New Nikon D3200 Camera and New Nikkor Lens announcement from TA Macalister Ltd
New Products:
It is with great pleasure that we announce the new Nikon D3200 Digital SLR camera, the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a and the new AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G Lens.
With specifications as below, coupled with Nikon’s new expanded Guide Mode and the quality of Nikkor lenses, we expect the D3200 will make a huge impact in the NZ mid-range SLR market.
See more here
ALLAN ADDS NEW WORLD TOUR DE WAKATIPU CROWN TO HIS TALLY
Wanaka’s Dougal Allen made it look easy as he crossed the finish line when he won the Tour de Wakatipu title on Saturday (April 7) setting a new record of 1.31.40.
Six hundred and ninety people entered the race which was held for the fourth consecutive year and featured as a key event in the annual Queenstown Bike Festival.
The event which caters for elite, sport and recreational mountain bikers starts at Millbrook Resort and follows tracks across public and private land to finish at Chard Farm.
Race Director Geoff Hunt says it is the only time of the year people have access through Coneburn Station along the Kawarau River which is part of the appeal of the event.
“It was a stunning day and the feedback from the competitors was fantastic. It is always good to see new competitors and everyone, whatever level, can take part without any pressure.”
The elite and sports competitors include a loop of Lake Hayes to ride 45km while the recreational ride covers 36km.
In the elite section Allan very much dominated the race throughout.
“I felt pretty relaxed the whole race,” he says,” but I still managed to take a wrong turn on a single track after the bridge.”
Matt Randall (Invercargill) took second place with more than a minute behind Allan in 1.32.47, very closely followed by a second by Brent Miller (Christchurch) in third place in 1.32.48.
Allan says while he found the course relatively easy, he could see why it attracted such a wide spread field of athletes and recreational bikers.
“The course is actually very varied with riding on flats, single tracks, crossing creeks, and along the river. And I loved the great atmosphere at the finish with the live music .”
National women’s mountain biking champion Kate Fluker (Dunedin) was on fire to win the elite women’s open title in 1.48.05, and was comfortably in front of her next competition Harriet Miller (Queenstown) who claimed second place in 1.54.03.
In the Elite Veteran Male division Geoff Keogh (Dunedin) and Phil Wood (Wanaka) fought for the win with Keogh snatching the title in 1.37.04 and Wood taking second place in 1.37.16. Rob Soothil (Christchurch) took third place in 1.39.03.
The fastest junior elite competitor was Bria Noble (Dunedin) who clocked 2.22.56.
The elite women’s veteran female section was won by Jacky Toepfer (Wanaka) in 1.56.23 while the women’s masters’ title went to Ann Scanlan (Wanaka) in 2.00.10.
Craig Bates (Dunedin) took the men’s masters’ title in a fast 1.38.39 while the masters plus section winner was Graeme Johnson (Alexandra) in 2.19.31.
The fastest man in the sports category was Tom Kaminszky (Dunedin) in 1.47.01 while the open women’s title was won by Laura Ferguson (Wanaka) in 1.55.09.
The fastest male and female junior sport competitors were Jack Synnott (Auckland) in 1.51.15 and Sophie Thompson (Queenstown) who clocked 2.49.08 respectively.
Tony Bennett (Christchurch) rode a quick race to win the sports veteran men’s category in 1.48.50 while Nicola McAra (Invercargill) clocked 2.00.32 to win the women’s veteran title.
The sports masters’ section saw Janet Reeves (Christchurch) win in 2.00.20 and Paul Clark (Invercargill) won the men’s title in 1.51.26.
Justin Calder (Queenstown) clocked a very creditable 1.54.18 to win the men’s master plus.
The recreational open female race was comfortably won by Amanda Senior crossing the line in 1.48.30 in front of Charlotte Gavin who g=finished second in 1.52.53.
The men’s race was fought and won by Bradley McPherson (Invercargill) taking line honours in 1.32.12 followed by Andrew Blay in 1.37.42
Women’s junior winner was Phoebe Young (Wanaka) who recorded 1.57.52 while Nico Hay (Queenstown) won the junior men’s title in 1.33.19.
In the veteran section Julie Findley (Invercargill) clocked 1.42.17 to win the women’s title and Trevor Bungard (Invercargill) took the men’s title in 1.29.17.
The masters’ titles were won by Caroline Stewart (Winton) in 1.53.10 and Peter Kennedy (Invercargill) who finished in 1.38.32.
The fastest woman in the masters plus section was Anne Ryder (Christchurch) in 2.13.23 and Sean O’Neill (Geraldine) won the men’s title in 1.42.20.
New World owner John Thompson who competed in the race for the fourth time in the sports section says the Tour de Wakatipu has become a highlight on the Queenstown mountain biking calendar and that he is very pleased to be behind this successful event.
“It is the sort of event that appeals to such a range of people who can compete at their own level. Being able to cross such spectacular private tracks is also a major plus and the weather this year was just perfect.”
Nevada Sport Managing Director Hamish Cochran who sponsors the event with Merrell products says the Tour de Wakatipu has good synergy with his brand because it caters for both elite and recreational riders.
“It is inspiring to see all the mixed age groups and particularly some of the older competitors. Everyone who enjoys biking can give it a go and the finish at Chard Farm has such a great atmosphere it is well worth getting there.”
The Tour de Wakatipu raised $3,300 for Cure Kids which funds research into children’s life threatening illnesses and approximately $2000 will be donated to the Wakatipu Trails Trust through the sale of beverages at the finish line.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
GEOFF HUNT
0274 967 530
Photos on request
ORION HEALTH GODZONE ADVENTURE RACE WRAPS IN SUNSHINE
The finale teams competing in the Orion Health GODZone Adventure came across the finish line at midday today wrapping up the six day event in fine form.
Blue sky’s, brilliant sunshine, pizza and champagne awaited the last competitors who had been travelling constantly with very little sleep for five days, 3 hours and 25 minutes (124.25mins).
Team Seagate won the 515km long event early in the week on Thursday evening finishing in three days,14 hours and 55 minutes proving their world class status and domination. Team leader Nathan Faavae said the adventure was inspirational. “ We had to overcome the ruggedness of the course to get to this position – it was not an easy route. A lot of races are quite sterile but this one was beautiful.”
Second place went to Team One Square Meal who finished the course in four days, 6 hours and one minute. Sia Svendson, Ian Edmond, Stuart Lynch and Ross Rotherham were thrilled with their placing and team leader Ian Adamson praised race directors Warren Bates and Adam Fairmaid.
“Everyone found the race very challenging but we we’re here for the adventure and that’s what we got!
Third place went to Queenstown favourites, Team R&R Sport who finished in four days, five hours and 22 minutes. Local adventurers Haydn Key, Baz Smith, Jess Simson and Mat Woods celebrated their placing by dropping by the R&R store to say hi to the staff on the way to the finish line.
“ We are really happy with where we came, enjoyed the entire course and loved every minute of it. Its great to have a race of this nature back in New Zealand and here in our own backyard.”
Second place team One Square Meal across the finish line.
Out of a field of 31 racing teams, ten made it home on the full course with ten stages starting with a Milford Sound kayak and then proceeded to a Milford Road mountain bike, Englinton River white water canoe, Dunton Range trek, Oreti Cromel mountain bike, Eyre Mountain trek, Thomson Mountain bike, Earnslaw Burn trek, Rees Valley mountain bike and finishing with a kayak on Lake Wakatipu.
A time cut off at 6pm on Thursday pushed teams on to an intermediate course that did not include the Eyre Mountain trek stage and five teams completed that. The short course kicked in at 6pm on Friday with four teams finishing. Three teams finished on the Endeavour course which had the teams travel on the Real Journeys Earnslaw boat to the finish line. Six teams came in unranked having received assistance on the course and three teams withdrew.
The success of the event delivered on all fronts with all competitors raving about the course and the adventure they had. The GODZone Adventure live website received over 66,553 visits during the week long event and national press, TVNZ and TV3 bulletins resulted in far-reaching media presence.
Skater dies during competition
An investigation is underway after the death of an 18-year-old during a longboard competition in Auckland.
The university student was one of about 200 who skate-boarded down a windy and steep road that leads to the Chelsea Sugar factory in Birkenhead.
Sergeant Andrew Wright says the teenager was travelling about 40 kilometres an hour when he lost control of his board, skidded, spun in the air and crashed on his head.
He was wearing a helmet, gloves and safety padding on his knees.
The police serious crash unit will investigate the death, before it’s referred to the coroner.
Zeke Lau Vs. Keanu Asing
Crew arrested at NZ’s request: lawyer
The lawyer for Norwegian adventurer Jarle Andhoy says he was arrested off the coast of Chile at the request of New Zealand authorities.
Mr Andhoy and his four crew members are being held at a Chilean naval base at Puerto Williams and their sailing permit has been revoked.
Mr Andhoy, 34, and fellow Norwegian Samuel Massie, 19, caused consternation with authorities when they made an unsanctioned trip to the Antarctic earlier this year.
They were looking for traces of their yacht Berserk, which sank in a huge storm in February last year – with the loss of three lives – as Mr Andhoy and Mr Massie tried to reach the South Pole on quad bikes. Their equipment was left at New Zealand’s Scott Base.
After finding no trace of the Berserk last month, the adventurers, including New Zealander Busby Noble, 53, headed north.
Mr Andhoy’s lawyer Nils Jorgen Vordahl told Radio New Zealand the arrests were made at the request of New Zealand authorities.
He said the crew of the Nilaya are OK, but they are waiting for official papers detailing why they have been arrested.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) won’t comment on New Zealand’s involvement in the arrests.
MFAT says Chilean authorities are aware of New Zealand’s concerns about the unauthorised voyage to Antarctica and the embassy in Chile is prepared to provide assistance to Mr Noble.
After calling off the search for the Berserk, the crew of the Nilaya decided against sailing to New Zealand, believing they could face prosecution and instead headed for South America.
Under New Zealand regulations, any ship heading from New Zealand to Antarctica needs permission from New Zealand authorities.
TUATAPERE HUMP RIDGE TRACK GAINS ENVIRO GOLD AWARD
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Enviro Gold Award by Qualmark, recognising its high standards in environmental practices.
To earn tourism’s top official environmental award, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track has had to demonstrate excellence in energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation, with community activities and conservation initiatives also considered under Qualmark’s environmental criteria. The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is only one of two Visitor Activities in Southland and Fiordland to have gained Enviro Gold.
Kate Hebblethwaite, Operations Manager, said “we are delighted at this recognition of our environmental efforts and commitment to sustainable practises across the organisation.”
“Everything we do on the track has sustainability at its core – from the dishwashing liquid that we use, to our new stoat trapping project, to the proposed wind turbine at Okaka Lodge.”
The Enviro Award sits alongside the Qualmark Endorsement system for tourism businesses, with all Qualmark licence holders undergoing strict criteria assessments to ensure the quality of their service meets Qualmark’s exacting standards.
“Every Qualmark licence holder is expected to adhere to basic Responsible Tourism practices”, says Qualmark General Manager, Tim Keeling, “but to attain a Qualmark Enviro award, a business must show extra commitment to caring for their environment and their local community.”
“For each step up the Enviro ladder, from Bronze to Silver then Gold, more is demanded of the business. The Enviro criteria is strict and the assessments rigorous and demanding. We applaud every Qualmark licence holder who takes up the challenge to support sustainable tourism practices and good environmental management, through the Enviro awards”.
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a Charitable Organisation and community initiative. Future profits made from the track will be returned to the Tuatapere community to help fund local projects.
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Mountain Bikers Gear Up for Rally of the Rock
Auckland, New Zealand. March 8 2012 – Registrations are now open for one of Niue Island’s most popular events, the ‘Rally of the Rock’ mountain biking challenge on June 4th, 2012.
This iconic local event has gained international recognition with mountain bike riders from New Zealand, Australia and further abroad travelling to Niue to be part of the experience and enjoy what Niue has to offer.
The annual competition sees riders challenge themselves against the terrain, the elements and the clock while they are rewarded with the stunning views and unique sights from Niue’s hard and fast bush tracks. The rally consists of several timed and ‘cruising’ stages over a total of 40 + kilometres of tracks and roads.
No-one takes the race too seriously except for the front riders making it a fun day for all involved. The event receives great local support and full coverage on local TV and radio stations.
There are major cash and travel prizes up for grabs for the overall male and female winners and place getters in each of three categories; Senior Men, Junior Men and Open Women.
Throughout the week of the event there are plenty of additional activities arranged for the international competitors including further bike rides, barbeques and famed attractions like snorkelling, diving and fishing.
Keen riders can also sign up for the inaugural ‘Round the Rock’ race which will take place on June 6th 2012. ‘Round the Rock’ will be a 60km road sprint around the whole island.
Niue Island is great destination for adventurous travelers. As well as extensive mountain biking and hiking tracks, Niue is highly regarded for its marine activities including fantastic snorkeling and diving, fishing and whale watching. On-land, the island boasts extensive caving systems and lush forests for exploration.
Expressions of interest and registrations for both of these events can be sent through to the Visitor Information Centre – info@niueisland.com.
Air New Zealand has weekly direct flights to Niue Island from Auckland. The connecting flight for these events is on Saturday June 2nd.
Fundraising For Kids – You Can Help Too!
It’s funny how some things work out. While seeking sponsors for an upcoming event, my email found its way onto Lisa’s desk at Adventure Magazine. With a $30 donation and an email, I find myself here with an opportunity to tell you a little about the Buller Gorge Marathon and my mini fundraising mission for Project K.
My running “career” is a short one. With this being my second half marathon I would describe myself as average fitness. The event itself is stunning, and a real highlight for me was seeing how a whole town (Westport on the west coast of the Sth Island)can all pull together to provide ample drink stations, numerous pockets of people cheering you along and my highlight, a DJ with massive speakers pumping out some awesome beats to keep the legs moving.
The race starts up in the Buller Gorge and winds its along the Buller river to a finish point in Westport. The scenery provides a stunning backdrop and with all the beautiful views around, it helps to take your mind of all the messages my body was sending me and the possibility of being taken alive by sandflies! Everyone who passed me (approx 600 of you) were super friendly and everyone had words of encouragement that give you that little boost, its awesome to share in something like this with like minded people.
This is great race/event and I would thoroughly recommend it for casual runners, walkers, teams and corporate or for the serious runner wanting to do the full marathon.
At the finish line, I was sore but rapt to have finished. I also managed to raise some funds for a bunch of kids who need some help from time to time. As a blatant last chance to bump up my fundraising, I have included my details if this inspires you to send any spare $ towards the charity http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/MatthewParrett.
ABOUT PROJECT K
Project K is a youth development programme designed to inspire 13 – 15-year-olds to reach their potential through building self-confidence, promoting good health and education and teaching life skills such as goal setting and teamwork. It uses the backdrop of New Zealand’s beautiful outdoors to help 13 – 15 year olds who lack self-confidence or with other factors holding their development back.
As a charitable trust they rely on the generosity of donations, grants from philanthropic trusts and sponsorships.
Project K gets results so help support this great scheme!
Key findings include:
Improved self-confidence and focus Improved academic results
Improved social skills
Reduced negative behaviour such as smoking and truancy
Improved motivation
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