The Wellington Series is into its second half with events on the third Saturday of July, August and September. In Rotorua Kent Dickson is doing another event at Green Lake in early September.
Down south in Canterbury, members of the national foot-o squad run a "Night Navigation Series" in Bottle Lake Forest to which bikers are invited, and this is on weeknights in September. At the end of that month Claire Heppenstall is masterminding a 2-day MTBO event in Hanmer Forest with a short and a long-distance race. There may also be foot-o as well, you could learn a few tips by going out on foot with an experienced orienteer! In October the Dunedin OC does its annual trailquest (fixed time period, free control order) at Waikouaiti. And in November Southland OC will run an event at Sandy Point, the world's most southerly MTBO map!
In Auckland there might be an apparent lull for a bit because, in January, there's going to be an "Australia-New Zealand Challenge". This happens each year and a half, when in Australia its in September-October, in New Zealand its in January. MTBO was included officially for the first time in 2003, although we had kicked it off on a trial basis a year earlier. So 2005 is the first time we'll have an official home MTBO match against the Aussies.
The challenge will be near Auckland, and NorthWest is mapping an area (not sandy) which will be real good. Classes for the challenge are men and women open (6 of each), and at the choice of the travelling country up to 3 riders in M and W 18 and under, 40-54, and 55+. Ages are as at 31 Dec 05. Australia would have to nominate the classes by October.
Stand by for confirmation of this event. Although a team will be selected, non-challenge riders will be welcome to take part too, as several did in Australia last year. For further events and details, keep an eye on the MTBO calendar.