November 2006
FROM THE EDITOR
Hi All I seem to be forever apologising for the lateness of this newsletter each edition, and once again I find myself doing this! The only excuse is that it's been busy. The year seems to have flown by so quickly and already we are heading into the warmer weather, albeit a little bit of rain, snow and wind still appearing now and again. But as Christmas nears and the thought of listening to "Snoopy's Christmas" over and over again looms closer, this can only encourage one to organise oneself out into the "open air" and away from the frantic rush of city life over the holiday period. There are a number of good tramps coming up, particularly over the Christmas period, so start planning and get out there. Wishing you all a very safe and happy Christmas with family and friends. Marlene Pouri-Lane (email me at: mpourilane@xtra.co.nz)
FROM THE PRESIDENT Greetings everyone It's been a productive year with lots of skiing done in between other odd jobs. The Committee has worked hard over the past 12 months and I would like to thank them for their continued support. I am very pleased to report that we have now completed all payments to DOC for the sewerage scheme. This means that we can now focus on starting to pay back debentures to members and also to maintenance of the Whakapapa Lodge. Proposal for New Showers The committee are currently looking into the feasibility of installing new showers in the lodge over the summer. This has become necessary due to the deterioration and rotting in the current shower units and we are concerned that if left any longer, more extensive damage may need to be repaired in the future. We are currently in the process of pricing the installation of new showers and it will be discussed further at the next committee meeting in December. Meanwhile, we would be interested in hearing from any "qualified" volunteers (particularly plumbers, electricians, builders) to help with the work over the summer if it goes ahead. A copy of the plans for the new showers is shown on the next page. The work party dates have been scheduled at the end of this newsletter. Wishing you all a very merry and prosperous Christmas and New Year. Wayne Donovan President
WHAKAPAPA LODGE CUSTODIAN A big thank you to Julie Fraser who took on the role as Custodian at the Whakapapa Lodge over the winter period. Although new to the role, she did a superb job at keeping everyone in line. Disappointingly, there aren't any funny stories we can report on her during this time, but hopefully next year!
MEMBERSHIP NEWS Welcome to new/old members: Luke AKA Snatch-It and Mel Cornflour Subscriptions are well overdue. If you haven't already done so, please have your subscriptions paid by the end of this month. If you have any problems with your subscription notice, please contact : Megan Jensen By email on: thejensens@xtra.co.nz, or by phone on: (06) 358 2780
HISTORICAL BOOKLET FOR SALE "Chronology of the Tararua & Rimutaka Ranges" A fully revised 5th Edition of this booklet of 64 pages, packed with information on the history, huts, and events of the two ranges, is now aailable. It replaces earlier editions. Copies can be obtained from the author at $10 each (inc. postage) "Seventy Five Years in the Hills" You are also invited to purchase of the book illustrated below. It is a history of Tramping in the Tararuas (and skiing at Ruapehu) as seen through the eyes of the LWTC. Written for the Club's 2002 75th Anniversary, it comprises 52 pages at a cost of $10 each. Ross A. Kerr, PO Box 540, Levin 5510, Phone (06) 368 4796 Waiopehu Hut (1947-2002) Prints The Club has a number of prints on card, sizes 21x30 cm and 30x42 cm of Waiopehu Hut II, done before its demolition in 2002. Copies can be purchased at a cost of $2 each with an appropriate container or envelope to: Ross A. Kerr, PO Box 540, Levin 5510, Phone (06) 368 4796
CONGRATULATIONS Jason Donovan Jason competed in the NZ Special Olympics in the South Island and won Gold in the Giant Slalom (Skiing) and Gold in the Slalom (Skiing) He also competed in the North Island Special Olympics and won Silver in Giant Slalom (Snowboarding) and Silver in Slalom (Snowboarding) Editor's Note: It's a shame his father doesn't have any hidden talents!
WHAT'S ON IN 2006 & 2007 Please Phone Sue Clelland (06) 368 2118 For all
field trips (excluding Work Parties or where someone else is indicated as
contact person)
9 December Waitarere beach forest bike ride followed by BBQ. A family trip
for all ages. Contact Geoff or Sue.
4-14 January Base camp at Ruapehu Lodge. Join in DOC summer programmes (please
book with DOC)
12-14 January Whakapapa Lodge Work Party. Contact Wayne Donovan (04) 905 3535.
24-28 January Otaki Forks-Mangahuka-Andersons-YTYY circuit at medium pace..
See the ladder and the new hut.
3-4 February Waitangi Day is Tuesday. I would love to come up the Otaki River
camping two nights. Please can we have a leader to help?
23-25 February Whakapapa Lodge Work Party. Contact Wayne Donovan (04) 905
3535.
3-4 March Mt Taranaki Summit. John T promises better weather this time. Contact
John (06) 751 2236.
9-11 March* Whakapapa Lodge Work Party. Contact Wayne Donovan (04) 905 3535.
10-11 March Waiopehu Hut-Oriwa Ridge then out down Makaretu Stream.
1-3 June** Whakapapa Lodge Food Carry + Tramp. Contact Wayne Donovan (04)
905 3535. * This work party will only go ahead if painting and outside work
is not completed in the January and/or February dates. ** The food carry will
have limited numbers. Preference will be given to those non-members wishing
to become new members.
S.K.I. Tour: Copper Mtn & Aspen, Colorado,
3-19 February 2007 Why Go on a Ski Tour with Rod? * Suits any ability: Beginner,
Intermediate or Advanced * Ski with someone of the same or similar ability,
often friends or partners ski at different levels, so this is a great way
for all to have fun and ski with someone. * Save with the buying power of
group discounts * Make new Ski friends * Enjoy the fun and camaraderie of
like-minded skiers, yet have the independence to do your own thing on the
slopes and apres-ski * Singles who wish to share pay half the room costs *
You have on call a Tour Leader to ensure the smooth running of your Itinerary
Itinerary Sat 3 Feb Auckland - Denver, flying Air NZ and United Airlines (via
Sydney & San Francisco) Denver Airport - Copper Mountain Resort 3 - 10 Feb
7 nights accommodation at Copper Mountain Resort in twin Share Bronze Studio
Kitchenette Units 6 day lift passes valid at Copper Mountain Resort *Ski Free
if you have a Mt Ruapheu Seasons Pass Sat 10 Feb Copper Mountain - Aspen Resort
by charter bus 10 - 17 Feb 7 nights accommodation at the Aspen Mountain Lodge
in a twin Hotel Room. Includes breakfast. 6 day mountain lift and bus pass
valid at Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass Sat 17 Feb
Aspen - Auckland, flying United Airlines (via San Francisco & Sydney) Arrive
NZ 19 Feb. Summary This season Rod is off to Copper Mountain & Aspen to experience
the champagne powder and the blue sun shiny days which Colorado is renowned
for. For the first 7 nights, the tour is going to Copper Mountain Resort,
a wonderful resort with 2433 acres of terrain! You can ski at Copper Mountain
and ski for free if you have a Mt Ruapehu seasons pass or you may choose to
utilise the free bus system and ski Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe basin,
Vail or Beaver Creek (lift passes to these areas can be arranged, please enquire).
Also, by free bus access by evening so it doesn't interrupt your skiing hours,
Silverthorne one of USA's largest factory shopping outlets areas. Just plenty
to ski, do and keep you entertained. After your week at Copper, we are going
to transfer you by charter bus to Aspen, a day to enjoy the scenery (approx
3 hours) and put your feet up on what is normally a busy Saturday on the slopes.
We have chosen a lovely boutique property here in Aspen, Hotel Style which
includes breakfast, as right on your doorstep are too many great restaurants
to sample. Here you have too much terrain to explore, the 4 mountains total
5206 acres, terrain to suit all abilities! You may even spot a Movie Star
or two so ensure to take your camera. After the two best ski weeks of your
life, it is time to farewell new and old friends and either fly home to New
Zealand, go to Steamboat for more snow, or arrange a stopover elsewhere. Spaces
are limited, and open to all ages, contact us before it's too late. Price:
$NZD4999 per person ($4799 with RAL Pass) This includes: * Return Airfares
(Auckland-Denver) flying United Airlines (saving approx $1000/person over
Air NZs prices) * Airline Taxes worth $130 per person, to be confirmed at
time of ticketing * Transfer Denver Airport - Copper Mountain Resort * 7 nights
twin share accommodation at Copper Mountain Resort * 6 day lift passes valid
at Copper Mountain Resort * Transfer Copper Mountain - Aspen Resort * 7 nights
twin share accommodation at the Aspen Mountain Lodge, incl Breakfast * 6 day
lift passes valid at Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands , Buttermilk and Snowmass
* Your Tour Leader: Rod Leonard-Rogers Rhonda Morris, Email: goski@gogogo.co.nz
Post: Go Holidays, PO Box 91-444, Auckland Attn: Rhonda
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE 15 February 2007
COMMITTEE LIFE MEMBERS: Mike Buckley, Peter McChesney, Dave Dittmer , Keith
Mackie, Andrew Bertram, Rachel Marshall, Frank Dement and Malcolm Emmerson.
PATRON: Frank Dement
PRESIDENT: Wayne Donovan (04) 905 3535
VICE PRESIDENT: Geoff Oates (06) 363 8671 SECRETARY: Patsy Broad (06) 354
9861
TREASURER: Malcolm Emmerson (06) 368 9256 MEMBERSHIP: Megan Jensen (06) 358
2780
TRAMPING CO-ORDINATOR: Sue Clelland (06) 368 2118 WORKS OFFICER: Mike Bennett
(04) 298 3370
SKI CAPTAIN: Kath Eastham
EDITOR: Marlene Pouri-Lane (07) 854 8949
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Gavin Jensen (06) 358 2780 Darryl Fraei (04) 904 0630
BOOKINGS OFFICER: John Evans (04) 904 1665 Fax (04) 904 1666 Note: No calls
before 4.00 pm or after 9.00 pm.