Cumec Magazine Issue number 15 is out now and available through kayak and bookstores across NZ and Australia. Inside you'll find features on paddling in the Northeast of Turkey, the Devils Postpile in California, the Teva Lea Race, BlissFest 2011, an interview with Tanya Faux, gear reviews, event reports, and heaps more. Check it out this holiday break, and get inspired to hit the water.

Whitewater NZ held its Annual General Meeting for 2011 in Turangi on 17 September. Most of the current Executive Committee were relected to their current positions. Thanks to outgoing officers Matt Barker (Education), Nick Clendon and Dave Annear (Safety). Welcome to Matt Bennet (Access) and Evan Freshwater (Safety). Doug Rankin was voted Canoeist of the Year.

A temporary "reservation" of a portion of the Wairoa River, Nelson, has been granted for tree-felling and overhead cable recovery of the logs across the river. All activities including but not limited to swimming, wading, angling, or boating of any kind not directly associated with the logging will be prohibited.

The temporary reservation applies between 05:30 and 16:00 on any weekday between Monday 14 November and Friday 2 December 2011. There are no restrictions on public access on any Saturday or Sunday.

Unfortunately, Genesis Energy have advised that the recreational releases scheduled for this weekend (Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November) from Whakamarino and Piripaua have been cancelled due to health and safety reasons.

The broken bridge in the river, which is currently posing a significant hazard to kayakers, is expected to be removed soon.

The latest NZ Canoeing 11.2 has been sent to members, with articles on Simon Davidson (Matt Burton, Tyler Fox, Louise Urwin, Josh Neilson), Mokau victory! (Terry Lasenby), Whitewater Grand Prix (Louise Urwin), Conservation News (Tony Ward-Holme), Releases and Events, How good is your rescue kit and techniques? Part 1 (Matt Barker). Grab NZ Canoeing 11.2 (PDF, 3.5Mb) here or via your club.

Whitewater NZ are very pleased to announce that we have received funding from Water Safety NZ to subsidise River Safety and River Rescue courses for the 2011 Spring paddling season. Current individual and club members of Whitewater NZ can apply for a $100 subsidy towards an approved River Safety or River Rescue course by contacting Membership Officer Jo Dovey on membership@rivers.co.nz.

Gearing up for the 2011 election, the Green Party has launched a plan to clean up our rivers. The plan includes setting standards for clean water, introducing charges for irrigation water and supporting water clean-up initiatives. Read more at http://www.greens.org.nz/cleanrivers

Kaimai Canoe Club have announced release dates for the Wairoa as agreed with Trustpower Ltd.