2006-12-16T21:19:31+13:00
16 December: In what appears to be a cave-in to political pressure, DOC has granted a concession to Bay Of Plenty Electricity for use of conservation estate for a hydro scheme on the Kaituna River. A resource consent application is now expected. The project will destroy the recreational amenity in the Awesome Gorge and Gnarly Gorge sections. Update 19 December: Apparently DOC has given approval ‘in principle’ only and will be seeking public submissions in January.
2006-12-09T11:23:22+13:00
A resource consent application by Trustpower for a new hydro power scheme on the West Coast’s Arnold River has been publicly notified by the West Coast Regional Council and Greymouth District Council. Details of the scheme are at http://www.arnoldpower.co.nz/. In summary, the scheme would divert up to 100 cumecs (2/3 average flow) from the Arnold mainstem near the existing dam, through a canal, returning the water approx. 12km downstream. This would dewater the usual run leaving a minimum residual flow of 12 cumecs.
“[Given] the disparity between the proposed residual flow regime and the number of occasions that minimum flows meet the kayakers’ requirements, it is likely that their activities will be affected as the flows will typically be too shallow to allow for current usage.” “As a consequence there will be a significant adverse effect requiring mitigation.” (p21-22, Appendix N (PDF, 3Mb)). Trustpower have proposed a ‘world-class kayak course’ as part of the plan, “but it’s not confirmed at this stage” (Press, 22 November 2006). Submissions close 19 January 2007.
2006-12-02T20:50:58+13:00
According to The Press, didymo has been found in the Hollyford River. This is the 26th river in the South Island to be confirmed with didymo.
2006-12-02T16:20:23+13:00
Leanne Mulcahy has advised flow dates and several major events for the Mangahao National White Water Centre in Shannon. All training, recreational slalom, and freestyle/river paddlers welcome! Guaranteed water between 8am-4pm. Camping welcome. Cards for toilet and shower use can be purchased from Mountain Equipment, Ferguson Street, Palmerston North.
The Whitewater Slalom NZ Ranking Race 2006/07 will be on the weekend of 16/17 December.
On 3-4 February the Oceania Cup 2007 will be held. Please note that the course is unavailable on the following dates: 16-17 December 2006, 3-4 February 2007, 25 February 2007.
2006-11-18T21:09:35+13:00
Graham Charles has announced the 4th edition of his definitive whitewater guide to New Zealand. The 2006 edition features some new runs including Blackball, Falls Creek, and Tuakopai, new photo’s, new cartoons, and a new colour section. The Buller now has its own section separate from West Coast, and most runs have been overhauled. The NZRCA is accepting advance orders at $34.95 RRP (20% discount for NZRCA members) using our order form (PDF, 20k).
2006-11-11T21:32:23+13:00
Unfortunately, didymo has been reported in the Makarora and Wilkin rivers and is suspected in the Young. In a reprieve for the North Island, algae reported by an angler on the Rangitikei River was analysed by Biosecurity NZ and found not to be didymo.
In Fiordland, the Clinton river is closed and DOC have instigated a permit system for kayakers on the Arthur river. Unfortunately, communication from DOC has been poor and it is not totally clear how the permit system is to work. Apparently kayakers must clean their boat in front of DOC staff and transport the kayak dry to Sandfly Point Landing. Significant fines are threatened if these protocols are not followed. The NZRCA has contacted DOC seeking more detail on the implementation of the permit scheme; we have concerns over the implications of the scheme and the lack of communication to date.
2006-11-08T21:50:37+13:00
Sunspots Kayak Shop in Rotorua have a new Didymo washing station. This facility will be free for kayakers and fishermen for cleaning their gear. It has been set up with the help of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The facility is transportable and able to be used at regional kayaking events. Remember to Check-Clean-Dry between all waterways including North Island rivers. For more information see http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo
General
2006-11-07T10:06:30+13:00
Alan Hoffman has provided a list of release dates for the Tekapo and Pukaki rivers for the new season.
2006-10-25T20:57:41+13:00
[25 October] Access Officer Graeme McIntyre advises that the Mangahao release for Saturday 28 October is looking good at this stage. Watch this space for updates. Update 27 October: Graeme advises: “As at 9:00am today the release is all going ahead for tomorrow. There has been some concerns that as the dam is very high and the natural flow in the river is up that the release may have been postponed if the dam gates started to tip. (This would be under the safety factors in the release agreement). I would suggest that you keep in mind another run if for some reason the flow is postponed. Over the last week they have had around 200mls of rain and the situation up there is like winter. It’s wet, very cold etc. so take some food and warm clothes.2006-10-13T07:59:58+13:00
[13 October] The NZ Herald reports that a kayaker is missing on the Waihou River near Putaruru. Two kayakers were on gentle water but appear to have been surprised by a dangerous natural dam. One man escaped to the bank but police divers are searching for the other paddler. Update 17 October: Police continue to search for Dale Frankum, who is missing, presumed drowned. Maritime NZ are investigating the incident. An incident report has been added to the NZRCA Accident/Incident Database.2006-09-26T21:03:57+12:00
[27 September] Following hearings at which kayakers made strong submissions, Environment Waikato has declined KCE’s resource consent application for a dam on the Mokau. KCE are ‘considering their options’ and may appeal the decision to the Environment Court. The NZRCA’s Membership Officer Alan Bell who was active in opposing the dam, says it is an “excellent decision” and “a victory for common sense.” Update 17 October: The NZRCA has received notice of KCE’s intention to appeal to the Environment Court.2006-09-23T15:28:40+12:00
Alan Bell and others have provided a showcase of whitewater on the Mokau as part of their submissions against KCE’s resource consent application for a dam that would drown most of the whitewater. The NZRCA has also submitted against the dam.
2006-09-18T13:11:31+12:00
[18 September] Genesis Energy have announced they will be undertaking maintenance at Tokaanu Intake located at Lake Rotoaira starting on Saturday 7th October until Monday 23rd October. During this time there will be no flows through Tokaanu Power Station and flows into Lake Rotoaira via Poutu Canal and Wairehu Canal will be limited. Public access to Tokaanu Intake will be closed during this time for safety reasons.During this period flows will be higher in the Tongariro River below Poutu Intake (Access 10), Poutu Stream, Whakapapa River and in the smaller streams of the Western Diversion, possibly including the Whanganui River and Mangatepopo Stream. Access 10 will be at about 40 cumecs and more with rain. The Whakapapa River will need rain (the mean annual flow at the intake is about 15 cumecs). Genesis Energy has put in place stringent operating procedures to manage flows during this period, however unplanned flow variations may occur and flows may change at anytime.
Please note the dates above are indicative only and the completion date may change slightly. Flow information is available on the Genesis Energy River, Lakes and Rainfall website www.hydro.genesisenergy.co.nz. Update 19 October: Genesis Energy have advised that the maintenance has been completed ahead of schedule. Flows will be back to normal by Saturday, 21 October
2006-09-09T17:43:50+12:00
Craig Adams announces that the Bliss-Stick Whitewater Kayaking Festival. will be held on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October. Highlights include including Boater X (Pipeline Rapid, Taieri River), the premiere of “Enter the Donkey”, homemade kayak short film awards, Surf Comp (St Clair Beach). Email blissfest@gmail.com for details.
General
2006-08-23T09:43:49+12:00
NZ Canoeing 06.1 has been mailed to members and contains articles such as Canoeist of the Year 2006 – Dave Ritchie (Wayne Johnson), We Care About Your Safety!, Newssplashes (Guido Wassink), Life after Project Aqua – What does it mean for river conservation? (Duncan Catanach), Arnold River – a Popular Resource (Andy England), Epic Coast to Coast Journey (Tim Sikma), New Zealand Whitewater 4th edition (Graham Charles), Running Waterfalls – Some thoughts on how to approach bigger drops… (Chris Joosse).
2006-08-21T13:53:03+12:00
[21 August] Access Officer Graeme McIntyre advises that the Mangahao release postponed from March is scheduled for 23 September. Update: 18 September, KCE advise the Mangahao Dam No 2 release is on target to proceed this weekend.2006-08-16T10:51:15+12:00
[16 August] Kayakers in Canterbury have joined forces to oppose the Central Plains Water scheme in order to protect the recreational amenity. A protest is planned against the Christchurch City Council who are supporting the scheme using ratepayer’s funds. Media release: Council-backed irrigation scheme threatens iconic river (PDF, 114k). Update 18 August: The demonstration against CCC’s involvement went well yesterday and gained media coverage: TVNZ and Press. PhotoChick has pictures. The NZRCA’s submission against the scheme (PDF, 160k) was compiled by Kieron Thorpe.2007-04-24T10:22:53+12:00
DoC hearings regarding BOPE’s concession application for a hydro dam on the Kaituna are underway this week. Duncan Catanach put the NZRCA submission opposing the concession together.
2007-04-22T11:41:41+12:00
The NZRCA’s revised didymo advice puts particular emphasis on using household disinfectant containing the active ingredient benzalkonium chloride as the most suitable agent for cleaning kayaking clothing and equipment. A summary of the Check, Clean, Dry protocol is available in the NZRCA Didymo flyer (PDF, 220k); print it out and take it with you on trips.
2007-04-17T21:12:33+12:00
[image:882 align=left size=thumbnail nolink=1]Antz Longman advises, “Over the next week CUMEC Magazine Issue 2 will be distributed to kayak and book stores throughout New Zealand. CUMEC is being released twice annually for the NZ and Australian whitewater community. Inside Issue 2 are features on Bullerfest 2007, Upper Cherry Creek, The Lee Stream, an interview with Anthony Yap and more. Cover price is $6.95 and a two issue subscription costs just $12 (within NZ) which puts you in the draw for a new Bliss-Stick Kayak.”General
2007-04-07T21:07:54+12:00
Duncan Catanach compiled the NZRCA’s submission on the Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050 aiming to ensure that NZ’s energy needs are met without further degradation of the NZ’s wild and scenic rivers.
2007-03-29T20:37:00+12:00
[29 March] The NZRCA Annual General Meeting will be held in Murchison on the weekend of 28-29 April, 2007. All kayakers are welcome, especially those keen to get involved in the issues facing recreational paddlers. The NZRCA Executive will be kayaking on the local rivers 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.2007-02-22T23:06:13+13:00
The Teva River Festival will be held on the Kawarau River over Easter. Friday 6 April features an Extreme Race on Citroen Rapid ($1,000 prize money). A slalom on Roaring Meg will be held on Saturday 7. Sunday 8 has a mass-start downriver race, also on Roaring Meg. Prize-giving parties will be held on Friday and Sunday (live music). Details and entry form (PDF, 95k).
2007-02-22T08:58:21+13:00
After negotiations with KCE regarding operational requirements, the first Mangahao release for 2007 has been deferred to spring (Saturday 22 September). A second release is scheduled for Saturday 27 October. Update: The first release will now be on Saturday 15 September to avoid clashing with the Whakapapa on 22 September.
