Sunday 28th April 2024

Start times will be pre-allocated, beginning at 10.00 am. Start time lists will be available on the Dunedin Orienteering website, on the noticeboard near the Caravan and in the Start Area.

There will be punching starts with three minute intervals between competitors. The Start and Finish are close by on the fringes of the Event Centre. Course closure is 2 p.m. 

Start Procedure

Start times will be pre-allocated, beginning at 10.00 am. Start time lists will be available on the 2024 Taitonga South Island Champs website, on the noticeboard near the Caravan at the Event Centre and in the Start Area.

There will be punching starts with three minute intervals between competitors. The Start and Finish are close by on the fringes of the Event Centre. Course closure is 2:30 p.m.

Runners will be required to report to the Start Area at least nine minutes before their start time. For simplicity, all clocks will show the actual time (not countdown time). At nine minutes prior to start, runners will be called into the first pen where their names and SI sticks will be checked and extra control descriptions can be picked up. At six minutes prior to start, runners will move into the second pen where they will get a short course briefing, and reminder to Clear and Check. At three minutes prior to start, runners will be called into the third pen and directed to stand in fron of their map boxes and check they have the correct map.

At zero minutes, runners will punch one of the start boxes with their SI card at which point their timed course will begin. The Start Triangle is about 150m metres from the map pickup follow a taped route. It is indicated by a triangle on the competition map, and by a stake with a flag (but without an SI punching unit) in the terrain.

Runners who arrive to the start late must report to the official at the first pen and will be started at the earliest reasonable convenience of the starting officials. This will likely be after the last competitor on their course.

Finish Procedure

All runners, including those runners who do not complete the whole course, are required to pass and punch one of the SI units on the Finish line. Runners who do not register at the Finish line will be considered as missing in the terrain, which may cause a search for the missing person.

After punching a finish control, competitors must not return to their cars but walk straight along the tape to the Start pens and from there follow the signs to the download station at the Dunedin Orienteering caravan. Each runner must download their SI card there. Return any hired SI card as this is the last event of the weekend.

Course closure is at 2:30pm. Please ensure you are finished by that time.

Map & Terrain

The terrain is largely open farmland on sand dune terrain with patches of trees and pine forest. Marshes are quite variable, depending on the amount of recent rain. The marsh boundaries are quite accurately mapped but it would be unwise to rely on the boundaries between open and rough open for navigation as this changes with the seasons. The map has not been used for seven years and there have been considerable changes in that time so previous versions will appear quite different.

The fences are quite variable and in many places are fragile. Competitors must be extra careful crossing fences and report any damage to the event controller. This is important because the landowner has put us on notice that any damage will result in us losing access to his property.

The fences are not shown on the red course maps (Courses 1-5). The fence lines will however be evident in lots of places by way of the vegetation. There are gates at most fence intersections and as they are all open you are encouraged to use them if possible.
Courses 1-6 are mapped at 1:10000 with 2.5m contours.
Courses 7 and 8 are mapped at 1:7500 with 2,5m contours.

This is a private farm so no dogs are allowed and smoking is also forbidden.

Creche facilities will not be provided but we will try and be flexible about start times for parents.

Water

All competitors are strongly encouraged to bring their own water. There will be no water on the courses and limited water at the Event Centre.

Hazard and Safety Information

The fire risk in the autumn is low. But, in the event of an emergency evacuation, follow the directions of the Controller and marshals.

Everyone must read the notices on the Dunedin Orienteering noticeboard located adjacent to the Dunedin Orienteering caravan and make themselves familiar with the Health and Safety information there.

The usual orienteering hazards apply, e.g., uneven ground, steep/unstable slopes, briar, low branches, unstable fences, farm machinery and plenty of rabbit holes.

Please carry a whistle; six blasts indicate distress.

The safety direction for all courses is west to the walking track or road and then back to the Event Centre. Even if you do not finish your course you must check in at the Dunedin Orienteering caravan at the Event Centre so we know you are back safely.

All competitors must punch the SportIdent Finish control and download even if they do not complete their course, to avoid initiating unnecessary searches after the event.