Author Archive

2005-07-19T11:10:00+12:00

The Tauhara North No. 2 Trust has erected a locked gate at the “Hay Barn” on the access road to Ngawaapurua (Fulljames) rapids, on the Waikato River. Access (including foot access) past this gate is not permitted.

The NZRCA understands that the landowners have closed access because of a number of instances where people are being disrespectful of their land. The landowners are concerned that people and large groups have been camping without permission, and with disregard for the land – e.g. unsatisfactory toilet facilities, and leaving rubbish and mess. The landowners are also worried about their liability for people’s safety. They also have concerns about other non-kayaking related issues including unauthorised hunting, house truckers and dumped cars.

The vast majority of kayakers respect the land and don’t make a mess or disrespect the area, but we ask that all kayakers respect the closure. Anyone who trespasses may jeopardise any future availability of access. The NZRCA will be exploring solutions for access and will be communicating with the security company which is managing the access on behalf of the landowners.

2005-07-17T14:17:00+12:00

Mike Abbott was voted Canoeist of the Year, 2005. Well done, Mikey!

Whitewater NZ

2005-07-17T14:14:00+12:00

At a positive and productive AGM in Taupo, there were plenty of changes to the NZRCA Executive. Robin Rutter-Baumann stepped down as President to take up the role of Communications Officer. Mike Birch is the new President of the NZRCA. Tony Ward-Holmes is now Vice-President. Simon Callaghan is the new Treasurer, and Duncan Catanach is the new Conservation Officer. We welcome Bruce Webber as the new Education Officer and Guido Wassink as Newsletter Editor. The NZRCA thanks outgoing Exec members Rob Wells and Steffan Lamont for their excellent work as Treasurer and Education Officer respectively.

2005-07-11T11:08:00+12:00

Mike Birch describes Saturday’s inaugural release on the Whakapapa and gives some background on doing the run. Mike’s report is complemented with images by Colin McIntyre.

2005-07-09T08:47:00+12:00

[8 June] The NZRCA and Genesis Energy have agreed to new release dates for the Whakapapa, to assist DoC with respect to whio nesting studies. The new dates are Saturday 9 July and Saturday 23 July. Brrr! [Update 8 July] Genesis report that there is no rain in the Whakapapa catchment at present. The current flow is 10cu, and the likelihood of a release on Saturday is remote, though a decision will be reserved until the last moment. Check on this site on Saturday for a prediction regarding Sunday. Update, 9 July: The release is on today (Saturday) at 30 cumecs. Enjoy!

2005-07-05T10:45:00+12:00

Now you can keep up-to-date with this site using a range of new RSS 2.0 feeds including news, events & releases, and the most recent posts in discussion forums (e.g. Buy, Sell & Swap). The old RSS news feed has been discontinued, so please update your subscription.

2005-06-27T10:32:00+12:00

Back in 2002, the NZRCA Exec got together on the West Coast to discuss issues affecting kayakers, to socialise, and to paddle. They spent a great day on the Lower Kakapotahi.

2005-06-11T11:17:00+12:00

The NZRCA’s Annual Report to Members, compiled by President Robin Rutter-Baumann will be presented to the 2005 AGM in Taupo this July. The report summarises the NZRCA’s achievements and challenges over the past year, and what may come.

2005-06-09T10:20:00+12:00

Releases from Mangahao Dam No.2 have been scheduled with King Country Energy for Saturday 10 September and Saturday 29 October.

2005-06-06T10:21:00+12:00

Peter Sutcliffe describes an exciting early descent of the Whakapapa river.

2005-06-03T12:20:00+12:00

A reminder that there are more Tongariro releases next weekend on Saturday 11 June (Poutu Intake to Blue Pool (Access 10)) and Sunday 12 June (Rangipo Dam to Tree Trunk Gorge (Access 14)). Bring some $ for a sausage sizzle at the takeouts (at the Blue Pool on Saturday, Tree Trunk Gorge on Sunday). Students from the Assistant Leadership course at OPC, will run the sausage sizzle as a fundraiser for
their end-of-year expedition fund.

2005-06-02T21:01:00+12:00

[23 May] The NZRCA AGM for 2005 will be held on Saturday 16 July, from 10am-4pm in Taupo at the Taupo Language & Outdoor Education Centre,111 Tuwharetoa St. There will be a group dinner on the Saturday night and paddling at Ngaawaparua on Sunday. Nominations for the Executive Officer’s positions close on 2 July 2004 and should be made in writing to the Administration Officer (PO Box 284, Wellington or admin@whitewater.mytestsite.nz). We are particularly keen to fill to-be-vacated positions in South Island Conservation, Education and Treasurer.At the AGM there will be a vote to award the Canoeist of the Year. If you know of an individual (or team) who has made an outstanding achievement or contribution in the area of recreational canoeing then please nominate them by writing to the Administration Officer before 10 July 2004. Updated: 2 June, added venue.

Whitewater NZ

2005-05-31T10:09:00+12:00

Joe Anderson of Kaimai Canoe Club has advised the next season’s flow dates for the Wairoa River, from 11 September 2005 through to 7 May 2006. Note that there is no release on 26 February 2006 at the request of TrustPower.

2005-05-19T08:02:00+12:00

To meet Ministry for the Environment guidelines for funding of resource consent submissions, Maree ‘Muzz’ Baker has resigned as Conservation Officer. The NZRCA retains her services as Legal Counsel.

2005-12-14T22:07:44+13:00

Andy Fuller is coordinating the Andy Duff Memorial Race, in memory of Andy Duff who was a member of the NZ kayak and raft teams. January 14th at the Kaituna river, Rotorua. Meet at 4.30pm at the control gates. There will be racing from 5pm, for short boats, long boats, rafts, and topo duos. There will be a race every 30 minutes. Start at the control gates and finish at the bottom play hole. Entry by $5 donation.

2005-12-08T17:18:33+13:00

Biosecurity NZ has declared the entire South Island a didymo-controlled area. Localised control areas around rivers identified as containing didymo will be lifted. BNZ require all river users to check, clean and dry items before
moving between all waterways, whether you are moving within the South Island or from the South Island.

2005-12-07T20:51:04+13:00

The Rangitikei River Race is being held on 8 January 2006, from Utiku to Vinegar Hill (40km). Some great spot prizes!

2005-12-06T07:59:41+13:00

[14 November] BOPDHB have issued a health warning (PDF) regarding cyanobacteria at Te Weta Bay in Lake Rotoiti, affecting water in the Kaituna river. Update, 6 December: BOPDHB have issued a press release lifting the health warning on Lake Rotoiti.

2005-12-02T09:29:54+13:00

The NZRCA has updated the Guide to the Whanganui River to edition 16. Minor changes include new DOC definition of ‘youth’ passes, and new details for Ramanui Landing. NZRCA members receive a discount; refer Order Form (PDF, 12k).

Access

2005-11-03T13:31:58+13:00

[17 October] NZ Whitewater guidebook author and adventure Graham Charles and the Adventure Philosophy crew are off on another adventure, this time to circumnavigate wild South Georgia Island. Don’t forget the Good for Life Scholarships for your next paddling adventure. Updated, 3 November: The guys have successfully completed the first kayak circumnavigation of South Georgia Island. Great stuff!

Access

2005-10-31T20:07:05+13:00

NZRCA and Genesis Energy have agreed new release dates for the Moawhango, Tongariro and Whakapapa rivers.

2005-10-14T07:34:42+13:00

TrustPower has refloated a new proposal for electricity generation on the Arnold river, just inland from Greymouth. The original proposal to divert water away from the river to a new lake and hydro station at Dobson was thwarted by DOC’s inability to do a land-swap for the land that TrustPower needed. The new proposal involves extracting two thirds of the water from the river, diverting it through a series of power stations on an 8km canal beside the river and putting it back into the river. The water would be extracted from the existing dam (which is upstream of the paddling put-in) and replaced below the existing take-out. The NZRCA is waiting for more definate data from TrustPower before commenting on this proposal. Users of the Arnold are invited to a meeting with TrustPower representatives to discuss the Arnold hydroelectric scheme (Grey District Council offices (105 Tainui Street) on the 20th October at 10.00am).

2005-10-09T10:12:00+13:00

From time to time, the NZRCA receives complementary ‘stuff’ from retailers and outfitters. So we’ve developed a promotions process to distribute the schwag to our members. Congratulations to our inaugural winners Motueka High School and Joe Wilson of Waikawa Beach. They each receive a copy of Hell or High Water, by Peter Heller, donated by Allan and Unwin. If you’re a retailer, drop us a line to participate (promotions@whitewater.mytestsite.nz). If you’re a member, make sure you renew and keep us up-to-date with your contact details.

2005-10-06T11:57:00+13:00

Bliss-Stick Kayaks, along with R&R Sport and Hydraulics, are sponsoring a surf event at St Clair Beach, Dunedin on Saturday 15 October. Entry fee $10. Loads of prizes. Registration @ 9am. Contact rrchris@clear.net.nz, +64 27 486 5292.