Background

You’ve likely heard of the proposal to dam the Kaituna River by now, but if not, this update provides a clear overview of the background, current status, and potential impacts of the project.

Taheke 8C, a Maori landowner group, is pushing for a dam below the trout pools that will drown Pari Whakahihi/Awesome Gorge (including the upper slalom training grounds), and dry Pari Tukino/Gnarly Gorge, before returning a highly variable flow back to Pari Kohukohu/Smokey Gorge. These sections are of immense recreational importance to both the local and international paddling communities. Their loss to this small-scale hydro scheme would be a devastating blow to the kayaking community.

Millie Chamberlain entering one of the rapids in Pari Kohukohu/Smokey Gorge – Photograph courtesy of Michel Uhl

Timeline of Events & Whitewater NZ’s Opposition:

May 27, 2024
Taheke 8C initially privately submitted for Fast-track Approvals consideration without consulting key stakeholder groups and was initially denied inclusion.

November 15, 2024
Taheke 8C proposes the project to Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority, and even at this stage, had still not managed to consult with any of the 5 River Iwi or other key stakeholder groups such as whitewater river users. In this meeting, they claimed they would consult with affected stakeholder groups like river iwi and river users. They have widely failed to follow through on this commitment.

December 18, 2024
Whitewater NZ shares information about the Taheke 8C dam proposal – this marks the first time many other stakeholder groups who value the river hear about this proposal.

December 23, 2024
Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 is passed by Parliament, confirming a new pathway for developments like this one.

February 7, 2025
New submissions under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 can begin, including previously declined “unlisted” projects such as Taheke 8C’s proposal.

March 14, 2025
Tapuika Iwi Authority presents unanimous opposition from all 5 river iwi to the scheme at the Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority meeting. This opposition is driven by a lack of respectful engagement and recognition from the consultants and concerns about cultural impacts, such as the negative effect of the dam on the Mauri of the Kaituna River (further insights here). Additional iwi and hapu groups with connections to the Kaituna/Ōkere awa have also illustrated opposition to the proposal.

April 17, 2025
Taheke 8C applies for the project to be reconsidered for referral under the Fast-Track Approvals Act. Again, they fail to meet their commitment to respectful, inclusive engagement, after a thinly veiled attempt at public engagement via a stakeholder meeting only two days prior on April 15, 2025!

May-June 2025 (estimated)
Fast track referral application review – a 100 working day process in which the MFE will review the referral application

July 2025 (estimated)
Minister decision on referral – The Minister for Infrastructure (Chris Bishop) will take the MFE review of the referral application and decide if it moves forward via Fast Track.

October 2025-February 2026 (estimated)
Fast track resource consent application process – if the referral application is successful, it is a 120 working day process, and the project becomes significantly harder to stop at this stage.

Current Focus: STOP THE REFERRAL

→ Whitewater NZ is working extremely hard to challenge the Fast Track referral application before it reaches the resource consent stage!

Why Whitewater NZ Opposes This Project

Recreational Losses

The lower gorges of the Kaituna/Ōkere River are a world-class whitewater kayaking destination and provide essential recreational opportunities for the local community and visitors alike. It is one of the best training grounds for slalom paddlers as well, and one of the few sections of class III, IV, and V whitewater paddling that is not subject to dam releases by resource consent agreements in the North Island.

Lack of Consultation

Despite promises, Taheke 8C has failed to properly consult with key stakeholders, including kayakers, river iwi, and downstream landowners. This ranges from an inability to answer simple questions, provide transparency in their plans, and general poor faith engagement. This consistently unacceptable behaviour gives little faith that they respect the shared value of the Kaituna/Ōkere awa ecosystem, or that they will provide sufficient mitigation if not challenged in the consent process.

Environmental Impacts

The proposed hydro scheme threatens the ecological integrity of the river system and the diverse wildlife that depends on it. Tuna (eels) and Kōura (crayfish) have used the Kaituna/Ōkere Awa as a traditional migratory route for thousands of years. A proposed residual flow below that of the required ecological minimum set by the Regional plan threatens the health of the awa. In addition, slowing the nutrient-rich waters of Lake Rotoiti can lead to increased algal bloom and periphyton (weed) growth above the dam.

Baby tuna (eels) migrating up the Kaituna river in Pari Kohukohu/Smokey Gorge – Photograph courtesy of Michel Uhl

Cultural Significance

The Kaituna/Ōkere Awa holds immense cultural importance for local iwi who have unanimously opposed this development. A summary of some of these important cultural considerations can be found in the Tapuika statement of position on the dam proposal.

Overstated Economic Impact

We believe the economic impact of the dam is vastly overstated. The numbers provided make it clear this is a micro hydro scheme, and will hardly contribute as a regionally or nationally significant renewable energy project by providing at best only 0.2% of NZ annual power requirements. The developers also consistently conflate the benefits of the dam with the envisioned “Taheke 8C Green Energy Hub” which includes a much larger, previously Fast-Track approved Geothermal project. This lends credence to the idea that the dam will have a negligible positive impact – the dam should be assessed on its own merits, and it’s clear the positives do not outweigh the negative impacts.

Our Approach

Whitewater NZ has been sharing information about the project as we’ve learned it via our social media channels. We’ve also been conducting a media campaign to inform the public and stakeholder groups on Taheke 8C’s secretive dam project – these press releases have put a spotlight on the dam project:

March 17: Kaituna River kayakers fight plans for hydro-electric scheme

March 20: Olympians hit back against Kaituna River plans

March 28: Possible Kaituna River dam project could have ‘catastrophic impacts’, board hears

April 18: Landowners renew fast-track bid for Kaituna hydro scheme

NZ Olympian Luuka Jones helping stand against this proposed dam on the Kaituna River

We have been and are continually working collaboratively with affected stakeholders, including iwi, downstream landowners, and environmental groups, to protect the Kaituna/Ōkere Awa through means both legal and otherwise.

At this stage, we are pursuing all possible avenues to challenge the Fast Track referral application, focusing on stopping this project before it advances to the resource consent application stage. We’ll provide updates on how these efforts are evolving in the coming days as the referral application is assessed by MFE and the Minister for Infrastructure – we’re hoping for a positive outcome given the widespread, unanimous opposition to the dam from many affected groups we’re working with.

Join Our Effort

Follow our socials (@whitewaternz) for other key updates, spread awareness of what this dam would destroy, and become a Whitewater NZ member to help contribute to our collective voice. This is critically important to help protect this treasured river for future generations.

A massive thanks to those who have already contributed their expert knowledge and helped out in our publicity campaign to raise awareness and combat the proposal! These contributions have been invaluable to our efforts to keep the Kaituna/Ōkere Awa free flowing and enjoyed by all.

Note: This timeline is based on information available as of April 2025. Whitewater NZ will continue to update as new developments occur.

Get your tickets here!

For a Future Together: A Movie Night Fundraiser for Whitewater NZ’s Awa Aroha Fund

In 2023, Whitewater NZ launched the Awa Aroha Fund, designed to support paddlers affected by tragic river incidents in Aotearoa. To bring the community together and raise funds for this important cause, we are hosting movie nights across the country, showcasing inspiring short films that celebrate the spirit of adventure and the power of our waterways.

A Night of Whitewater Adventure

Join us for an evening packed with adrenaline, stunning landscapes, and compelling stories. Each event will feature three exceptional films that highlight incredible river journeys, environmental conservation, and the resilience of paddlers worldwide.

Film Lineup:

• The Grand Salmon (56 min) – Follow three women as they paddle from source to sea on the Salmon River in the USA, exploring the environmental impact of four dams on the lower Snake River.
• Finding Joe (20 min) – Watch Kiwi paddlers Mike Dawson, River Mutton, George Snook, and Ryan Lucas attempt to paddle the remote Joe River in South Westland.
• Big Water Theory (80 min) – Join Nouria Neuman and an international team as they tackle the Rondu Gorge of the Indus River in Northern Pakistan.

Where & When?

Find your nearest screening and grab your tickets now!

• Auckland | May 17 @ 6 PM | Wero Whitewater Park Theatre
• Wellington | May 21 @ 7 PM | Hutt Valley Canoe Clubhouse
• Dunedin | May 22 @ 7 PM | Auahi Ora
• Queenstown | May 27 @ 7 PM | The Sherwood
• Nelson | May 27 @ 7 PM | The Suter Theatre
• Hokitika | May 27 @ 7 PM | Regent Theatre
• Alexandra | May 27 @ 6:30PM | Central Cinema
• Palmerston North | May 28 @ 8 PM | Focal Point Cinema
• Rotorua | May 29 @ 7 PM | Okere Falls Store
• Christchurch | June 1 @ 6 PM | Ngaio Marsh Theatre
• Taranaki, Te Anau | Dates Coming Soon

Tickets: $25 per person

Get your tickets here!

Supporting Paddlers Through the Awa Aroha Fund

The Awa Aroha Fund is a crucial new initiative by Whitewater NZ aimed at supporting paddlers involved in serious river incidents. The fund provides access to professional counselling services, group debrief sessions, and essential information on coping with grief and survivor’s guilt. By removing barriers to getting help, we are ensuring that our paddling community is supported in the best way possible.

Be a Part of the Movement!

Come along, enjoy an evening of adventure, and help make a difference in the whitewater community. If you’re keen to host an event in your own town not already listed, fill out this form or reach out to us at communications@whitewater.nz.

Secure your tickets today and support a future where all paddlers can navigate not just rivers, but also the challenges that come with them—together.

During January 2025 WWNZ hosted our annual community photo contest – we had 74 unique photos submitted, 20 finalists, with the top 3 chosen by community vote to receive a cash prize!

We were super stoked with the quality of the submissions this year – thanks to all those who submitted! Even if your picture wasn’t featured yet, it’ll make an appearance on our socials at some stage – keep an eye out

Here’s the chosen top 3 – how good!

2025 PHOTO COMP FIRST PLACE

By far your most popular vote, our first-place winner is a submission by @dan.sutherland capturing a unique perspective of @dmf_ward on the move in the Routeburn River!

Dan’s consistent efforts and creativity behind the camera never cease to amaze, so we think taking the win with this shot is well-deserved. Make sure to keep an eye out for any of his other epic submissions that might pop up on our socials later as well!

2025 PHOTO COMP SECOND PLACE

Our second-place winner is a submission by @kay_mccrack of @nicktroutmankayak throwing some flowy freestyle during an evening Hāwea Wave session – congrats on the epic shot Kaylee! The community froths it

WWNZ 2025 PHOTO COMP THIRD PLACE

Our third-place winner is a submission by @mic.uhl of himself lining up some freefall on the Tora Bora waterfalls in Gnarway – captured by @p_uhl72! We love to see the siblings throwing down and capturing the eager watch party at the lip – maybe Kiwis can fly?!

Sweet shot Pipi and thanks for the submission Michel!

Whitewater NZ is so proud to be announcing our new Awa Aroha fund.

This fund will be used to support paddlers across Aotearoa who are involved in serious whitewater incidents.

The fund’s purpose is to support river crew after a serious river incident by bridging the gap between victim support services and the individuals accessing government funded mental health services. There’s often at least a 6 month wait (it varies by DHB) to access public support if someone is struggling, and we want to support people during the in between, and provide access to group debriefing sessions with vetted professionals. We don’t think a six month wait time is good enough, so we want to bridge this gap.

Eligibility is direct involvement in a fatal or near fatal incident, in a river environment, in NZ, while participating in whitewater paddle craft activities in a recreational capacity.

People will not have to be a member of Whitewater NZ to receive this support. You can read the full policy here.

To fundraise for this new support, Whitewater NZ is hosting a series of fundraising film nights, and appealing for donations.

Now we’re not a big organisation with bottomless pits of money, this support won’t be a long term solution, but something to bridge the gap between accessing publicly funded support services available in NZ.

We would really appreciate the clubs support in promoting this event to your community, and helping us to provide services to paddlers who need it. You can book tickets here.

Submissions for our annual photo competition are now open!

How to Enter:

Capture the Thrill and submit your entry via Google form by 15 November 2023. Include your name, the paddler(s) name, a brief description of the photo, and where it was taken.

Prizes:

• First Place: $150
• Second Place: $100
• Third Place: $50

Competition Rules:

• You must be an individual member of WWNZ OR a member of an affiliated club to enter. If you are not a member of WWNZ and wish to enter, feel free to join here – membership is only $10.
• Each member can submit up to 10 of their best photos.
• Submissions must be original, high-resolution images, up to 10MB per photo.
• By entering, you grant Whitewater NZ the right to use your photo, with proper credit given to the photographer.
• Deadline for submissions is 15 November 2023.
• Winners will be contacted via the email address used to submit the photo, and announced on our website and social accounts.
• The winners from the competition will be submitted to the FMC 2024 photo competition as WWNZ entries. More details: https://fmc.org.nz/photo-competition/

Judging Criteria:

The WWNZ Board will vote for the top 10, with the top 3 chosen by popular vote of the members on our social media channels.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at communications@whitewater.nz.

Nominations for the Whitewater NZ Paddler of the Year 2023 are open!

If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their dedication, skill and contributions to our rivers and sport, email your nomination(s) along with a short blurb (max 200 words) outlining why they deserve to win to communications@whitewater.nz.

Nominations are due by 15 November 2023. The WWNZ Board will then curate all nominations and the winner will be chosen by popular vote of the members on our social media channels.

Happy Paddling!

MPI has classified Freshwater Gold Clam as an invasive species in NZ Waterways.

This freshwater mollusc (also known as Asian gold clam) was discovered along a stretch of the Waikato River in May 2023. Biosecurity New Zealand is working with iwi and other partners to prevent the spread of the clam.

Remember to CHECK, CLEAN, DRY between waterways.

Risk to NZ from the freshwater gold clam

The freshwater gold clam is native to eastern Asia and is widely established in North and South America and Europe.

These clams reproduce rapidly and form large populations that can clog water-based infrastructure such as electricity generation plants, irrigation systems, and water treatment plants. They are filter feeders that can potentially compete with native species for food. We do not yet know how this species will respond in New Zealand conditions.

Overseas, this clam has proved difficult to control and eradication has never been achieved.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A FRESHWATER GOLD CLAM

Source and more information available here: MPI

The Hutt River Te Awa Kairangi Whitewater Festival was a huge success this year. It truly was a whitewater festival including kayaks, rafts, duckies, and packrafts. The events raised over $100 for Whitewater New Zealand and a few dollars for the Hutt Valley Canoe Club.

The kayakers raced down the gorge on Saturday, and while the races were happening in the gorge, the packrafters took on the lower grade 2 section to avoid all those mischief-making hardshells. Following on from the races everyone got together at the HVCC clubhouse for a BBQ in the afternoon and then moved the party to Kaitoke Regional Park.

On Sunday a large social group bought all the river crafts together for a social float through the gorge. We sent the racers down first who then waited for the social paddlers at the finish line so everyone could paddle out together.

After the races were all done, we hosted a prizegiving back at the HVCC Club Rooms. The HVCC has been hosting this event for over 50 years. 1971 is the oldest date on the trophy but there is reason to believe it has been going on longer than that. Congratulations to winners below will have their names added to the trophy:

Team Event: “All Over the Show” John Snook, Dai Edwards, and Warren Cheetham for winning Saturday’s team race.

Women’s individual race: Dina Fieman

Men’s Individual race: Liam Hopkinson

Thank-you to everyone that volunteered and made donations including:

• Hutt Valley Canoe Club and Marty Naplawa for organizing the team race and BBQ.
• Nigel Parry for securing a no-take at the Kaitoke Weir with the Wellington Regional Council.
• Martin Robertson for organising the packrafters and securing camping.
• Georgia Bailey for her amazing guitar, mandolin, and singing skills at the bonfire.
• Wellington Rafting Company for helping with safety.
• Double Vision Brewery for donating some prizes.
• Todd Henry for organising individual races.
• All of the volunteers, racers, and participants who helped with safety, organising, BBQing and everything else. We could not have done it without you.

Mark it on your calendar for next year Fri. 30 Sept. – Sun. 2 Oct. 2022.

Thanks to everyone that came out and I hope to see you there next year.

Todd Henry

These photos and more from the day were taken by Mike Birch and can be found here.

Whitewater NZ is joining GreenPeace, Forest & Bird, Environmental Defence Society, and Choose Clean Water in their call for ‘under one’ pollution limit for freshwater in Aotearoa.
 
Five of New Zealand’s leading environmental organisations are urging the Government to defend native species and human health by setting a nitrate pollution limit under one milligram per litre for waterways.

A nitrate limit, which will define the maximum amount of nitrate pollution allowed in rivers, was left out of last year’s freshwater standards, in-line with industry demands. The limit is now being reassessed by the Ministry for the Environment and Minister Parker.

The major causes of nitrate pollution are a huge increase in dairy cows and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use since 1990.

Kev England of Whitewater NZ says “for people that spend time in NZ’s freshwater it’s absolutely vital that we can do this without the risk of getting sick. In many of our mountain rivers the water is drinkable and a sheer pleasure to experience. However, in the lower parts of those same valleys the water is often polluted with fertilisers, cow poo and other toxins. Setting an achievable target of “under one” is a sensible first step in maintaining New Zealander’s right to clean water”.

AGM via Zoom on Wednesday 25th August at 8pm.

The 2021 Whitewater NZ AGM will be held on 25th August at 8pm and we hope to see you there!

Members will receive more details via e-mail, so if you’re not a member then click here and join!!

We’re looking for nominations for three new Board members, so if you’re keen to help out and put something back into the whitewater community of Aotearoa, then please nominate yourself!

We’re also looking for nominations for “Paddler of the Year”, so if you know of someone that has gone the extra yard and showed exemplary efforts towards helping our rivers and our sport, then please nominate them. Nominations should explain why you think this person deserves the award!

Please send Board and Paddler of the Year nominations to communications@whitewater.nz

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM!

Show your love of rivers and support for Whitewater NZ by wearing one of these super cool new T-Shirts!!!

Every purchase will help Whitewater NZ to keep our rivers wild and free.

We’ve partnered with a cool wee clothing company called Little Yellow Bird (Welly based) who produce ethically made organic cotton clothes that look and feel great.

Go on…buy one or two for yourself and why not get one as a gift for your shuttle driver!!?

Mens t-shirts are here.

Women’s t-shirts are here.

Todd Henry advises, “There is currently no river access allowed other than the scheduled Genesis releases on the Whakapapa/Whakapapanui River at the moment. Please be respectful of this.”
The Landcorp/Pamu farm at Taurewa has just passed into Iwi hands as part of the treaty settlement. The Iwi are working through existing formal agreements for access over the farm. Two agreements have been approved; the Genesis Recreational Release (scheduled Whakapapa River Releases by WWNZ) and use of the farm for the T42 race (due to safety concerns about using the main road).
Other informal access arrangements are not being allowed at the moment. They are turning away anyone trying to access without arrangement, including recreational users. The farm manager has expressed that in about a month they will be open to formalising arrangements.
There is a concern that if too many people try to get access without an access arrangement in place then this may jeopardise future access and relationships with the local Iwi. So please spread the word. The team at Whitewater NZ are currently working on this issue and will keep you all in the loop.

Access

Whitewater NZ and community representatives recently met with the Lake Rotoiti scenic reserves board where we proposed an access track through the scenic reserve land on river left. For details, see Kaituna River access issue page.
Updated 1 May 2019: The Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster, Peter Buell, has issued a directive to close a section of Pari Tūkino (Gnarly Gorge) on the Kaituna river from 1 May 2019 until 1 November 2019. For details, see Kaituna River access issue page or Facebook.
Previously: The threat of a legal closure to the Kaituna River lower gorges has raised its head again. The Bay of Plenty Regional Harbour Master has announced his intention to close Awesome, Gnarly and Smokey gorges, effective 1 May 2019.
We see this as the local harbourmaster breaking new ground and an overreach of the legislative powers in the Maritime Transport Act. We are concerned about the precedent this decision sets for future management of New Zealand’s whitewater resources.
WWNZ had a last minute opportunity to present the Bay of Plenty Regional Council with our views on the situation and you can read these in our letter to BOPRC on 20 March (PDF). The council was receptive to our point of view and have given us a window of opportunity to negotiate an alternative solution to the recommended closure.
The process from this point involves facilitated mediation between multiple stakeholders with interests in the lower Kaituna Gorges. Our voice will be strongly represented and we will be doing everything we can to reach a tangible solution.
While these discussions are happening, we are asking paddlers to cease using the private land on river right to portage Gnarly gorge. In practical terms, that means ceasing paddling Awesome, Gnarly, and Smokey until the legal access can be resolved. We respect the position of our negotiating partners and we are hopeful that a show of good faith on the part of our community will assist in finding a resolution.
See our Kaituna River access issue page and Facebook for additional information.

Access

The wild and scenic Mokihinui River is to be added to Kahurangi National Park. The Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced yesterday that 64,400 hectares of conservation land in the Mokihinui River catchment on the West Coast north of Westport, including 15 km of riverbed, is being added to Kahurangi National Park. This will protect the river and surrounding landscape and wildlife for future generations. Against the submissions of kayakers and conservation groups Meridian was granted resource consent for an 80m hydro dam that would have drowned the entire lower Mokihinui section. After protests and appeals to the Environment Court, Meridian shelved the dam proposal citing economics. The whitewater from Mokihinui forks down is an entertaining class III-IV run, while the upper section from Johnson-Allan confluence is a challenging, remote run. Both sections are accessed by helicopter; DOC Western South Island Director of Operations Mark Davies advises existing air access arrangements will continue. A review of the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan to account for the land addition will unfold over the next few years and will provide kayakers an opportunity to ensure continued access to this treasured river.

Conservation

The Whitewater NZ Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held via an online forum on Wednesday 29 August. The online approach was generally regarded as a positive development supporting solid representation and minimising travel. Discussion covered topics such as didymo, pack-rafting, canyoning, and WWNZ financials. Trevor James was voted Canoeist of the Year. A new board was elected. Read AGM Minutes (PDF).

Whitewater NZ

Kayakers have rejected Westpower’s proposal for a trust in mitigation for a proposed dam on on the Waitaha river. Eighteen months ago Whitewater NZ, FMC, Forest & Bird, and numerous individuals submitted to DoC on Westpower’s proposals. Last month, DoC wrote to submitters (PDF) describing additional mitigation measures including a proposed “Westpower Tai Poutini Kayaking Trust” and two additional “no take” days. However, after consideration, Whitewater NZ has responded to DOC (PDF) rejecting Westpower’s proposals as “irrelevant to the myriad matters that demand utmost consideration by the Minister under the Conservation Act.” Whitewater NZ President Nigel Parry wrote, “Morgan Gorge is an[sic] stunningly unique zone of exceptionally pristine character, and serves as a beacon of inspiration and place of reverence for the whitewater kayaking community, both nationally and internationally. The Waitaha river remains one of the last unmodified wild rivers in Aotearoa for the vast majority of its course – and as such, represents a prime example of our shared taonga awa. Our collective duty, and DOC’s specific fundamental task, is to preserve and protect such places for the use and enjoyment of ourselves and future generations.”

Conservation

A possum control operation is planned for the Tutaekuri area over the summer. The operators advise “there will be no 1080 risk to people who drink water from streams and rivers in the area following the operation. Biodegradable 1080 is highly soluble and does not persist in water or soil. Although 1080 baits can enter waterways, such as rivers and streams during aerial applications, dilution will reduce 1080 quickly to undetectable concentrations in water.” Warning signs will be posted and baits are to be dropped clear of the Ngaruroro River (from confluence with the Taruarau River down to confluence with the Omahaki Stream) and the Tutaekuri River. Please refer to the fact sheet (PDF) for a map and additional details. Any questions can be sent to Andrew Buchanan andrew@epro.co.nz or 0275 141 411.

Safety