The latest news and updates are on our Facebook page.

Photo Competitions

The 2022 MTSC Photo Competition details and rules are here (9MB file). Entries are due by 22 July 2022, and will be presented at the MTSC clubnight on Tuesday 2 August 2022.

The Interclub Photo Competition between Manawatu Tramping and Skiing Club, Massey University Alpine Club and Palmerston North Tramping and Mountaineering Club, is scheduled for 4 October 2022 and will be hosted by MTSC this year.

Lodge Food Carry

The restocking of the Lodge food supplies is scheduled for 1-3 July 2022. This work party will include a general clean-up in and around the lodge, in preparation for Winter activities. The date is later this year, based on NIWA's seasonal forecast indicating a late arrival of snow this year.

Interclub Quiz

Massey University Alpine Club are hosting the Interclub Quiz event on Tuesday 16 August 2022 at 7 pm, in the MUSA Lounge (Manawatu Campus). We are looking to provide several teams from MTSC, so please come along to defend our honour, for the glory, and most importantly, the chocolate.

Health and Safety Policy

An updated health and safety policy has been released.

Subscriptions 2022

Thank you to all who have paid their annual subscriptions for 2022. Subs were due by 30 April, and invoices have been sent out. If you did not receive yours, then please check your email "junk" or "spam" folders and contact the Membership Secretary ASAP.

A reminder that when making payment, please clearly identify your payment with your 7-character membership ID and add "Subs" to the details.

Paid-up members of MTSC will receive their latest FMC "Backcountry" bulletin and discount card in mid-late June. The FMC card gives discounts on travel services (including annual DoC hut passes), equipment, publications and other services, from a long list of suppliers.

If you no longer wish to be a member of MTSC then please drop a line to the Membership Secretary.

Covid-19 Update

Minibus

Travellers in the minibus are no longer required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccinations (as from May 2022). However, masks must be worn while inside the minibus, unless an official exemption has been issued.

Lodge

Users of the Manawatu Lodge no longer need to have a valid Vaccination Pass (as from May 2022).

Please do not come to the lodge if you have any cold or 'flu'-like symptoms, or if you suspect that you may have Covid-19.

Annual General Meeting

Download the AGM 2022 booklet here.

Congratulations to the incoming committee for 2022. We welcome Nicki Fielder onto the general committee and farewell Bev Akers, who no doubt will remain active within the club.

For a list of the new committee and appointments, please see the Contacts page

Club Nights

We expect to hold club nights at our usual meeting place - Rose City Aquatic Clubrooms, 50 Park Road, Palmerston North - under the Covid-19 Protection Framework (CPF) requirements. We strongly recommend that you bring and wear a mask if you are attending a meeting.

Other

The Department of Conservation has released a Covid-19 vaccine policy for users of all DoC accommodation, including huts, lodges, campsites, and camping by huts; this includes use by day visitors.

Minibus Rates Increased

The committee has agreed to increase the fees for using the minibus. The rates had not changed for several years and recent increases in running costs (fuel, for example) have been the driver (get it? Driver? Oh, never mind...)

The new minimum rate for the minibus is 60c per km, with a minimum per person rate of 10c per km. This means if there are only 5 people travelling in the minibus, then the rate is 12c/km per person; for 4 people the rate is 15c/km/person, etc.

Trip Card - 2022

The MTSC Trip Card is available online and will continue to be updated

Thank you to all of you who have offered to lead trips - we couldn't provide such an interesting menu of destinations without you. Contact the Chief Guide if you wish to add a trip or two.

MTSC Lodge

The lodge at Ruapehu is a great launching pad for your Winter and Summer adventures. See the lodge page for further details.

Coming up...

Ken and Mary Mercer, Tim Swale and Linda Campbell

South Island Adventures

Rose City Aquatic Club Rooms, 50 Park Road, Palmerston North (next to the Lido)

In February club members Ken and Mary Mercer along with Tim Swale and Linda Campbell travelled to the deep south to enjoy some of New Zealand’s wonderful walks starting with the Humpridge Track. A few days after completing this walk they were joined by Nicki Fielder and Wendy Williams to walk the Kepler Track. After completing the Kepler the original four walked the Routeburn and Caples Tracks. They will share their experiences on these beautiful walks with you.