Author Archive

2001-12-21T12:40:08+13:00

Following up on the original submission, last month the NZRCA had the opportunity to present evidence to the Special Tribunal evaluating the case for a Water Conservation Order for the Rangitata river. Maree Baker gives some highlights, and the evidence from Doug Rankin and Jonathan Hunt is online.

2002-01-18T12:48:55+13:00

Although busy on the next edition of New Zealand Whitewater, Graham Charles has passed on some important news about several West Coast rivers that have been altered by the recent weather:
“The Upper Kakapotahi has a blockage in the tunnel (last drop) and is unrunnable. There is no portaging option except straight up the moss cliff to the road. Hardly worth it for the 300m of paddling you get. The Lower run is fine.
The Lower Hokitika has a massive slip just out of Kakariki Canyon. The technical grade hasn’t changed but the objective danger is higher with trees and very sharp rock in the water. Don’t sit around at the bottom of the slip – it is very active with rocks trundling regularly. This will keep changing as the slip face (out of sight from the river) is enormous.
The Upper Hokitika (Viagra Run) may be cut off as well due to rock slides at the head of one of the gorges. I’ll know next week for sure.”
“The Arahura, Taipo, Whitcombe and Whataroa are all good still, but unless you’ve done the run don’t take anything as given. There has been massive amounts of water through all rivers and all the rules have changed. Always keep scanning for new trees and sieves. Carry your little wood saw and anyone who ends up in the water get them out as soon as possible; worry about the boat later.”

2002-02-11T12:55:53+13:00

Back in September last year, the NZRCA submitted an appeal against the resource consents granted to Genesis Power Ltd. for operation of the Tongariro Power Development (TPD) scheme. The appeal seeks better mitigation for the loss of recreational amenity on the Whangaehu, Mowhango, Tongariro, Whanganui and Whakapapa rivers.

2002-02-01T12:52:20+13:00

Many articles lament the death last year of the revered author of “Kayak” and other books, William Nealy: William Nealy, Famed Whitewater Cartoonist Passed Away, William Nealy 1953-2001: Whitewater’s Poet Laureate at Paddler Online, The One and Only William Nealy and William Nealy Obituary.

2001-11-27T12:38:12+13:00

Some recent Tekapo releases were cancelled, but release flows for December 1 & 2, and 8 & 9 have been confirmed by Meridian Energy and are listed on Events & Releases.

2001-12-04T12:39:15+13:00

New Zealand Whitewater author Graham Charles is seeking updates for a new edition of the definitive guidebook to New Zealand’s whitewater. If you have information on required changes, access, put ins, take outs or new runs then please contact Graham at 027 4416 492 or imagematters@clear.net.nz.

2002-02-20T12:56:56+13:00

Fletcher Challenge Forests (FCF) will be harvesting from areas immediately adjacent to the Aniwhenua section on the Rangitaiki River, from March 4 through 30 June. Anyone intending to run the Aniwhenua section should contact Michael Elix at FCF, 07 3661052 to check on logging activity and make arrangements to ensure safe access. Do this before committing to your trip to avoid disappointment and minimise the risk of accidents.

2002-08-05T22:31:07+12:00

The Conservation Minister has announced the approval of the Adams Wilderness area, previously announced here, with adjusted boundaries “in response to concerns raised in a number of the public submissions relating to access.” The official boundaries are yet to be published, but a DoC spokesperson has said that access to the Perth has been adjusted slightly higher, and that repeat descents of the Adams will be possible (from the highest safe landing zone as advised by Jamie Scott). This is a good result. DoC have listened to submissions from paddlers and made adjustments, and the kayaking opportunities remain. Update: 15 August, see map (770k) for revised boundaries.

2002-07-24T08:14:10+12:00

Kerry Hoglund’s images from the first descent of the Adams are in Album: First descent of the Adams and illustrate why access to this superb back-country river should be maintained.

Access

2002-05-06T16:45:01+12:00

North Canterbury Federated Farmers has expressed support for the Hurunui Irrigation and Power Trust’s proposals to dam the Hurunui river while the Hurunui District Council has carefully distanced itself and Forest & Bird have denounced the proposal. Meanwhile Ecan are holding a meeting regarding Hurunui River Resource Management Planning (7pm, Thursday 9 May at Hurunui District Council offices) to discuss with stakeholders the various studies and reports that have been produced to date, and what might be needed to plan the future management of the river.

2002-05-14T12:11:19+12:00

Get inspired for your next adventure by reading one of four articles about the wild Karamea river: The Karamea River – Sheer magic (Alan Bell), The Karamea – A seven day epic (Ben Willems), Karamea in flood (Deirdre Hiller) and Karamea (Doug Rankin) all in the Access section.

2002-05-20T10:21:50+12:00

A few months back, a team from Christchurch and Hokitika enjoyed a day of low water and maximum sun exploring a tributary of the Grey river; the images are online in Whitewater Gallery / Exploring the Clarke.

2002-06-13T22:00:03+12:00

The Maritime Safety Authority has released its report (PDF, 73k) into last year’s fatal canoe accident on the Clarence. The 20-page report summarises the key events, discusses the conditions and contributing factors, and provides opinions and recommendations. One of the recommendations is for commercial (open) canoe operators to adopt the proposed code of practice for adventure tourism, when it becomes available from Qualmark. The NZRCA is considering the report and its recommendations and will discuss the implications with members and clubs. Also see, Girl terrified of river run (temporary link).

2002-04-16T10:33:00+12:00

Starting in Wellington this Saturday (20 April), Forest & Bird are conducting a series of free one-day workshops on the Resource Management Act. The workshops are scheduled for weekends and are being held around the country as per the timetable (PDF,10k). These workshops would be beneficial for anyone making submissions in support of conserving local rivers and recreational amenity values. Registration is required; for details and course outline, see http://www.forest-bird.org.nz/RM/workshops.asp.

2002-04-23T10:33:39+12:00

Police in Westport are still keeping an eye on local beaches after a man was swept out to sea after a canoe accident on Sunday 14 April. Wayne Whiston (44) of Hector and a companion were returning from a hunting expedition and used a canoe to cross the Mokihinui River around dusk. The canoe capsized and while his companion made it to shore, Mr Whiston was swept into rapids and is presumed drowned.

2002-05-28T15:15:09+12:00

New Zealand Canoeing, Autumn 2002 (02.2) is out, and includes news from your Association (Polly Miller), Gowan appealed (Polly Miller), Graham’s view on the Lower Hokitika (Graham Charles), Free training days from Water Safety New Zealand (Brendon Ward), Wafting… down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Mick Hopkinson), Voyage around Stewart Island (Ian Algie), Kayak West Coast Search and Rescue Update (Sam Rainey), Letter from Pat Hyland re the Tekapo Slalom Course (Pat Hyland).

2002-03-26T15:06:46+12:00

As previously warned, Fletcher Challenge Forests (FCF) have commenced logging areas near the Aniwhenua section on the Rangitaiki River, although there will be no logging over Easter (including 29 March and 1 April). Anyone intending to run the Aniwhenua section should contact Michael Elix at FCF, 07 3661052 or 025 959 213 to check on logging activity and ensure safe access.

2002-04-28T12:07:35+12:00

New Zealand Canoeing (01.1), has been dispatched to NZRCA members, and features a Clarence update (Doug Rankin), progress on the Tekapo course (Ian Russell), the formation of a West Coast River Search and Rescue Team (Matthew Bennett), Caveat Emptor (Mick Hopkinson), Words of wisdom from Gareth Fryer (Gareth Fryer), The Karamea River – Sheer magic (Alan Bell) and a warning about surfer’s ear (Doug Rankin) and summarised results from the Membership Survey (Polly Miller).

2002-04-15T13:06:47+12:00

Environment Waikato and Waikato Medical Officer of Health Dr Dell Hood are warning recreational users of the river between Hamilton and Ngaruawahia that the level of bacteria in the water was currently well above the level considered safe and any water contact should be avoided. Risks include bacterial infections, giardia, cryptosporidium and Hepatitis A. Contamination is due to intensive farming and stormwater runoff (Waikato District Health Board statement). Update: 8 May, The pollution has been traced to a Hautapu dairy factory.

2002-04-08T17:22:38+12:00

The Majac Trust has appealed a recent High Court decision supporting the Buller Conservation Order. The Majac Trust has plans to utilise water from the Gowan for hydro development, but is restricted by the terms in the conservation order. The Trust had asked the High Court to review the conservation order, but Justice Ron Young found no grounds to set the conservation order aside. The NZRCA gave evidence to the High Court in support of the existing conservation order, and will continue supporting Fish & Game‘s efforts to protect the Gowan.

2002-06-17T08:29:49+12:00

The Executive of the NZRCA wish to offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Grant Rochfort who passed away on 5 June 2002. Grant was an accomplished slalom and rodeo paddler and Kayak I instructor for a number of years. Grant made paddles that were popular throughout NZ and were also being exported overseas. His presence on New Zealand’s rivers will be sorely missed.

2002-05-01T15:30:52+12:00

A kayaker and engineer in the USA have built the Wavebox, a portable, artificial play hole. According to TechTV’s Portable Whitewater Practice Ground the pumps put out 6,400 gallons per minute – that’s about 0.4 cumecs. For a bit more than $120,000 NZD.

2002-07-28T12:19:14+12:00

DoC have arranged a trial of access to the Taipo river with a local farmer. The trial involves a locked gate for which a key can be obtained on request, and lasts to October 1. Details are in Access / Taipo access trial.

2002-08-02T15:50:16+12:00

To assist our hard-working Conservation Officer Maree Baker (who has moved south), the NZRCA Executive have created a North Island Conservation sub-committee with Graeme McIntyre of Ruahine Canoe Club, Palmerston North as its chairperson. At this time Graeme is focussed on issues on the Rangitikei and Mangahao. You can reach Graeme on niconservation@whitewater.mytestsite.nz