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Highlights from our 2025 AGM

A year shaped by climbers, volunteers, and community effort.

ACAT’s 2024–25 year reflected the collective work of climbers, volunteers, landowners, and partners across the motu, from national advocacy to on-the-ground access projects.

A key milestone was seeing ACAT’s submissions accepted in the Whakaari / White Island High Court decision, helping bring greater clarity to landowner responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The Government’s commitment to reforming the Act marks another important step forward for recreation and access. The positive impact of these changes will be felt in the climbing and broader outdoor recreation communities for years to come. 

Climber in blue on steeply overhanging rock with mountains and lake in the background.

Jan Vymetal on The Contractor, Far Horizon crag, Wānaka. Photographer Tom Hoyle.

Access and advocacy in action

Thanks to sustained community effort and strong collaboration with landowners, three major crags reopened this year: Pakeho, Mangorewa Gorge, and Bayley Road. Volunteers also supported access mahi across both islands, from pine-pulling and track work to website rebuilding, registration-system management, and helping maintain relationships with key stakeholders at high-use crags. 

These contributions highlight what makes climbing in Aotearoa unique: a community that actively cares for the places it loves.

A look behind the scenes

To support this growing community mahi, ACAT introduced a new Strategic Plan, strengthened governance systems, and expanded operational capacity.

Our financial position remains stable, with a modest surplus and continued investment in community projects,  including 142 new anchors installed through the Kimi Worrell Fund this year. Full financials and organisational updates are available in our 2025 Annual Report and AGM Minutes.

We also acknowledged the many volunteers, donors, sponsors and partners whose contributions make this work possible.

Looking ahead

Together, these efforts position ACAT well for the coming year, as we continue supporting climbers and landowners and working towards sustainable, community-led access across Aotearoa.

How you can help

Climbing access is a shared responsibility. Here are a few ways you can support this mahi:

  • Stay informed, follow ACAT for updates on access, advocacy, and opportunities to get involved
  • Volunteer at local crags and community projects
  • Donate to support access and safety improvements
  • Share access information to help others climb responsibly

Every contribution, big or small, helps keep Aotearoa’s climbing areas open and thriving.