Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

2001-06-13T12:13:07+12:00

Now that winter’s here, and there’s not so much happening on the rivers, sit back and enjoy some of the best yarns of earlier days. Here’s Education / Huka Falls, in which Greg Oke describes the first descent of Huka Falls.

2001-06-12T12:12:17+12:00

Alan Bell of Lower Hutt has taken on the role of Membership Officer, and Melissa Bardsley of Wellington is our new Administration Officer. Lynne Fuggle has moved to become Treasurer. Our thanks go to Chris Sinclair and Fiona Mackay for their previous contributions to these roles. Please note the telephone number for the NZRCA is now 04 560 3590. All other contact details are unchanged.

2001-04-25T12:06:36+12:00

In early 2001, the Department of Conservation distributed a survey on air access in Kahurangi National Park. Access Officer Mike Savory organised the NZRCA response: Access / Kahurangi air access survey.

2001-04-19T12:04:40+12:00

The NZRCA has opposed an application to extend a tourist jetboat service through Smith’s Falls citing conservation and safety concerns; also read the press release (PDF, 75k).

2001-04-11T12:02:34+12:00

The Apr/May edition of Adventure magazine features Mike Abbott on the mighty Mekhong, along with local kayaking action from the Wairoa Extreme Race

2002-03-18T15:08:10+12:00

Meridian Energy have advised that the release on the Waiau from Mararoa to Monowai will occur on 24 March, not 31 March. Refer Events & Releases.

2002-03-05T17:43:11+13:00

The NZRCA and Todd Energy/King Country Energy confirm a release of 30 cumecs for the Mangahao river, between 9am and 3pm on Saturday 16 March. This release is one of the conditions of the resource consent for the Mangahao dam. Another condition of the consent is that the number of river users be recorded, so please ensure one of the NZRCA team (Alan Bell, Polly Miller, Graham McIntyre and others) have counted you before putting onto the river. The Mangahao is a scenic class III-IV run from the Number 2 Dam behind Shannon to a bridge behind Ekatahuna. Make sure your shuttle driver knows the way to the takeout, and have a safe weekend.

2002-03-05T12:58:30+13:00

The Ruakituri river in Hawkes Bay is a seldom-paddled gem according to Alan Bell. Alan’s images complement Clinton O’Leary’s trip report about a weekend on the Ruakituri and Mohaka rivers.

2002-02-26T12:57:38+13:00

New Zealand Canoeing, Summer 2002 (02.1) is out, and includes River alterations (Graham Charles), Tekapo course update (Mike Savory), A tale of two girlies on the Madi Khola (Polly Miller), Tragedy on the Lower Hokitika (Vladimir Filipovic), Let’s all help the fabulous Blue Duck (whio) (Ian Gill), The Ruakituri River (Alan Bell), The Rangitikei River in the year 2050 (Laura Nicol), A Christmas wish to members of the NZRCA Executive (Doug Rankin), and Highlights from the Rangitata River Water Conservation Order hearing (Maree Baker).

2002-02-20T12:56:56+13:00

Fletcher Challenge Forests (FCF) will be harvesting from areas immediately adjacent to the Aniwhenua section on the Rangitaiki River, from March 4 through 30 June. Anyone intending to run the Aniwhenua section should contact Michael Elix at FCF, 07 3661052 to check on logging activity and make arrangements to ensure safe access. Do this before committing to your trip to avoid disappointment and minimise the risk of accidents.

2002-02-11T12:55:53+13:00

Back in September last year, the NZRCA submitted an appeal against the resource consents granted to Genesis Power Ltd. for operation of the Tongariro Power Development (TPD) scheme. The appeal seeks better mitigation for the loss of recreational amenity on the Whangaehu, Mowhango, Tongariro, Whanganui and Whakapapa rivers.

2002-02-04T12:53:31+13:00

On Friday 1 February, Timothy Jamieson (21), a student in a group from Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth, became pinnned on a partially-submerged log. Despite vigorous rescue attempts by fellow students and instructors, including extensive CPR, he did not survive. The MSA has launched an investigation, with assistance from the NZRCA and Graham Charles. Kayaker dies after rapids accident
(temporary link), Kayaker trapped for 40 minutes

2002-02-01T12:52:20+13:00

Many articles lament the death last year of the revered author of “Kayak” and other books, William Nealy: William Nealy, Famed Whitewater Cartoonist Passed Away, William Nealy 1953-2001: Whitewater’s Poet Laureate at Paddler Online, The One and Only William Nealy and William Nealy Obituary.

2002-01-28T12:51:27+13:00

Ray Beentjes has provided the Whitewater Gallery with some images from recent trips to the Hutt Gorge, where Wellington paddlers have been making the most of the wet summer.

2002-01-22T12:50:39+13:00

Meridian Energy have announced releases on the Tekapo for this weekend: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January. Details in Events & Releases.

2002-01-22T12:49:46+13:00

To avoid unnecessary impacts on the rare whio (blue duck), DoC have formulated guidelines for river users. Robin Rutter-Baumann backgrounds a recent meeting of river users to discuss the guidelines.

2002-01-18T12:48:55+13:00

Although busy on the next edition of New Zealand Whitewater, Graham Charles has passed on some important news about several West Coast rivers that have been altered by the recent weather:
“The Upper Kakapotahi has a blockage in the tunnel (last drop) and is unrunnable. There is no portaging option except straight up the moss cliff to the road. Hardly worth it for the 300m of paddling you get. The Lower run is fine.
The Lower Hokitika has a massive slip just out of Kakariki Canyon. The technical grade hasn’t changed but the objective danger is higher with trees and very sharp rock in the water. Don’t sit around at the bottom of the slip – it is very active with rocks trundling regularly. This will keep changing as the slip face (out of sight from the river) is enormous.
The Upper Hokitika (Viagra Run) may be cut off as well due to rock slides at the head of one of the gorges. I’ll know next week for sure.”
“The Arahura, Taipo, Whitcombe and Whataroa are all good still, but unless you’ve done the run don’t take anything as given. There has been massive amounts of water through all rivers and all the rules have changed. Always keep scanning for new trees and sieves. Carry your little wood saw and anyone who ends up in the water get them out as soon as possible; worry about the boat later.”

2002-01-16T12:47:36+13:00

Trevor James of Westland Canoe Club advises that in the recent heavy rain, the access road to the put-in for the Totara and Mikonui Rivers has been seriously damaged by slips. Woolhouse Road also gave good access to tramping and climbing in the back country. The Westland District Council is considering closing the road as it will cost $500,000 to fix. If you are concerned about this possible closure, please contact Westland District Council at 36 Weld St, Hokitika or 03 7558321. Please copy submissions to [email protected]. Update, 18 January: the road is already closed and the issue is whether funds can be sourced to ever re-open the road.

2002-01-09T12:46:15+13:00

The Australian Canoeing has announced a major festival over Easter 2002 to be held at Penrith, Sydney and featuring freestyle, slalom, wildwater and other events (also in Events).

2001-12-21T12:40:08+13:00

Following up on the original submission, last month the NZRCA had the opportunity to present evidence to the Special Tribunal evaluating the case for a Water Conservation Order for the Rangitata river. Maree Baker gives some highlights, and the evidence from Doug Rankin and Jonathan Hunt is online.

2001-12-04T12:39:15+13:00

New Zealand Whitewater author Graham Charles is seeking updates for a new edition of the definitive guidebook to New Zealand’s whitewater. If you have information on required changes, access, put ins, take outs or new runs then please contact Graham at 027 4416 492 or [email protected].

2001-11-27T12:38:12+13:00

Some recent Tekapo releases were cancelled, but release flows for December 1 & 2, and 8 & 9 have been confirmed by Meridian Energy and are listed on Events & Releases.

2001-11-20T12:37:23+13:00

Vladimir Filipovic, President of the Whitewater Canoe Club, writes: “On Sunday 18 November 2001 a kayaker, Rod Banks, drowned while kayaking the lower reaches of the Hokitika River. Mr Banks was part of a group of experienced kayakers from the Whitewater Canoe Club. When Rod got into difficulties a determined effort was made to rescue and revive him. Tragically the rescue efforts failed. The other kayakers on the trip were very distressed by the accident. The Hokitika river is a popular destination for kayakers and the group had run this section previously.

The White Water Canoe Club and the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association are working with the authorities [Police and MSA] while they complete their investigation processes. Rod was a father of two and worked in the local outdoor centre Canoe and Outdoor World. We would like to extend our very deepest sympathy to Rod’s family and friends at this time.”

2001-11-13T12:36:23+13:00

From the days when plastic kayaks were a new idea, comes a 1985 trip report about a descent of the Waiwhakaiho in Taranaki.