Author Archive

2009-04-20T18:20:10+12:00

The NZRCA is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next Waikaremoana release on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the release to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/. Update: The Piripaua release will be going ahead this Sunday (3rd May 2009).

Access

2009-04-09T12:54:34+12:00

An ambitious proposal for a $60 million artificial whitewater park as part of Stage 2 of the TelstraClear Pacific Events center has been launched. The Counties Manakau Community Trust are seeking expressions of support from the community. The scheme would offer an Olympic quality whitewater course that would also attract school groups and tourists. Sign up to show your support.

Education

2009-04-08T12:06:01+12:00

The commissioners hearing the resource consent application for the Central Plains Water (CPW) scheme have indicated they are likely to reject plans (PDF, 96KB) for a dam in the Waianiwaniwa Valley.

The NZRCA has opposed the CPW project’s request to take up to 40cu from the Waimakariri river due to the significant impact that would have on the recreational amenity for kayakers. A final decision has yet to be issued, and the matter may yet be appealed to the Environment Court.

Conservation

2009-04-05T11:03:52+12:00

Tony Ward-Holmes compiled the NZRCA’s Submission on the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment. The proposed National Government bill aims to simplify resource management processes but jeopardise the opportunity for community groups such as the NZRCA to ensure recreational amenity is preserved.

Conservation

2009-04-02T14:04:26+13:00

The Piripaua and Whakamarino releases will be going ahead this weekend (4th and 5th April 2009). Bernie Kelly was at the river last weekend clearing logs and obstructions and took some photos. Follow the hot tip!.

Access

2009-03-23T21:08:41+13:00

Kiwi kayak auteur Josh Neilson writes, “This film follows us kayaking in Norway, USA and the Nepali Womens Kayak Expedition that happened last year. I was lucky enough to spend six weeks with a bunch of amazing Kiwi and international women teaching Nepalese women to kayak and get them ready to take on the male-dominated industry. The film is 1 hour long and half covers the adrenaline-packed creeking segment and the other half of the story is some amazing kiwi women kayakers. $10 at the door; this year I will continue my support of the Soft Power Health Clinic in Uganda and also support the Himalayan River Girls Club which was started as part of the Nepal Expedition. Shows are at Hastings on Thursday 2 April, Wellington Saturday 4 April and Christchurch Monday 6 April.

General

2009-03-16T23:30:18+13:00

Kayakers face fines of $200 for failing to carry a powerful light at night in after a safety bylaw was recently adopted by the Auckland Regional Council. Numerous kayaking organisations and individuals have criticised the lack of consultation and the poor quality of the resulting bylaw. In the NZRCA’s submission on clause 2.17 Safety Officer Glenn Murdoch argues that the Auckland Regional Council safety bylaw (PDF) won’t improve kayaker safety.

Safety

2009-03-14T13:20:05+13:00

The NZRCA Annual General Meeting will be held in Christchurch on Saturday 25 April from 10am-4:30pm at the Arawa Canoe Club Clubrooms at Kerrs Reach (off Avonside Drive). Guest Speaker: Metiria Turei (MP, Greens). Lunch will be made available during the meeting, and there will be casual dinner on the Saturday evening.
Notice: A change to the constitution of the NZRCA is proposed for consideration at the 2009 AGM. The remit is to change the registered name of the association from ‘New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association’ to ‘Whitewater New Zealand’. The Executive asks that all members wishing to debate and vote on this change attend the AGM. However written submissions are also welcomed and will be read out should attendance not be possible. Submissions should be emailed to nzrca@whitewater.mytestsite.nz no later than 18 April 2009.
The AGM is also where the Canoeist of the Year Award is made. The Canoeist of the Year award celebrates those who achieve or contribute to recreational canoeing in New Zealand. Award recipients are nominated to the NZCF as candidates for the Canard Cup. If you wish to nominate someone for COTY you need to send your recommendations to NZRCA Administration Officer Anne Smith at admin@whitewater.mytestsite.nz or NZRCA, PO Box 284, Wellington by 25 April.
On Sunday 26, join us for a descent of the Hurunui and see why the NZRCA is seeking a Hurunui River Water Conservation Order.
All kayakers are welcome to the AGM, dinner and Sunday paddle, especially those keen to get involved in the issues facing recreational paddlers.

Whitewater NZ

2009-03-11T17:54:30+13:00

The NZRCA is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next two Waikaremoana release weekends on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the releases to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/. Update 26 March: The Piripaua release will be going ahead this weekend (Sun, 29 Mar 2009) as the numbers are sufficient.

Access

2009-03-11T17:51:23+13:00

King Country Energy have advised that there will be a Mangahao release on Saturday 28 March.

Access

2009-03-06T13:14:07+13:00

Bill Parks writes, “Dave Kwant and I are working on a documentary on NZ kayaking, a combination why-we-kayak/conservation/history film. For the historical section we are looking for old footage (super-8 film, VHS, whatever) as well as old photos. If anyone out there has material from the earliest days of river-running in NZ through the 1980’s that you are willing to share, please contact me. First descents, old rafts, rowboats, fiberglass boats, dancers… anything like that that shows the development of the sport and the Kiwi ties to the outdoors would be great. I am also very interested in footage of any runs that have since been dammed: eg. Sargood’s, Cromwell Gap etc. Also, if you know of any pioneers with good stories to tell, I am interested. If you own the footage yourself, great. If you know of old documentaries that aired on TV, I’d also be interested in tracking those down, and I can look into getting permissions. I am at billkayaks@hotmail.com or 03-389-6999. Many thanks!” This work is being supported by the NZRCA in order to resist the pressure on additional NZ rivers being turned into lakes as part of the drive for ‘renewable’ energy.

Conservation

2009-02-27T11:18:55+13:00

Bruce Webber (info@morefun.co.nz) is running a couple of kayaking events at the Kawerau Slalom site. On Saturday 7 March, there will be “two courses set up – an easy course and a more challenging course. We will start with a timed run on the course of choice. Then unlimited practice. Second timed run early arvo, lets see how much better you get.”, On Sunday 8 March, “Rapid races on the main slalom site, head to head and must catch one eddy. We will match kayaks and there will be a plastic boat class. I have lots of Bliss Stick Mystics. Bring yours if you have one or similar.” Entry fee: $5.00 per day. Funds go to Gravity Sports Club Kawerau.

Access

2009-02-23T23:32:53+13:00

BullerFest 2009 is rapidly approaching. Featuring Boater Cross on Friday 27 February. Kayak Slalom (individual and teams), Rafter Cross and the famous Rock the Buller Party on Saturday 28. Sunday March 1 sees the return of the kayak Big Air competition. Rock the Buller Party with DJ’s O.B One (UK) and Aunty Ethel (Takaka). A weekend not to be missed. Contact Ben Jackson or Karl Reece at bullerfestival@gmail.com. Join the Facebook group.

General

2009-02-14T20:52:49+13:00

Maggie Oakley describes a 2007 solo adventure down the rugged and remote Clarence river.

Access

2009-02-12T22:53:20+13:00

Women on Whitewater (WOW) is happening in Murchison on 7-8 March, and at Aniwhenua on 20-22 March. These weekends are a chance for women of all skill levels to come together, learn new skills and generally have heaps of fun paddling together. Contact Alison Kohoutal kohoutal@gmail.com for details.

Education

2009-02-09T22:09:15+13:00

The proposed National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management fails to safeguard recreational interests. For example, the definition in the NPS of “environmental flows and water levels” has specific regard to protecting, maintaining, enhancing or restoring Notable Values. Notable values include recreational values. However, recreational values are not currently considered in the draft NES on Ecological Flows and Water Levels. Duncan Catanach compiled the NZRCA’s submission pointing out this and other flaws.

Conservation

2009-09-13T07:18:30+12:00

There has been enough rain overnight for the release to proceed today, (Sunday, 13 September) and there will be about 16 cumecs below the intake from about 9:00am.

Access

2009-09-11T10:12:00+12:00

Genesis Energy have advised that the proposed Whakapapa release for tomorrow (September 26) will probably proceed, although the river flow can change quickly . Further information.

Access

2009-09-02T11:01:01+12:00

Whitewater NZ is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next Waikaremoana release on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the release to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/.

Access

2009-08-28T16:47:18+12:00

In a review of the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan, DOC are proposing a yearly limit on trips (twelve, across the entire park), a restriction on landings, and a permit system for kayakers. This will affect access to the Karamea and other rivers such as the Anatoki, Slate, Waingaro and others. Nowhere in the plan are trips by kayakers identified as a source of user conflict. Have your say to preserve access to the rivers of Kahurangi. Submissions are due on Friday, 4 September 2009.

Access

2009-08-19T09:17:03+12:00

[19 August] The Hurunui Water Project (HWP) has applied to Environment Canterbury (ECan) for consents to erect two dams on the Hurunui; a weir at the Lake Sumner outlet and a 75m dam on the South Branch. This will result in a clipping of peak flood flows and a general raising of natural low summer flows (to >40 cumecs), as water is released down through the upper river to allow a 32cu off-take down near Mandamus for irrigation. Despite the Tribunal recommending a WCO for the Upper Hurunui waters, the draft WCO offers no protection for the South Branch and is subject to appeal. It’s even more critical that you get involved in this resource consent process, as it represents a direct threat to the Hurunui River as we know it. We need you to oppose Hurunui Water Project’s application and urge you to make a submission in opposition (submission form and resources). Submissions must be made before 5pm Friday 11 September 2009. Update 1 September: Just 10 days to go. Please get your submission done now.

Conservation

2009-08-19T09:02:14+12:00

The latest NZ Canoeing has been sent to members, featuring Canoeist of the Year – Graeme Wilson (WWCC), Conservation News (Tony Ward-Holmes), NZRCA …now Whitewater NZ (Polly Miller), and Release schedules. Read more in NZ Canoeing 09.2 (PDF, 1.2Mb).

Whitewater NZ

2009-08-14T15:20:49+12:00

The Special Tribunal has recommended a WCO be granted to protect the North Branch of the Hurunui River (Report of Special Tribunal (PDF, 3MB)). No protection is offered for the South Branch (where the Hurunui Water Project wants a 75m dam).

Conservation

2009-08-05T13:03:44+12:00

Kaimai Canoe Club have announced the Wairoa Release dates for 2009/2010

Access