On the day this issue went to print, Australia introduced its social media ban for under-16s. New Zealand may follow, as may others. 

I’m as much a fan of social media as anyone – Facebook is crucial to our Walk1200km group – but we are all aware of its drawbacks, namely the scrolling addiction, bullying and the predators ‘befriending’ children. Every parent worries about it and every parent will likely learn of someone who is victimised. 

You’re probably wondering why I am blathering on about this; you didn’t buy Wilderness for an online safety talk.

Wilderness is a genuine family magazine. In our ‘Last Weekend’ section (p6), proud parents celebrate their adventures with their kids, and on p46 you’ll find 50 trip ideas to turn your summer into a fun-packed family adventure. No scam ads or creepy DMs in sight.

By reminding you that Wilderness is safe (and good) for you and your family, I’m also asking for your support. Small, independent publications like Wilderness are finding it tough. A number of factors are involved, such as overseas tech giants taking 75%+ of all advertising, increases in postage and print, smaller magazine racks in supermarkets and changing consumption habits. 

Right now, Wilderness has 5000 paying subscribers, but we need around 5900 to be able to withstand the further reductions in advertising income and rising costs we’re expecting in 2026. We’ve a long way to go to reach this number, but I hope that as you read this issue you will see the force for good that Wilderness can be. (See the Walk1200km challenge and the health and wellbeing benefits it offers participants, and our tramping scholarship to support aspiring outdoor writers, for example.) Wilderness is the only publication to share and celebrate the stories of New Zealand’s unique tramping culture. 

Take that next step and subscribe, or, if you’re already a subscriber, make sure your subscription renews when it falls due. 

A subscription to Wilderness is guaranteed to have you walking more, exploring new places and, best of all, sharing that love of the outdoors with friends and family. It will even provide a little digital respite, and we all know that is a good thing.