Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

2009-10-03T16:38:04+13:00

Network Tasman has released an update regarding the outcomes of their pre-feasibility studies regarding hydro on the Matakitaki River. The good news is that kayakers’ have been heard loud and clear by the company.

Key values highlighted by the submissions include the importance to kayakers of the middle and lower sections of the Matakitaki. Ian Kearney, Chairman of Network Tasman, stated, “The investigations have show that the upper reaches of the river could be better suited to hydro generation because of their geology. The Matakitaki middle and lower sections, downstream from Horse Bridge and the Glenroy river, are the least preferred sites for electricity generation from a technical perspective.” The company appears to have ruled out development on the Glenroy because of the sediment load.

However, the company has not ruled out future hydro investigation on the middle and lower sections, simply stating that “it could be many years down the track, if at all.” If development does occur upstream of Horse Bridge, the effect on downstream flows will be of great concern to kayakers.

Conservation

2009-09-26T07:20:37+12:00

Genesis Energy have confirmed that the release will proceed today, (Sunday, 26 September)

Access

BlissFest 2009 is coming up (3 and 4 October) in Dunedin. This festival is in it’s fifth year and features a variety of events including a boatercross, giant slalom and surf competition. There is also a themed party on Saturday night; come along dressed as something starting with the letter ‘B’. Entry is $50 for the weekend. For more information visit www.nzfks.co.nz/blissfest.

2009-09-22T21:12:50+12:00

Whitewater NZ has appealed the Special Tribunal’s recommendation for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui seeking inclusion of the South Branch in order to protect the outstanding characteristics of Maori Gully. The WCO has also been appealed by numerous irrigation and hydro interests, as well as Ngai Tahu, and New Zealand and North Canterbury Fish and Game.

Conservation

2009-09-15T09:35:25+12:00

The Canterbury Water Management Strategy was released on Thursday 3 September. This strategy will be pivotal for kayakers in Canterbury and nationwide as it is likely to govern water management in Canterbury for the foreseeable future, and set a precedent on the national scene. The draft strategy (PDF, 2.1Mb) has had input from a huge range of stakeholders – from developers such as irrigators, energy generators and farmers, to Maori interests to conservation and recreational interests. Whitewater NZ will be submitting on the strategy and welcomes feedback from kayakers (send to conservation@whitewater.mytestsite.nz). Individual kayakers and clubs (particularly those resident in Canterbury) are also encouraged to submit on the draft strategy, identifying the parts of it you wish to support and the parts where you’d like recreational and kayaking interests to be strengthened (e.g., targets, recreational representation). Submissions are due by 2 October and need to be sent to info@canterburywater.org.nz.

Conservation

2010-08-17T10:07:14+12:00

Whitewater NZ and Fish & Game have submitted a revised application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River. The revised application (PDF, 2.8MB) was a necessary step following the introduction of the draconian ECAN Act that retrospectively halted the progress of the previous WCO application (after the Tribunal recommended that a WCO be granted). Kayakers who submitted on the previous WCO application are eligible to submit in support of the revised the WCO application. Submissions must be received by ECAN before 5pm 24 September 2010.

Conservation

2010-08-08T20:46:03+12:00

The Green Party has launched a campaign to save the Mokihinui River and our other wild rivers. Send the Prime Minister an e-card and download the petition: http://www.greens.org.nz/mokihinui

Conservation

Applications are now open for the 2010 Hillary Expedition grant administered by SPARC. $100,000 is available to support Hillary Expedition 2010 and this year SPARC are actively seeking applications from young and / or amateur adventurers. Applications close 5pm Friday 15 October 2010.

 

2010-07-20T11:24:51+12:00

The Annual General Meeting for Whitewater NZ was held on Saturday 20 at the Arawa Clubrooms in Christchurch. The Annual Report for 2010 was accepted. Several Executive members stood down, so we thank Duncan Catanach, Glenn Murdoch, Michelle Wallace, Alan Bell, Anne Smith and Simon Callaghan for their superb work over many years. Following election of officers, we welcome Graeme Wilson (Vice-President), Jo Dovey (Membership), Sarah Fawcett (Treasurer), Miriam Odlin (Editor) to the Whitewater NZ Executive committee. In addition, Doug Rankin (South Island Conservation) and Nick Clendon (North Island Conservation) have stepped forward to assist Tony Ward-Holmes in the Conservation portfolio. All remits were passed. Veteran kayaker Hugh Canard was awarded Canoeist of the Year – congratulations Hugh. The AGM was given a preview of the Whitewater NZ-commissioned documentary by Dave Kwant and Bill Parks about the Mokihinui River and other power proposals for the West Coast. The movie had its world premiere at the Wanaka Mountain Film Festival this month. Whitewater NZ is working with Dave and Bill to finalise a final title and screening schedule for the movie.

Whitewater NZ

2010-07-15T17:52:05+12:00

The West Coast Whitewater Kayaking Survey 2010 is now live and Whitewater New Zealand encourages anyone who has paddled on the Coast to complete it. Andy England is doing the work as part of his Royal Society of New Zealand Teacher Fellowship. In brief:
Purely about whitewater kayaking/canoeing on the West Coast of NZ.
The biggest West Coast kayaking survey to date, designed to update the 1991-93 survey.
Will provide valuable data for decision making processes.
It’s online and will take you 20 mins if you haven’t done many rivers, up to an hour if you’ve done most West Coast rivers – you can leave it and come back to it
Live until 12 August.
Needs as many people as possible, so please complete the survey and encourage everyone else you know to participate.

Conservation

CUMEC #11 is out, featuring Buller Festival 2010, Only in Africa, The Slalom Diaries, Quickfire: Wairoa Extreme Race, Interview: Jez Blanchard, Misadventure on the Bo Bo, plus the magazine is full of all the regular features like Video Technique with Wayne Johnson, river running technique with Zak Shaw, and paddling fit with Megan Foster.

2010-06-23T11:02:48+12:00

[4 June] Commissioners have released their decision granting Central Plains Water consents for CPW to construct river intake structures and take water from the Rakaia and the Waimakariri. Following prolonged and exhaustive hearings, the consents have numerous conditions seeking to ensure safety of instream users, and to mitigate the effects of reduced flows on recreation. Update 23 June: Whitewater Canoe Club’s Graeme Wilson summarises the impacts on kayakers arising from the conditions applied to the Central Plains Water resource consent.

Conservation

2010-05-24T22:58:45+12:00

The latest NZ Canoeing, Autumn 2010 (The Blacker issue) has been sent to members, and features Conservation news (Mokihinui dam, Canterbury Water Conservation Orders) (Tony Ward-Holmes), Hurunui (Polly Miller), Rock snot is not the only pest to look out for in our rivers (ARC), Your contributions, Releases and Events. Read more in NZ Canoeing 10.1 (PDF, 7.7Mb).

Whitewater NZ

2010-05-20T21:58:40+12:00

In the wake of the sacking of Environment Canterbury (ECAN) councillors and the dissolution of the Water Conservation Order for the Hurunui River Whitewater NZ has joined the North Canterbury Fish and Game Council, Forest and Bird and the Water Rights Trust to formally request that a moratorium be placed on water permits allowing the taking, use, damming and diverting of the Hurunui River. In particular, this would effectively place the Hurunui Water Project application to dam the Hurunui River and take water on hold.

In a joint letter sent today to the Comissioners now running ECAN, the groups argue that the Hurunui is approaching full allocation even before an allocation and flow regime is settled, and note, “If the CWMS is to have any chance of success in North Canterbury, it must have time to work through the best available options to deliver irrigation in a sustainable manner and also deliver benefits to other values such as cultural values, environmental values and recreation.” The CWMS process also allows the consideration of alternative schemes that could achieve similar benefits with less damaging effects.

Conservation

2010-05-07T10:12:27+12:00

A Mangahao release has been scheduled for 22 May to replace the release which was cancelled last month.

Access

2010-04-30T10:20:23+12:00

Whitewater NZ have submitted an appeal to the Environment Court over the consent granted to Meridian Energy for a dam on the Mōkihinui River. The appeal seeks that the consents are not granted due the complete loss of kayaking amenity with no mitigation. The scheme does not promote sustainable management (because no one is making new rivers). The appeal points out that there is no bond for ultimate removal of the dam, and that the dam is unnecessary due to the Dobson and Stockton schemes that have already received consents. Forest & Bird are appealing against the “greatest flooding of conservation land in New Zealand history.” DOC have also appealed the decision arguing the decision does not recognise significant environmental effects on the river, forests and threatened native wildlife.

Conservation

2010-04-14T21:22:25+12:00

Josh Neilson‘s latest production is called REALM: it follows four NZ kayakers around the world providing an insight into each of their lives, what they do and what motivates them to live this way. Dates have been set for Napier (17 April) and Wellington (24 April). See the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEYfplJoHnQ

Access

2010-04-08T12:16:09+12:00

Invercargill man Mark Tressler (45) drowned on the Marora River, Southland on Monday 5 April. Reports indicate that the kayaker capsized and swam and was unresponsive to CPR. The incident is being investigated by Te Anau police and will be referred to the coroner. Maritime NZ have declined to investigate the incident, citing budget restrictions. (Incident report).

Safety

2010-04-07T10:52:49+12:00

Mangahao Joint Venture has advised that the Mangahao release this Saturday will be postponed. A test operation on the the No. 2 dam bypass gate was carried out yesterday after problems with the gate forced the cancellation of last October’s release. Unfortunately, the gate failed to open yesterday and remains jammed closed. The result came as a surprise as the gate opening was successfully tested earlier this year. If the gate can be repaired, a replacement date will be advertised for a Saturday in May.

Access

2010-04-01T13:40:08+13:00

This week, with the passing of the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Bill, the National Government has fundamentally undermined Water Conservation Orders in Canterbury, reneged on their environmental credentials and taken an unprecedented step towards allowing developers free access to the Hurunui River.
Since 1991 the Resource Management Act, through Water Conservation Orders, has provided a robust mechanism for ensuring that our most important rivers have been protected.
Media Release
Whitewater NZ has issued a media release, New legislation weakens Water Conservation Orders and paves the way for dams on the Hurunui River
Please write to your MP now
We must take immediate action to attempt to reverse this hijacking of one of our most fundamental environmental protection processes.
Please use the attached form letter (choose from WCO_letter_to_MP.doc or WCO_letter_to_MP.rtf below), complete it and send it the Ministers below. If you have the ability to create a PDF file, email it, otherwise post it.
John Key, Prime Ministerj.key@ministers.govt.nz

John Key
Prime Minister
Freepost
Parliament
Wellington
Bill English, Deputy Prime Ministerb.english@ministers.govt.nz
Bill English
DeputyPrime Minister

Freepost
Parliament
Wellington
Nick Smith, Minister for the Environmentn.smith@ministers.govt.nz
Nick Smith
Minister for the Environment
Freepost
Parliament

Wellington
Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Conservationk.wilkinson@ministers.govt.nz
Kate Wilkinson
Minster of Conservation
Freepost
Parliament
Wellington
Your local MP

firstname.lastname @ parliament.govt.nz
Name
Member of Parliament
Freepost
Parliament
Wellington

Conservation

CUMEC #10 is available now, and features an interview with Andy Fuller, Whitewater Frontiers – The Indian Himalayas by James Thorp, Into the Jungle – Exploring Sumatra by Jared Meehan, Intermediate Independence – by Rachel Lynskey, Top Ten Tips – Creeking in Quebec by Josh Neilson, Quick-fire Interview – Lifeblood of the Nation, Events – Xmas @ Kaituna by Antz Longman, Technique – Cross Current Speed with Zak Shaw, Videography 101 – with Wayne Johnson, Paddling Fit – Pins & Needles by Megan Foster plus news, event reports, the gallery, competitions and more.

2010-03-05T10:15:58+13:00

Brendan Bayly advises about a Freestyle Kayaking event open to everyone of all ranges of abilities at Fulljames/Ngaawapurua rapids in Taupo, 20 and 21 March (weekend
after citroen race). The NZ freestyle team selections will coincide with this event. Saturday 20: freestyle coaching sessions from 10am and a big trick competition running all day while we all free surf. Sunday 21: will comprise of freestyle competition for a range of categories – junior boys, junior girls, novice men and women, open men and women. Prize giving will be approx 4:30pm with a range of spot prizes. Registration starts at 9am Saturday 20, you can also register before 9:30am on the Sunday if that’s the only day you can make it. Briefing 10am and competition starts at 10:30am. Entry fees: Adults – $25, Juniors -$15, NZFKA members – $15. More information.

Access

2010-02-02T21:00:44+13:00

The Christchurch Press reports the Hurunui Water Project has reactivated its consent applications for a 75m high dam on the South Branch of the Hurunui river and a weir at the outlet of Lake Sumner.

Conservation

2010-01-27T14:45:49+13:00

Alan Hoffman reports that the Tekapo Release this weekend has been cancelled due to the high level of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Consequently the Pukaki spillway will be discharging 140 cumecs from now until next week, including this weekend.

Access