Monday's walk 6th Jan 2025

From Arrowtown up the Arrow River towards Macetown to the Soho Creek bridge. Meet at the usual place and time. Bring plenty of water. Leader: Brian Gilbert

Monday 30th December 2024

Brian is recovering from Earnslaw Burn = also there is some rain forecast - so no walk planned.

Monday 23rd Dec

Luggate creek to Devils Nook and beyond.

Meet at the usual Place Waterfront carpark at 9.30

The walk….Starting from the carpark opposite  the Luggate Hotel we'll walk through the houses down to the Clutha River and head downriver as far as we like for a suitable lunch spot and then return.

Weather forecast is saying showers in the afternoon so we should be good.

Travel costs $5.

Leader: Charlotte Schwartzentruber-Holmes.

Merry Christmas everyone.

In January there may be the occasional walk lead by Brian Gilbert so watch this space.

President's report for 2024 AGM

WANAKA WALKERS

2024

President's Report

My participation on walks for the last year has been spasmodic for a variety of reasons.

That said, it is obvious that no one person is essential to the gathering of interested walkers on Mondays.  That reflects the casual and social nature of Wanaka Walkers and is one of its attractions to those wanting to get out for some regular exercise in the company of like-minded individuals.  The numbers vary from week to week, as do the destinations, but the walks continue to take place.

As before, the faces change over time for any number of reasons and sometimes it seems like celestial events as people disappear without notice, perhaps to return later.

This leads me to the perennial and weekly issue of walk leaders.  The name 'leader' carries connotations of responsibility and duty, which in the context of Wanaka Walkers is true to some extent, but for our purposes is really just someone putting their hand up to nominate a walk destination, describe how to get there, and posting it on the group's blog on Sunday evening.  Being a leader is not an office in the organisation of the Wanaka Walker's Group.  You are not responsible for the health and well-being of paying members of the group, because there are none.  If many people take turn it is a load shared and widens the pool to cover those occasions when for whatever reason the nominated leader for the day is unable to do the job.  Just put your hand up and say you'll do a day, or two days, or whatever suits you.  Those who have done it before will be more than happy to help.

The issue of de-incorporatising the WWG has been addressed by the committee.  It has been decided that WWG will make no formal moves in this regard which means that come April 2026 WWG will automatically be de-incorporated.  There are no costs or penalties involved in this course; it just means there are no formal requirements for the group to continue functioning.  Having said that, the views of others that there should continue to be a formal structure to co-ordinate the group's activities are accepted.  To that end there will continue to be a committee with a president and secretary.  At most it meets two or three times a year, usually to organise the end of year 'camp'.

The week away this year was to Te Anau (between 18-22 November), with the base of operations being the Top Ten Holiday Park in the centre of town.  The number of participants was down on previous years (15-16) but it was a happy group and easily catered for.  The walks included to Shallow Bay, Manapouri, from Rainbow Reach return; the Circle Track (Manapouri), and to Lake Marian in the Hollyford.  Planning involved playing dodgem with the weather but fortunately the forecasted wind and rain was avoided.  The dinner finale at the Redcliffe Restaurant on Thursday night was excellent and enjoyable with the consensus being it had been a great week.

As in previous reports I end this one with grateful thanks to Stephen Matheson  for his quiet and capable diligence as our secretary.  It is he who does the lion share of the organising for the group.

I also wish to thank Brian Gilbert for his contributions as an experienced mentor and general fall-back guy when gaps need to be filled.

Finally, thanks also to the other members of the committee for their time and contribution to the affairs of the group, and to all those who took up the mantle of leader over the past year.

Merry Christmas to all.  Have a happy and safe New Year.

Paul Knox

President

Monday 16th Walk. AGM and Shared Christmas Lunch

Weather forecast is for showers developing in the morning so …..

Plan A. Damper Bay Walk.

If the weather looks good drive to Mt Aspiring view point and walk to Damper Bay and return (approx 10 kms). Then drive to the park on the Western side of Glendhu Bay for our Lunch and AGM.

Travel time 20 mins $5

Plan B. Poor weather option. Meet as usual and have a more sheltered walk form the car park along the Millenium Track to Waterfall creek and return. Then adjourn to the Croquet Club rooms (211 Warren St) for the AGM and shared lunch.

Plan C. If it'a already wet at 9.30, meet at the Croquet clubrooms at 11.00 for AGM followed by Christmas shared lunch. 

Leader:Jane Hudson. 027 2929774

President’s report for 2024 AGM

The following is my report for the AGM on Monday 16 December:

Sent from my iPhone

Christmas Shared Lunch and AGM

On Monday Dec 16th we will be having our Christmas shared Lunch and AGM. This is a more informal meeting but we need to get together to celebrate the Year that's been and plan our adventures for 2025. This includes sorting the leaders for the walks over the year. If you can just do a couple of weeks and share the month with someone else that is fine. All input is appreciated. 

Also think about where you would like to go for the November week away next year.

The committee would also like some fresh faces to look at! Please think about joining the committee to hep with planning the trip away and keeping a track of the leaders for the year. It's not onerous with about 3 meetings a year.

Look forward to seeing you on the 16th if not before.

Thanks,

Jane Hudson.