This summer 30 huts will be restored as part of a five-year collaboration between Fletcher Building and the Back Country Trust. Restoration will include minor repairs as well as recladding and window replacements.

The chosen huts have already received funding support from DOC for their renovation and the agreement will see Fletcher Building provide building materials at a reduced cost as well as encourage its staff to volunteer on BCT projects. 

“With roughly 400,000 people each year depending on backcountry huts, maintaining them is essential to ensure they remain reliable and welcoming resting spots,” said BCT national operations manager Rob Brown.

“We’d love to see more sponsors like Fletcher Building come on board to make an even bigger impact in protecting New Zealand’s backcountry treasures,” he said.

Huts to be renovated in this partnership will be in Kāweka and Ruahine forest parks, on the West Coast and the building of the new Brass Monkey Hut.