Firsts & Historic Dates
Sources:
A History of Mt Egmont Alpine Club 1978-2003
Mt Egmont Alpine Club and Dawson Falls 50 years history 1928-78
1928
19 March - Mt Egmont Alpine Club formed. Notice of Meeting As a result of this meeting The Mount Egmont Alpine Club is formed.
1 April - First organised climb, 70 members to the summit of Egmont. These are the signatures of some that reached the top. Back on Fanthams Peak, with an attendance of some 140 people, a discussion was held on proposals to erect a hut and a cairn was built to mark suggested site.
3 April - Branch of Club formed at Manaia
18 April - First club bulletin was produced and membership now 300.
19 April- Branch formed at Stratford with 41 members.
29 April- First working bee to cut scrub for a Ski Track from Stratford Plateau up Curtis Ridge.
8 July- Mr George Meuli presented plans for proposed hut on Fanthams Peak.
1929
24 March- First Club picnic, held at Kaupokonui Beach.
April- Club Evenings started in Winter Show Buildings
1 June- First skiing on Stratford Track
22 September- First skiing on Manganui grounds.
13 November- Hut for Fanthams Peak being prefabricated in Winter Show Buildings.
8 December- First working bee to carry hut materials.
24 Dec - 3 Jan 30- Christmas Trip to Mt Cook, party of 48.
1930
6 April- Syme Hut opened by Mr W Armit, chairman of Park Board, in presence of 300 people.
14/15 June- First At Home at Dawson Falls.
1931
14/15 March- First Wanganui River Trip to Pipiriki.
April- Work started cutting scrub for ski track at foot of Fanthams Peak.
12 July- First skiing on Hooker Run.
31 August- First NZ Ski Championship to a Club member: R. Syme won long distance race.
4 October- Alf Brustad skied down Fanthams Peak.
6 December- First Taranaki and Club ski championships held above Rangitoto Flat with 150 entries.
24 Dec- 2 Jan 32 - Trip to Franz Joseph Glacier, party of 43.
1932
October- Provincial Ski Committee formed at a meeting of the three Taranaki Clubs.
1933
17 September- Taranaki ski championships organised for Manganui grounds but lack of snow brought transfer to Fanthams Peak.
19 November- Ski championships: pidgeon post brought message with weather report down to Dawson Falls in five minutes.
30 November- First Christmas Party.
10 December- First Open Climb on Egmont, 33 to summit. Brian Murphy skied to Rangitoto Flat, another first.
1934
30 June- First Electricity at Dawson Falls.
2 September- At NZ ski championships at Ruapehu the Club won the inter-club ski race.
December- Room for public added to Ski Track hut.
24 April- First weekly column in Hawera Star contributed by "Alpenstock".
September- Club trip to Mt Cook for NZ ski championships.
5 December- Hut on Ski Track lined, equipped and now named Hooker Hut.
8 December- First double traverse of Egmont on ski, by Frank Bourke.
1939
10 February- Patea Section formed.
21 February- Kaponga Section formed
2/30 April- Club Headquarters building erected at Dawson Falls.
August- War declared, many members enlisting.
1941
10 March- Centennial of first ascent of Egmont. Plaque unveiled in presence of 120.
1 May- First printed bulletin.
7 December- Mrs F Bayly (Fanny Fantham) revisits Dawson Falls.
1942 - 44
War years with petrol rationing, transport problems, men on active service and in the home Guard. Only trips were working bees.
1945
Peace again, more petrol and trips resumed.
Highways Board took over mountain roads.
18 November- Club conducted first "open" ski meeting in NZ for 6 years with many North Island clubs represented.
1946
10 November- Record snow year since skiing started. Ski sports postponed because Syme Hut completely buried.
8 December- Ski championships held but hut still half buried.
31 August- First NZ ski championships at East Egmont.
1948
15 February- First working bee on site for new hut, now Kapuni Lodge.
5 December- First Crater Race: 7 competitors.
1949
Dawson Falls road widened to 2-way.
1950
5 March- Official function at new hut when A. V. Tait, aged 82, and R. A. Grace drove nails.
1952
8/9 November- Kapuni Lodge opening function.
1953
April- Public Shelter at Hooker Hut rebuilt.
12 July- Ski Tow completed after 2 years work.
August- Tow taken on to Kapuni Lodge.
7 November- Club 25th Anniversary function at Dawson Falls.
9 May- Telephone installed at Kapuni Lodge and Syme Hut.
1955
22 May- First Winter Opening function at Dawson Falls followed by celebration of Rod Syme's 200th ascent of Egmont.
August- Portable ski tow completed and in operation at Hooker Ski Track.
1956
22 April- Everest Seat built below Ski Track.
1958
8/9 February- Club trip of 24 to Kapiti Island.
1959
1 October- Club organised lecture tour by Sir Edmund Hillary.
1960
October- Water Ski Section formed.
1961
12 March- 5 visiting Japanese lady climbers taken up Egmont.
1962-63
27 Dec 62 - 13 Jan 63- Alan Philip organised party of nine climbers to Mt Cook National Park.
1963
16 June- Ben Shaw Memorial Seat unveiled.
19 May- New track to Lake Dive cut by Club working bee.
1964
25 February- Club and SSAR headquarters building started.
February- Alan Philip and Roger Mann make four ascents of Egmont in 24.5 hours.
1965
8 March- David Rawson completes 200 ascents.
1966
12 May- Park Board plan to demolish Syme Hut.
4 December- Headquarters Building at Dawson Falls officially opened.
11 October- Toilet for Kapuni Lodge airlifted by helicopter.
Dec 67-Jan 68
Conway family undertake major repair of Syme Hut.
1969
February- Club hosts four Japanese Climbers for ascent of Egmont.
July- Alpine garden at Dawson Falls started.
2 November- Roy Grace Memorial Picnic Area at Dawson Falls officially opened.
6 December- First Christmas Party in new Clubrooms.
1970
10 January- Cook bi-centennial climb of Egmont by combined Taranaki clubs.
March- Mt EAC takes active part in the "Save Manapouri" campaign.
1 April- The 42nd annual report records membership of 350, the highest since 1930.
1 June- The bulletin records the deep involvement of the Club in the plans for an Information Centre at Dawson Falls.
1 September- A feature of the September bulletin is the ascents list for the 1969-70 season, showing successful climbs in 6 national parks.
1971
1 April- The 43rd annual report records the success of the Conway Family efforts to Restore Syme Hut and Leo Kerrisk's sustained work on the tracks and buildings.
May- Colin Barton is setting up the portable ski tow on Hooker Run.
June- Club is taking a leading part in the campaign to raise money for the Information Centre at Dawson Falls.
1973
19 - 30 Jan 74- Club trip to Mt Aspiring National Park.
May- Ski tow, on loan to TAMC, uplifted by helicopter.
1 December- Dawson Falls Information Centre opened by Hon. A. J. Faulkner, Minister of Lands.
1974
17 - 31 Jan 75- Club Trip to Wilkin Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park.
9 February- Site cleared for fuel store at Dawson Falls.
June- Working bees marking Lower Lake Dive Track.
1975
10 - 24 Jan- Club trip to Nelson Lakes National Park.
February- Club headquarters at Dawson Falls made available for park staff.
12 July- Official opening of Konini by Mr V. Young, MP for Egmont.
1976
15 - 27 Jan- Club Trip to Mt Cook National Park.
19 January- Walter Fowlie led 18 from above trip to summit of Mt Cook.
2 May- South Committee moves to save the Cottage from demolition by the Park Board.
19 November- First prize for Club float at A&P Show parade.
Christmas- First organised club party to tramp the Matemateaonga Walkway.
1977
20 February- At Dawson Falls Club deputation asks National Parks Authority to support retention of Cottage.
8-11 April- Club party of 16 paddles down Wanganui River from Taumaranui to Pipiriki.
1 June- Invitation issued for Jubilee registrations.
19 August- Club gives support for saving the Cottage.
1970's-80's
The era of mountaineering club trips to the South Island; Rock Climbing; Kayaking; interclub Rugby competition.
1978
Club's 50th Jubilee celebrations
Club Expedition to the Andes
Roger Mann reaches 200 ascents of Mt Egmont
The Cottage at Dawson Falls is restored
1980
Andes Expedition Cup for photography donated by Walter Fowlie
Ross Dawes Search
Lake Dive Hut is replaced, built at the north end of the lake
1981
Record Open Climb succeeds in getting 142 people to the summit of Egmont
1982
Walter Fowlie leads another club climb of Mt Cook
Ralph Latta reaches 500 ascents of Mt Egmont
Mid 80's
The era of trekking in Nepal; Kayaking is popular; Department of Conservation replaces Lands & Survey and Egmont National Park Board, Club buildings on the mountain decrease.
1983
Rod Syme retires as bulletin editor after 53 years
Walter Fowlie elected a Life Member
Keith Wells Challenge Cup is donated for ski racing between TAC and EAC
Hooker Hut is replaced by a shelter by DoC
1984
The Cottage at Dawson Falls is demolished
EAC is Highly Commended in "Club of the Year" competition
Helen Cooper is the first woman in EAC to reach 100 ascents of Mt Egmont
Life Member Colin Gibson is killed in a flying accident
Walter Fowlie goes trekking in Nepal, starting a trend for EAC members
Kapuni Lodge improvements include removal of the hot water cylinder and refurbishment of foyer, removal of the phone line to Dawson Falls, renovation of bunkroom and new potbelly stove installed.
1985
Club member Ken West is killed in a climbing accident on Douglas Peak in Westland National Park
1986
The name of the mountain is changed to "Mt Egmont or Mt Taranaki"
"Toddlers' Outings" are started by Sue OÂ’Dowd
Waingongoro Hut is opened
Late 80's-early 90's
The era when New Syme Hut is built with club man-power, Mountain biking replaces rock climbing as popular activity, Walking groups start within the club.
1987
Ralph Latta is elected Life Member
Ralph starts "Ralph's Rambles" tramping trips
Fanny Fantham 100 years commemorative climb of Fanthams Peak
Department of Conservation comes into being on April 1st
1988
New Syme Hut is opened
Club holds 60th jubilee dinner
Sarah Fleming is sponsored on the Youth To Everest Expedition
1989
Keith Wells elected Life Member
First "Ladies Ski Trip" to Ruapehu
DoC introduces the hut pass system
1990
Dave Rawson elected a Life Member
Club takes part in Commonwealth Games baton relay on Mt Egmont
1991
Keith Wells Cup becomes the trophy for EAC / KOPAC sports competition
Mid 90's
The era multi-sport activities start - triathlons, canoe polo, sea kayaking, Start of Kapuni Lodge refurbishment. Search and rescue is centralized with more emphasis on training& qualifications.
1993
Ross Corrigan elected Life Member
New club logo designed for bulletin and T-shirts by Sally Hoogeveen
Kapuni Lodge works include a servery bench replacing the wall between kitchen and common room and ventilation holes in the bunkroom
Club climbs start being run instead of Open climb
1994
Rod Syme Club founder died age 94, Patron at the time
1995
DoC closes structures including the bridge at the start of the Summit Track, following the Cave Creek disaster
Bequest of $5000 from estate of Joyce Galbraith is received by the Club
Al Maginley reaches 400 ascents of Egmont
Jenny Kerrisk is first woman to do a quadruple traverse of Mt Egmont
Frank Bourke is elected Patron
Walter Fowlie is elected President of NZAC
1996
Kapuni Lodge major renovation begins with roof replacement and water tank replacement; New roof is blown off 2 months later and replaced again. Interior relining with Macrocarpa.
Taranaki coast to coast via Mt Egmont by Paul Hodgkinson, Wayne Holtham and Paul (Tussock) Roberts.
1997
Old Syme Hut is dismantled and removed from mountain
Open climb via north route gets 160 people to the summit
60th fatality on Mt Egmont occurs, Lionel Gray
Index to Bulletins 1940-97 is compiled by Jenny Kerrisk
Club Patron Frank Bourke dies
Walter Fowlie is elected Patron of EAC and Life Member of NZAC
Late 90's - Early 2000
The era of Kapuni Lodge refurbishment, resurgence of rock climbing, emphasis on training courses for outdoors.
1998
Club launches Walter Fowlie Scholarship for 2 young people each year to receive free club membership and attend courses in snowcraft, bushcraft, rock climbing, river crossing and first aid.
EAC team wins the annual Search and Rescue Competition shield
Club runs first of four annual apple drive fundraisers
1999
Alpine Leadership Course at Mt Cook using professional guides attended by 9 club members.
Ralph Latta dies of heart failure on Mt Egmont
2000
Kapuni Lodge exterior reclad continues
Jenny Kerrisk becomes the club's first woman president
Dawson Falls Visitor Centre is upgraded and opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark on the centenary of Egmont National Park
2001
Walter Fowlie is made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Years Honours
Kapuni Lodge interior refurbishment of bunkrooms and foyer is done by builders
Lodge fees are $12 for non-members, $5 for members
2002
Wietze Hoogeveen is elected Life Member
Kapuni Lodge 50th Anniversary and completion of renovations
Stratford Mountain Club lodge on the Manganui Skifield burns down in August
2003
Keith Anderson, proprietor of Stratford Mountain House and formerly of Dawson Falls Tourist Lodge, is killed in a motor accident on Feb 1st.
2004
Hillary Seat rebuilt by the club in split stone, re-opened on April 17th.
Piper Seneca plane crash on summit of Egmont, club members involved in the recovery.
2005
Concession agreement is signed with Dept of Conservation
Club Website launched in August
2008
Sir Edmund Hillary dies in Auckland Central Hospital aged 88.
Club patron Walter Fowlie ONZM, is invited to participate in the New Zealand Alpine Club guard of honour at the State funeral for Sir Edmund Hillary on January 22nd.
2009
The most successful guided Open Climb to date enabled 180 participants to reach the summit on February 2nd.
Long serving member Jim Finer is appointed a Life Member of the Mount Egmont Alpine Club. Read the full story in club bulletin Vol. 84 No. 2
A commemorative plague in memory of Sir Edmund Hillary was cemented in place on top of the Hillary Seat in April.
2010
Operation All Whites Award for Rescue of Trampers near Lake Dive - October 10th 2009. At a presentation in parliament in May, Club member Jeff Rawson received on behalf of the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue team, a framed certificate in recognition of the efforts of the team involved in the successful rescue of two brothers caught out in bad conditions on the lower Lake Dive track in Egmont National Park.(Read Jeff's account at the following link) www.tacr.org.nz/resources.html
2010
Ross Corrigan, club member for over 50 years, receives a Citizens Award from South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop on 15th September in recognition of his community service. Read the full text of the Citation
2011
Past President Bruce Mouat passes away in Wellington Base Hospital aged 48 years old.
2012
New deck built onto Kapuni Lodge.
Patron, Walter Fowlie O.N.Z.M passes away in Hawera Hospital.
Ross Corrigan becomes Patron
2013
Open climbs discontinued.
Helen Cooper completed 1011 climbs of the mountain.
2014
Club considers a rebrand to Egmont Alpine & Tramping Club, but stays with MTEAC
2016
Seat built along north side of Kapuni Lodge - using bequest from Al Maginley.
Past president Howard Gullery passes away unexpectedly
2018
Hawera Tramping Club formed as part of MTEAC and Facebook page launched.
2019
Marilyn Finer elected as a Life Member.
Memorabilia to be preserved and investigated by Archivist, Suzanne Rawson.
2020
Construction of $19.3M Taranaki Crossing begins.
Lake Dive Hut burns down.
2021
Jan Fleming and David McNair elected Life Members.
2022
Long time member and former Chief Guide, Jack Smith passes away aged 101.
Kapuni Trap Line established - Lake Dive turnoff to Kapuni Lodge, initially with 19 DOC200 traps - managed by club members.
2023
Barbra Whyte (74) - Great niece of Francis (Fanny) Fantham, makes historic climb up Fanthams Peak.
A History of Mt Egmont Alpine Club 1978-2003
Mt Egmont Alpine Club and Dawson Falls 50 years history 1928-78
1928
19 March - Mt Egmont Alpine Club formed. Notice of Meeting As a result of this meeting The Mount Egmont Alpine Club is formed.
1 April - First organised climb, 70 members to the summit of Egmont. These are the signatures of some that reached the top. Back on Fanthams Peak, with an attendance of some 140 people, a discussion was held on proposals to erect a hut and a cairn was built to mark suggested site.
3 April - Branch of Club formed at Manaia
18 April - First club bulletin was produced and membership now 300.
19 April- Branch formed at Stratford with 41 members.
29 April- First working bee to cut scrub for a Ski Track from Stratford Plateau up Curtis Ridge.
8 July- Mr George Meuli presented plans for proposed hut on Fanthams Peak.
1929
24 March- First Club picnic, held at Kaupokonui Beach.
April- Club Evenings started in Winter Show Buildings
1 June- First skiing on Stratford Track
22 September- First skiing on Manganui grounds.
13 November- Hut for Fanthams Peak being prefabricated in Winter Show Buildings.
8 December- First working bee to carry hut materials.
24 Dec - 3 Jan 30- Christmas Trip to Mt Cook, party of 48.
1930
6 April- Syme Hut opened by Mr W Armit, chairman of Park Board, in presence of 300 people.
14/15 June- First At Home at Dawson Falls.
1931
14/15 March- First Wanganui River Trip to Pipiriki.
April- Work started cutting scrub for ski track at foot of Fanthams Peak.
12 July- First skiing on Hooker Run.
31 August- First NZ Ski Championship to a Club member: R. Syme won long distance race.
4 October- Alf Brustad skied down Fanthams Peak.
6 December- First Taranaki and Club ski championships held above Rangitoto Flat with 150 entries.
24 Dec- 2 Jan 32 - Trip to Franz Joseph Glacier, party of 43.
1932
October- Provincial Ski Committee formed at a meeting of the three Taranaki Clubs.
1933
17 September- Taranaki ski championships organised for Manganui grounds but lack of snow brought transfer to Fanthams Peak.
19 November- Ski championships: pidgeon post brought message with weather report down to Dawson Falls in five minutes.
30 November- First Christmas Party.
10 December- First Open Climb on Egmont, 33 to summit. Brian Murphy skied to Rangitoto Flat, another first.
1934
30 June- First Electricity at Dawson Falls.
2 September- At NZ ski championships at Ruapehu the Club won the inter-club ski race.
December- Room for public added to Ski Track hut.
24 April- First weekly column in Hawera Star contributed by "Alpenstock".
September- Club trip to Mt Cook for NZ ski championships.
5 December- Hut on Ski Track lined, equipped and now named Hooker Hut.
8 December- First double traverse of Egmont on ski, by Frank Bourke.
1939
10 February- Patea Section formed.
21 February- Kaponga Section formed
2/30 April- Club Headquarters building erected at Dawson Falls.
August- War declared, many members enlisting.
1941
10 March- Centennial of first ascent of Egmont. Plaque unveiled in presence of 120.
1 May- First printed bulletin.
7 December- Mrs F Bayly (Fanny Fantham) revisits Dawson Falls.
1942 - 44
War years with petrol rationing, transport problems, men on active service and in the home Guard. Only trips were working bees.
1945
Peace again, more petrol and trips resumed.
Highways Board took over mountain roads.
18 November- Club conducted first "open" ski meeting in NZ for 6 years with many North Island clubs represented.
1946
10 November- Record snow year since skiing started. Ski sports postponed because Syme Hut completely buried.
8 December- Ski championships held but hut still half buried.
31 August- First NZ ski championships at East Egmont.
1948
15 February- First working bee on site for new hut, now Kapuni Lodge.
5 December- First Crater Race: 7 competitors.
1949
Dawson Falls road widened to 2-way.
1950
5 March- Official function at new hut when A. V. Tait, aged 82, and R. A. Grace drove nails.
1952
8/9 November- Kapuni Lodge opening function.
1953
April- Public Shelter at Hooker Hut rebuilt.
12 July- Ski Tow completed after 2 years work.
August- Tow taken on to Kapuni Lodge.
7 November- Club 25th Anniversary function at Dawson Falls.
9 May- Telephone installed at Kapuni Lodge and Syme Hut.
1955
22 May- First Winter Opening function at Dawson Falls followed by celebration of Rod Syme's 200th ascent of Egmont.
August- Portable ski tow completed and in operation at Hooker Ski Track.
1956
22 April- Everest Seat built below Ski Track.
1958
8/9 February- Club trip of 24 to Kapiti Island.
1959
1 October- Club organised lecture tour by Sir Edmund Hillary.
1960
October- Water Ski Section formed.
1961
12 March- 5 visiting Japanese lady climbers taken up Egmont.
1962-63
27 Dec 62 - 13 Jan 63- Alan Philip organised party of nine climbers to Mt Cook National Park.
1963
16 June- Ben Shaw Memorial Seat unveiled.
19 May- New track to Lake Dive cut by Club working bee.
1964
25 February- Club and SSAR headquarters building started.
February- Alan Philip and Roger Mann make four ascents of Egmont in 24.5 hours.
1965
8 March- David Rawson completes 200 ascents.
1966
12 May- Park Board plan to demolish Syme Hut.
4 December- Headquarters Building at Dawson Falls officially opened.
11 October- Toilet for Kapuni Lodge airlifted by helicopter.
Dec 67-Jan 68
Conway family undertake major repair of Syme Hut.
1969
February- Club hosts four Japanese Climbers for ascent of Egmont.
July- Alpine garden at Dawson Falls started.
2 November- Roy Grace Memorial Picnic Area at Dawson Falls officially opened.
6 December- First Christmas Party in new Clubrooms.
1970
10 January- Cook bi-centennial climb of Egmont by combined Taranaki clubs.
March- Mt EAC takes active part in the "Save Manapouri" campaign.
1 April- The 42nd annual report records membership of 350, the highest since 1930.
1 June- The bulletin records the deep involvement of the Club in the plans for an Information Centre at Dawson Falls.
1 September- A feature of the September bulletin is the ascents list for the 1969-70 season, showing successful climbs in 6 national parks.
1971
1 April- The 43rd annual report records the success of the Conway Family efforts to Restore Syme Hut and Leo Kerrisk's sustained work on the tracks and buildings.
May- Colin Barton is setting up the portable ski tow on Hooker Run.
June- Club is taking a leading part in the campaign to raise money for the Information Centre at Dawson Falls.
1973
19 - 30 Jan 74- Club trip to Mt Aspiring National Park.
May- Ski tow, on loan to TAMC, uplifted by helicopter.
1 December- Dawson Falls Information Centre opened by Hon. A. J. Faulkner, Minister of Lands.
1974
17 - 31 Jan 75- Club Trip to Wilkin Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park.
9 February- Site cleared for fuel store at Dawson Falls.
June- Working bees marking Lower Lake Dive Track.
1975
10 - 24 Jan- Club trip to Nelson Lakes National Park.
February- Club headquarters at Dawson Falls made available for park staff.
12 July- Official opening of Konini by Mr V. Young, MP for Egmont.
1976
15 - 27 Jan- Club Trip to Mt Cook National Park.
19 January- Walter Fowlie led 18 from above trip to summit of Mt Cook.
2 May- South Committee moves to save the Cottage from demolition by the Park Board.
19 November- First prize for Club float at A&P Show parade.
Christmas- First organised club party to tramp the Matemateaonga Walkway.
1977
20 February- At Dawson Falls Club deputation asks National Parks Authority to support retention of Cottage.
8-11 April- Club party of 16 paddles down Wanganui River from Taumaranui to Pipiriki.
1 June- Invitation issued for Jubilee registrations.
19 August- Club gives support for saving the Cottage.
1970's-80's
The era of mountaineering club trips to the South Island; Rock Climbing; Kayaking; interclub Rugby competition.
1978
Club's 50th Jubilee celebrations
Club Expedition to the Andes
Roger Mann reaches 200 ascents of Mt Egmont
The Cottage at Dawson Falls is restored
1980
Andes Expedition Cup for photography donated by Walter Fowlie
Ross Dawes Search
Lake Dive Hut is replaced, built at the north end of the lake
1981
Record Open Climb succeeds in getting 142 people to the summit of Egmont
1982
Walter Fowlie leads another club climb of Mt Cook
Ralph Latta reaches 500 ascents of Mt Egmont
Mid 80's
The era of trekking in Nepal; Kayaking is popular; Department of Conservation replaces Lands & Survey and Egmont National Park Board, Club buildings on the mountain decrease.
1983
Rod Syme retires as bulletin editor after 53 years
Walter Fowlie elected a Life Member
Keith Wells Challenge Cup is donated for ski racing between TAC and EAC
Hooker Hut is replaced by a shelter by DoC
1984
The Cottage at Dawson Falls is demolished
EAC is Highly Commended in "Club of the Year" competition
Helen Cooper is the first woman in EAC to reach 100 ascents of Mt Egmont
Life Member Colin Gibson is killed in a flying accident
Walter Fowlie goes trekking in Nepal, starting a trend for EAC members
Kapuni Lodge improvements include removal of the hot water cylinder and refurbishment of foyer, removal of the phone line to Dawson Falls, renovation of bunkroom and new potbelly stove installed.
1985
Club member Ken West is killed in a climbing accident on Douglas Peak in Westland National Park
1986
The name of the mountain is changed to "Mt Egmont or Mt Taranaki"
"Toddlers' Outings" are started by Sue OÂ’Dowd
Waingongoro Hut is opened
Late 80's-early 90's
The era when New Syme Hut is built with club man-power, Mountain biking replaces rock climbing as popular activity, Walking groups start within the club.
1987
Ralph Latta is elected Life Member
Ralph starts "Ralph's Rambles" tramping trips
Fanny Fantham 100 years commemorative climb of Fanthams Peak
Department of Conservation comes into being on April 1st
1988
New Syme Hut is opened
Club holds 60th jubilee dinner
Sarah Fleming is sponsored on the Youth To Everest Expedition
1989
Keith Wells elected Life Member
First "Ladies Ski Trip" to Ruapehu
DoC introduces the hut pass system
1990
Dave Rawson elected a Life Member
Club takes part in Commonwealth Games baton relay on Mt Egmont
1991
Keith Wells Cup becomes the trophy for EAC / KOPAC sports competition
Mid 90's
The era multi-sport activities start - triathlons, canoe polo, sea kayaking, Start of Kapuni Lodge refurbishment. Search and rescue is centralized with more emphasis on training& qualifications.
1993
Ross Corrigan elected Life Member
New club logo designed for bulletin and T-shirts by Sally Hoogeveen
Kapuni Lodge works include a servery bench replacing the wall between kitchen and common room and ventilation holes in the bunkroom
Club climbs start being run instead of Open climb
1994
Rod Syme Club founder died age 94, Patron at the time
1995
DoC closes structures including the bridge at the start of the Summit Track, following the Cave Creek disaster
Bequest of $5000 from estate of Joyce Galbraith is received by the Club
Al Maginley reaches 400 ascents of Egmont
Jenny Kerrisk is first woman to do a quadruple traverse of Mt Egmont
Frank Bourke is elected Patron
Walter Fowlie is elected President of NZAC
1996
Kapuni Lodge major renovation begins with roof replacement and water tank replacement; New roof is blown off 2 months later and replaced again. Interior relining with Macrocarpa.
Taranaki coast to coast via Mt Egmont by Paul Hodgkinson, Wayne Holtham and Paul (Tussock) Roberts.
1997
Old Syme Hut is dismantled and removed from mountain
Open climb via north route gets 160 people to the summit
60th fatality on Mt Egmont occurs, Lionel Gray
Index to Bulletins 1940-97 is compiled by Jenny Kerrisk
Club Patron Frank Bourke dies
Walter Fowlie is elected Patron of EAC and Life Member of NZAC
Late 90's - Early 2000
The era of Kapuni Lodge refurbishment, resurgence of rock climbing, emphasis on training courses for outdoors.
1998
Club launches Walter Fowlie Scholarship for 2 young people each year to receive free club membership and attend courses in snowcraft, bushcraft, rock climbing, river crossing and first aid.
EAC team wins the annual Search and Rescue Competition shield
Club runs first of four annual apple drive fundraisers
1999
Alpine Leadership Course at Mt Cook using professional guides attended by 9 club members.
Ralph Latta dies of heart failure on Mt Egmont
2000
Kapuni Lodge exterior reclad continues
Jenny Kerrisk becomes the club's first woman president
Dawson Falls Visitor Centre is upgraded and opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark on the centenary of Egmont National Park
2001
Walter Fowlie is made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Years Honours
Kapuni Lodge interior refurbishment of bunkrooms and foyer is done by builders
Lodge fees are $12 for non-members, $5 for members
2002
Wietze Hoogeveen is elected Life Member
Kapuni Lodge 50th Anniversary and completion of renovations
Stratford Mountain Club lodge on the Manganui Skifield burns down in August
2003
Keith Anderson, proprietor of Stratford Mountain House and formerly of Dawson Falls Tourist Lodge, is killed in a motor accident on Feb 1st.
2004
Hillary Seat rebuilt by the club in split stone, re-opened on April 17th.
Piper Seneca plane crash on summit of Egmont, club members involved in the recovery.
2005
Concession agreement is signed with Dept of Conservation
Club Website launched in August
2008
Sir Edmund Hillary dies in Auckland Central Hospital aged 88.
Club patron Walter Fowlie ONZM, is invited to participate in the New Zealand Alpine Club guard of honour at the State funeral for Sir Edmund Hillary on January 22nd.
2009
The most successful guided Open Climb to date enabled 180 participants to reach the summit on February 2nd.
Long serving member Jim Finer is appointed a Life Member of the Mount Egmont Alpine Club. Read the full story in club bulletin Vol. 84 No. 2
A commemorative plague in memory of Sir Edmund Hillary was cemented in place on top of the Hillary Seat in April.
2010
Operation All Whites Award for Rescue of Trampers near Lake Dive - October 10th 2009. At a presentation in parliament in May, Club member Jeff Rawson received on behalf of the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue team, a framed certificate in recognition of the efforts of the team involved in the successful rescue of two brothers caught out in bad conditions on the lower Lake Dive track in Egmont National Park.(Read Jeff's account at the following link) www.tacr.org.nz/resources.html
2010
Ross Corrigan, club member for over 50 years, receives a Citizens Award from South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop on 15th September in recognition of his community service. Read the full text of the Citation
2011
Past President Bruce Mouat passes away in Wellington Base Hospital aged 48 years old.
2012
New deck built onto Kapuni Lodge.
Patron, Walter Fowlie O.N.Z.M passes away in Hawera Hospital.
Ross Corrigan becomes Patron
2013
Open climbs discontinued.
Helen Cooper completed 1011 climbs of the mountain.
2014
Club considers a rebrand to Egmont Alpine & Tramping Club, but stays with MTEAC
2016
Seat built along north side of Kapuni Lodge - using bequest from Al Maginley.
Past president Howard Gullery passes away unexpectedly
2018
Hawera Tramping Club formed as part of MTEAC and Facebook page launched.
2019
Marilyn Finer elected as a Life Member.
Memorabilia to be preserved and investigated by Archivist, Suzanne Rawson.
2020
Construction of $19.3M Taranaki Crossing begins.
Lake Dive Hut burns down.
2021
Jan Fleming and David McNair elected Life Members.
2022
Long time member and former Chief Guide, Jack Smith passes away aged 101.
Kapuni Trap Line established - Lake Dive turnoff to Kapuni Lodge, initially with 19 DOC200 traps - managed by club members.
2023
Barbra Whyte (74) - Great niece of Francis (Fanny) Fantham, makes historic climb up Fanthams Peak.
