Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Kawarau Jet Services Holdings Ltd (KJSHL) has applied for a resource consent (14MB, PDF) to extend its operation from the Arrow River confluence down to the Kawarau Gorge suspension bridge (the bungy bridge). This would mean they would run down through Smith’s Falls, on the first stretch of the Dogleg kayaking and rafting run on the Kawarau. KJSH are requesting unlimited trips with a fleet of 12 jetboats.

Whitewater NZ and other clubs like Central Otago Whitewater and Queenstown Rafting have real concerns that jet boats on the river could pose a major safety hazard and be incompatible with what we kayakers and rafters enjoy on the reach. The Kawarau has a Water Conservation Order on it recognising its outstanding kayaking and rafting values.

Submissions on this application close Thursday 22 May 2014. If you want some ideas on what to comment on have a look at COW’s submission (PDF, 616KB) on a similar application made in 2001. That application was declined.

Get a submission in if you have any concerns. Whitewater NZ and other clubs will be submitting but personal submissions requesting the consent be declined would be helpful too.

Kayakers are advised that flood protection works are underway on the Water of Leith from February to May 2014. Otago Regional Council (ORC) works are between the Dundas St Bridge and the Union St Bridge. Part of the works entails extensive work in the river channel and on the right bank of the river. The works would at times be a hazard for river users and kayakers. Warning signs have been placed upstream. Attached maps indicate warning sign placements.

Last year we passed on the news that Network Tasman had put its Matakitaki hydro scheme on hold due to unfavourable economic conditions. Now the valley land owned by Network Tasman is being sold meaning that the possibility of a hydro scheme inundating the river is probably gone for good. Mick Hopkinson from NZ Kayak School said “We are truly happy for the river, but extremely unhappy at the process.”

Kiwi adventurer Graham Charles has updated his guide to the best of New Zealand Whitewater. New Zealand Whitewater 5 is now available to order, direct from Graham at http://www.grahamcharlesnz.com/. The revised and expanded fifth edition contains information on over 180 great kayaking runs from easy float trips to full-on hairball, unscoutable gorge waterfall runs.

The new edition reflects the steady expansion of kayaking in NZ into new backcountry runs and the vertical world of the best huck spots. Use this book to find new places to go and new adventures to enjoy.

Minister for Environment Amy Adams has announced that dams will be prohibited on the Nevis River, per the majority recommendation of the Environment Court. Whitewater NZ volunteers have invested many hundreds of hours into supporting Otago Fish and Game’s application to amend the Kawarau Water Conservation Order (WCO) to improve protection for the superb recreational amenity provided by the Nevis River – including fishing and kayaking values.

The Nevis River was partially protected by the 1994 Kawarau WCO, although the WCO allowed the Nevis River to be dammed for hydro power if the dam allowed for kayaking to continue.

Whitewater NZ issued a media release expressing delight with the decision. “Whitewater NZ has always believed that the Nevis River deserved the highest level of recognition and protection possible,” said Glenn Murdoch, Whitewater NZ’s Nevis campaign manager.

2013-10-03T09:22:17+13:00

This year’s Tekapo Throwdown will be held on the 26th and 27th of October (Labour Weekend) at the Tekapo Whitewater Centre. The social event encompasses a variety of fun and competitive events including; a Ball Race, Rescue Relay, Slalom and Freestyle. The 2013 event is being supported by Up the Creek Kayaks (Jackson Kayak NZ) and Cumec Magazine. More information at http://www.cumecmagazine.com/tekapo2013 soon.

Sir Geoffrey Palmer QC, architect of the Resource Management Act has decried the changes in a report Protecting New Zealand’s Environment writing, “The Government’s proposals will replace [sections 6 and 7] with a single list of competing considerations, under which principles protecting the natural environment and its recreational enjoyment will be consistently weakened, and principles promoting development will be consistently strengthened. Two decades of case-law built up in relation to the interpretation of the Act will be rendered redundant.” and “These changes have been justified by reference to assumptions and perceptions that are not supported by empirical evidence or analysis.”

Meanwhile, the United Future and Maori parties have withdrawn their support from the proposed reforms, requesting changes from Environment Minister Amy Adams, particularly regarding the Section 2 changes including recreational amenity.

ECAN Commissioners have approved the Hurunui Water Project’s (HWP) application to Environment Canterbury for consents to take water from the Hurunui River for irrigation (Report and Decision of Hearing Commissioners, (PDF)).

The Waitohi Irrigation and Hydro Scheme (WIHS) intends to take water from below Māori Gully, and impacts the less-frequently paddled Hawarden Gap section and the lower river. There are no dams on the Hurunui – water is stored in an adjacent catchment.

Whitewater NZ and Whitewater Canoe Club submitted extensively on the project to preserve recreational amenity and safety. Thanks are due to those who put considerable effort into marshalling evidence and attending hearings.

The WIHS is far less damaging to kayaking amenity than HWP’s original proposals that involved dams on the Hurunui South Branch and Lake Sumner and takes at various points downstream. It will, however, have a significant impact on the Hawarden Gap section and downstream. WIHS involves an intake structure below Surveyor’s Stream – 0.5km below the existing Maori Gully get-out taking up to 17 cumecs, a further intake on the south (right) bank downstream from the Mandamus confluence, that would take up to 26.1 cumecs, and a further intake at the Amuri plains, taking up to 12.3 cumecs at or about the existing intake. The water will be stored in a series of dams in the nearby Waitohi valley.

Consent conditions require a minimum of three “no take” days each year to enable use of the Hawarden Gap or the lower river, and to provide up to another seven days per year subject to reservoir levels, and that the intake structures are designed in consultation with Whitewater NZ and Jetboating NZ, and involve certification by appropriate experts with experience in recreational boating and kayaking. River access may be enhanced.

2017-08-04T09:56:44+12:00

Ian Fox, Deputy Harbourmaster for ECan, has issued a river hazard warning:

The Environment Canterbury Harbourmaster’s Office has received today a report that on Sunday 23 July 2017 a jet boat sank in Maori Gully, Hurunui River.

The driver and passenger swam out unharmed, but the boat was last seen sinking at the incident site – OTO, (Old Take Out) rapid which is the rapid immediately above the relatively calm right-hand bend with high rock cliffs about 800 above the present take out. The flow at the time of the sinking was about 60 cumecs and falling, with only one small fresh of about 50 cumecs having occurred since, so the boat is believed to most likely be still close to where it sank.

The site is circled on the attached aerial photo, the present take out is labelled “T.O.” for reference. From the road, OTO is the first rapid seen above the take out.

River users are requested to keep a look out for the boat, a 14 foot (4.27m) aluminium hulled jet boat with a white deck, and report any sightings to harbourmaster@ecan.govt.nz. Photos of any sighting and/or a GPS location or accurate description would be appreciated.

Safety

2017-07-17T23:09:09+12:00

Kayakers’ habitat is New Zealand’s freshwater rivers; these rivers are increasingly under threat due to deteriorating water quality. In endorsing the Freshwater Rescue Plan, Whitewater NZ joins numerous other organisations including Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand Inc., New Zealand Recreation Association, Fish & Game New Zealand, Forest & Bird, Public Health Association, and the Tourism Export Council. The Freshwater Rescue Plan includes practical steps to begin repairing the nation’s waterways, such as setting and enforcing strict quality standards, withdrawing public subsidies of irrigation schemes, reducing freshwater contamination, and more.

Conservation, Safety

2017-05-31T20:37:36+12:00

The Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority is seeking submissions on the new Kaituna River Document. This document outlines the strategy for management of the Kaituna River itself, as well as nearby catchments and tributaries (including the Mangorewa), and will bring changes to related regional and district plans.

It is important kayakers speak up for the Kaituna as it is an immensely popular and valuable resource to us, but whitewater recreation (as compared to commercial use) on the Kaituna seems to have been overlooked by Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority thus far. For example, p22 says, “Currently over 40,000 people a year raft, sledge or kayak the upper Kaituna through commercial providers.”

Find out more information and how to submit on the BOPRC website, especially the submission guide (PDF, 331KB). If you have any questions about the document, need advice on submitting, or wish to express concerns to Whitewater NZ, email niconservation@whitewater.mytestsite.nz. Submissions close 24 July 2017.

2017-04-05T22:17:00+12:00

On Wednesday 29 March, Lawrance Simpson posted a video of himself running Hunua Falls (30m) for a possible first descent. Hunua Falls is on the Wairoa River in the Hunua Ranges, near Auckland. Typically the falls only have a flow of 2-3cumecs but on the descent day the flow peaked at 65cumecs.

Simpson said the falls were “pretty intimidating,” but his 25 years plus experience and multiple scouting visits allowed him to make a considered decision to run the falls. “As far as I’m aware, I believe it’s now the highest waterfall paddled in New Zealand,” Simpson said. Auckland Council has expressed concern, saying “I urge people to think very carefully before they put themselves in danger at this beautiful spot.” Whitewater NZ is hoping to discuss the council’s concerns.

Access

2017-03-22T08:04:22+13:00

Kayakers from all over the North Island were looking forward to the Mangahao River dam release scheduled for Saturday 18 March, after many years of non-releases, ostensibly to repair the dam gate. Unfortunately at 8am on Saturday the dam operator informed Whitewater NZ that the gate failed to open when required. Unlike the weather (rain events are also problematic for Mangahao releases) that is something that should be controllable, so Whitewater NZ will be talking to Trustpower (who are effectively the new owner) this week on next steps and options to restore reliable recreational releases on the Mangahao.

Access

2016-12-17T21:15:41+13:00

Check out the amazing series of whitewater events planned for this summer, from Christmas at the Kaituna to the Okere Falls Champions Race & Andy Duff Memorial Race, to Wairoa Extreme Race, Bullerfest and Citroën Extreme Race, plus slalom and rafting events.

2016-11-17T22:32:16+13:00

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck North Canterbury in the early morning of Monday 14 November has caused some dramatic changes to our landscapes.

Huge landslides have fallen into some of our North Canterbury rivers such as the Clarence, where a large landslide dam backed up a large volume of water before breaching several hours later. The extent of earthquake damage to the Clarence and other rivers in the region is not yet clear, and with decreased land stability in some areas, rainy weather, and potential for large aftershocks, it is possible that further changes to rivers may yet occur.

Please take utmost care when you’re out paddling over the next few weeks as rapids and other river features may have changed unexpectedly. This may mean taking things slower on your own peer group paddling trips, or scouting out rivers you think may have changed before taking less skilled groups of paddlers down.

Whitewater NZ would also love to hear from you if you’ve seen any changes in rivers on your paddling trips (or if you’ve run a river and can confirm it’s not been affected by the earthquakes). If you have anything to share drop us a line at communications@whitewater.mytestsite.nz and we can help share information on current paddling conditions with our community.

Safety

2016-08-28T18:39:29+12:00

On Saturday 27 July, Whitewater NZ held its Annual General Meeting at University of Canterbury, Christchurch. We reviewed the previous year’s achievements and challenges. Other highlights included:
Ian Fox updated attendees regarding improvements to the Tekapo Whitewater Course.
Matt Bennett gave a thought-provoking presentation analysing patterns of thinking that can aggravate risks when experts are kayaking together.
An amendment to the constitution to move to an annual financial review of accounts instead of an audit was passed.
We welcome Nigel Parry as President, Robin Rutter-Baumann as Vice-president, Ashley ‘Cheese’ Cheesman as Safety Officer, Carey Lintott as Communications Officer, and Justin Venable as Membership Officer. Thanks to departing Exec members Graeme Wilson (Vice-president), Shaun McCracken (Safety), Martina Naplawa (Communications), Peter Davis (Membership) for their hard work over several years.
Some strong candidates were nominated as Luuka Jones winning the award in recognition of her achievement at the Rio Olympics.

Full minutes are available.

2016-06-15T08:20:26+12:00

Tasman District Council have granted Hancock Forest Management a temporary closure of the Motueka River in a ~5km section of the Motueka River from near the Northern end of Aratapu Road to McLeans Reserve (between 172°47.380 / -41°17.633 and 172°48.564 / -41°17.354) while logging operations are performed.

Boating is prohibited in the effected section during the hours of 05:30 NZDT and 16:30 NZDT on any weekday during the period of 18 May to 1630 hours on 18 November 2016. There shall be no restrictions on public access on any Saturday or Sunday.

Any person wishing to access the reserved section of the river must make arrangements to do so at least two full working days in advance with Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Ltd by telephoning (03) 541 7000.

2016-03-11T22:23:17+13:00

(Updated) Timberlands Forestry have advised that they will be tree felling next to the Rangitaiki River approximately 400m downstream of the power station and as such are restricting public access to the river from 7am till 4pm during work days (Monday to Friday). There will be a security guard present at the power station enforcing this closure. This will not affect weekend or after hours access. For more information, contact Jody Thompson 0274 664 150.

Safety, Access