), will offer  ourselves for re-election. Also Karen McInnes, Jay Devlin, Jan Butcher, John Gardiner, and  Pam Cocks, offer themselves for re-election to the 5 /6 core committee positions.
8. It may be that some folk are not receiving the emails from the TRTC web team. If anyone is in  doubt, please send a note to the web team ([email protected]) and get things checked  out. Also, while trip organisers and the web team strive to get a note out about cancellations  or last minute changes within our guidelines, if you are in doubt about whether a walk is  happening, feel free to ring the trip organiser or myself to follow up. 

Hopefully be back out 10 August so looking forward to catching up then. 

Cheers 

Phil

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

Taieri Recreational Tramping Club: President’s Update  4 June 2022 

Hi everyone

As mentioned at this weeks meet n greet I would bring you up to speed on the work John Gardiner, Ross Davies and myself have been doing on Trip Grading, as well as a proposal on fuel costs for those in town, as well as requests from the TRTC Webteam for information for weekly reports.

Draft papers were submitted to the Committee this past week, and we have agreed we would pilot our new system, then formally consider it at our meeting in late July.

Trip Grading:  Appendix 1

At the AGM two years ago it was agreed that the incoming committee would consider this, given the subjective aspect of current ratings such as easy, medium and hard, and everything in between!

John, Ross and myself have met 3 times so far, and can recommend both the Black Road Grocer and Adjo for their coffee and cake.

We have assessed a range of different methods of trip grading. We have considered a paper that sets out the different approaches across a wide range of NZ tramping clubs, as well as some Aussie Bush-walking clubs that I looked at while in Perth, in addition the Aussies have a national standard for rating tracks, and quite good too.

As you can see we are suggesting a numerical rating system; we have assessed it (e.g. distance, ascent, time) against the last 34 trips the club has done to date, and independently Ross and I allocated the same rating for well over 90%  of the walks.  We have allocated trip gradings to the balance of walks on the current programme to the end of June and will shortly address the balance of the current programme.

We would like to get your feedback as we complete the programme, so that e.g. over coffee and cake the trip leaders just ask how you rated your walk and to provide this to the webteam.  A digital profile for each walk completed would be helpful.

The intention is still to have 2 walks per week that cater for all walkers.

We will update the ‘Upcoming Trips’ on the website and also re issue the Trip Programme asap.  The new Trip Grading system will be on the website alongside the Trip Guidelines and the links will also be in the Trip Programme.  For day to day trip planning, the ‘Upcoming trips’ list on the website should be considered the most current list.

Car passenger Reimbursement of Vehicle Running Costs

Ross has prepared a proposal which the Committee supports. There are now quite a number of vehicles in town that are driven to a central starting point when a trip is north or east of the City, say on the Peninsula, or over the Motorway/ Kilmog etc.  After assessing meeting points in town that are all 19km less than leaving from PJ Park, and current fuel prices, the change means that passengers joining a town based car would pay $5.00 less than the cost shown on the trip programme, rather than the full trip fare on the programme.  $5 will be a minimum discount. To stress a full fare would be paid if the car leaves from Peter Johnstone park.  The Committee will formally look to approve the proposal at our July meeting.  This change can take effect from the Split Rock trip on 8 June.

Information for weekly reports

The web-team – they are doing such a great job – have for the last few weeks been asking trip leaders to provide specific information in advance of the weekly report, so that members can be clear about what to expect on a trip, and help decide the best option on the day.  They have had good feedback. They will continue this and as mentioned also build in a request for feedback on the revised Trip Grading system.  In addition with a digital trip map etc. we would quickly build a profile of our walks with the new trip grading classification.

What to do

Please take 5 to consider especially the appendix 1.  Take the opportunity to talk to John, Ross or myself during the upcoming trips as well as provide feedback to trip leaders on how you rate the walks.

Many thanks

Phil

Appendix 1 Trip Grading

Notes:

Tracks
Higher grades will include sections of easier track e.g. Grade 2 might include footpath sections.

Ascent
Usually trips return to the start point so there will be just as much downhill as uphill.

Moving Hours
These don’t include morning tea, lunch, or rest stops which usually add 1-2 hours for time away from vehicles.  All times are estimates because of variables like weather, leadership and general group fitness (a group is as fast as its slowest member). 

Rests
These are approximate but indicate the likely frequency of stops for rest, regrouping, refuelling, and rehydrating.

Grading
Trips won’t always fit neatly within the different factors and expectations.  Where possible variations will be clarified by leaders before the trip.  Some will fall between the grades and will be graded as in between e.g. Grade 3.5 will be harder than Grade 3 and easier than Grade 4. 

Hazards
Leaders are encouraged to explain specific hazards in advance, like stream crossings, overgrown vegetation, rope sections, exposure to weather.  However, any of our trips may include steep slopes, uneven terrain, tree roots, unbridged stream crossings and other obstacles. 

Cautions
Although trips are graded, any trip may be more difficult on the day due to conditions like recent rain, deteriorating weather, or fallen trees. 

Feedback
The grading system is to clarify the different levels of our trips to give guidance to newer members and to help all members decide which trips to go on, and to be prepared. Feedback is needed on the factors and criteria of the grading system (which are the more important?) as well as how the grades are being set.

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates

Taieri Recreational Tramping Club 

April 2022: President’s / Committee update 

Hi everyone 

I thought it may be timely to provide an update following meetings of the Committee, given that in  the Covid environment we have been understandably having variable turnouts, also not having all  walkers leaving from Mosgiel and so missing some of the verbal updates. 

It has been great to be getting back into the regular pattern of a Wednesday walk, and lo and behold  the weather always seems to be fine! I certainly missed the hills in Aussie, but there were other  compensations. 

Firstly though, a special thank you to Betty and Jim for sharing the details of their 60th wedding  anniversary with us at the car-park last week – such a wonderfully varied and interesting life  together. Also, a big thanks to them for leading many walks down through the years. Betty and Jim  have requested not to lead from the coming trip list, but I know they are willing to share their  advice. Of course, we hope to walk and talk with them both into the future! Thanks again to them  for those special chocolates last week. 

Winter Trip list 

This is ‘complete’ and the webteam has posted the trips to mid-June on the webpage, under  ‘upcoming trips’. Please take five to see if your name appears! John Gardiner, Ross Davies and  myself will look at the gradings of trips on behalf of the committee, as it has been an outstanding  matter from AGMs for a year or two. We will get the full list out shortly after I have completed  some wording changes to the introduction. 

Note in your diary though, the mid-winter lunch is at the Mornington Tavern on 6 July and the  AGM will be 18 August. Antony Hamel has agreed to speak on his upcoming revised publications  on walks around Dunedin. 

Note also: Winter hours start on 1 June, meeting at 9.15am for a 9.30am departure. Trampers will also note we have a track clearing day on 11 May to assist Art and Neil. 

Vehicle costs 

These have been assessed from a number of angles and various permutations considered by the  Committee. Ross made recommendations to the Committee based on the formula on the website,  but with up-to-date fuel figures (they are the most significant component) from the Ministry of  Business……. AA figures are outdated, but when updated, we will do some additional work on the  other variable costs and if necessary, we will adjust again. 

The Committee has agreed with a proposal to cover recce costs for trips $10.00 pp and over. We  consider that this will assist in ensuring recces are undertaken as well as not leaving trip leaders out  of pocket. The reimbursement will be at the agreed $ multiplied by 3 (passengers). To keep the  audit reviewer satisfied, we will require a simple email to the Secretary ([email protected]) 

advising the date and destination visited. We want to ensure that folk feel comfortable in applying  for reimbursement, but note that it is voluntary. 

COVID 

The committee has agreed to keep the current practice of ensuring walk participants are fully  vaccinated. This has worked well and we will reconsider the practice as national guidelines change. 

Privacy Act 2020 

We have received information prepared by the Federated Mountain Clubs and distributed to affiliated members (the club is not one). Clubs like ours are bound by the Act. The advice has been  considered by the Committee and has adopted it. 

We will prepare a short note for distribution to members and do a slight redesign of the application  for membership form. Our Secretary will take on the role of ‘Privacy Officer’. We will ensure that  members addresses are not held on the website (they are good to have for possible health and safety  events, sending of cards etc), and we will need to change passwords more regularly to the restricted  information on the website. Should members wish to have their information restricted they should  notify the Secretary. A little more on this later! 

First Aid 

We are making some initial enquiries from providers to get a revision underway in order to keep  this up-to-date for those interested. Again, we’ll be in touch shortly. 

Many thanks, and keep getting out and about enjoying this wonderful autumn weather. 

Phil
021 0358551
[email protected]

Link to President’s Update information Library  for previous updates