The Ngaroma block (September 2010)
 
In 2003 the King Country 4WD Club approached the Department of Conservation about developing an area for use by us and other 4WD clubs.  The Ngaroma block came up because it had not long been logged of pine and if we kept to the ‘Skidder’ tracks we could use this block.  This block is to be allowed to naturally regenerate into a native forest.  The National 4WD Association has assisted with funding towards this project allowing us to keep the skidder tracks open and install culverts allowing us to use all of the 350 odd acres in the block.  Carting bulldozers and building materials the 26 kms from the main road (SH30) is no mean feat and cartage is our enemy.

The Ngaroma block Camp site and facilities were constructed and are maintained by the King Country 4WD Club with the approval of DoC and the Otorohanga District Council (Building Permit). 
After the camp site was set up and the shelters and toilets were built, we left a visitor’s book to gauge the amount of use and to gain feedback on the facilities.
Since January 2009 to September 2010 there have been 370 names entered in the book with some very positive feedback.  These people have been hunters, DoC workers, and 4x4 enthusiasts from all over New Zealand including a hunter from England.
Most have remarked on the area, tracks and the facilities at the block.  In the comments the visitors have appreciated the time and effort that the KC4WD Club have spent, and continue to spend, on the maintenance with the likes of working bees and fundraising.
As the block is becoming more and more popular we have asked DoC to help us with the road maintenance and upkeep in the way of metal and mowing.  The KC4WD Club intends over summer, to put a grader and a roller over the native block end of Ngaroma Road to the block where the road is in most need of repair.
We have only had one lot of ungrateful jerks who trashed the camp, damaged the fireplace, burnt our BBQ table, and housed their dogs in the shelters for a few days.  The club cleaned up the mess, rubbish, dog shit, and cleaned down soot off the roof of the shelters and repaired the grassed camp area and reseeded it.
An inconsiderate few out of 370 isn’t bad, just disappointing.
To show our respect and support for the hunters we stay out of the block during the roar and even over the Easter break.  We encourage the others in the 4WD community to do the same also.
We would like others to visit and enjoy the block as we do and respect it and all that use it.  We would be happy to show others around the block or join us at our activities.  However, we do have a safety inspection on all vehicles by the trip leader to make sure that they are safe. 
If any other clubs or individuals would like to contribute to the maintenance of the block and facilities that can be done through our club contact.
Please notify us if there is anything that we need to know or repair and please don’t burn any native timber at the block.  We are allowed to use the pine trees at the block for firewood as they are a self seeded weed, but please leave the ones directly around the camp as they provide shelter.
Always remember to take your rubbish out with you and this will save us doing it.
Thanks,
Steve Kernot.
King Country 4WD Club President.