Mo ngā awa te aroha, he waiaroha — For the love of rivers
Submissions close 11.59pm, Thursday 2 July 2026.
→ Make your submission now: Submission portal | WWNZ Submission Guide – Conservation Ammendement Bill
Rivers that could lose their protections in the Conservation Amendments Bill
Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka introduced the Conservation Amendment Bill on 7 May 2026. It passed its first reading on 12 May 2026, 68 votes to 54, with the governing coalition (National, ACT, New Zealand First) in favour and opposition parties against. It is now before the Environment Select Committee, which is calling for public submissions before 11.59pm on Thursday 2 July 2026.
It is the biggest reform of conservation law in nearly 40 years, amending the Conservation Act 1987, the Reserves Act 1977, and the National Parks Act 1980.
The Bill makes changes across several areas of the Conservation Act. We’ve focused on the ones that directly affect paddlers and river access:
Where we are now. Conservation land can only be sold (disposed of) if it has no or very low conservation value, and only stewardship land qualifies. The bar is high, and the process requires public notification.
What the Bill does. New sections 15A to 15Z create an entirely new regime for both exchanges and disposals.
For exchanges, the Minister can swap conservation land out of the estate if a “net conservation benefit” results from the incoming land. “Net conservation benefit” means the natural and historic resources of the incoming land are assessed as greater than those of the outgoing land (new section 15C). Remote, hard-to-reach land can be traded for more accessible amenity land, and that assessment can come out in favour of the swap.
For disposals (sales), the Minister can sell land if it is not important for threatened species or ecosystems, and is not the best or one of the best examples of its habitat type in its ecological district (new section 15K). That’s a far weaker test than exists today.
The Bill also repeals the old stewardship disposal section (clause 25) and removes the existing prohibition on disposing of stewardship-managed land (clause 42).
Which land is protected? New Schedule 5 lists the land that cannot be sold or swapped: national parks; wilderness, ecological and sanctuary areas; nature, scientific, national and marine reserves; wildlife sanctuaries; Ramsar wetlands; and two named scenic reserves (Kaikoura and Rakitu Islands). Everything else, including conservation parks, stewardship areas and forest parks, is in the pool. That is around 60% of all public conservation land.
What that means for rivers. Most of the country’s best whitewater, and the tracks, valleys and access land that connect paddlers to it, sit on conservation parks, stewardship land and forest parks. None of these are protected by Schedule 5. Losing that land doesn’t always mean losing the river itself. It can mean losing the right to cross it, to put in or take out, to camp beside it, or to reach it at all. Public conservation land is what gives paddlers the freedom to run remote rivers when the weather and flows are right, instead of being dependent on a landowner’s goodwill or a scheduled access day.
A few specific examples:
This is not an exhaustive list, you can find out if your own favourite remote river runs through conservation land here in this interactive map.
A live example of the exchange mechanism in action: Federated Mountain Clubs is currently opposing a proposed land exchange in the Ruahine Forest Park that would see conservation land swapped to enable a dam and reservoir on the Makaroro River. Whilst this river has low relevance to strictly paddlers, it is an example of how conservation land swaps can impact recreation.
The Makaroro precedent. In 2012 the courts held that once land crosses the threshold of special protection, it can only lose that status if its intrinsic values have been detrimentally affected. The Bill replaces that high threshold with the weak section 15K test, dismantling the safeguard that has protected rivers like this. Whitewater NZ relied on this threshold in its 2022 West Coast stewardship land reclassification submission.
The Bill adds a new function to DOC (new section 6(ea)): to recognise the economic opportunities arising from the use and development of conservation land, and to enable that use and development “to the greatest extent practicable.”
Conservation law has always operated on a clear hierarchy: conservation first, recreation second, tourism and commercial use last. This new function cuts across that order and applies across all conservation land.
This is the biggest change to what conservation land is for in nearly 40 years, and it shouldn’t be rushed through without a proper public conversation. Recreation, including paddling, must keep its place ahead of commercial use. That’s our position, and the position of the recreation coalition we’re part of thats being led by Federated Mountain Clubs.
The Bill reduces the role of the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) from decision-maker to advisory commenter (new section 6B). Conservation Boards are similarly sidelined.
On land disposals, there is public notification but no right to be heard (new section 15M). In practice, the public can comment but cannot front up and make a case.
A new visitor amenities areas tool (new Part 3D) allows accommodation, cafes, restaurants, car parks and commercial services to be established within conservation parks, stewardship areas and national parks, again with no right for the public to be heard (new section 16D).
Paddlers are a small community that has always relied on submissions to be heard. Fast-track legislation has already largely stripped public input from project decisions. This Bill extends the same pattern to conservation-land decisions.
The Bill also requires the Minister to publish a National Conservation Policy Statement (NCPS), which will set policy for all conservation land management. This is being consulted on separately by DOC. Submissions on the NCPS close on 10 August 2026. See DOC’s website for details.
Whitewater NZ is working on a recreation-sector submission led by Federated Mountain Clubs, alongside NZ Deerstalkers, NZ Alpine Club, NZ Canyoning Association, NZ Speleological Society, NZ Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Fish & Game, and Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, and more. The joint submission covers the national legal and policy case for recreation.
We’re also aiming to support affiliated clubs, polytechs, and commercial guiding operations to support their own local submissions.
Our position, consistent with our 2022 West Coast reclassification submission:
Make a submission before 11.59pm, Thursday 2 July.
Go to our submission guide for the two-step process: WWNZ Submission Guide – Conservation Ammendement Bill
Or go straight to Parliament’s form: Submission portal
Check if your river is at risk. The DOC public conservation land map shows the classification of every parcel. Conservation parks, stewardship areas and forest parks are the unprotected categories.
Share and get others submitting. Pass the guide to your club, your mates, your commercial operator contacts.
Become a member so we can keep representing paddlers when it counts: Join us
Now is our chance to be heard. In an age where the ability to make a public submission is dwindling, please don’t let it slide past.
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Last updated: June 2026
The Fast-track Approvals Act lets major projects win consent quickly, with little public input. Several affect whitewater rivers. Here is where the ones we are watching stand (for general info on the act in a whitewater context, see here). We will endeavour to update this as things change.
Environmental decision-making is also changing: in late May 2026, the Ministry for the Environment was merged into a new ministry that combines the environment with development, cities and transport. Whilst the impact this will have on the Fast-Track process is unclear at present, what does remain clear is that an independent voice for rivers is more important than ever.
Millie Chamberlain entering one of the rapids in Pari Kohukohu/Smokey Gorge – Photograph courtesy of Michel Uhl
Tekapo and Pukaki (Genesis Energy). Approved, no change for paddlers. The Tekapo Power Scheme consent renewal passed in late 2025 with no change to recreational releases. Thanks to the Tekapo Whitewater Trust for the mahi coordinating with Genesis.
Wairoa, Tauranga (Kaimai scheme, Manawa Energy). Approved, no change for paddlers. The Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme consent renewal went through Fast-track with no change to recreational releases, and the gauge data stays publicly available. This makes this item resolved, and with a good result – the new consent runs for 35 years. Kaimai Canoe Club will keep scheduling the 26 release days a year (10 am to 4 pm) with Manawa Energy. A big thanks to Kaimai Canoe Club for the work on this, and for all their prior long-term management of the scheme.
Kaituna / Ōkere lower gorges, Bay of Plenty. Referral returned. Taheke 8C’s scheme would divert much of the river through a canal, drowning the top of Pari Whakahihi (Awesome Gorge) and cutting flows through the lower gorges. These are world-class runs, a training ground for our slalom paddlers, and among the few grade III to V sections in the North Island not already tied to dam releases. Whitewater NZ opposes this scheme and is fighting it alongside river iwi, the Ōkere community and paddlers, including Luuka Jones and the board’s own Mike Dawson. In all, the community’s support for opposition has been overwhelming, which has been awesome to see. As anticipated by WWNZ through our publicly voiced criticism of the project, the referral application was deemed formally non-compliant by the in its current state on May 1st 2025, and was returned to Taheke 8C. No further updates are known to WWNZ at this time, but the application has not been declined and can be reconsidered if a compliant referral application is submitted. Whilst this initial pushback is a win for the Kaituna awa, we continue to monitor the situation closely.
Waitaha, West Coast. Approved. Westpower’s run-of-river scheme at the top of Morgan Gorge was granted fast-track approval in April 2026. Following the National Party’s campaign promise to get this scheme approved after it was turned down by Minister for the Environment David Parker in 2019, Whitewater NZ made the tough call to neither oppose nor endorse the project. Ahead of the Fast-Track decision, we negotiated an agreement with Westpower that secures recreational protections and compensation for the impact on paddling, while in exchange making it clear we remain neutral on the scheme itself. Our reasoning why is detailed further in this post from May 2025. Wider conservation and recreation groups, including FMC and Forest & Bird, oppose it and have signalled possible legal action.
Mangahao (Manawatū-Whanganui). Referred into Fast-track. The reconsenting of the Mangahao Hydro-Electric Power Scheme is now in the Fast-track process. This is the consent that shapes the future of Mangahao flows and releases, and it sits behind the Mangahao Fund. We are following it closely and are actively engaging with KCE/Contact Energy to secure Resource Consent conditions that keep the interests of whitewater users impacted by the scheme prioritised.
Rangitaiki (Wheao scheme, Manawa Energy). Listed, no decision yet. A reconsenting ahead of the scheme’s 2026 expiry. Our concern is the minimum flow, which, if lowered, could affect the recreational opportunities on the popular Jeffs Joy section. We are monitoring and engaging.
New projects can appear at any time. Even if none of these affect your home river, the next one might. If you hear of a project that could affect a river, tell us: communications@whitewater.nz, and become a member to back the work.
Mō ngā awa te aroha, he waiaroha — For the love of rivers
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Ruahine Whitewater Club 2024 River Rescue Course – Photos courtesy of Graeme Curwen
Every year, the Mangahao Fund puts money back into the rivers and paddlers of Aotearoa. Since 2022, it has distributed more than $60,000 to clubs and community projects, and we want to show you where it has gone.
A few highlights:
Thanks to the committee for their hard work regarding all the considerations that come with allocating these funds, as we eagerly await whitewater users to once again be able to enjoy the Mangahao awa through the restoration of recreational releases.
→ See everything the Mangahao Fund has supported, and how your club can apply.
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WWNZ has worked hard to secure protections for paddlers on the Waitaha River ahead of a forthcoming Fast-track resource consent application for a dam at the entrance of Morgan Gorge by Westpower.
After months of negotiations, WWNZ has reached the final stages of an agreement with Westpower that secures recreational protections on the Waitaha River if the project acquires consent through the Fast-Track Approvals Act.
In exchange for WWNZ taking a neutral stance on Westpower’s Fast-Track proposal, this agreement ensures:
The call to pursue this agreement is an incredibly difficult decision. WWNZ successfully opposed this same project from 2015 up until it was halted in 2019 – a fact we’re proud of. But the political and legal landscape has changed dramatically:
What hasn’t changed is our mission: to protect and enhance recreational access to Aotearoa’s whitewater rivers. In 2025, this compensation agreement gives us something that opposition alone cannot: enforceable obligations that benefit paddlers.
An important clarification is that this is compensation for recreational impact, not a partnership with Westpower. By signing this agreement, we are not supporting their project – we remain neutral. This agreement extracts costly concessions from them with legal accountability.
This strategy is consistent with WWNZ’s established approach with other hydro operators (Genesis, Manawa, Contact, KCE), where we have negotiated recreational compensation when projects proceed.
This agreement was approved in principle after extensive deliberation by the WWNZ board. However, the final terms of the agreement were only presented to us in the last week, and Westpower is aiming to submit in the coming week, creating time pressure to make this critical decision.
We are seeking community input over the next few days before finalising our decision. The urgency stems from the risk that delaying could result in losing these negotiated protections entirely as the Fast-Track process moves forward. We initially explained the details of this agreement and addressed questions and concerns from community members who could attend during a webinar on Wednesday, 28 May, at 8 PM.
Q: “Why neutrality when WWNZ successfully opposed this in 2019?”
A: In 2019, Minister Parker declined the project specifically noting impacts on recreational kayaking. Today’s context is fundamentally different:
We’re adapting our tactics to protect paddlers in a system where being completely ignored is a real risk.
Q: “Couldn’t you fight this through the courts like before?”
A: The Fast-Track Approvals Act was specifically designed to limit legal challenges:
Legal experts describe projects at this stage as extremely difficult to stop through the courts.
Q: “Isn’t this ‘selling out’ or damaging WWNZ’s reputation?”
A: We understand this concern. This is compensation for recreational impact – the same approach we’ve used successfully with other hydro operators for years. We’re not endorsing the project, we’re ensuring paddlers get something concrete if it proceeds rather than nothing at all. We’re demonstrating that recreational interests can extract meaningful protections even when we can’t stop projects entirely.
Q: “Won’t this weaken opposition to future schemes?”
A: We believe this agreement sets a precedent that recreational interests cannot be ignored. Future developers now know they’ll have to negotiate meaningful protections with paddlers. This could strengthen our position on future projects, not weaken it.
Q: “What about the pristine wilderness value of the Waitaha?”
A: We understand the Waitaha’s reputation has grown as an untouched, iconic multi-day source-to-sea journey. However, the affected section sees little regular paddling activity. The guaranteed, scheduled, no-take days may increase recreational activity by providing organised opportunities for paddlers to experience this section. WWNZ will continue to strive to preserve wild, free-flowing rivers for recreational experiences. However, in instances where this is unlikely to be achieved, such as this case, we want to ensure recreational opportunities are protected, not eliminated.
Q: “Will there be vehicle access to the Morgan Gorge by the Westpower access road?”
A: We are not able to secure this guarantee in the direct terms of the agreement with Westpower. From the interpretation of technical documents, Westpower will construct an access road to the Powerhouse (where water is returned to the Waitaha river), with a further service tunnel capable of heavy machinery access to the intake. As this road will be over private land, Westpower will not guarantee access in the terms, however, our close friends at FMC are currently working with local community members to try to gain an understanding of the current complex access situation and establish contact with landowners in the case of this project’s approval and development. Moreover, in signing this agreement, Westpower has indicated that it will make a good-faith effort to bring us to the table for access negotiations. This could be a critical step that leads to robust year-round vehicle access.
Q: “Why not wait and hope the Fast-Track Act gets overturned by a future government?”
A: We think this is a risky strategy that gambles with paddlers’ interests. Westpower is ready to engage the Fast-Track process now – they have their consent application prepared and support secured. Even if a future government modified the Act, there’s no guarantee it would affect projects already in the system. Waiting and hoping for political change while Westpower proceeds with their application could leave us with nothing. We’d be gambling away concrete, legally binding protections on the chance of future political outcomes that may not eventuate or may not help this specific project.
Q: “What will the financial compensation go towards?”
A: If the agreement is activated, the funds will support WWNZ’s core mission. A portion will be set aside to strengthen our legal and advocacy capacity for future river protection efforts. We also plan to invest significantly in improving recreational paddling opportunities on the West Coast, such as enhancing river access or supporting local initiatives that benefit the community most affected by the dam.
Q: “What if your members disagree with this approach?”
A: Our volunteer board represents our members, and the decision to consider this proposal was made with careful consideration of the facts. We believe that in this case, extracting concrete protections serves paddlers better than symbolic opposition. We understand that not everyone will agree, and we welcome respectful discussion. Members who have questions, concerns, or alternative views are encouraged to contact us directly or share feedback through our channels. We’ve always believed that strong advocacy includes listening, and we remain committed to paddling values first and foremost.
We will collect community feedback over the next few days before making our final decision. Please share your thoughts via email to communications@whitewater.nz or get in touch for a call with a member of the board.
Your voice matters in this decision.
Learn more:
Consideration of this agreement reflects our commitment to being both principled and strategic in protecting recreational access. We invite continued discussion as we navigate these challenges to recreational paddling opportunities together.
(this post was dated May 29, 202, read the current Waitaha page for updates)
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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.
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 1, 2025 ❌ Fast track referral application deemed non-compliant! In accordance with section 14(5) of the Act, the referral application was deemed non-compliant, and the application was returned to Taheke 8C. No further updates are known to WWNZ at this time, but the application has not been declined and can be reconsidered if a compliant referral application is submitted. Whilst this initial pushback is a win for the Kaituna awa, we continue to monitor the situation closely.
→ Whitewater NZ will continue to work extremely hard to challenge the Fast Track referral application to prevent it from reaching the resource consent stage!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Throughout 2025, 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 is 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 continuing to pursue all possible avenues to challenge Fast Track referral applications for this project, focusing on stopping it before it advances to the resource consent application stage. We’ll provide updates on how these efforts are evolving – we’re extremely impressed and humbled by offers for help with this task, and commend the widespread, unanimous opposition to the dam from many affected groups we’re working with.
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 was initially based on information available as of April 2025. It has been updated to reflect the current position as of June 2026. Whitewater NZ will endeavour to continue to update as new developments occur, but a live page of updates can be found here.
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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.
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.
Find your nearest screening and grab your tickets now!
🎟 Tickets: $25 per person
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.
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.
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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!
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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.
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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:
Competition Rules:
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.
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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!
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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.
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.
Find out how to identify freshwater gold clams
Source and more information available here: MPI
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Shannon Mast was nominated by Justin Venable, Hamish Darling and Mick Hopkinson.
Bio provided by Justin Venable.
Shannon Mast (aka Daniel, Moisty, or Mzungu Mchafu, amongst other nefarious handles) is a quiet phenomenon. Aussie born, but a true river gypsy by nature, he may have suffered some low-grade hypoxic brain injury as a grom from long hold-downs in the heavy swell of the South Australian coast. Regardless, he has a remarkable ability to not seem to need to breathe very often in violent churning waters – a valuable skill as a kayaker, or perhaps he’s just part amphibian.
Shannon is a humble visionary – contemplating (and achieving) adventure possibilities where others overlook or dismiss as too hard. He is consistently redefining and reapplying novel or fusion techniques to realise next-generation objectives. Take the mighty Tuke gorges descent for example – bringing canyoning skills and technical portaging principles to the most committed of river gorge environments requires confidence in your team, exceptional problem solving abilities, a penchant for masochism, and overzealous faith in the frictional coefficient of sticky rubber river shoes on slimy wet rocks.
Shannon is a committed lifelong hungry dirtbagger, eschewing comfort and instead focusing on bold missions – both on major overseas expeditions to some of the most remote corners out there, and also widely here in our own amazing backyard. He is capable, safe, selfless, and not afraid to suffer in the name of a good adventure – but always with a smile.
He is full of wry, self-deprecating, (flat and) dry humour; fluent in many languages, or at least exceptionally talented in communication with pointing and smiling in a pinch. People can sense his good nature and often want to help – so he’s generally quite useful to have on a team when you are many days of difficult travel from civilization, low on food and facing an uncertain outcome. Mainly because he’s pretty skinny and easy to steal food from. He stays cool and does not panic when it all looks very grim (trust me, I’ve experienced very grim with Moisty), he mostly just sleeps and laconically smiles his way out of trouble.
Shannon is very supportive and generous in sharing his skills and passion with future kayakers – a NZ Kayak School instructor for several years, now part-time tutor at Tai Poutini Polytechnic, and has mentored several keen young boaters to become some of the best kayakers out there. Shannon is inherently kind, always on lookout for the wellbeing of all in the group, regardless of ability. He is community-minded, having organised the Nevis Bluff Freeride event this past year.
Oh yeah, he’s also had a heck of a last 12 months – along with the incredibly capable and perpetually cheerful team of Rata, Phil, Greg and Sam – who successfully probed Churn Gorge on Burke, Tuke gorges, and the crown jewel of NZ kayaking – Waitaha source to sea. He’s also previously helped rally the first crews into ultra-classic first descents of Upper West Waikaia, Boundary Creek, Kakapo River, probing big waterfalls in Fiordland and the foreboding and powerful Windhover Gorge on the Waitaha, amongst others.
The future is chocker full of many other marginal, yet spectacular pioneering / exploratory objectives for Shannon and his team. Just don’t be surprised by his niche choice of music on the way to the put-in.
Shannon was unanimously voted as Paddler of the Year 2022, at Whitewater New Zealand’s AGM.
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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:
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.
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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”.
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.”
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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
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1999-04-22T18:07:02+12:00
Trouble with jetboats? Have a look at our Safety / Accidents and Incidents article and form on the Safety page. Added several images of the Clarence River. Fixed misdirected links on NZRCA Home page, fixed broken links on What’s new? page, Added contact information.
Access, Safety
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1999-04-07T18:04:08+12:00
Added ‘NZ Canoeing’ page describing the official newsletter of the NZRCA. Added What’s new? for previous news items, added Access, Safety and Education pages. Added new ‘hollow arrow’ to designate offsite links. Added a hot picture from the Tekapo. Added a page for other organisations (Slalom, Canoe Polo, Sea Kayaking, Rodeo / Freestyle, Wildwater, Open Canoe).
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