Archive for February, 2020

2000-06-13T21:30:56+12:00

The New Zealand Alpine Club has contacted the NZRCA concerning apparent non-payment of hut fees, more canoeists are using our Club’s Homer Hut, which lies off the road near the head of the Hollyford Valley. While we welcome canoeists to use our hut, we do ask that everyone contributes to its upkeep by paying their hut fees ($14.00 per person per night, $7.00 for day use only). Those camping near the hut are expected to pay for day use of the hut- as there are other areas better suited to camping, by implication the only reason someone would camp by the hut is to use the facilities there. When one realises that our total revenue from the hut is only a few thousand dollars a year, it is clear that fees barely cover fuel supply and maintenance costs. Those canoeists who have still to get around to paying their fees from last summer can send their cheques to the Southland Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club, PO Box 965, Invercargill.

2000-05-17T21:29:25+12:00

New Zealand’s NetGuide magazine (www.netguide.co.nz) mentions this site in the ‘best sites’ section for the month of June. (Thanks for the pointer, Jenny).

2000-05-17T21:28:28+12:00

Over Easter, Robin Rutter-Baumann and friends had a ‘big day out’ on the North Branch of the Mokihinui, one of the West Coast’s less common helicopter-accessible adventure runs. They brought back some great pictures which you can see in the Whitewater Gallery / Mokihinui mission. Robin has also provided some additional information on recommended flow levels for the section in NZ Whitewater / Errata & Updates.

Access

2000-05-14T21:26:37+12:00

The latest issue of NZRCA’s official newsletter “NZ Canoeing” is now available to members. Features include Mick Hopkinson on the use of play-boats on West Coast rivers, river works issues on the Motueka and Buller rivers, an Upper Otaki trip report, images from the Rodeo Worlds, updates on Karangarua access and the NZOIA/NZRCA Kayak Instructor Award Scheme and more. More details in NZ Canoeing / NZ Canoeing 00.1, Autumn 2000.

Whitewater NZ

2000-05-05T21:25:02+12:00

Pictures and results from the Wairoa Extreme Race (held 23 April) are at www.topline-nz.co.nz/extremerace/.

Access

2000-05-02T21:23:54+12:00

Graham Charles has published an article in Photography International (v13 #5) on taking good whitewater pictures. Paddling legend Olly Koehler is apparently on the cover. See Photography International in the stores or at http://www.photographyinternational.co.nz/pilatest.html. A sample of Graham’s pictures are featured in the Whitewater Gallery / Classic West Coast drops.

2000-05-01T21:21:16+12:00

The NZRCA’s submission against Ruapuna Irrigation Limited’s resource consent application to Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council) is online in Conservation / NZRCA submission on Rangitata Irrigation resource consent.

2000-04-17T21:30:10+12:00

The NZRCA Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 5 August 2000, 9:30am-4.00pm at the SVS Rooms, 3rd floor, 160 Manchester St, Christchurch. It would be great to see a lot of members at the AGM – especially those based in and around Christchurch, so please keep this date free. For clubs that are from further afield, please think about sending a representative. If you would like us to arrange accommodation with local paddlers, contact Lynne Fuggle at [email protected]. This is your chance to hear first hand about all the work that the NZRCA has done over the past year, and about our plans for the future. It’s also your chance to bring up any matters that you would like the NZRCA to consider. For details on how to submit remits, or nominations for Canoeist of the Year contact the NZRCA at [email protected].

Whitewater NZ

2000-04-04T21:15:46+12:00

The New Zealand Freestyle Kayak Committee is hosting the Wairoa Extreme Race on Sunday 23 April (that’s Easter Sunday). Registration starts at 9am on the paddock next to the Powerstation (take-out). Registration closes 10am. The start of the time trial is 10:30am, with kayakers starting at 1 minute intervals. Entry is limited to 60 competitors, and will cost $30 (or $20 without the t-shirt). For more information or to pre-register contact Andi Uhl at [email protected].

Access

2000-04-03T21:14:59+12:00

The request from the New Zealand and Central South Island Fish and Game Councils for a Water Conservation Order for the threatened Rangitata River is available at the Ministry for the Environment website. The application has been accepted by the Minister for the Environment and will proceed to a Tribunal that will seek submissions from the public. The Rangitata is regarded as an outstanding fishery as well as having a range whitewater sections to suit kayakers of all abilities. If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can access the WCO order at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/new/rangitato_wco_2.pdf (PDF).

Conservation

2001-04-07T11:27:53+12:00

The Mangahao release originally scheduled for Saturday 14 April has been moved to Saturday 21 April. This because the resource consent for the dam prevents such releases during Easter. Update 9 April: The water will flow from 8am to 3pm. Be early to ensure you finish before nightfall and pack warm gear.

2001-03-13T22:09:30+13:00

Our Conservation team have been busy and have recently opposing the Rangitata Diversion Race resource consent to take 30.7 cumecs from the Rangitata River (Conservation / Rangitata Diversion Race submission), and supporting the Water Conservation Order for the Rangitata river (Conservation / Rangitata Water Conservation Order submission).

2001-02-19T22:08:36+13:00

The 2001 New Zealand Secondary Schools Canoeing Association (NZSSCA) Downriver and Slalom Canoe and Kayaking National Championships are to be hosted by Mt Aspiring College, on the Hawea River, near Wanaka over the period 7-10 April 2001. (The end of Term One, first week of the holidays). The venue is a class II-II hydro-controlled river that will flow at a volume of 40-50 cumecs. For more information, contact Alan Hoffman. Also, the NZ Whitewater Nationals (Slalom and DR) are being held the following weekend, 13-15 April 2001 (Easter) on the Waipori River (near Dunedin) about 2.5 hours drive from Wanaka. For entry forms and additional information, contact Alan Woods.

2001-02-19T22:07:53+13:00

Glenn Murdoch outlines Trustpower’s plans to build a dam on the Arnold river in Conservation.

2001-01-24T22:06:38+13:00

The Ashburton and Rangitata Instream Users Group is holding a series of meetings seeking support for the proposed Water Conservation Order for the Rangitata river. A meeting will be held in Ashburton on Wednesday 24 January, at the Sinclair Centre, at 7:30pm. On Tuesday 30 January a meeting will be held in Christchurch at the Christchurch Polytech Te Matauranga Maori Centre, Coventry Street at 7:30pm. Kayakers are encouraged to attend and add their support. Background to the Rangitata WCO in Conservation.

2001-01-24T22:05:54+13:00

Andi Uhl has announced the 3rd Wairoa Extreme Race will be held on Sunday 4 February. Entry is limited, so get in quick. For additional information email [email protected].

2001-01-13T22:03:12+13:00

New Zealand Canoeing (00.3) has been sent to members (unfortunately production was interrupted by the break for Christmas). The latest issue includes articles on the Hydro scheme on the Arnold (Glen Murdoch), reports from the Maritime Safety Authority (Janet Nicol), Tongariro Power Development Update (Maree Baker), Rafting on the Yampa River (Mike Savory), Boating in Corsica (Alistair Quinn), Public liability (Kent France), an excerpt from letter to West Coast Conservation Board (Jonathan Hunt), Flow dates on the Tekapo, Pukaki and Mangahao (Mike Savory) and a Membership survey (Polly Miller).

2000-12-11T22:01:28+13:00

In Safety / Hokitika Kayaking Weekend (from the White Water Club’s newsletter), Bob Morton analyses the good and bad after an epic weekend on the Kakapotahi River.

2000-12-06T21:59:29+13:00

The Minister for the Environment, Marion Hobbs, has appointed a three-person tribunal to report on the water conservation order for the Rangitata River (reported here 3 April 2000). The members include senior lecturer in resource management issues (and chair) Dr Jonet Ward, Rural Futures Trust manager Claire Mulcock and Dr Murray Parsons, consultant. The process is expected to take at least four months. For details, see Rangitata Tribunal Appointed.

2000-11-03T21:55:40+13:00

As an inspirational entree to the new whitewater season, Bill Thomson relates his experience on Nevis Bluff in high water in Access / A Nervis One or Two. Remember, we are always keen to publish your whitewater yarns and images!

2000-10-30T21:54:35+13:00

The Department of Conservation has recommended that the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board decline the NZRCA’s request for access to the Lower Karangarua River, as part of the review of the Westland /Tai Poutini National Park Management Plan. While DoC acknowledge that kayaking has minimal impact, they have decided that the disturbance of natural quiet is sufficient to reject kayaker access. The NZRCA will make further submissions to the Conservation Board who are tasked with making a final decision, and urges all kayakers who originally made submissions to reinforce their requests to the Conservation Board before 3 November 2000. For details of the NZRCA position see Access / Access to the Karangarua.

2000-10-23T21:53:51+13:00

The NZRCA has updated the Guide to the Whanganui River, mainly to reflect some changes advised by the Department of Conservation in Whanganui. Edition 11 is available now, either through DoC or the NZRCA at Access / Guide to the Whanganui River.

2000-10-16T21:53:12+13:00

Progress is being made as recreational and conservation groups coordinate their efforts to achieve adequate mitigation for the Tongariro Power Development Scheme in preparation for Genesis Power Ltd’s application for resource consent renewal. Wade Bishop has written a useful background to the negotiations in Conservation / The Tongariro Power Development Scheme (TPD).

2000-10-04T21:52:29+13:00

A kayaking event in memory of Niamh Tomkins is planned for Full James, Taupo on 2nd and 3rd December 2000. It is open to everyone of all ranges of abilites. There will be a Dinner and Party at Finn Machaulls Irish Pub on Saturday night. Event sponsors include Perception, Down Under, Canoe And Kayak and Mighty River Power. Many spot prizes have been organised. Event t-shirt and dinner is included in entry fee. Entry fee ($35) and form due 17th November. Further information will be put on NZFKC web site in the next two weeks. Contact: Helen Brosnan.