Home of Mountaineering: National Office

Historically, one Section was designated the Headquarters Section dependent on where the Club Headquarters Office is located.

The first Headquarters of the Club was in Christchurch. It moved to Wellington during the presidency of Arthur P. Harper, but in 1947 was moved to Dunedin where it remained until 1960. From 1960 until 1971 the Headquarters were in Christchurch. Then in 1971 it returned to Wellington with Wellington Section remaining the Headquarters Section until 1997. Christchurch was once again to be the Club's Headquarters from 1997 on. Initially in leased premises on Manchester St, but in 2006 finally opened the doors to its permanent 'Home of Mountaineering' buidling in Raycroft St, Christchurch.

The Home of Mountaineering was officially opened by Sir Edmund Hillary on Sunday, 6 August, 2006: Home of Mountaineering Opening

The Club's National Office is staffed by the Executive Officer - Ollie Clifton, National Administrator - Margaret McMahon, Administration Assistant - Narina Sutherland,  Publications Editor - Kester Brown and the Activities and Events Coordinator - Pat Deavoll. All these positions are full time, with the exception of Narina who works 20 hours per week.

Anyone interested in the Club or its services can visit this office located at Unit 6, 6 Raycroft St, Opawa, Christchurch, New Zealand. Please phone +64 (0)3 377 7595 first to ensure that the office will be open.

In 1987 NZAC created the position of Club Administrator to deal with the increasing workload generated by the Club's diverse activities. In 2001 this position was expanded to the role of Executive Officer with a National Administrator employed to help with the large workload. Soon after the roles of Climber Editor, guidebook layout and Alpine Journal Editor were combined to allow the employment of one full time Publications Editor.

The main responsibilities of the National Office are:

  • Routine correspondence and day to day administration, including banking, payments and filing
  • Processing membership inquires and renewals
  • Supplying NZAC publications to Members, the public and commercial outlets
  • Travel Insurance sales
  • Management of the Club's network of alpine and base huts
  • Management of the Club's large number of publications

Membership survey are carried out every two years. The survey of Club membership is done to keep in touch with member activity trends and opinons on Club activities and services. See below for links to the 2005, 2007 and 2009 survey results.