2009-04-05T11:03:52+12:00
Tony Ward-Holmes compiled the NZRCA’s Submission on the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment. The proposed National Government bill aims to simplify resource management processes but jeopardise the opportunity for community groups such as the NZRCA to ensure recreational amenity is preserved.
2009-03-23T21:08:41+13:00
Kiwi kayak auteur Josh Neilson writes, “This film follows us kayaking in Norway, USA and the Nepali Womens Kayak Expedition that happened last year. I was lucky enough to spend six weeks with a bunch of amazing Kiwi and international women teaching Nepalese women to kayak and get them ready to take on the male-dominated industry. The film is 1 hour long and half covers the adrenaline-packed creeking segment and the other half of the story is some amazing kiwi women kayakers. $10 at the door; this year I will continue my support of the Soft Power Health Clinic in Uganda and also support the Himalayan River Girls Club which was started as part of the Nepal Expedition. Shows are at Hastings on Thursday 2 April, Wellington Saturday 4 April and Christchurch Monday 6 April.
General
2009-03-16T23:30:18+13:00
Kayakers face fines of $200 for failing to carry a powerful light at night in after a safety bylaw was recently adopted by the Auckland Regional Council. Numerous kayaking organisations and individuals have criticised the lack of consultation and the poor quality of the resulting bylaw. In the NZRCA’s submission on clause 2.17 Safety Officer Glenn Murdoch argues that the Auckland Regional Council safety bylaw (PDF) won’t improve kayaker safety.
2009-03-14T13:20:05+13:00
The NZRCA Annual General Meeting will be held in Christchurch on Saturday 25 April from 10am-4:30pm at the Arawa Canoe Club Clubrooms at Kerrs Reach (off Avonside Drive). Guest Speaker: Metiria Turei (MP, Greens). Lunch will be made available during the meeting, and there will be casual dinner on the Saturday evening.
Notice: A change to the constitution of the NZRCA is proposed for consideration at the 2009 AGM. The remit is to change the registered name of the association from ‘New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association’ to ‘Whitewater New Zealand’. The Executive asks that all members wishing to debate and vote on this change attend the AGM. However written submissions are also welcomed and will be read out should attendance not be possible. Submissions should be emailed to nzrca@whitewater.mytestsite.nz no later than 18 April 2009.
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. 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 25 April.
On Sunday 26, join us for a descent of the Hurunui and see why the NZRCA is seeking a Hurunui River Water Conservation Order.
All kayakers are welcome to the AGM, dinner and Sunday paddle, especially those keen to get involved in the issues facing recreational paddlers.
2009-03-11T17:54:30+13:00
The NZRCA is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next two Waikaremoana release weekends on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the releases to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/. Update 26 March: The Piripaua release will be going ahead this weekend (Sun, 29 Mar 2009) as the numbers are sufficient.
2009-03-11T17:51:23+13:00
King Country Energy have advised that there will be a Mangahao release on Saturday 28 March.
2009-03-06T13:14:07+13:00
Bill Parks writes, “Dave Kwant and I are working on a documentary on NZ kayaking, a combination why-we-kayak/conservation/history film. For the historical section we are looking for old footage (super-8 film, VHS, whatever) as well as old photos. If anyone out there has material from the earliest days of river-running in NZ through the 1980’s that you are willing to share, please contact me. First descents, old rafts, rowboats, fiberglass boats, dancers… anything like that that shows the development of the sport and the Kiwi ties to the outdoors would be great. I am also very interested in footage of any runs that have since been dammed: eg. Sargood’s, Cromwell Gap etc. Also, if you know of any pioneers with good stories to tell, I am interested. If you own the footage yourself, great. If you know of old documentaries that aired on TV, I’d also be interested in tracking those down, and I can look into getting permissions. I am at billkayaks@hotmail.com or 03-389-6999. Many thanks!” This work is being supported by the NZRCA in order to resist the pressure on additional NZ rivers being turned into lakes as part of the drive for ‘renewable’ energy.
2009-02-27T11:18:55+13:00
Bruce Webber (info@morefun.co.nz) is running a couple of kayaking events at the Kawerau Slalom site. On Saturday 7 March, there will be “two courses set up – an easy course and a more challenging course. We will start with a timed run on the course of choice. Then unlimited practice. Second timed run early arvo, lets see how much better you get.”, On Sunday 8 March, “Rapid races on the main slalom site, head to head and must catch one eddy. We will match kayaks and there will be a plastic boat class. I have lots of Bliss Stick Mystics. Bring yours if you have one or similar.” Entry fee: $5.00 per day. Funds go to Gravity Sports Club Kawerau.
2009-02-23T23:32:53+13:00
BullerFest 2009 is rapidly approaching. Featuring Boater Cross on Friday 27 February. Kayak Slalom (individual and teams), Rafter Cross and the famous Rock the Buller Party on Saturday 28. Sunday March 1 sees the return of the kayak Big Air competition. Rock the Buller Party with DJ’s O.B One (UK) and Aunty Ethel (Takaka). A weekend not to be missed. Contact Ben Jackson or Karl Reece at bullerfestival@gmail.com. Join the Facebook group.
General
2009-02-14T20:52:49+13:00
Maggie Oakley describes a 2007 solo adventure down the rugged and remote Clarence river.
2009-02-12T22:53:20+13:00
Women on Whitewater (WOW) is happening in Murchison on 7-8 March, and at Aniwhenua on 20-22 March. These weekends are a chance for women of all skill levels to come together, learn new skills and generally have heaps of fun paddling together. Contact Alison Kohoutal kohoutal@gmail.com for details.
2009-02-09T22:09:15+13:00
The proposed National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management fails to safeguard recreational interests. For example, the definition in the NPS of “environmental flows and water levels” has specific regard to protecting, maintaining, enhancing or restoring Notable Values. Notable values include recreational values. However, recreational values are not currently considered in the draft NES on Ecological Flows and Water Levels. Duncan Catanach compiled the NZRCA’s submission pointing out this and other flaws.
2009-09-13T07:18:30+12:00
There has been enough rain overnight for the release to proceed today, (Sunday, 13 September) and there will be about 16 cumecs below the intake from about 9:00am.
2009-09-11T10:12:00+12:00
Genesis Energy have advised that the proposed Whakapapa release for tomorrow (September 26) will probably proceed, although the river flow can change quickly . Further information.
2009-09-02T11:01:01+12:00
Whitewater NZ is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next Waikaremoana release on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the release to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/.
2009-08-28T16:47:18+12:00
In a review of the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan, DOC are proposing a yearly limit on trips (twelve, across the entire park), a restriction on landings, and a permit system for kayakers. This will affect access to the Karamea and other rivers such as the Anatoki, Slate, Waingaro and others. Nowhere in the plan are trips by kayakers identified as a source of user conflict. Have your say to preserve access to the rivers of Kahurangi. Submissions are due on Friday, 4 September 2009.
2009-08-19T09:17:03+12:00
[19 August] The Hurunui Water Project (HWP) has applied to Environment Canterbury (ECan) for consents to erect two dams on the Hurunui; a weir at the Lake Sumner outlet and a 75m dam on the South Branch. This will result in a clipping of peak flood flows and a general raising of natural low summer flows (to >40 cumecs), as water is released down through the upper river to allow a 32cu off-take down near Mandamus for irrigation. Despite the Tribunal recommending a WCO for the Upper Hurunui waters, the draft WCO offers no protection for the South Branch and is subject to appeal. It’s even more critical that you get involved in this resource consent process, as it represents a direct threat to the Hurunui River as we know it. We need you to oppose Hurunui Water Project’s application and urge you to make a submission in opposition (submission form and resources). Submissions must be made before 5pm Friday 11 September 2009. Update 1 September: Just 10 days to go. Please get your submission done now.2009-08-19T09:02:14+12:00
The latest NZ Canoeing has been sent to members, featuring Canoeist of the Year – Graeme Wilson (WWCC), Conservation News (Tony Ward-Holmes), NZRCA …now Whitewater NZ (Polly Miller), and Release schedules. Read more in NZ Canoeing 09.2 (PDF, 1.2Mb).
2009-08-14T15:20:49+12:00
The Special Tribunal has recommended a WCO be granted to protect the North Branch of the Hurunui River (Report of Special Tribunal (PDF, 3MB)). No protection is offered for the South Branch (where the Hurunui Water Project wants a 75m dam).
2009-08-05T13:03:44+12:00
Kaimai Canoe Club have announced the Wairoa Release dates for 2009/2010
2009-07-31T10:53:33+12:00
DoC is seeking feedback on the St James Conservation Area. This is your chance to be heard regarding access to the classic Upper Waiau. Submissions due 14 September.
2009-07-29T13:11:30+12:00
Whitewater NZ has presented Network Tasman with feedback from over 200 kayakers and kayaking organisations (PDF, 277KB), opposing the proposed hydro scheme on the Matakitaki River in Murchison. Feedback has been received not only from kayakers around New Zealand but also from kayakers and visitors from overseas, highlighting the value that the Matakitaki River has as a recreational and teaching kayaking resource. Whitewater NZ Conservation Officer Tony Ward-Holmes says, “submissions received on the pre-feasibility study from whitewater users are only the tip of the iceberg. The Matakitaki River is one of the most highly used kayaking rivers in New Zealand and If Network Tasman were to proceed to a full feasibility study there would be many more kayakers who would oppose the scheme.” (Media Release, 29 July 2009).
2009-07-23T22:02:33+12:00
The Hurunui Water Project (HWP) proposes a weir at the outlet of Lake Sumner, and a 75m high dam on the South Branch of the Hurunui. This would affect flows on all sections of the Hurunui river. This project has been lodged since the application by Whitewater NZ and Fish & Game for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River. In preliminary feedback on the scheme in 2006 Whitewater NZ warned that the Hurunui River is one of the most utilised white water kayaking rivers in the South Island and any interference with flows is likely to reduce the recreational amenity. Submissions on the resource consent application are due 11 September.
