Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

2005-12-17T11:04:22+13:00

The Whitewater Canoe Club reports that the Marble Point access on the Waiau River (Canterbury) is no longer available. The new farm owner has put a new fence across the previous access down to the river. Even Thrillseekers are no longer able to use that access to get their rafts and clients out of the river.
If you are using that stretch of river it means having to go all the way down to Shark Fin rapid or the gravel pit take out.

2006-08-11T15:30:02+12:00

[11 August] Genesis have advised that the proposed Whakapapa release for Saturday 12 “is unlikely” due to lack of water. However, the situation is borderline and late rain may still allow a release to occur. A final decision will be made Saturday morning. Update: 12 August. The Whakapapa release for today is cancelled.

Access

2006-08-07T13:41:45+12:00

The NZRCA and kayakers from around the North Island have been attending the Waitomo District Council/Environment Waikato (Waikato Regional Council) hearing in Te Kuiti to hear and present evidence regarding the impact of King Country Energy‘s proposed Mokau River dam. TVNZ were there and reported on kayaker’s objections to the dam.

Conservation

2006-08-04T17:06:37+12:00

Meridian Energy has applied for resource consents to prospect for potential hydro dam sites on the West Coast’s Mokihinui river. The Mokihinui offers several challenging back-country kayaking runs including a multi-day option. The proposed 57m head, 70MW scheme would create a lake on the mainstem extending from Mokihinui Forks hut to just above Seddonville.

Conservation

2006-07-25T17:13:38+12:00

Organisers of the Wet West Film Fest have launched a companion photo competition, the Wet West Photo Fest. Submissions for the 2007 competition are open until 31 October.

General

2006-07-13T13:57:51+12:00

Andrew Goodge has pointed out a proposed hydro scheme on the Parapara river in Golden Bay. The Parapara is the third largest river after the Aorere and Takaka rivers, and is one of few easily accessible, higher grade sections in the Tasman region. Water would be taken at the head of the Parapara Gorge at Richmond Flat. It would be diverted via a tunnel and pipeline into the Glen Gyle catchment and generate up to 1.5MW. The land has reserve status and is owned by the Department of Conservation but falls outside Kahurangi National Park. Parapara Hydroelectric Energy Ltd. will hold a public meeting on July 18 to discuss the plans before applying to the Tasman District Council for resource consents.

Conservation

2006-07-10T15:11:07+12:00

On Tuesday 4 July, Sam Rainey drowned on the Sogndals Elva river in Norway. He was in a party of five, and information from his paddling companions is that he was caught in a hole and washed out of the hole without his kayak. Sam was described as uncharacteristically passive, so it is likely that he hit his head while capsized. He was chased through numerous rapids but his companions were unable to rescue him. Sam had been an instructor at the NZ Kayak School and was instrumental in setting up the West Coast White Water Rescue Team. Sam was widely respected in the New Zealand paddling community and his expertise and leadership will be sorely missed. The NZRCA Executive offer their sympathies to Sam’s family and friends.

Safety

2006-07-07T13:18:44+12:00

Genesis Energy advise that the Whakapapa is on for tomorrow (Saturday 8 July). There was 58 cumecs of natural flow at 8:00am today, so at the normal rate of recession there will be more than 16 cumecs of natural flow on Saturday.

Access

2006-07-05T09:43:31+12:00

[5 July] Central Plains Water Trust has applied for extensive resource consents to take up to 40cu from each of the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers for irrigation of 60,000ha of farmland, subject to the existing minimum flow regime. A 12km2 storage lake will be created. The consents are for 35 years. Submissions due August 18 with hearings planned for later this year.

The Assessment of Environmental Effects (Kowai intake) (PDF, 4.1Mb) makes little mention of kayaking, saying only Reducing the mainstream riffle depth is possibly of greater concern to activities that require longer lengths of river, such as the jet boaters and canoeists/kayakers, who require a minimum water depth of 0.2 and 0.1 metres respectively. The effect of the reduced downstream quantity of water is assessed as having a low potential to affect both instream and land-based recreation. (6.4.7, p6-9). The NZRCA will be making a submission opposing the consents. Updated, 12 August: Fixed URI to AEE.

Conservation

2006-07-03T08:18:45+12:00

Fish and Game Otago is seeking additional protection for the Nevis River, in order to block a 45MW, $100m hydro proposal from Pioneer Generation. The Nevis River is unique in the sustained steepness and intensity of the whitewater challenge it offers to experienced kayakers. The NZRCA supports the amendment to the Kawarau Water Conservation Order. Conservation Officer Duncan Catanach said, the outstanding values of the Nevis River, already recognised by the Kawarau Water Conservation Order, need the protection of a damming prohibition. Those outstanding values are simply not compatible with the damming and diversion of the river flow.

Conservation

2006-07-02T18:26:56+12:00

Joe Anderson of Kaimai Canoe Club has passed on the release dates for the 2006-2007 season on the Wairoa River near Tauranga. Water reaches McLaren Falls at 10am and shuts off at 4pm. Note that parking on the right as you approach McLaren Falls bridge is a loading zone only on flow days. The local council was policing it last season. Please also note that a koha of $1 is expected at the take out paddock next to Ruahihi Power station, and $5 for access to midway.

Access

2006-06-24T14:49:06+12:00

Years of lobbying have paid off after Environment Minister David Benson-Pope yesterday signed-off the Water Conservation Order for the Rangitata River. The Conservation Order identifies the outstanding characteristics of the Rangitata River, and lists the waters that are to be retained in their natural state, said Mr Benson-Pope. The Order also sets out constraints on damming, alteration of river flow and form, maintenance of fish passage, and alteration of water quality that apply to other parts of the river.

The Order completes a process initiated by Fish and Game New Zealand in December 1999 to protect the Rangitata’s outstanding values. The NZRCA has supported the Water Conservation Order application with extensive evidence regarding the nationally important recreational kayaking values of the Rangitata.

Conservation

2006-06-11T09:21:50+12:00

Many kayakers have encountered landowner concerns about Health and Safety issues. Tony Ward-Holmes clarifies access in the light of the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

Access, Safety

2006-05-30T09:38:01+12:00

Genesis Energy will be carrying out tests on the Poutu Intake gates this Friday 2nd June. The gates will be staged open from around 6.30am, with the full flow expected to be released at approximately 8am (between 50 – 70 cumecs, depending on the weather, downstream of Poutu Intake). The gates will be progressively shut over the following 4-5 hours and the river is expected to return to the normal minimum around 2pm. For flow information visit http://www.hydro.genesisenergy.co.nz/Start.asp

Access

2006-05-17T15:17:53+12:00

Several years ago the Government recieved a report from the Walking Access Reference Group regarding access to public waterways and lands. Access is a key issue for kayakers involving the Upper Mohaka (Poronui Station), Upper Waiau, Upper Crooked, Lower Kaituna Gorges, Ngaawaparua and more.

For a while it looked like the Government was favourably disposed to implementing a better solution for recreational users, things like:

recognising public access rights as well as private property rights.
affirmation of the ethos of the Queen’s Chain (e.g., identifying gaps in Queen’s Chain and trying to establish new access, making the Queen’s Chain move with the river margin).
the formation of an independent Access Agency to provide national leadership and policy co-ordination on access issues.
provision of better information and signposting where existing legal access (e.g., along paper roads) exists.
provision of Access Code of Responsible Conduct, etc.
Unfortunately, this initiative was stalled at election time by a concerted campaign from the Federated Farmers and others. The Government has reconvened a Walking Access Consultation Panel that is undertaking a series of public meetings from 16 May – 20 June and asking for submissions on its consultation document. It is really important to have representation from recreational kayakers. If you can go, please go!

This is probably a once in a generation opportunity to improve access. The NZRCA will be putting together a detailed submission on this important issue but if you or your club want to submit individually then that would be great. If you want help with your submission, please contact us and we will be glad to help. Pete McDonald has also written a useful paper on related mapping issues. Submissions are due on 30 June.

Access

2006-05-07T09:48:01+12:00

The Hurunui Community Water Development Project is investigating using Lake Sumner and the South branch of the Hurunui River to store water for irrigation. The scheme seeks to manage water levels in Lake Sumner and harvest ‘excess’ water from the Hurunui. Members of the working group include MainPower, Hurunui Irrigation and Power Trust, Enterprise North Canterbury, MainPower, Ngai Tahu Properties and Eskhead Station. The group has received substantial funds from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Sustainable Farming Fund. The Trust was a proponent of a dam on the Hurunui mainstem that would have backed water up to Maori Gully by flooding the Hawarden Gap section. The group is seeking feedback from interested parties by 30 May 2006. Please contact the Project Manager David Viles on phone (03) 310 6937 or (027) 445 0272 or davidviles@enterprisenc.co.nz. The Hurunui is a significant recreational resource so the NZRCA has registered its interest.

Conservation

2006-05-01T22:53:00+12:00

The NZRCA Executive and supporters enjoyed a productive meeting and the Tongariro releases at the AGM last weekend. Matt Barker of Auckland replaces Bruce Webber who is stepping down as Education Officer. Dave Ritchie was voted Canoeist of the Year for 2006 – congratulations, Dave! Somewhat belatedly, the NZRCA Annual Report to Members 2006 (PDF, 192k) is now online.

Whitewater NZ

2006-04-27T19:21:37+12:00

The NZRCA is aware that very few North Island kayakers are following the “check, clean, dry” procedure between catchments.

Genesis Energy and the NZRCA have teamed up to make a concerted effort to protect our rivers from Didymo, in particular the Tongariro River, by using this release weekend to spread the “check, clean, dry” message and to provide some temporary cleaning facilities at the Tongariro River.

Volunteers are needed. Perhaps you know of a non-paddling shuttle driver who could assist. Please contact: Mike Birch president@whitewater.mytestsite.nz 027 492 8366 or Alan Bell membership@whitewater.mytestsite.nz 027 444 7779.

For further information, see: http://whitewater.devsite.nz/article/didymo
and http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo/

Access

[4 April] The NZRCA Annual General Meeting will be held in Turangi on the weekend of 29-30 April, 2006. All kayakers are welcome, especially those keen to get involved in the issues facing recreational paddlers. The NZRCA Executive will be kayaking both of the Tongariro releases that weekend, as well as holding the AGM. So all welcome to come and do some paddling and have your say – on and off the water.

The AGM is also where the Canoeist of the Year Award is made. The Canoeist of the Year award celebrates those who achieve or contribute to recreational canoeing in New Zealand. Award recipients are nominated to the NZCF as candidates for the Canard Cup. The current holder is Mike Abbott. If you wish to nominate someone for COTY you need to send your recommendations to NZRCA Administration Officer Anne Smith at admin@whitewater.mytestsite.nz or NZRCA, PO Box 284, Wellington by 21 April.

The meeting is at the Oasis Motel, Tokaanu starting at 2pm Saturday.

2006-04-09T15:48:15+12:00

John Rice recounts his experience of a serious pin on the Whataroa River, in December 2005.

Safety

2006-04-06T13:41:39+12:00

SPARC are seeking applications for the Hillary Expedition 2006 fund. SPARC will provide funding for up to six inspiring and cutting-edge adventures in whitewater kayaking and other outdoor sports. The funding is between $15,000 and $30,000 each.

Access

2006-12-23T17:31:42+13:00

NZ Canoeing 06.2 has been mailed to members and contains articles such as Great win for the Mokau River (Guido Wassink), What’s in a name? (Simon Callaghan), Sam the Apprentice (Mick Hopkinson), The Central Plains Water Scheme (Tony Ward-Holmes), Long Time Dead… (Andy England), A brief guide on running waterfalls, part 2 (Chris Joose).

Whitewater NZ

2006-12-21T22:45:48+13:00

DOC has recently instituted a permit system for anyone wanting to paddle the Arthur River in Fiordland. DOC staff must supervise cleaning of kayaks and kayaks be transported dry across Deepwater Basin to the Sandfly Point landing.

Access

2006-12-18T22:55:08+13:00

Genesis Energy and the NZRCA have agreed 2007 dates for the Moawhango, Tongariro and Whakapapa releases.

Access