Compliments of the Season
Another year has flown, along with some good four wheeling and some problem four wheeling.
NZFWDA members are reminded that we have some time ago adopted the DOC 'Care Code" www.nzfwda.org.nz/access/
and it should be acknowledged in the way that clubs run their trips. Many clubs also advertise that they recognise the ethics of Tread Lightly! but it seems for some, that the notion fades quickly once they are driving.
The time and effort put into convincing land managers like DOC that NZFWDA clubs are responsible users of public lands is considerable. It can be destroyed with a few moments of ignorant behaviour.
Pictures can be easily found on websites to illustrate the type of driving that can irritate DOC managers and provide ammunition for those who oppose our recreation choice. Here's a sample with a rather damming narrative from
www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=18529
This type of 'non PC' four wheeling can create big problems for local clubs, who have to live with the consequences of others behaviour.
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The National 4x4 Expo
30 April - 2 May
As part of the 2009 Waikato Winter Show, April 30th to May 2nd
*The
National 4x4 Expo* Incorporating: NZ Off Road Short Course Grand Prix,
Winch Truck Stadium Challenge, 4WD Club Display Competition and a full
Waikato Winter Show Programme
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25,000 Crowd Expected over 3 Days
*Limited Indoor and Outdoor Exhibitor Sites becoming available.*
John Reid
john@4x4action.co.nz
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Don't forget to keep an eye on the NZFWDA events calendar...
www.nzfwda.org.nz/events/
There are things like the National Trials, Southern Jamboree, National Park 4x4 Weekend etc.
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National 4x4 Trials Round 3
Counties 4WD at Mercer
31 January 2010
http://www.4x4trials.co.n National 4x4 Trials Round 4
Whangarei 4WD at Kamo
21 February 2010 |
Isuzu modification parts from USA
Several companies in the USA craft parts for modifying Isuzu's, Jeeps, etc. and one that is willing to export to NZ is...
www.independent4x.com
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Taupo Winch Challenge
Run from the 13 to 15th of November the Taupo National Final was a dry affair that provided some unique challenges to
competitors. 
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DOC release operation plan for St James Conservation Area.
They intend to stop all legal roads through the area! That's something that 4x4 interests must strongly oppose.
www.nzfwda.org.nz/news/265 |
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Auckland 4WD Club gets DOC grant for trees
Following a grant to the NZFWDA northern zone last year, another application through the Auckland 4WD Club has been approved by DOC Waikato, to purchase 'eco-sourced' trees to plant at Maratoto. The funds granted should allow the purchase of over 200 saplings to be planted next winter.
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Fishers Track problems
Just when it seemed that there could be the possibility of negotiating an arrangement with one of the landowners around the area of an old slip on Fishers Track (behind the town of National Park), the process turned sour after a group of four wheelers pushed their way through. in early Spring The issue is that the alignment of the formed track is not necessarily that of the legal road. The landowners have placed a public notice in the local newspaper ....
PUBLIC
NOTICES
ATTENTION
The area from the first gate of
Fisher Road is private property. The Sivyer Family Trust
would like to advise that any persons undertaking to cross onto
the private property will be breaching trespass laws.
For further information please contact The Sivyer Family Trust,
07-895-4894.
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Southern Zone Jamboree
December 27th to 30th 2009
Central Otago Four days of off-roading
suitable for the whole family at our well situated camp site. We have
camped in this area for the past 25 years and would like to share with
you some of the best country in New Zealand.
http://lroco.com
Ken Copeland
03 472 7085 or 0274 865 392
kenc@nzcusouth.co.nz |
Whatipu Beach
In an ironic twist, the Auckland 4WD Club was recently invited to provide advice to the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) western region's rangers about driving on sand. The beach used for the exercise was Whatipu Beach which is on the northern side of the Manukau Heads and a 'dynamic' environment. The beach is actually steadily growing out to sea with around a kilometre of expansion in 50 years. The major part is designated a scientific reserve so vehicle use is very restricted.
The club demonstrated a number of techniques to avoid getting stuck and some options available if a vehicle did manage to bog down. One tool that worked well were the 'Sandmats' as given away at the 2009 AGM.
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NZFWDA waves the flag at Woodhill 'Have a go day"
The New Zealand 4WD magazine, in conjunction with the Jeep Woodhill 4WD Park, held a 'Have a Go' day at the Park on 29 November and invited the NZFWDA to attend. 
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Kawhia area beach access blocked
Beach vehicle access has been blocked at Aotea beach by the seawall area, by local farmer D.Morrison.. No longer can you do the ocean beach trip from Kawhia to Aotea . There is a gate but it's padlocked. The excuse is "sand dune erosion". It seems that he has riparian rights and there's no Queens Chain. Council isn't interested.
Gates apparently will be "open" for Xmas, then locked again. Locals are angry too.
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Trail Torque and membership cards
Many members will have received the latest Trail Torque newsletter and their annual membership card. For a number of others, their Trail Torque's should arrive shortly but may not have a card included due to a glitch in the process. If you get a newsletter and have no card, please advise your club, who I hope will compile a list of those names, to send to editor@nzfwda.org.nz so that those membership cards can be organised.
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