With plenty of fun, no mishaps, and a volunteer plan that worked for all, DOC staff were simply amazing and resourceful individuals under Duncan’s dedication to protocol, conservation, and human dignity.

Completely renovating two backcountry huts in the time we had was a combination of group determination, perfect weather and a wide range of skill sets meant we accomplished more than was anticipated! It was awesome to be a part of something bigger than one’s self and I am indebted to the club’s members for their enthusiasm, personal cost and the desire to give back.

Any person with the motivation, attitude and/or skills for renovating other backcountry DOC Huts in NZ are welcome to contact David Moore. Alternatively, you can make direct contact with DOC’s volunteer webpage. Giving back to DOC’s backcountry Huts means volunteer renovations are subject to DOC’s consideration, requirements, protocols, direction, signoff, and volunteer compliance.

Bring on the next HutReno @ DOCNZ!

David Moore

Auckland Baptist Tramping Club 40th Anniversary

March 2nd to 7th 2019

The project got underway at DOC’s field depot in Hanmer Springs with a Health and Safety debrief by the area’s Ranger: Duncan Anthony.

With two DOC vehicles loaded to the hilt, a total of ten individuals (four DOC staff and six volunteers) headed off to Hope Kiwi Lodge via the Poplars Station on the Lewis Pass Road. From Hope Kiwi, we split up into two groups of five. The first group of volunteers hiked up to Three Mile Stream Hut lead by Phil Norton. The second group tramped to Top Hope Hut lead by David Moore, while DOC staff along with all the project gear and all packs were flown in by helicopter respectively.

The volunteer effort was designed as part of the ABTC 40th anniversary celebrations. Repainting four DOC Huts (one for each ten-year period) over forty volunteer days during 2019 gathered in momentum over twelve months of planning. Paint for the two projects was supplied courtesy of Dulux.

Working under the direction of DOC meant volunteers were excluded from using power tools and the like. This priority minimised the possibility of risk and harm during a week where manual tasks were undertaken and completed. Some of these tasks included preparing and repainting both huts inside and out, backup support for DOC staff, track clearing and marking, replenishing firewood, general repair and tidy up work.