Author Archive

2001-08-23T12:23:39+12:00

The ever-thoughtful Hugh Canard asks some questions about the impacts of visitors seeking wilderness recreation experiences in Tourism, Conservation and Recreation (in Access).

2001-08-17T12:22:47+12:00

Antonia Harmer describes the adventures of an international group who enjoyed several weeks last summer exploring the Buller and West Coast regions, and kayaking on the Buller, Matakitaki, Wanganui, Taipo, Toaroha, Kakapotahi and Grey rivers (in Access).

2001-08-14T12:21:23+12:00

Fourteen years after it was requested, a National Water Conservation Order for the Buller River is in effect, protecting the Buller and many tributaries. Doug Rankin describes the history of the effort that lead to this significant milestone for one of New Zealand’s “wild and scenic” rivers in Conservation / Buller Water Conservation Order, 2001. Extracts from evidence presented by Martin Unwin and Colin Leitch are also online. Meanwhile Michael Talley and the Majac Trust are seeking a judicial review of the Conservation Order so that they can build a hydro dam on the Gowan.

2001-08-07T12:20:30+12:00

At the recent AGM, Alan Bell of Hutt Valley Canoe Club was voted Canoeist of the Year for 2001.

Whitewater NZ

2001-07-20T12:18:20+12:00

Would you believe that over one hundred years ago, the intrepid Park brothers undertook (in Education) an epic coast-to-coast canoe journey, via the Taramakau and Hurunui rivers?

2001-07-09T12:17:22+12:00

The NZRCA’s Annual Report to Members has been distributed to members, and is now online (in About the NZRCA) as Annual Report 2001 (PDF, 78k) or Annual Report 2001 (extract).

2001-07-02T12:14:43+12:00

In another historic account, Mick Hopkinson describes the first descent of Sargoods Weir on the Kawarau (in Education).

2001-06-13T12:13:07+12:00

Now that winter’s here, and there’s not so much happening on the rivers, sit back and enjoy some of the best yarns of earlier days. Here’s Education / Huka Falls, in which Greg Oke describes the first descent of Huka Falls.

2001-06-12T12:12:17+12:00

Alan Bell of Lower Hutt has taken on the role of Membership Officer, and Melissa Bardsley of Wellington is our new Administration Officer. Lynne Fuggle has moved to become Treasurer. Our thanks go to Chris Sinclair and Fiona Mackay for their previous contributions to these roles. Please note the telephone number for the NZRCA is now 04 560 3590. All other contact details are unchanged.

2001-04-25T12:06:36+12:00

In early 2001, the Department of Conservation distributed a survey on air access in Kahurangi National Park. Access Officer Mike Savory organised the NZRCA response: Access / Kahurangi air access survey.

2001-04-19T12:04:40+12:00

The NZRCA has opposed an application to extend a tourist jetboat service through Smith’s Falls citing conservation and safety concerns; also read the press release (PDF, 75k).

2001-04-11T12:02:34+12:00

The Apr/May edition of Adventure magazine features Mike Abbott on the mighty Mekhong, along with local kayaking action from the Wairoa Extreme Race

2002-03-18T15:08:10+12:00

Meridian Energy have advised that the release on the Waiau from Mararoa to Monowai will occur on 24 March, not 31 March. Refer Events & Releases.

2002-03-05T17:43:11+13:00

The NZRCA and Todd Energy/King Country Energy confirm a release of 30 cumecs for the Mangahao river, between 9am and 3pm on Saturday 16 March. This release is one of the conditions of the resource consent for the Mangahao dam. Another condition of the consent is that the number of river users be recorded, so please ensure one of the NZRCA team (Alan Bell, Polly Miller, Graham McIntyre and others) have counted you before putting onto the river. The Mangahao is a scenic class III-IV run from the Number 2 Dam behind Shannon to a bridge behind Ekatahuna. Make sure your shuttle driver knows the way to the takeout, and have a safe weekend.

2002-03-05T12:58:30+13:00

The Ruakituri river in Hawkes Bay is a seldom-paddled gem according to Alan Bell. Alan’s images complement Clinton O’Leary’s trip report about a weekend on the Ruakituri and Mohaka rivers.

2002-02-26T12:57:38+13:00

New Zealand Canoeing, Summer 2002 (02.1) is out, and includes River alterations (Graham Charles), Tekapo course update (Mike Savory), A tale of two girlies on the Madi Khola (Polly Miller), Tragedy on the Lower Hokitika (Vladimir Filipovic), Let’s all help the fabulous Blue Duck (whio) (Ian Gill), The Ruakituri River (Alan Bell), The Rangitikei River in the year 2050 (Laura Nicol), A Christmas wish to members of the NZRCA Executive (Doug Rankin), and Highlights from the Rangitata River Water Conservation Order hearing (Maree Baker).

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.

2002-02-11T12:55:53+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.

2002-02-04T12:53:31+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.”