TorqueTalk
Where have all the tag-along safaris gone, long time passing? Maybe not exactly what Peter, Paul and Mary were singing about when singing their 1962 hit Where have all the Flowers gone? but the question does need asking. Usually at this time of the year we are spoilt for choice with the numbers of fund raising events and four-wheel-drive safaris but alas for 2018 there are almost none. Certainly none of the usual ‘ big’ events that we have come to expect every year or bi-annually. The only camping safari I am currently aware of on the event calendar this season is the annual Ahuroa Volunteer Fire Brigade fund raiser and that has moved from its normal November date in the hope of better weather, and the weather has certainly been good this summer. Yes, there have been the usual smaller one day events around the country like last month’s Wairarapa 4WD fund raiser but the larger two/ three day events are missing. Long standing events like Northland's Kauri Coast Safari, the East Cape’s Urewera Safari and the Te Awamutu Rotary’s annual event. All these events were important to the local communities as they raised significant funds for local community projects and in the smaller regions brought in outside money for local businesses. We have had a couple of discussions as to why it might be that the 4WD safaris have all but disappeared. I know with a couple of events the main organisers have suffered ill health and no one has yet stepped up to take over, probably because they suddenly realised how big a task it is to organise such events, especially with the current regulations imposed. The introduction of the Outdoor Adventure Activities regulations probably make it harder for organisations like schools and service clubs like Rotary and Lions to undertake 4WD events as fund raising activities. Breaking down and simplifying the requirements under the regulations mean that unless you are a four-wheel-drive club with the main purpose being for members to drive off road, all others who want to run four-wheel- drive activities should be registered under the regulations and become audited. Not an easy exercise and certainly doesn’t come cheaply with fees bandied around like $ 5,000-$ 10,000 for the initial audit and then regular follow up audits or inspections are required every two-three years adding to the costs. To get around the regulations 4WD clubs can assist and ‘run’ events on behalf with the proceeds going to the school or local group, but all funds must first go to the club. This usually means the fund raising group does all the organising and the funds go to the club who in turn ‘ donate’ it back to the group. And since ‘money is the root of all evil’ there can be a certain mistrust between the two causing ill feeling unless everything is properly documented. The other school of thought is the reducing availability of land access and again recently introduced regulations have land owners, managers and organisers sitting on the fence waiting to see how these rules are going to affect them. Until they can be certain they are hesitant to allow access unless they know the paperwork is up to standard. The country has become one of regulations for the sake of regulations and that someone should be held accountable for anything and everything and no one wants to take that sort of accountability on, especially on a volunteer basis. With a few of the long standing events, it has inevitably been the same person organising the events for the past 15-20 years and for various reasons they are probably exhausted. They may have moved on or family circumstances changed and no one has been assisting ready to take the reins or prepared to step up and take over when needed. The introduction of new blood and fresh ideas could be what is required. Whatever the reason for 2018 there are fewer events to choose from and with most events having limited numbers it is a scramble to get in early for the few events. In a way that makes the event exclusive and only a few get to enjoy the experience. I am not sure what response has been from the vast majority of attendees and participants of these events but hopefully like me they are hoping that 2018 is just a blip and we will return to normal in 2019. As for the reason for the lack of events in 2018 again we turn to Peter, Paul and Mary with the 1963 hit The answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind.’