HISTORY
The history of AUTC is as rich and diverse as the club itself. That which is shown below is the mere tip of the iceberg.
For a brief summary of some of the key events (and some not-so-key ones too) please explore below.
1932
Club Origins
11 April, 49 staff and students meet in the Old Choral Hall to discuss forming a tramping club. Formerly part of the Field Club, thus AUTC was born
1942
May Camp
28 May, First May Camp
1944
Footprints
Footprints (the club magazine) first appears, with Ian Reid as the editor
1944
Club Hut
27 August, the club hut is officially opened for the first time by Cecil Segedin. The hut is named Ōngāruanuku
1947
Alpine Advisor
For the purpose of approving climbing trips, the role of Alpine Advisor is created
1950
Club Captain
Marie Dow becomes the first female club captain
Early 1950s
Inter-Club Cooperation
The early 1950s sees the growth in cooperation and friendship between the outdoor clubs, especially between AUTC and the Ski Club and the Alpine Club
1953
Courses
Some club courses already well established by 1953
1954
'Mogambo'
'Mogambo' becomes the club call sign, arising out of the tradition of May Camp Revue skits
1964
Piano
Delivery of the new piano to Ōngāruanuku
1980s
Advanced Snow School
Advanced snow school begins in response to increased numbers and interest in running transalpine trips
1984
Elections in the Bush
AUTCers lug 12" inch television to the club hut on election night
1987
Election on a Mountain
Election is watched 9000ft up in a bivvy on Dome Ridge, Ruapehu
1990s
AURAC
In the early 1990s a separate climbing club (Auckland University Rock and Alpine Club) is created by the most dedicated climbers
2009
Alpine Agreement
Inter-Club Alpine agreement between AURAC and AUTC is finalised
2016
Hut Upgrades
New piano and Wi-Fi fitted in the club hut
2017
Rahui
Waitakere rāhui begins due to Kauri dieback
The history of our club has been preserved throughout the decades thanks to the excellent record keeping and enthusiasm of our members both past and present. Thanks to their dedicated efforts, there are a myriad of resources available should you wish to delve deeper (if this is the case explore our annual Footprints magazines or contact our Archives Officer at archives@autc.org.nz).