Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

2002-02-04T12:53:31+13:00

On Friday 1 February, Timothy Jamieson (21), a student in a group from Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth, became pinnned on a partially-submerged log. Despite vigorous rescue attempts by fellow students and instructors, including extensive CPR, he did not survive. The MSA has launched an investigation, with assistance from the NZRCA and Graham Charles. Kayaker dies after rapids accident
(temporary link), Kayaker trapped for 40 minutes

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.

2002-01-28T12:51:27+13:00

Ray Beentjes has provided the Whitewater Gallery with some images from recent trips to the Hutt Gorge, where Wellington paddlers have been making the most of the wet summer.

2002-01-22T12:50:39+13:00

Meridian Energy have announced releases on the Tekapo for this weekend: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January. Details in Events & Releases.

2002-01-22T12:49:46+13:00

To avoid unnecessary impacts on the rare whio (blue duck), DoC have formulated guidelines for river users. Robin Rutter-Baumann backgrounds a recent meeting of river users to discuss the guidelines.

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.”

2002-01-16T12:47:36+13:00

Trevor James of Westland Canoe Club advises that in the recent heavy rain, the access road to the put-in for the Totara and Mikonui Rivers has been seriously damaged by slips. Woolhouse Road also gave good access to tramping and climbing in the back country. The Westland District Council is considering closing the road as it will cost $500,000 to fix. If you are concerned about this possible closure, please contact Westland District Council at 36 Weld St, Hokitika or 03 7558321. Please copy submissions to access@whitewater.mytestsite.nz. Update, 18 January: the road is already closed and the issue is whether funds can be sourced to ever re-open the road.

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

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.

2002-07-28T12:19:14+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.

2002-03-26T15:06:46+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.

2002-07-24T08:14:10+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

2002-03-20T15:07:30+12:00

Proposed dams would destroy the recreational amenity on the Rangitata Gorge and Upper Hurunui. Make a submission to Environment Canterbury on its draft Natural Resources Regional Plan. Submissions are due by Friday 29 March. For more information see http://www.forest-bird.org.nz/mediarel/02JantoMar.asp#Hurunui and ECan NRRP policy WQN2.

2002-06-22T14:23:25+12:00

Fletcher Challenge Forests (FCF) have completed their work near the Aniwhenua section of the Rangitaiki

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.

2002-06-13T22:00:03+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).

2002-05-28T15:15:09+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).

2002-05-20T10:21:50+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.

2002-05-14T12:11:19+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.

2002-05-06T16:45:01+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.

2002-05-01T15:30:52+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.

2002-04-28T12:07:35+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).

2002-04-25T13:12:38+12:00

The Department of Conservation is proposing two new wilderness areas on the West Coast. The proposed Adams wilderness area is of concern to kayakers with respect to the Perth, Upper Wanganui and Adams rivers. DoC have provided a useful background paper and a specific information pack on the Adams area which recognise the Perth and Upper Wanganui as world-class adventure kayaking sections. The proposal affects access to the Perth above Scone Hut, the Adams River and the Upper Wanganui river.

The NZRCA encourages kayakers to make submissions requesting access to these sections for current and future generations of paddlers. Kayakers have already lost access to the Upper Landsborough (Hooker-Landsborough Wilderness Area) and the Karangarua (old airstrip at Cassel Flat, Westland Tai Poutini National Park), and arguably the Waipara (Olivine Wilderness Area), the best day-trip landing in the Karamea (above Roaring Lion, Tasman Wilderness Area), and air access was threatened during the drafting of the Kahurangi National Park Conservation Management Plan. Submissions are due May 10 (Submission form (PDF,63k)). Details of the proposal and the NZRCA’s concerns are in Access / The Adams Wilderness Area. Update: 13 May, the NZRCA’s submission regarding access to the Perth, Upper Wanganui and Adams rivers is online. Update: 15 August, corrected URLs after DoC website rearrangement. Update: 17 September 2003, corrected URLs after additional DoC website rearrangement.

Access

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.