Tag Archives: musing

Rivers and Ropes and Mutual Support

Posted on 22 December, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

I’ve written a little about river crossing techniques in the past, and I’m about to do so again. Before continuing, I’d like to stress that this post is not meant to be instructional in any way, so much as commenting … Continue reading →

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A Storm Brewing in DoC Intentions

Posted on 30 November, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

There’s an interesting storm brewing in Canterbury over DoC’s decision to phase out paper-based intentions forms in favour of instructing people to use the AdventureSmart website instead, which either helps people to create their own intentions forms with their own … Continue reading →

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Commercial Consents and Pest Control (watch that space)

Posted on 8 November, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Maybe this is old news, but I was interested to discover tonight, through a press release of a speech last night, that the Parliamentary Commissioner of the Environment (PCE) is beginning an investigation into commercial use of conservation land. The … Continue reading →

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NZMS 260 and 262: Our Metric Topographical Heritage, edited by Graeme Jupp (review)

Posted on 16 October, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Topographic maps worldwide often appear utilitarian, if not a little boring graphically. By comparison the new 260s were stylish and modern without losing any utility. They were undoubtedly among the best looking topographic maps in the world. —David Balm, In … Continue reading →

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DoC announces its camping restrictions

Posted on 16 September, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

As was noted in this thread in the NZ Tramper forums (thanks madpom), the Department of Conservation has published its list of places where it prohibits “Freedom Camping”. Note that this list only relates to DoC land, and doesn’t include … Continue reading →

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Let’s acknowledge some Avoidable Mistakes

Posted on 4 August, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Last week was a very media-busy time for people being rescued from the New Zealand back-country. That time of year again, perhaps? Just a general kind’a day when the weather’s not so happy. This eventful day, where our actions were … Continue reading →

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That Freedom Camping Thing (Part 2)

Posted on 28 June, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Following my post a few weeks ago regarding the Freedom Camping Bill (yuck! I hate that name!), I’ve finally gotten around to authoring my submission. Submissions are due on June 29th so if you have anything to say, you’ll need … Continue reading →

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That Freedom Camping Thing

Posted on 1 June, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

“Freedom Camping” is a term that’s been around for about as long as New Zealand’s been a popular international backpacking tourist destination. Along with its sibling term “Freedom Tramping”, the two typically refer to camping or tramping without the structure … Continue reading →

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EPIRBs and SPOT Beacons

Posted on 9 May, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

I’ve found it interesting to read about the search in the Waitewaewae catchment area of the Tararuas over the weekend. Summarised, a police officer was overdue when setting up a SaR exercise which had been intended for next weekend. He … Continue reading →

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How the Cave Creek Accident shaped DoC

Posted on 26 April, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you might have noticed me comment occasionally about ways in which the NZ Department of Conservation’s safety policies influence an experience in the back-country. I refer to things such as asset numbers … Continue reading →

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