@waynowski I take your point that the name of the site does suggest an affinity for ultralight tramping (I hope this isn't a mischaracterisation of your point), and I appreciate the feedback. However, beyond that I don't think I endorse ultralight tramping. I don't think I suggest any ultralight gear in the buying tips, though feel free to correct me if I am wrong. Also, if you see my standard gear list, it is very far away from an ultralight list. In it, I try and balance suggesting the minimum amount of gear with enough to safely handle the vast majority of non-alpine trip trips. Added to this, if you have a look at my gear list, you'll see that it is over double the weight of most ultralighters.
More generally, I think your statement "going lightweight can be a dangerous proposition in NZ" is a little bit arbitrary, as it suggests one is either 'stupid light' (to quote Andrew Skurka, which I have read prior to this) or not lightweight and therefor sensible (again, I hope I'm not mischaracterising). I think the problem with this is that there is a vast range between the undefined realm that is not lightweight (is this a base weight of 12kg, 20kg?) and 'stupid light'. I agree that in many places in NZ one cannot generally get away with carrying sub 3kg, that would almost certainly be 'stupid light'. But I think there is a scale in between where one is not 'stupid light', but merely 'lighter'. For example, I think someone can pretty easily achieve a base weight under 10kg without sacrificing a reasonable level of safety. Simple things like using a pack that doesn't weigh in excess of 4kg, and a decent quality sleeping will save kilos, and yet not in any way reduce someone's safety in the outdoors. One could start with a base weight of 16kg, and halve it by thinking carefully about their choices, and what they really use or could do without, and while doing so not compromising their safety in the least. I agree with you that a beginner tramper shouldn't start out with a frameless cuben backpack, trail runners, and a tarp then set out to do a backcountry trip. But neither should they think tramping is about carrying 20kg+ for a two day trip. Personally, I think carrying an excessive amount of gear can be dangerous in of itself, as people will tire more quickly, which means they will be more likely to make mistakes, and more likely to trip; being heavier also means one is more likely to injure oneself if one does fall.
Finally, just as a point of interest, you might be curious to know that many hiking commentators, websites and bloggers now seem to be using the rough definition that 'ultralight' constitutes a base weight below 4-5kg and 'lightweight' under 9-11kg. So the terms are becoming increasingly distinct as opposed to synonymous.
This post has been edited by the author on 7 November 2015 at 23:41.