February 2020

Editor notes..

Hi everybody,

Welcome to 2020.... summer has arrived after a few false starts..

In this issue

Decembers pre Xmas trip photos from Russell Thompson have been added to the club web site

http://www.no4wd.co.nz/public_photos.php

Many thanks Russell

The next trip in the Omarama area is this sunday - see trip info listed below

Mt Somers Day 2 trip report from Chris Thompson - many thanks Chris

Check your spam folder - expecting an email and it hasnt appeared in your 'inbox'..

Check your email spam folder... email program filters have a habit of diverting emails to the spam folders...

Ian Vercoe - Club Treasurer

Presidents Narrative..

Hi everyone

Happy New Year to you all and I hope 2020 is going to be good to you all. 

Firstly I must thank Les Weir and the Committee for stepping in and holding the fort for me while I had other things happening.  I know that some excellent trips were undertaken in my absence and were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended them.  I did manage to get to on the Christmas trip at Vickers and enjoyed catching up with you all again as well as an enjoyable day out looking around the countryside. Thanks again has to go to the clubs caterers - Les and Chris Weir, for a sumptuous Christmas lunch.  Well done team!!

January sees Donald and Shirley’s Wanaka weekend which they have both put a lot of effort into and will be as usual, greatly enjoyed.

February is Richard and Alison Wade’s (not so now) mystery weekend which is to be in Omarama on the 9th February 2020. 

See further information through the magazine, numbers are limited so act quickly.

March (beginning) is possibly Pam and Owens interest trip to Mt Cook Station – there is more information to come through on this.

Later in the month, 20th to 22nd March  is the combined club trip which is hosted by Central Otago – again details are through the magazine.

Late April  is a 'possible' interest trip to Mt Cook Station – Pam and Owen will have more information to come through on this.

One point that I would like all members to be aware of, is to have your spark arrestors at the ready for these summer and autumn trips.  Everything is drying up and we have to be conscious of this and the club has been asked already to ensure that spark arrestors are used.

Looking forward to catching up with you all in the coming months, keep it safe while 4WD’ing –

Stan

Upcoming events..

February - Omarama area

March - Combined clubs - invitation - Central Otago 4WD Club are hosts

Tony Jack and Brent Wilson are trip leaders

info received to date - Friday 20th March meet and greet at Monteiths Alexandra

Sat 21st - Trip followed by social dinner, Sun 22nd - Trip followed by BBQ

April - Grealdine - Mt Peel area - Les Weir

From the archives #1

In January last year the club members enjoyed day 2 of the 'Wanaka weekend' run over the Dingleburn Station

Trip info schedule - Omarama Feb 9th 2020

Date: Sunday 9th February  2020

Organiser / contact details: Richard and Alison Wade - ph 027 647 0526 / 027 437 1026

PLEASE advise your intentions to attend

Limited numbers: YES

Departing point and time: 8.15 am Waitaki Holdings yard

10.00 am meet at 54 Black Peak Road, Omarama

Conclusion point: to be advised

Fees / Donations:  $25 per vehicle Omarama FENZ

Pets : NOT permitted on the trip

Weather restrictions: subject to land owner

Lunch: byo

Vehicle requirements : Hi / Low ratio 4wd, good A/T or M/T tyres (preferred)

1 set of chains,

Mostly gravel track, some clay and mud, average ascents and descents, some river rock / boulders

Standard recovery gear and associated equipment as per club schedule

Spark Arrestors MUST be fitted, fire extinguisher to be carried

Possible vehicle brush marks

Grade 2

Committee 2019 - 2020

President: Stan Dorsey     Ph:03 4348610, 0274325740

Vice President: Les Weir    Ph:03 4342367, 02743422188

Secretary: Garth Dovey    Ph:03 4371851, 02102008273

Treasurer: Ian Vercoe     Ph:03 4452796, 0211708030

Trip Coordinator Ron Pringle    Ph:021476635

Committee members

Greg McFarlane    Ph:03 4372734, 0272294399

Noel Bain    Ph:03 4371849, 02128 9001

Russell Thompson    Ph:03 4343247, 0221914690

Social Convenor: Les Weir

Civil Defence co-ordinator: Stan Dorsey

Trip Advisory: Keith Rowland   Ph:03 4346089, 0276693262

Newsletter co-ordinator: Jennifer Dorsey

Club web site    www.no4wd.co.nz

Club committee meeting issues discussed

The last meeting for the club was held Tuesday evening 21st January 2020

Future trip options discussed

Equipment trailer discussed; Insurance to be considered, new coupling supplied by Stan Dorsey

News letter Co - ordinator required

Business was concluded by 8.30 followed by a social chat and informal catchup..

This is a good time to come along and meet the committee and have your say...

St Johns Ambassadors Adventure All Stars NZ thankyou cards

Thank you cards have been received from the St Johns Oamaru and the All Stars participants

Trip Report - Day 2 Sunday 24th November, 2019

Sunday 24th - Day 2 - An easy gravel road tour was the order of the day

The group departed camp around 9.30am for the Burnett Quarry Reserve Cottage. This was restored in the 1970's and again in the 1990's when an iron roof was erected over the thatched roof. Equipment and tools used in the quarry activities were on display.

Next stop was at the Hakatere Stations historic buildings. The station was settled in 1857 by Thomas Henry Potts who was one of NZ's earliest conservationists. A collie dog was on hand to tell us where to go. The stone cottage was built in 1865, single mens quarters were added in 1870. The buildings and areas are now under DOC control and managment with considerable information about the early settlement history provided.

Next stop was the Hakatere Conservation area and the Lake Clearwater Reserve. The entrance gate being adorned with discarded wheel trims possibly due to the corrugated gravel road. The group proceeded to Erewhon Station crossing the Mt Potts river, passing the Mt Potts Cafe Bar and Resturaunt and the Lord of the Rings site at Mt Sunday. Entering Erewhon Station the group viewed the abundance of Clydesdale horses and foals. The 25,000 hectare station is owned by Colin Drumond who runs sheep and beef and uses the clydesdale horses extensively. A friendly staff member indicated a sheltered spot for lunch down by the Havlock River. Owens offer to trek up the river via boulders and gravel banks was declined by the majority of the group, preferring to back track to Lake Clearwater fishing huts and Lake Camp Doc public amenities.

The majority of the group decided to return to Mt Somers. Russell, myself, Norman and Jackie chose to explore Lake Emma and the wildlife. Black Swans and Black Teal ducks were spotted sheltering from the very blustery wind. On returning to Mt Somers the wind changed to a cool southerly which forced a change of plan for the social meal planned for the evening.

Not withstanding a drop in temperature the group enjoyed a great night in the Mt Somers domain kitchen / social room.

Owen and Pam were duly thanked for organising a great weekend trip for the club.

Chris and Russ Thompson

From the archives #2 January 2010

10 years ago .. Jan 2010.. Donald Taylor holding court from the 'Throne' in Arrowtown....

The clubs equipment trailer....

Club's trailer offroad safety and retrieval equipment..

Brackensprint

For colour laser printing...

North Otago Motor Group

Looking for a vehicle upgrade...

Smash Palace - Auto Parts and Car Rental

For tyres, autoparts, van and car hire...

Whitestone Contracting Ltd

as the advert says... any job big or small... give them a call

So you want ground clearance....