RCModelReviews wrote:
With that in mind, and given that they're almost totally ignoring the two fastest growing aspects of the hobby (parkfliers and FPV), I strongly suspect that it won't be long before an alternative to MFNZ appears on the horizon.
Any group that offered to act as a unified voice for parkfliers and FPVers would likely get a lot of members.
MFNZ's role may well become one of organising contests for those who fly non-RC models and preserving the status-quo, rather than promoting the hobby.
MFNZ has cash reserves of almost quarter of a million dollars -- yet they have done virtually nothing (apart from attend a few airshows) to promote the hobby and all my proposals to boost the hobby here in NZ have met with nothing but excuses as to why it's too hard or nobody has time.
Now is probably a good time to get the ball rolling, if I could afford it (always the biggest hurdled for us all and no joke I have looked into it) a move to NZ get a job and help deal with this.
Get a few clubs together and sue MFNZ for pro rata of their assets (250k and bugger all spent on promo except within the fraternity ). Failing that, approach the Minister for sports & Recreation (assuming you have one) for a donation/funding to establish a body and home ground. I was involved in something similar for a pistol club some 30 years ago and it wasn't hard (in Aus anyway). A couple of nationally and internationally recognised persons proved to be the catalyst.
If you're worried about the insurance cost have a look at the audited statement for MFNZ last financial, $13k divided into how many members = how much per year . Then look at the conditions, $1000 excess......... Most household insurances come with reasonable liability cover (if you don't own a house, apply this under contents insurance). Next, if the CAA had a reasonable set of rules that covered aspects of model flying what need would there be for a group like MFNZ.
No dissrespect to Bruce but I would like to find input from others who attended or at best someone post the minutes on the MFNZ web site for all to see. MFNZ paid out some $16k last year for "secretarial services" you have to ask yourself the question "what for" if it is going to take weeks to post the minutes.
The silence and action of MFNZ is very p_ssweek, no thought for the future of the sport only a select elitist few trying to protect their self proclaimed turf.
A closed society can not survive unless it brings in new "money", MFNZ does not appear to be doing that in any form, they just shoot people who go outside the fence. Reminds me of a social experiment involving 4 monkeys and a banana (if anyone needs an explanation I'll post it here).
It's not even my country but, am I angry f#%king oath I am.