FurcoNZ
FurcoNZ: the annual campout/gathering held in New Zealand, with a distinctively "Kiwi" outdoors theme. It is usually held at the end of the year, and since 2007 held on the last weekend of November.
The official FurcoNZ website is located at: http://www.furconz.org.nz
The official IRC channel is located on FurNet at: #Furconz
Contents
History
FurcoNZ first started off as a meetup for local furries residing in New Zealand, usually at someone's house. Throughout the years, it has grown and evolved into a regular event being held in a camp/lodge site over a weekend, with scheduled activities and programming. While not officially reaching the size and structure of a "convention", many locals do refer this event as the "annual New Zealand furry con".
FurcoNZ 2002
Hosted by PuppyDog in Panmure Auckland, at a private residence.
FurcoNZ 2003
Held in West Auckland, at a private residence.
FurcoNZ 2004
Hosted at Student Central in Dunedin.
FurcoNZ 2005
Held in December 2005 in Taupo. Unofficial attendance count was 18 people.
FurcoNZ 2006
When: November 2006 in Wairakei, just north of Taupo.
Where: Hosted by Southpaw at his three-bedroom house.
The weekend gathering was documented and have a DVD produced from digital video footage. The 2006 event also marks the end to the "old era" of FurcoNZ of being held at a private residence.
Unofficial attendance count was just over 30 people.
FurcoNZ 2007
When: 30th November till 3rd December
Where: 'Kiwanis Camp' in Huia, Waitakere, Auckland.
This was the first time FurcoNZ was being held at a place other than someone's home and started the transistion to the "new era" and is ground breaking for the New Zealand furry community. A recap DVD has been produced from footage being recorded during the weekend.
Lex Cypher was the organizer for FurcoNZ 2007
Unofficial attendance count was around 32-36 people staying, with a peak of around 40 people (on Saturday) throughout the weekend.
FurcoNZ 2008
When: 21st November till 24th November
Where: 'Camp Rangi Woods' at Pohangina, North Island.
This time FurcoNZ moved to the southern part of the North Island. This is also the first year that the FurcoNZ was being organized through the official website. All footage was recorded in 1080i High Definition on Sony HDV equipment and again a DVD has been produced.
DarthMeow was the main organizer for FurcoNZ 2008
Unofficial attendance count was around 30-32 people staying during the weekend.
FurcoNZ 2009
When: 27th November till 30th November
Where: 'Kokako Lodge' at Hunua Ranges in Papakura District, Auckland.
This year marks the introduction of the online registration system and also various organized outdoor events and activities will take place (such as archery, abseiling, kayaking and hiking). There will also be a variety of indoor activities such a board-gaming sessions and dances during the night.
Also new this year are: official FurcoNZ event (con) badges, and an official event/FurcoNZ booklet (or conbook) that's being published.
lyctiger is the main organizer for FurcoNZ 2009 along with the following as "official staff": Blitz-Tiggy, Colin, DarthMeow, Foofox, Kaltezar and Lex Cypher.
Also thanks to Thiper "Imported Bunny" as this year's Head-Chef, Stepwolf as the sous-chef, and lyctiger overseeing the menu/service (you could say Executive Chef).
This was the biggest FurcoNZ yet, final official attendance count are as follows:
Final Attendence: 58
Full Registrations (staying 2+ nights): 47
Partial Registrations (staying 1 night): 2
Day Passes (not staying at the lodge): 9
FurcoNZ 2010
When: 10th December till 13th December
Where: 'Kokako Lodge' at Hunua Ranges in Papakura District, Auckland.
Registration for FurcoNZ 2010 is expected to commence around the middle of June, 2010.
This year will follow a very similar format and structure introduced last year. Various organized outdoor events and activities will take place (such as archery, abseiling, high-ropes course, kayaking and hiking). There will also be a variety of indoor activities such a A/V room setup with consoles, board-gaming sessions and dances during the night.
lyctiger is at the moment, the main organizer for FurcoNZ 2010, along with most of the staff from 2009 once again, being on "official staff duties" for this year: Blitz-Tiggy, Colin, DarthMeow, Foofox, Kaltezar, Ruggs, Stepwolf and Thipher.