ATTENTION CANTERBURY MEMBERS

[Leithfield]

CANTERBURY TALES

In light of recent robust forum discussions, and in time of armistice , it is opportune to take pause and reflect upon the background, climate, and future of matters affecting all ORE Canterbury forum users. Please note, the following is not an ORE Association ‘spin’, and I sincerely hope that, as the ORE Forum develops further, a user group or it’s equivalent will assume responsibility for updating members.

For some time now there has been a growing disquiet amongst other recreation stakeholders regarding Offroad Express and its members. While some of this can be explained away by [i]“fear of the newâ€

[nuts]

hell kev sounds like u guys down there are getting the raw end of the stick
hope we dont start gettin too much of that type of responce from people up here
hope all turns out ok

[Baldrick]

CANTERBURY TALES

Kevin Dougherty
Public Relations Officer Southern Region
ORE 4x4 Assoc Inc.

Seems like beating the same drum from a long while ago, as shown in this "Sticky'd" thread:

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/modules ... opic&t=831

There are a number of posts there totally against the "hoons" - but or should that be BUT the "dick-heads" (as some-one referred to them as) were from....yep....you guessed it...Christchurch.

And it's still rearing its ugly head

Ch-Ch has been the brunt of a number of complaints - and I am certainly not singling any-one out, or "having-a-go" at anyone here - but it seems "politics" and land-access arguments seem to be the main cause of problems.

Unfortunately - news travels fast among fraternaties - 4WD'ers included, and nothing travels faster than BAD NEWS , "WTF stories," or the "did you see/hear about/know....." rumours.

I agree that the only way to change public perception is what Leithfield is outlining above in the first post - when in ANY public land area.

Don't give anyone any reason or ammunition to complain about the ORE Forum & its members, or The ORE Association Inc, by simply: Setting a good example for others to follow

I'm not advocating driving like a group of nana's - but driving responsibly.

Have fun - but keep it in the proper areas.

Just my 2 cents worth & thoughts.

As an aside - I would like to commend Leithfield, HoseHustler, Albundy, Mike and all those others who have been in the "thick-of-it" lately on our - the responsible 4WD'rs - behalves.

Thanks guys :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:

[Aaron]

It seems to me that with an internet forum you will allways have this problem.
Anyone can join up slap an ORE sticker on their 4wd and go out and do whatever they want.
In the eyes of the public there is no difference between a forum member and a Association member its just a 4wd with a ORE sticker on it.

Just my thoughts anyway.

[Ryan]

theres one problem with the "offroad express" stickers..........
there is so many jap import four wheel drives that have that same wording when they are brought in to NZ(except for .co.nz) and now that ORE is growing and getting known by the public, those other trucks with that import sticker will be getting thrown in with us..........
and we all know mud sticks......
my 2 cents

[access4WD]

We need to focus on the key point here:-.
We need to get every single person who drives a 4WD vehicle off road to follow Treadlightly, to drive responsibly and not to rip up the place so as to turn our wonderful countryside into a huge sand pit.

So it is the not what badge we wear,
what sticker you put on your truck,
nor is it what the public think.

On YOUR last 4WD drive off road, did You follow the Treadlightly code?
Did YOU leave the place better than you found it?

[PR]

As an aside - I would like to commend Leithfield, HoseHustler, Albundy, Mike and all those others who have been in the "thick-of-it" lately on our - the responsible 4WD'rs - behalves.

Thanks guys[/color] :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:

I would also like to thank these guys. Keep up the good work

[Steve_t647]

Access4wd the issue is a particular group has been and continues to be targeted in CHCH and from the trips I have been on I have never seen anyone in a willing manner do damage, I have heard of a fire being put out and photo's of offenders being passed on also I have removed rubbish from a doc and dearstalkers hut, as would many other members here.

We do not seek recognition for these good deads, nor do we profess to be better than any other group we need to make sure noone is excluded from access and our reputation is cleared where appropriate.

As you know it doesnt matter what club you are with accidents, breakages rollovers etc happen and every club has stories. Clubs cause less damage because they carry enough equiptment and are usualy in groups. Desperate individuals having to get themselves out cause dammage winch off trees dig holes etc.