NZ Canoeing 08.1 is now available, featuring Canoeist of the Year announced!, Newssplashes, Rivers under threat, Pack paddling on the Upper Kakapotahi (Joe Bousquin), New Thinking to Save Rivers - Part III (Guy Salmon). Download NZ Canoeing 08.1 (PDF, 3.2Mb).#

There has been some misunderstanding about access to Ngaawapurua Rapids (Waikato River, Taupo). Access is open to the public, however arrangements have to be made with the security company: Forest & General Security Ltd, 63 Miro St Taupo 07-376 5333. Please respect this arrangement and the land, so that future negotiations for access are not hampered by disrespectful use. #

Ben Jackson has posted an excellent video showing why the wild and scenic Mokihinui river needs to be protected from Meridian's hydro proposal.#

Between runs down the Kaituna the hard-working NZRCA Executive got plenty of business done. NZRCA President Mike Birch presented the Annual Report to Members for 2008. Andy England was voted Canoeist of the Year (well done, Andy!). Several vacancies on the Executive Committee have arisen due to imminent overseas travel; many thanks to Guido Wassink (Editor) and Kieron Thorpe (Conservation). Michelle Wallace (Hamilton) is our new Editor. Sue Robertson (Wellington) is our new Vice-President. Tony Ward-Holmes moves from Vice-President to Conservation. The next AGM will be in Christchurch. #

Kieron Thorpe compiled the NZRCA's submission opposing further mine discharges into Ten Mile Creek, near Greymouth.#

Genesis Energy have advised that the recreational release from Rangipo Dam, scheduled for Sunday 11th May will be changed to Saturday 31st May 2008. The postponement is due to a change in dates of the Poutu Canal maintenance project. The project was originally scheduled to run from 5 January to 5 May 2008 but was suspended due to generation constraints on the 5 February and recommenced on the 25th March. The maintenance programme will finish on the 25th May. The other recreational release dates to change are releases on the Tongariro River originally scheduled for 4 October 2008 (below Poutu Intake) and 5 October 2008 (below Rangipo Dam). These dates are within the critical blue duck nesting season (1 October – 31 December) as detailed in the resource consents. The dates will be moved to 20 September 2008 (below Poutu Intake) and 21 September 2008 (below Rangipo Dam).#

Robin Rutter-Baumann compiled the NZRCA's submission opposing Meridian's resource consent application for a dam on the wild and scenic Mokihinui River.#

[30 March] The NZRCA Annual General Meeting will be held in Rotorua on Saturday 26 April, 2008. All kayakers are welcome, especially those keen to get involved in the issues facing recreational paddlers. The NZRCA Executive will be kayaking on the local rivers that weekend, as well as holding the AGM. So all are welcome to come and do some paddling and have your say - on and off the water. 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 or NZRCA, PO Box 284, Wellington by 26 April. Update 22 April: Donald and Nat Calder have generously offered to host the AGM at their house at 765B SH33, Okere Falls, Rotorua (between the Okere Falls Store and the Kaituna put-in).#

Genesis Energy has advised that the Poutu Canal maintenance programme has been rescheduled for 25 March 2008 to 25 May 2008. The four month maintenance programme started last January, but was suspended due to electricity shortages and the need to maximise generation from the Tongariro Power Scheme. The Tongariro River below Poutu Intake (Access 10 run) will be flowing at about 30 to 35 cumecs, although rainfall and generation flow changes will affect flow rates. Check the Genesis Energy website for flow data. #

The NZ Freestyle Kayaking committee is organising a freestyle event on Saturday 19/Sunday 20 April to select the 2008 national team. The event is open to everyone that wants to compete, even if you don't want to be selected for the team, the more the merrier. 2008 is a Freestyle World Cup series year for which you don't need to be part of a national team to compete. These selections are for competition practice for those wanting to go to the world cup, ranking purposes and the glory of the 'National Champ' title. Saturday will be at the Bottom Hole (Kaituna River), Rotorua. Sunday will be a surf event at a location to be decided (probably Raglan). Contact Louise Urwin nzfreestyle{at}gmail.com (Please replace the {at} with @ to email.) for more information.#