10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing A long weekend on the Waikato River Roland Jones Enjoying the long weekend on the Waikato River Cooked my favourite breakfast when camping: pancakes with boysenberry jam. Keely’s Reserve, Cambridge ©2024 Roland Jones Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 19

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Testing officers and councils have a lot to work through over the next few months to manage and apply the multiple systems. Update: Self-containment and freedom camping changes Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd he Government’s recent changes to Freedom Camping and self-containment certification are now being implemented. These changes mean that over the next 18 to 24 months new regulations may impact your freedom camping. However the changes only apply to free (not paid) camping, on council, LINZ land and some Department of Conservation land. The changes do not affect any overnight stays on private or commercial properties, other crown land, club sites or organised events nor anywhere payment is made. Where camping on council land is ● allowed / designated for ‘ALL’ campers, or ● specifically designated for ‘non self-contained vehicles’ or ● paid sites, car parks etc., the new legislation  /  regulations should not affect your camping. The existing self-containment standard (NZS 5465:2001) still applies and is recognised throughout NZ. Currently a campervan  /  motorhome etc. can be certified for self-containment whether it has a fixed  /  cassette or portable toilet. However, new certifications with a portable toilet are not now recognised under the amended Freedom Camping Act for free camping on land as specified earlier‡. Such certifications remain acceptable for all other camping areas. From 7 June 2024 new certifications, under the existing standard (NZS 5465:2001), will also not be recognised under the amended Freedom Camping Act. From 7 December this year, approved Certifying Authorities, once established, will be able to issue new certificates with green warrant cards for motor vehicles with fixed toilets. Such certificates attract a new government levy of $120 on top of any fees charged by the testing officer s and certifying authorities. You will be able to choose the type of self-containment certificate you want. Four levels of self-containment certification From 7 December 2023, under the Freedom Camping Act there will be 4 levels of self-containment certification (3 blue and 1 green) which can apply and which councils will need to monitor. It appears that there will also be 3 separate national registers of self-contained vehicles: the new Plumbers, GasfItters and Drainlayers Board register (green warrants) plus the NZ Lifestyle Camping and NZMCA registers for blue warrants. Certified Blue before 6/23, any toilet: OK to freedom camp on public land until 6 June 2025 Certified Blue: fixed toilet: OK to freedom camp on public land until 6 June 2025. Certified Blue: portable toilet: OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (not LINZ or council), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Certified Green: fixed toilet: OK to freedom camp on public land. It should be noted that while the current self-containment standard is prescriptive, e.g. minimum fresh water, waste water and toilet capacities per the number of occupants, the new regulations are not prescriptive with no stated minimums. It will take some time to get consistency in implementing the new regulations. You will appreciate the issuing authorities and testing officers and councils have a lot to work through over the next few months to manage and apply the multiple systems. We acknowledge the MBIE Responsible Camping Team for their three year endeavour ,and millions of dollars spent ,to make things so much simpler for local authorities and the wider industry. Links • Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board: ckw.nz/pgdb-info • MBIE — Responsible Camping Changes: ckw.nz/mbie-info • Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers (Self-Contained - Vehicles) Regulations 2023 Download a pdf of this (398kb): ckw.nz/sc-regs-pdf • Who does what: self containment and freedom camping p3 Government has worded the legislation to allow tent camping while enacting infringement fees for vehicle-based camping , on the same free-camping reserves (with or without self-containment and portable toilets). It seems unlikely that councils will adopt a policy that separates family camping groups and expressly targets certain campers. Note: All NZS 5465:2001 NZ Standard self-containments remain valid for 4 years from the date of issue, but they are subject to freedom camping restrictions on council-managed land. ‡ Land affected by the new law: free camping on council, LINZ land and some Department of Conservation land. FAQ ? Can I still get a self-containment certificate for my vehicle with a portable toilet? Yes , talk to your local testing officer. The new certificate with a portable toilet will not be recognised under the Freedom Camping Act which means there are limitations on free, public camping. ? Do I have to get issued with a new green warrant card (with $120 levy) after 7 December 2023 if I have a blue card and a fixed toilet? No , a new blue self-containment warrant card is valid for 4 years. It will be recognised until 6 June 2025 for free public camping under the Freedom Camping Act. Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 18

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing the sun will be shining tomorrow & the fish biting! Old Blue Shellie Evans The camp still has quite a few hardy campers on-site, it’s Labour Day weekend after all. You wait, the sun will be shining tomorrow & the fish biting! Twizel, Mackenzie Country. ©2024 Shellie Evans Photography ckw.nz/shellie-fb Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 20

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing I thought I’d list a few of the resources I’ve found helpful Planning to camp with your pet? Resources Bette Cosgrove We always take Pippa with us and she loves the adventures as much as we do. I thought I’d list a few of the resources I’ve found helpful on our travels with our furry family member, but this is by no means a definitive list. Bette Cosgrove All the camping apps and DOC camping sites have a filter for searching if pets/dogs are allowed in campsites so choose that option when you search. Some campgrounds have pet exclusion policies at certain times of year, some have extra charges for pets, and there are sites with exclusive pet-friendly areas. Check before you go or when you book. Listings on stopandstaynz.org indicate if pets are allowed at sites. Kiwi Camping has a great directory of campgrounds which accept dogs : ckw.nz/kiwicamping-dogs | kiwicamping.co.nz If you’re an NZMCA member almost all sites allow well-controlled pets and some have fenced dog runs. National Parks never allow pets of any kind, even if remaining in the car so don’t take them or risk a hefty fine. DOC allow dogs into more areas if they’ve passed the wildlife/avian aversion training: ckw.nz/doc-kiwi-avoidance | ckw.nz/kiwi-avoidance Websites and apps: you can search for dog-friendly places to stay or visit, dog walking, or advice. dogalong.nz . has a website of listings that are pet friendly. All the online accommodation sites also have pet-friendly accommodation filters, eg booking.com , Bookabach , Tripadvisor and expedia.com . Top 10 holiday parks that allow dogs are listed here: ckw.nz/top-10-dogs . W alk and hike For walk and hike listings try these: andthedogcametoo.com dogpackapp.com alltrails.com/new-zealand/dogs doggies.nz ckw.nz/eukanuba-hiking-dogs ckw.nz/urbanlist-dog-walks ckw.nz/sharemypet-dog-walks Crossing Cook Strait Both ferry services accept dogs… and yes… if they’re happy you can leave them in your vehicle or there are safe crates in the cargo area. bluebridge.co.nz has pet-friendly cabins ckw.nz/interislander-pets has restrictions on number of pets in vehicles. Both ferries allow service dogs in the passenger area. Communities Communities of other dog owners can also give you the support you need so here’s Facebook pages to look for: Pet Friendly Holidays NZ Motorhoming with Pets in N.Z . Dog Friendly Accommodations New Zealand Pet Friendly Eateries and Accommodation New Zealand Anxious travellers If you have an anxious traveller consider gently trying them in your vehicle for short trips first before any long holiday journey. Transfer their favourite bed or blanket into the vehicle with them. A rescue remedy for pets can help. Consider getting advice from the experts like: Canine Friends Pet Therapy— New Zealand caninefriends.org.nz Safety Always consider safety for your pet with a well designed travelling harness and keeping plenty of water available. Opening vents and windows will keep the car cool, and we carry an extra USB rechargeable fan to move the air in the rear of a hot vehicle. Because dogs can’t regulate their body temperature cooling mats or collars might also be needed on extra hot days. Add ice blocks to water bowls and ensure there’s always a shady spot for your pet. Some people carry temporary safety fences to create a safe secure outdoor exercise space around their camp site. Vet needed? If you need urgent veterinary advice and you’re a long way from home there’s a new online triage service to connect you to a nearby vet. See HELPP Vet ◊ Images ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 29

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption A good feed ©2025 Mart Ireland 2018 Dec, Golden Bay (13) snapper catch ©2025 Mart Ireland ©2025 Mart Ireland Channel entrance catch ©2025 Mart Ireland Fish & scallops Waitangi 2013 ©2025 Mart Ireland A good feed ©2025 Mart Ireland GO TO Here & there last summer you can’t put a price on a good day on the water with family or friends Hobby: Fishing and Diving Marty Ireland My introduction to fishing as a child: I recall being taken to the Waimakariri river and using a string hand-line with red meat as bait, I don’t recall any success . However we did have whitebait and flounder on our menu so I assume this was purchased or obtained from family or friends. Later as a young teen I was introduced to lure spinning rod fishing in Marlborough rivers for trout and kahawai with some successes. While living in Southland for 6yrs we went on 2 fishing trips out of Bluff with a good cod catch, again, using hand-lines and sea sickness as a result. Then in my late 30s, back in Marlborough, I was introduced to snorkelling along the Kaikōura Coast, for paua, kina and crayfish which lead to doing a scuba course with Scuba Schools International and my hobby became serious. A secondhand 16ft runabout was bought in partnership with 2 friends and regular trips in the Marlborough Sounds especially to Tory channel entrance ensued. The cost to fish, either from shore or by boat, can be a wide gulf depending on your desire, but can be economic if you purchase secondhand and build up your gear as you go, and if done with a group then items can be shared, repaired, bought and sold , and experience shared and taught. One of my best buys was 2 pink Shimano boat rods on special at Hunting and Fishing for $69 each — they catch fish, much more so, to the disgust of other fishers, with considerably more expensive rods. After nearly 30 years and over 550 dives logged, jumping over the side of a perfectly good boat that’s not sinking, taking a catch bag and spear gun, we have enjoyed and shared local tasty seafood treats with many family members and visitors. The sea sickness is now few and far between but can and does still happen occasionally. Scuba diving has also included diving some local and international wrecks as well as coral reefs and shark viewing, looking but not taking is strange as a hunter gatherer, but rewarding in a different way. We have been fortunate to arrange permit dives for 3 weddings and some funerals along with other family gatherings and certainly have had our share from the ocean. Would it be cheaper to buy the fish? Possibly but you can’t put a price on a good day on the water with family or friends, and knowing where it was sourced and how fresh it is. Preparing and cooking the catch, well, that’s another thread and topic for a future magazine. n you can’t put a price on a good day on the water with family or friends Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 32

1 Spring 2022 Cycle touring: Canterbury to Southland Up Stephen Wood I hadn't managed to get out cycle touring for a few years and so planned a big trip to reconnect to it. A length of the country ride wasn't possible because of covid restrictions in Auckland, so plan B was to do a circuit around the South Island. Once that was settled, the main decision was whether to do the circuit clockwise or anti-clockwise, and I chose the former. Much of my camping kit was assembled over many years of touring, but this was the first time with a new bike equipped with 14 gears in the rear hub, and a dynamo in the front hub. Rakaia River From Rangiora I elected to avoid Christchurch and the long Rakaia bridge on SH1 by travelling on the inland route 72, so my first day was through familiar country, Cust, Oxford, Waimakariri Gorge, and then through Glentunnel to a great little campground run by a small collective at Rakaia Gorge, with basic facilities and a fantastic view down the river. Rakaia Gorge campground Carrying on the next day through inland South Canterbury, I stopped at what appeared to be a lay-by in the middle of nowhere and discovered a monument to the Tree of Hine-Paaka, also known as Singletree, a lone matai that was said to be from the time of the first Maori and was still alive when the first Europeans settled. The rest of the day got me through Mayfield to Geraldine where I stayed in the big campground in the centre of town. They put me in a quiet corner close to neighbouring houses. I guess because I didn't look the rowdy type. The next day meant getting back to SH1, but with careful use of back roads, I delayed this until Temuka. Riding on main roads isn't as bad as it looks — they usually have a good shoulder and using a rear view mirror means that you know how much room vehicles are giving you before they pass. Also, a side effect of the pandemic is that traffic on roads is less than pre-covid levels. However, I found riding through Timaru interesting, especially at the intersections where trucks turned off and on to get to the port. I had hoped to get to Oamaru that day, but decided to call it quits at Glenavy, which had a tidy campground in town. The next day I got an early start and was over the Waitaki River bridge before there was too much traffic. My plan was to get to Oamaru early to catch up with people I knew from living and working there for a couple of years. That took the best past of the day, but I got back on the road in the afternoon in time to make it down to Hampden. It's always a juggle deciding what to do first, but I got some fresh milk at the shop before checking into the lovely beachside campground. My food stocks were a bit low for cooking dinner so it was back into town, to find both the takeaway and grocery shop had just shut, leaving a pub meal as the best option. In heading to Dunedin, I'd planned to ride the roads near to SH1 but avoiding the motorway sections. However the tops of the hills were in cloud, so I decided the safer route was to turn at Waitati to the Mt Cargill Road with much lower traffic volume. That brought me into town through North East Valley, where I spotted some quirky street art. I stayed at the big campground in South Dunedin. Leaving town the next day I was riding into a blustery southerly gale which was hard work, but also affected my ability to hold a straight line and hear the traffic behind, making it feel a lot less safe on the road. I had hoped to get to Balclutha, but when I spotted that the domain in Milton had camping I decided that was a good option. There was even a resident caretaker who helped with finding a place to pitch my tent in the shelter of an unoccupied caravan. Owaka Back on the road the next day to a planned rendezvous with my wife Robyn who was driving down in the camper van for a welfare visit for a few days. After a cafe stop in Balclutha where the pot of tea extended to a record 5 cups, I enjoye the quiter road after leaving SH1. I made it to Owaka, which sports a stainless steel waka sculpture, chose a place for us to stay in what appeared to be an old hospital repurposed to be a campervan park, and sent Robyn the directions so she could find it. The next few days were a mixture of taking time out for a some more touristy things in the Catlins while still making forward progress on my ride. While there were some businesses shut, there was still plenty to see and do. We went out to Nugget Point, stayed at a large but sparsely used campground near Chaslands and walked up to the McLean Falls. Nugget Point With the luxury of my panniers being carried in the campervan, I rode a big day out of the Catlins, through Tokanui and Fortrose and over to the campground in Lornville, on the north side of Invercargill. After that Robyn headed home in the campervan, while I pedelled off in the direction of Winton. BY: Stephen Wood Thinking of cycle touring? some tips PHOTOS: ©2022 Stephen Wood Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS With the luxury of my panniers being carried in the campervan, I rode a big day out of The Catlins. Packing up Much of my camping kit was assembled over many years of touring. New bike This was the first time with a new bike equipped with 14 gears in the rear hub, and a dynamo in the front hub McLean Falls, The Catlins Packing up Much of my camping kit was assembled over many years of touring. 1/16

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Tramping the Kaweka Forest Park Outdoorsman Dave I love the freedom that carrying an ultralight tent provides, it empowers you to camp wherever your legs can take you. I also love my classic but new-to-me macpac backpack. Outdoorsman Dave Watch the video: youtu.be/Nbvio1Z1RQQ Facebook: ckw.nz/OutdoorsmanDave Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 26

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing wild silverbeet! Marfells Beach M Richardson Marfells Beach is a DOC camp (pay online, whew, there is mobile coverage this time) has wild silverbeet. Not just thickly (and usefully) in verge, but sprouting in the sand too. Marlborough. ◊ ©2024 M Richardson ckw.nz/doc-marfels Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 21

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Our little escape pod We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it. Prepacked with clothing, footwear, bedding, food, medication, water, gas, solar power, cash, fridge, cooking and toilet facilities, even books and games, we know, if disaster strikes, we can tend to our needs and offer support to others too. ©2023 Rhonda Marshall Ten hours into a power cut with this cyclone .... then I remembered I've got full batteries in Mavis! ©2023 Cheine Matheson Vans can be SMALL but MIGHTY resources. Orange Sky are providing shower and laundry services to many in flood-affected areas right now. The recent cyclone Gabrielle initiated only the third national disaster to be declared in New Zealand history. Windy.com Hawke's Bay 2023 Napier 1931 Did the earth move for you? it did for Cantabrians in 2011 and Hawke’s Bay back in 1931. Canterbury 2011 Did the earth move for you? it did for Cantabrians in 2011 and Hawke’s Bay back in 1931. we have the equipment, experience, and resilience to cope with adverse conditions: 
it is what we do A beautiful country, but… Wayne Ravelich As all Kiwi’s know we live in a beautiful country, but it is prone to natural disasters. Did the earth move for you? it did for Cantabrians in 2011 and Hawke’s Bay back in 1931. These are just two of the big ones, we have thousands of smaller shakes every year. We get cyclones like Bola in 1988 and the recent Gabrielle, that initiated only the third national disaster to be declared in New Zealand history. Napier 1931. Canterbury 2011. Hawke's Bay 2023 The devastation caused by these major events is staggering and leaves communities without facilities for long periods of time. Homes can and do become uninhabitable. On the positive side, communities come together and help each other to overcome the aftermath. The first few days after a disaster can be the hardest with possibly no clean water, no power, no normal toilet facilities and, in extreme cases, no shelter. Hold on a minute, we are campers and have all of that; or at least most of the items required to survive the first few days of an emergency without outside assistance. Either in our camping gear in the garage or in the caravan or motorhome, we have what we need. If our camping vehicle is self-contained, certified or not, we have at least three days self-sufficiency. We have clean water, we can cook, wash, shelter and if necessary, move to a safer area. It does not matter if the cooker is a large gas oven and four burner hob or a single burner portable cooker. A BBQ is really handy. The toilet can be “fixed” or portable, like the ones issued by the Government to Canterbury residents in 2011. Any toilet is better than none. Shelter in a tent or camper is far better than being out in the elements. As campers we have the equipment, experience, and resilience to cope with adverse conditions, it is what we do. Not only can we protect our loved ones, but we have the facility to help others as well. A hot drink or meal, even a phone charger can mean a lot. A spare sleeping bag or tent goes along way to someone that has just lost their home. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 7

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Our new Southern Star caravan ©2025 Gary Stoneley Inside. ©2025 Gary Stoneley For us the large U shape seating area, and deep front shelf offered a potential work area, room for all our gadgets. ©2025 Gary Stoneley The Bailey Senator next to the Southern Star. ©2025 Gary Stoneley We settled on a 2nd hand high spec Audi Q7, with electronic air suspension and 3500kg towing capacity. ©2025 Gary Stoneley As soon as we saw the open plan layout and spaciousness of the caravan we got interested. ©2025 Gary Stoneley choosing_5.webp ©2025 Gary Stoneley GO TO Here & there last summer sales service was a breeze Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy Gary Stoneley Camping comes in all forms, from tarpaulins and tents through to large caravans and motorhomes. After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan (and 4 children) followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs. We had to consider budget, how long we intend to keep it for, size, and features. Would the new caravan handle the high usage we demand of it and take the beatings dealt out by some of New Zealand’s roads? Our preference was for another tandem (2 axle) caravan as we have found they seem to handle NZ roads better plus they can take a higher payload. Having worked in the industry with dealers and repairers and being involved in caravan and camping organisations I had seen that all brands of caravans, whether European-, Australian-, NZ- or USA- made could sometimes develop leaks or suffer breakages. Bev and I agreed that the new caravan would need to meet our needs for both business and relaxation and be comfortable enough to sit up and work all day while being able to stretch out without knocking elbows and knees. Being self-sufficient when off-grid, with lots of solar, water and a decent fridge-freezer was a must for us, plus a comfortable bed and large washroom. We expected a lot, but we wanted to get it right. So the long search began. Our large Bailey Senator had done us well for over 13 years and many thousands of miles. Finding caravan number 3 wasn’t an easy job. We considered multiple European and UK Caravans, always well-featured and lighter for towing. We considered multiple Australian caravans, large and heavy, some with slide-outs and some without. The benefit of a slide-out being more living space but often this is countered by difficulty to access areas when the slide-out is in. We like to stop regularly, going shopping, exploring and making a coffee; we are often in tight spaces and fitting into campsites with a slide-out could be an issue for us. For us, a slide-out was not an option. So it was time to explore caravan yards, motorhome shows and check out other people’s homes on wheels. Bev and I were up at Thames for the Steam Punk Festival with the All Points Camping Club when we decided we would pop along to Tauranga and again go caravan hunting. We decided to pop into Country RV at Tauranga. In 15 minutes our decision was made. Country RV in Tauranga are the North Island agent for Leisureline and Southern Star Caravans. Both are built in the Leisureline factory in Hamilton, along with Zephyr caravans and the factory has been building quality caravans since 1973, more than 30 years, and one of the few NZ caravan builders remaining. It’s a nice feeling to buy NZ-made but it was the quality fit-out and construction that sold us on the Southern Star. We had to step up quite high to get into the caravans in the showroom and access may be an issue for some people, but as soon as we saw the open plan layout and spaciousness of the caravan we got interested. For us the large U shape seating area, and deep front shelf offered a potential work area, room for all our gadgets. The cabinetry is finished to a very high standard. With lots of power points plus 12volt and usb outlets throughout the van, charging and running multiple devices wouldn’t be a problem. Backed up by 880 Watts of solar and 200 Amp-hour lithium batteries, the caravan would be good to go even on the cloudiest days. Our preference was for an SUV rather than a ute for towing and we settled on a 2nd hand high spec Audi Q7, with electronic air suspension and 3500kg towing capacity. Once the caravan is connected to the car, the car automatically adjusts the car’s ride height (which we can also adjust as needed). The remote electric brakes and rear camera make towing a breeze and the old-school leaf springs keep the van tracking well. The sales service with Country RV in Mt Maungaui (Tauranga) was a breeze and we were able to make some changes to the layout to meet our needs. Currently we are using the new caravan every second weekend and can’t wait to take longer trips in a few months time. North to South, East to West we intend to give the caravan a hard workout and have every confidence it will handle it. Some of the features of our Southern Star caravan: • 880W solar panels, that will still charge in part sunlight. • Hard-wired 2000W inverter, power to all points. • 2 x 100Ah lithium LiFePO4 batteries. • Victron charger, controller and smart shunt • Dometic 188L compressor fridge that runs continuously. • Automatic satellite dish. • 2 smart TV’s. • Autoterm diesel heater. • Wireless reversing camera. • 172 litres fresh and waste water. Both the Leisureline and Southern Star branded caravans are very similar. We liked the deep front locker with slide out gas bottles that make them easy to fit and turn on and off. Queen-sized bed, large shower, heated towel rail. At our age being comfortable is important and the NZ-built Southern Star caravan was our choice and the price was competitive. There are many other well-made, terrific caravans out there to suit peoples’ different camping and travelling needs. It’s definitely worth checking them out to choose the one that best meets your needs. Safe travels. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 16

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush. ©2025 M RIchardson Looking down on the park at the end of the road. Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. ©2025 M RIchardson Lovely views over the plains Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. ©2025 M RIchardson GO TO Here & there last summer Whisky Gully M Richardson Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush. Toilets. Some flat areas to park. You must be certified self-contained. ©2023 M Richardson Looking back down at the camping area. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 11

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Amy Lou At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Natasha Jansen At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Natasha Jansen At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Nicky Haworth At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Bryan Snaith At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Bryan Snaith GO TO Here & there last summer awesome to say the least Campfest Cheryl Roberts Encouraging our future generations of campers: family-friendly camping Campfest was awesome to say the least. The weekend started with a welcome, then the kids programme. Cheryl Roberts We dressed up and entertained the children with fun songs, games and stories. The adults enjoyed it too and even participated in the games. Imagine rolling a small Oreo biscuit from your forehead and getting it into your mouth, sounds easy, Not So! To go with the camping theme, the songs were: There’s a hole in my tent dear Shona, with Barry mending it. The wheels on the camper van, My Highland Goat. Stories: Goldilocks and the three bears, The 3 little Pigs from Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl. Saturday mornings children’s programme started at 9.15 am after 15 minutes of music thanks to Karen Clarke who also played the guitar for us. Children’s team were Margaret, Alice, Rhonda, Cheryl with Laura who joined us. Music by Karen. Again, lots of songs, stories and a play written by Alice with puppets provided by Rhonda. It was fun but not as many children as the night before. There was also a bike track, treasure hunt quiz, lions hunt where there was the occasional child asking if the lions are out. Competitions (colouring-in and free style), as well as tent pitching which the kids loved, after pitching it, they then did it blind folded to simulate putting the tent up in the dark. Discussion workshops were held and The Best Camper Competition, which brought a lot of oohs and ahhs from people as they talked to the campers who entered. The market was great, lots of variety and many people looking. My favourite was the face painting, so cool seeing so may fabulous designs on children and adults. The camp was buzzing with many activities, people chatting and generally having fun, as well as meeting new people. It was great seeing so many tents, vans, caravans and motorhomes. Adults, families relaxing and children having fun in a safe environment. I talked to a few people who said it was their first time at camp, the feedback, was that they really enjoyed it, in fact everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The facilities were great, the clubrooms were well used by people chilling or meeting over a drink and chatting. The clubrooms were awesome rooms with great atmosphere — a fantastic place to have our camps. Thank you to Bulls Rugby Club and Andy Watson the Rangitikei District Mayor. In fact all the facilities were amazing. The committee really planned this camp, with a grey water station and lots of rubbish bins, as well as porta-loos. The food trucks were definitely well worth having there, delicious fresh meals at a good price. The hamburgers (chicken and bacon) with a generous amount of chips, were very popular. I liked how the food trucks supported each other. I did see the ice cream truck but not for long. A huge draw card, was the stage and music, talent contest, open mike time and the bands which played on to 9pm. This brought a carnival atmosphere to the camp. The stage was a focal point for meeting and having fun. I observed a young girl going on stage and singing in the day, was great to see her enjoying the freedom of the place. Karen was an awesome, natural, fun MC. She kept us up with everything that was happening. My favourite song was Karen and her online dating, I hope she records it hint hint … Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. It was very informative with great question and answer time. They had give-aways and stayed on talking to several people. It was fun watching everyone receive their awards from kids competitions, to the camping awards. Andy Watson, the Rangitikei District Mayor, came and enjoyed part of Sunday, and the award ceremony. All in all, it was a fantastic Campfest, congratulations to the committee for your dedication and hard work, you certainly created a fun, happy environment for us all. I heard a lot of people say “bring on next year” I am one of those. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 34