CLUB CORNER
If you own a four-wheel-drive, or 4WD, vehicle, you soon realize the variety of opportunities that become available for discovering the outdoors. Nature beckons, and your 4WD can provide the means of allowing you and your family to enjoy adventures and scenery beyond the main highways of New Zealand.
The New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association Inc. (NZFWDA) exists to encourage the responsible use of 4WD vehicles and to advocate for their use on public land. As a member of the NZFWDA, you become an integral part of this effort to ensure that present and future generations can continue to enjoy our country in 4WD vehicles.
The NZFWDA is the national 4WD body in New Zealand, established in 1974 and representing the voices of over 2100 members, their clubs and United 4WD supporters. Volunteers administer the association through a national executive council, three regional zone committees, and a competition committee. Those committees are directly represented on the National Executive.
The regional zones are Northern, from North Cape to Taupo; Central, from Taupo to Wellington; and Southern, covering all of the South Island.
Another vital reason for an association is the social contact made between the wide crosssections of 4WD enthusiasts around the country. This is encouraged through inter-club events, competitive trials, team recoveries, winch challenges, and support for clubs that organize ‘safaris’, and coast-to-coast–type 4WD trips for family recreation.
Encouraging the highest safety standards in all areas of four wheeling is very important to the association. Environmental awareness is emphasized through involvement in community projects, such as clean-up and planting programmes. Funds and manpower are also provided by the NZFWDA to assist the maintenance of 4WD routes on public and private lands when required.
As with all formally incorporated organizations, the NZFWDA is run in a businesslike manner. To achieve this, it meets throughout the year and holds an AGM combined with a conference, to ensure a steady flow and exchange of information.