Club nights are at Turnbull House, on the first unimpeded Monday of every month. New and prospective members are welcome. Meet for dinner at the Backbencher public bar at 6.30 and on to Turnbull House at 7.30 pm for a catch up. Meetings and talks start at 8.00 pm with club business and tea and coffee afterwards.

Ben “Nightcrawler” O'Connell on Acid Test - Paynes Ford

No trip reports were submitted this month.

Waitangi Park Bouldering

These 3 boulders have been erected in Waitangi park for the purpose of bouldering. We are lucky to get anything, as the budget has been slashed. They stand about 3m tall, and we can create more features on these rocks if there is not enough.
It is going to be interesting to see what these rocks are going to be like. These rocks are going in by the bouldering / climbing walls, around the skate area.

Climbing Camp a Success Despite Rain

The weather in the lower South Island was not the greatest over the New Year period but there has still been a large amount of positive feedback received by
the office regarding this year’s annual climbing camp in the Rees Valley. A big thanks needs to go out to the Otago Section and all the work put in by the many people involved with planning, organising and running this event. There was a large marquee, hot tub and hot showers to ensure that while little climbing could be completed, great social times could be had instead. The next climbing camp is being organised by the Canterbury Westland Section and further details will be published at www.alpineclub.org.nz soon.

Homer Hut

Builders should now be on site at Homer Hut working on the long waited renovations to this important climbing hut. Please ensure that you spread the word that the hut is closed for the next couple of months while this work is going on. Once work is complete the hut will have a completely refitted living and kitchen area, two well appointed bunkrooms and the end bunkroom will be the new wardens quarters. We will be organising an opening of the new look hut before winter and this should be an excellent time to celebrate the completion of this major club project. In the second half of the year we will be advertising for the position of Homer Hut warden. If you are interested, or know someone that would make an excellent warden please make it known to the National Office.

Maps

The section has been donated a selection of NZ Map Series 260 Topo Maps and a map cabinet where they are stored hanging. These are available for section members to borrow as reference material (note they are not folded and are not to be used for trips). As the cabinet is too large to be stored in Turnbull House the maps can be obtained by contacting Caroline Duggan, cd@nzalpine.wellington.net.nz or 477 6589.

Glacier Guide Wanted – Franz Joseph

Climbing guide with glacier experience, NZOIA or NZMGA Qualifications preferred.
Full training given, Fun workplace, Flexible time off, Excellent wage
Email westcoastclimbing@clear.net.nz for more details
... also ..
Wanted: Plastic Mountaineering Boots small sizes 7,6,5,4,3 in reasonable condition
Email westcoastclimbing@clear.net.nz

Nominations for President Elect

Members are invited to send nominations for the next President-Elect to the National Office by 1 April 2006. The May CCM will then make an appointment from these nominations.

Nominations should be signed by the members making them and by the nominees, and it would be good if they were accompanied by a brief CV of the nominee.

Richard Wesley
Executive Officer

Second Hand Guide Books

Has anyone got second-hand copies of the following guidebooks they would be interested in parting with to a new member at second-hand prices?
Mt Cook/Aoraki, NZ Backcountry Skiing, Arthur's Pass, Mt Aspiring and Barron Saddle/Mt Brewster.

Please contact Martin Berka 021 0323191 mberka(at)gmail.com

Baring Head Rock Hop 2006

Edition 2006 went off in fine and windy conditions. Many of the regions new young stars were in attendance proving wellington still remains the hot bed of national bouldering talent.

Results

China Trip

The idea of a climbing trip to China in October/November this year is taking shape. Pat Deavoll, who told us about her first ascent of a mountain in Western China at our last section night, has made some very useful recommendations about climbing objectives. For those not interested in bagging a peak, there will also be rock-climbing and trekking options.Some section members have said they're interested,
An email group has also been set up. To subscribe, send an email to china-subscribe@nzalpine.wellington.net.nz. To post messages, email china@nzalpine.wellington.net.nz. The group is restricted to subscribers to prevent spam.

For Sale
La Sportiva Nepal Tops;
size uk8 / eur39 trans-alpine/general mountaineering boot; used a few times but in still in ex condition; $200
ph: 021 252 0270 email: janemorris74@xtra.co.nz