About FMC

Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) – who we are and how the Maerewhenua Trust has helped 


FMC was founded in 1931 and advocates for the backcountry and outdoor recreation on behalf of 21,784 members of 96 clubs. FMC has taken a leading role in establishment of protection and ongoing robust management of much of New Zealand’s public conservation land.

 Members travel with light feet, exploring New Zealand by foot, bike, paragliding, packrafting, kayak, skis, and others, seeking quiet, beauty, challenge and friendship. Each year they elect an FMC Executive to continue advocacy for these opportunities; the health of the lands they take place in; and the integrity of the legislation, policy, and planning underlying those lands’ management. 

Day-to-day, FMC celebrates outdoor recreation and the natural environment; works with agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Land Information New Zealand on policy, planning, and process issues; writes submissions, and publishes, on a raft of issues; is co-founder and Trustee of the Backcountry Trust (hut and track maintenance and development); and offers scholarships and grants to members, young and old, to enable them to venture further into the wilderness.

From creation of national parks, conservation parks, wilderness areas, and other protected areas, to advocacy for New Zealand’s hut and track network and public recreation access generally, FMC stands for our wild places and Kiwis’ place in them.

Contributions from the Maerewhenua Trust 

The Maerewhenua Trust provides regular and significant contributions to FMC, and has done so for a number of years. The contributions are the most significant source of FMC’s income outside of membership fees and the funding enables FMC to perform a much greater role in the outdoor community. The additional funding has enabled FMC to expand the scope of its advocacy work, including:

  • The provision of youth grants and awards
  • Employment of a development officer, who, among other things, aims to increase outdoor participation and skills
  • Support for the volunteer executive, including funding of travel

FMC is deeply appreciative of John Simpson’s foresight in establishing the Maerewhenua Trust, and for the regular and consistent contributions towards FMC’s advocacy work. The Trust’s substantial generosity means FMC can focus on its core work and not on fundraising.