Author Archive

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.

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

2002-03-20T15:07:30+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.

2003-01-21T10:15:09+13:00

The fifth annual Wairoa Extreme Race, organised by Andi Uhl, is on February 15 and 16. Pre-entries are requested by 1 February. (Additional events and releases are listed in Events). Note also that the Wairoa release for February 2 is cancelled, and a new release arranged for March 30. Update 19 February: Results are available.

2003-01-17T22:40:10+13:00

Rob Leroy describes his personal experience of a leg entrapment during a raft trip in the Gore Canyon, Colorado in Entrapment, Fisherman’s Nightmare – Gore River. How would you deal with a similar situation?

2002-12-17T21:39:17+13:00

A few corrections and additions for the Tekapo Release Dates published on page 10 of NZ Canoeing 02.3, Spring 2002 are as follows:

The Tekapo Whitewater Course releases scheduled for December 28 and 29 have been cancelled.

The School Releases are from noon to 4pm on Tuesdays 25 February, 4 and 18 March and are on the main river not the course and they are open to anyone (at 30-40 cumecs).

The Pukaki releases on January 25 and 26 do not currently have associated Tekapo (river or course) releases although the Waitangi release flows could be moved if anyone is willing to operate the course.

The Tekapo whitewater course will only be operated when a Club or Organisation takes responsibility for running the release. This will involve liaison with Meridian Energy, opening and closing the gates and managing the people on the course (safety).

River weekends follow the usual flow regime of Saturdays 11am to 1pm at 30 cumecs, 1pm to 5pm at 40 cumecs and Sundays 10 am to noon at 30 cumecs, noon to 4pm at 60 cumecs. Course releases are 20 cumecs or less.

The Pukaki release flows are: Saturday 25 January 11am to 2pm at 93 cumecs, 2pm to 4pm at 140 cumecs and Sunday 26 January 10am to noon at 140 cumecs, noon to 3pm at 93 cumecs.

Check Events & Releases for any changes.

2002-12-07T22:34:59+13:00

On Sunday 1 December, 42-year-old Colin Jackson of Ranana drowned after the canoe he was paddling with a companion capsized. His body was recovered on Monday (Canoeist’s Body Found).

2002-12-07T18:37:23+13:00

The Ministry for the Environment has responded to Fish & Game concerns by conducting an aerial inspection of dairy farms in the upper Buller catchment, including near the Tutaki, Matakitaki and Maruia rivers. The Ministry’s report (PDF, 827k) criticises several farming practices; “A brief inspection of the catchment showed problems with stock access to streams, clearance of vegetation alongside streams and the development of wetlands,” all of which compromise the Buller Water Conservation Order (2001). Update 13 January: link to Report corrected.

2002-11-26T09:47:04+13:00

The definitive guide to the Whanganui river has been updated for the new season. NZRCA members can receive a discount; refer Order Form (PDF, 12k).

2002-11-18T08:33:41+13:00

Water Safety New Zealand are going to run ACC RiverSafe Provider training days in December and January and are calling for interested individuals and organisations to register interest. The provider training is to pass on the requirements of the ACC RiverSafe programme to organisations and/or individuals who want to offer their services to schools and other clients to run the activities contained in the ACC RiverSafe manual. These activities include survival swimming, river swimming, river crossing and throw bag rescue, with a view to providing participants with core river safety skills before they go kayaking or rafting etc.

There is no cost to attend the one day induction workshop. Once an organisation or individual has attended the induction training, they are able to use the RiverSafe logo to promote themselves to the schools etc. Venues are likely to be Queenstown, Christchurch, Murchison, Palmerston North, Tauranga/Rotorua, and Auckland depending on numbers. If you are interested in attending and being able to run the ACC RiverSafe programme, please contact Brendon Ward on 04 801 9600 or bward@watersafety.org.nz as soon as possible.

2002-11-14T23:02:53+13:00

New Zealand Canoeing, Spring 2002 (02.3) is out, and includes President’s Comment (Robin Rutter-Baumann), Focus on the Executive, Maggie Oakley, NZRCA Canoeist of the Year (Sue Abbott), Our patron’s words of wisdom on the Competition for Water (Hugh Canard), Adventures on the Turkish Coruh River (Mike Savory), What Mick Hopkinson Takes Boating (Mick Hopkinson), Conservation Update (Maree Baker), The Adams Wilderness Area (Jonathan Hunt), Opening of the Tekapo White Water Course (Ian Russell), The NZRCA needs Clubs!

Whitewater NZ

2002-11-07T08:43:52+13:00

Graham Charles has updated his guide to New Zealand’s whitewater. The revised version now covers 125 sections with the Waihopai, Ruakituri and Opato amongst new runs described. A Park’n’play section has been included, along with new colour and black & white photographs, re-written river descriptions, updated maps, new cartoons and improved binding for durability. There is a discount available for NZRCA members.

2002-11-03T11:44:06+13:00

The Special Tribunal formed to hear the application by lodged by the Central South Island and the New Zealand Fish and Game Council for a Water Conservation Order (WCO) for the Rangitata River has recommended to the Minister for the Environment that a WCO be granted. The draft WCO would prevent damming of the mainstem of the Rangitata and applies conditions to further water abstraction.

With respect to kayaking, after hearing evidence from the NZRCA, UCCC, OCKC and other kayakers and recreational river users, the Tribunal concluded The sustained and demanding nature of the rafting and kayaking in the gorge, the range of other quality canoeing water, and the wild and scenic environment are in large part outstanding because of the natural flows, high water quality and the high amenity values. Damming and changes to the natural regime in the gorge and upper river would be detrimental to the outstanding nature of the rafting and kayaking. The decision may be appealed by irrigation interests.

See also Fighting to save the Rangitata and “Blow for irrigation schemes”. Update: 18 November, ECAN have appealed to the Environment Court.

2002-10-30T20:36:25+13:00

The Niamh Tomkins Memorial Rodeo is an annual freestyle kayak event at Fulljames rapid on the Waikato River, Taupo, New Zealand. It is a competitive rodeo, but the emphasis is also on fun and encouraging people from all skill levels to enter. It is planned for Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December this year. For details, see http://www.kayakhuka.org.nz/rodeo/.

2002-10-24T07:47:44+13:00

It’s all on this Labour Weekend! Saturday 26 brings the Spring Mangahao release, while the Tekapo Whitewater Course is officially opened. The Wairoa is flowing on Sunday 27, along with races and a party at the Rangitikei. The Tekepo celebrations continue while the Waiau, Mararoa to Monowai is also flowing on the 27th. The Tekapo events wrap up on Monday 28 (details). Be safe out there.

2002-10-13T11:23:51+13:00

Colin Sonneveld (via Steve Scott) of NZOIA advises “There is a new log in the big rapid on the Upper Grey river section between McVicars and the Staircase Creek. The rapid is the longer one just after a right bend with the hole at the bottom. There are some logs sticking out of the big greywacke rock towards the top on river right. They are visible from above. The main log hazard is about two thirds down the rapid on centre left. The tree sticks out on a diagonal angle pointing river right. The level today was 2035mm @ Waipuna gauge at 0630. At this level the log is exposed by 1.5 meters. The grid reference is 260 L31 – 206721. Need to scout.”

2002-09-20T08:12:32+12:00

Alan Bell reports a new rapid on class II section of the Rangitikei (Toe Toe Road to Mangaweka): “About 1km below the Virgin Rapid there is a large slip and a huge pine tree and several big rocks are lying in the river on river- right. These have formed a ‘lake’ and the outflow has formed two good-sized holes. You can portage on river-left easily. With reasonable flows you can paddle hard left quite safely. Experienced paddlers will negotiate the first hole on river left then ferry-glide to river-right to avoid the munchy very-wide second hole. However, once on river-right you are set up to play on the second hole as it is quite friendly on the right-hand side. So, this section of river has even more to offer – not only good for new paddlers but the trip leaders or experienced paddlers can head down for a play on the big hole. The outflow from the playhole is pretty friendly. Head down and take your lunch!”

2002-09-16T07:56:29+12:00

The Tekapo Whitewater Course will be officially opened at Labour Weekend, with rodeo, slalom, down-river racing and rafting events. Details are at Tekapo Whitewater Course Opening. Don’t forget Tekapo river releases and other event information on the Events page.

2002-09-09T22:14:44+12:00

Following a positive Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7, we welcome several additions to the NZRCA Executive: Mike Birch as our new Vice-President; Tony Ward-Holmes takes over as NZ Canoeing Editor (while Polly continues with overall Communications); Glenn Murdoch inherits the Safety and Education roles from Janet Nicol. Thanks to Janet for her awesome work in the Safety area over a difficult period. Congratulations to Maggie Oakley who was voted Canoeist of the Year for 2002.

Whitewater NZ

2002-09-02T09:12:23+12:00

Get ready for a fun Labour weekend with a Mangahao release on Saturday 26 October, followed by the Bliss-Stick River Valley Festival on the Rangitikei.

2002-08-31T12:23:52+12:00

Over the past 18 months the NZRCA has been negotiating with Genesis Power Ltd. over the renewing of the 35-year consents that govern the Tongariro Power Development. We have now reached agreement with Genesis over the conditions to mitigate the effects of the power scheme on recreational kayakers. This agreement is not final until other parties, and the Environment Court also sanction the terms of the agreement.

In the meantime Genesis, the NZRCA and The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre have agreed to the following package:

3 weekend releases on the upper and lower Tongariro per year (35 cumecs on the lower Tongariro on the Saturday, 30 cumecs on the upper Tongariro on the Sunday)
2 natural flow days on the Whakapapa River, with backup days
1 flushing flow on the Moawhango for use as a recreational flow also
The construction of an artificial playhole on the Wairehu Canal
The establishment of a trust fund to assist in the development of young kayakers.
While this agreement is still not finalised in terms of the big picture, the NZRCA has reached agreement with Genesis as a start. Hopefully the final outcome will be just as positive once it has been presented to the other parties and the Environment Court.

2002-08-22T10:31:50+12:00

In response to perceived threats from tourism development, a group called Quiet Rangitikei Incorporated (QRI) has been formed to protect existing recreational opportunities in the beautiful Mokai Gorge, including fishing, drift rafting, kayaking and occasional jetboating. Tourism operators have plans to operate multiple jetboats on repeated daily trips through the Mokai Gorge, raising concerns over safety and noise levels. QRI describe this section of the Rangitikei as “a spectacular experience, providing a voyage of discovery and isolation through canyons 200-300 feet deep.” The group is seeking supporting members and is considering an application for a Heritage Order.

The Annual General Meeting will be held in Christchurch on Saturday 7 September, at the Bridge Bar, Ferrymead Tavern, 1099 Ferry Road (by the Estuary), Christchurch (map). All paddlers are welcome to attend, from 10am to 4pm, and after there will be a meal and drinks – just turn up and join us. The AGM is being organised with the assistance of the Whitewater Canoe Club and the University of Canterbury Canoe Club. These clubs have offered to provide accommodation for out-of-town paddlers and will be organising a trip on Sunday 8 September.

2003-05-30T10:23:15+12:00

The NZRCA is experimenting with Tagged Message Delivery Agent (TMDA) to protect the various generic *@whitewater.mytestsite.nz email addresses from spam. If you send an email to these addresses, you may be challenged by the ‘River Troll’. Simply follow the instructions in the email to ensure your message gets through. Once you have been accepted as a sender, you won’t have to repeat the process. This technique is particularly effective against spam from non-existent accounts.