Darran Mountains Rock Book Still For Sale
2/4/2025
Apologies for anyone that was confused by our bit of fun for April Fools Day yesterday. In these times of misinformation and clickbait, it really pays to read beyond the headline and think critically about what you are reading and the sources it references. Oh, and always check the date of the article.
The original text is below:
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It is with regret that NZAC announces that we are removing our recently-published volume 'Darran Mountains Rock' from sale. While we are proud of the book, we have fielded many serious complaints about the scope and accuracy of the information involved, including suggestions that some of the names of the climbs aren't even correct.
There has also been the threat of legal action in regard to the book. A statement from plaintiffs Mr Ball and Mr Pearson states that "The so-called Darran Mountains guidebook from NZAC, which we have waited nearly twenty years for, is barely deserving of the name. NZAC's own website ClimbNZ names over fifty peaks in the Darran Mountain Range, yet climbs on only eight of these peaks are included in the book. Furthermore, some climbs on peaks in the Earl Mountains, Wick Mountains, Sheerdown Hills and Llawrenny Peaks ARE included. This is very confusing for climbers, especially those permanently disorientated from hypoxic episodes. We demand NZAC remove this publication from sale and finish it properly, or at a minimum change the title to 'Some Darran Mountains Rock Climbs But Not Really The Alpine Climbing Or The Central Darrans: Plus some other random bits you need a boat for'."
NZAC's lawyer, Darren, has responded with our own statement insisting that the claim of the plaintiffs is false. "There aren't actually any climbs from the Wick Mountains included in the book, though we agree that ClimbNZ is an excellent resource for those looking to climb in areas not included in the current book." Despite our willingness to fight this out in court, NZAC have decided instead to remove this title from sale immediately. It is our duty to the climbing community to deliver high quality climbing information and we regret the publication of this book, which clearly falls short of the community's expectations.
A revised edition of the book is expected to go on sale in 2033.
1/4/2025