News archive

Some months ago the Otago conservancy of DOC released their proposed Mt Aspiring National Park Management Plan. It is due to be approved by the NZ Conservation Authority and assuming nothing surprising happens, Whitewater NZ has had a significant win by retaining aerial access to Bonar Flats on the Waiatoto River.

The Special Tribunal appointed to consider Fish & Game New Zealand's application to amend the Water Conservation (Kawarau) Order 1997 in respect of the Nevis River has recommended that the amendment be granted but the amendments confined to recognition of the outstanding value of the Gollum galaxiid.

Whitewater NZ and Fish & Game have submitted a revised application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

[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.

The Annual General Meeting will be held in Christchurch on Saturday 7 September, at the Bridge Bar, Ferrymead Tavern, 1099 Ferry Road (by the Estuary), Christchurch (map).

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).

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.

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

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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 a

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

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.

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.

Ben Jackson announces the goods for Buller Festival 2010. Friday March 5 - Kayak Boater Cross on Murchison's endangered Matakitaki. Saturday March 6 - Kayak Slalom (individual and teams), Rafter Cross and the 'famous as' Rock the Buller Party. This years party theme is TBC so stay tuned. Sunday March 7 sees us release kayakers back into the wild via our new and improved Big Air Ramp. This year's event also sees the New Zealand Rafting Selections for the World Champs.

Stefan Gilmour advises the Wairoa Extreme Race is going to be back for 2010. It is going to be a one-day race format with the time trial starting at 10.20 sharp, and the head-to-head races starting at the conclusion of the time trail. The event will be held on Saturday 13 February 2010 with Sunday 14 being a back up day, and or fun event day such as a ball race (to be confirmed). Entries will open in early January with the entry cost to be confirmed.

The latest NZ Canoeing has been sent to members, featuring Conservation news (Hurunui, Matiri, Mokihinui, CPW, Log books, Access) (Tony Ward-Holmes), A day on a wild river (Tony Ward-Holmes), The Upper Waiau River (Polly Miller), What is a river worth? (Jeremy Watt), Release schedule. Read more in NZ Canoeing 09.3 (PDF, 5.2Mb).

Commissioners have indicated in a Minute (issued 18 December) that consents for the Stockton Plateau hydro project have been approved. The project is likely to slightly reduce the number of days on which the Ngakawau is boatable, but the water quality will be improved by the removal of mining pollutants. The project was supported by Whitewater NZ, as the 240GWh expected from the scheme makes a Mohikinui dam less necessary.

DOC have released the Operational Plan for the St James Conservation Area. It recognised the value of the Upper Waiau, noting Below the point where it is joined by the Ada River, the upper Waiau River is one of the best rivers for rafting and kayaking in the eastern South Island.

Genesis Energy have advised that the Rangipo Power Station is planned to be shut down between the 7th and 18th January 2010. Based on past years, the flow below Rangipo dam will be approximately 19 cumecs (including the discharge from the Waihohonu tunnel). The increased flows will affect the Access 14 and Access 13 sections of the Tongariro River.

Release dates for 2010 have been added to the Events & Releases section for:

• Tongariro River
• Waikaretaheke River
• Tekapo River

Across the country, the organisations involved with Wild Rivers are hosting a "Day on a Wild River" to help everybody understand the beauty and importance of New Zealand's remaining wild rivers. Over the weekend 28-29 November, events including raft and kayak descents, fishing, bush walks and tours, environmental talks, picnics and bbqs will occur at various locations.

Antz Longman advises, CUMEC Magazine issue #9 is out now featuring Canadian Summers, Creeking in Val Sesia, Italy by Justin Gale, interview with Mike Dawson on the Sickline World Championships, Interview with Cooper Lambla on 12 months in NZ, Voss Extreme week by Jason Juno, The Southern Circuit (NZ) by Megan Foster & Crescent Head/Byron Bay (AUS) by Tracy Gibson, Murray White Water Festival from Western Australia.

Whitewater NZ Conservation Officer Tony Ward-Holmes advises, "The Central Plains Water Commissioners have issued "Minute 11" (PDF, 453KB), which in their words is "in effect an interim decision." The decision is that the remaining consents (apart from those for the Waianiwniwa reservoir which were previously turned down) will be granted.

Duncan Catanach compiled the NZRCA's submission opposing the dam and TVNZ interviewed Duncan Catanach and Nick Collins for the news on 18 April.

The Mangahao Release, which was scheduled for today, has been cancelled due to mechanical failure. Todd Energy have advised that the slalom course will be running with 12 cumecs from 11:30 AM.

The rāhui on the Waikato River between Control Gates and Huka Falls on the Waikato River has been lifted.

Following a drowning on Wednesday 26 at Spa Park, it has been requested that river users show their respect by refraining from using the Waikato River between Control Gates and Huka Falls on the Waikato River. Futher notice will be given once this section is opened. If you have any questions, please contact Helen Brosnan at Taupo District Council (07 376 0835).

Gordon Rayner advises another speed limit uplifting has been arranged to allow jetboats to travel on the Upper Shotover on Sunday 1 November. There will be 8 to 10 jet boats, travelling upstream through the Upper Shotover Gorge from Skippers bridge to McLeod's during the time corridor of 11am to 12pm. The jet boats will travel downstream from McLeods to Skippers bridge during the time corridor of 2:30 to 3:30pm. The jet boat organiser is Pete Steele (027 2650078).

Eight conservation and outdoor recreation groups have combined to fight for New Zealand's wild rivers.

A speed limit uplifting has been arrange to allow jetboats to travel on the Upper Shotover on Sunday 25 October only. There will be 10 to 20 jet boats, travelling upstream through the upper Shotover Gorge from Skippers bridge to McLeod's during the time corridor of 11am to 12pm. The jet boats will travel downstream from McLeods to Skippers bridge during the time corridor of 3 to 4pm. The jet boat organiser is Dave Douglas from Danseys Pass (027 4361314).

According to the Press, the Hurunui Water Project have placed their resource consent applications for a dam and weir on hold for a year, to allow the processes established under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy to try and resolve issues with the scheme.

Dambusters are organising a Save the Hurunui march in central Christchurch on Friday 16 October. We are keen to get as many kayaks on the mighty Avon at 12.15pm on the Friday, and float from the Bridge of Remembrance to Victoria Park. It'll be all wrapped up in half an hour, so easy to fit into the busy paddler's lunch hour. If you'd like help with boat transport please contact Polly on president@rivers.org.nz.

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.

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

Genesis Energy have advised that the proposed Whakapapa release for tomorrow (September 26) will probably proceed, although the river flow can change quickly . Further information.

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.

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.

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.

There has been enough rain overnight for the release to proceed today, (Sunday, 13 September) and there will be about 16 cumecs below the intake from about 9:00am.

Whitewater NZ is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next Waikaremoana release on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the release to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/.

[19 August] The Hurunui Water Project (HWP) has applied to Environment Canterbury (ECan) for consents to erect two dams on the Hurunui; a weir at the Lake Sumner outlet and a 75m dam on the South Branch. This will result in a clipping of peak flood flows and a general raising of natural low summer flows (to >40 cumecs), as water is released down through the upper river to allow a 32cu off-take down near Mandamus for irrigation. Despite the Tribunal recommending a WCO for the Upper Hurunui waters, the draft WCO offers no protection for the South Branch and is subject to appeal.

In a review of the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan, DOC are proposing a yearly limit on trips (twelve, across the entire park), a restriction on landings, and a permit system for kayakers. This will affect access to the Karamea and other rivers such as the Anatoki, Slate, Waingaro and others. Nowhere in the plan are trips by kayakers identified as a source of user conflict.

The latest NZ Canoeing has been sent to members, featuring Canoeist of the Year - Graeme Wilson (WWCC), Conservation News (Tony Ward-Holmes), NZRCA ...now Whitewater NZ (Polly Miller), and Release schedules. Read more in NZ Canoeing 09.2 (PDF, 1.2Mb).

The Special Tribunal has recommended a WCO be granted to protect the North Branch of the Hurunui River (Report of Special Tribunal (PDF, 3MB)). No protection is offered for the South Branch (where the Hurunui Water Project wants a 75m dam).

Kaimai Canoe Club have announced the Wairoa Release dates for 2009/2010

DoC is seeking feedback on the St James Conservation Area. This is your chance to be heard regarding access to the classic Upper Waiau. Submissions due 14 September.

Whitewater NZ has presented Network Tasman with feedback from over 200 kayakers and kayaking organisations (PDF, 277KB), opposing the proposed hydro scheme on the Matakitaki River in Murchison. Feedback has been received not only from kayakers around New Zealand but also from kayakers and visitors from overseas, highlighting the value that the Matakitaki River has as a recreational and teaching kayaking resource.

In a press release (PDF, 60k) yesterday, the NZRCA wrote "The NZRCA extends its condolences to the families of Annabel Atkinson and Hayley North, who drowned following a fatal accident while canoeing on the Clarence River near Hanmer Springs on Friday 26 October 2001.

In line with a recently established agreement to assist the Maritime Safety Authority to investig

In a press release (PDF, 46k) the NZRCA has endorsed the government proposal "to create a new, statutorily recognised status for land, called 'public domain' for the seabed and foreshore of New Zealand, in line with other major environment, conservation and outdoor recreation organisations." The Association welcomes the promotion and recognition of the Queen's Chain as extremely positive for recreational kayakers and canoeists.

A man drowned on Sunday 1 February while tubing on a high Waiwhakaiho River in Taranaki. A reported comment from a Police search advisor (temporary link) included a comment "If people are going to go they should wear lifejackets or tie the tube to themselves." The NZRCA strongly rejects the advice (PDF, 196k) to tie a tube, boogie board or kayak to the paddler.

[30 March] NZPA report (temporary link) a 19 year old British paddler drowned on the Crooked River on Monday 29 March. Apparently, the victim fell out [of] her kayak, was trapped by a rock and drowned. One of her companions walked out through bush to raise the alarm, and another paddler was found by rescuers in the night. The body was recovered by helicopter around 10am this morning.

NZRCA president, Robin Rutter-Baumann, was interviewed on Morning Report today, by Sean Plunkett, about the Coroner's inquest into the fatal kayak accident on the Buller River in 2002. The NZRCA has issued a Media Release (PDF, 60k), refuting claims that the kayaking industry acted like a "closed cartel" during the Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) inquiry.

[15 December 2004] The NZRCA has announced its membership in the Living Rivers Coalition, joining Fish & Game, Forest and Bird and Federated Mountain Clubs to protect New Zealand's rivers.

[4 March] Kayakers and environmentalists will be staging a major protest this weekend at BullerFest over a proposal to put the Gowan River into a hydro canal. Protesters plan to rally and erect signs around the Buller region during the weekend BullerFest. Protesters plan to rally and erect signs around the Buller region during the weekend BullerFest.

In a joint media release (PDF, 73k), Contact Energy, the NZRCA and Central Otago Whitewater the parties have announced that Contact Energy will fund the design and construction of whitewater kayaking facilities in the Hawea River downstream of the Hawea Dam, subject to gaining r

[16 August] Kayakers in Canterbury have joined forces to oppose the Central Plains Water scheme in order to protect the recreational amenity. A protest is planned against the Christchurch City Council who are supporting the scheme using ratepayer's funds. Media release: Council-backed irrigation scheme threatens iconic river (PDF, 114k).

Yesterday the Christchurch City Council voted to continue with the Central Plains Water Scheme despite serious community concerns regarding environmental and recreational impacts. The NZRCA issued a Media Release (PDF, 720k) outlining its increasing concerns, especially over flaws in the legislative framework for dealing with assessment of cumulative effects.

The Hurunui Water Project (HWP) proposes a weir at the outlet of Lake Sumner, and a 75m high dam on the South Branch of the Hurunui. This would affect flows on all sections of the Hurunui river. This project has been lodged since the application by Whitewater NZ and Fish & Game for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River.

Bill Parks writes, "Dave Kwant and I are working on a documentary on NZ kayaking, a combination why-we-kayak/conservation/history film. For the historical section we are looking for old footage (super-8 film, VHS, whatever) as well as old photos. If anyone out there has material from the earliest days of river-running in NZ through the 1980's that you are willing to share, please contact me. First descents, old rafts, rowboats, fiberglass boats, dancers... anything like that that shows the development of the sport and the Kiwi ties to the outdoors would be great.

Whitewater NZ works to protect and conserve rivers, improve opportunities for kayakers to enjoy our whitewater resources safely, and protect public access to rivers for recreational use. Incorporated in 1957 as the New Zealand Canoeing Association (NZCA), the national association reorganised in the late 1990's as the NZ Recreational Canoeing Association (NZRCA). At the recent AGM it was agreed to rebrand as Whitewater New Zealand. We'll be rolling out the new brand starting with rivers.org.nz and NZ Canoeing.

Cumec Magazine Issue #8 (July 2009) is out now with a Safety and Rescue flavour, featuring an interview with Zak Shaw, 10 Lessons Learnt from the River, All the Way on the Whitcombe (Keith Riley), Come with me... (Nikki Kelly) plus columns on surf kayak technique, photography, river safety, shoulder instability and some great photos.

The Matakitaki River is under threat of three dams, which would inundate the Middle Matakitaki and dewater the Lower Matakitaki. We need your feedback about the damming of the Matakitaki by 12 July 2009.

Existing access to the multi-day Waiatoto River is under threat by new access arrangements outlined in DoC's Mount Aspiring National Park Draft Management Plan (PDF, 760K). The plan intends to limit Waiatoto trips to maximum of 12 people and only the period 15 October to 31 December.

Network Tasman is proposing hydro dams on the Matakitaki river and the Glenroy river near Murchison. The company has purchased land in the Matakitaki valley and is conducting feasibility studies. An initial round of consultation has been announced with a meeting for kayakers in Murchison on 21 June 2009.

Apparently a permit system is being enforced for access through the Kaingaroa Forest to sections such as the Jeff's Joy run on the Rangitaiki river. The forest is managed by Timberlands and permits can be obtained from Independent Security Consultants Ltd. (ISCL). Timberlands provide data on forest access and permits.

The NZRCA are appearing at the Hearing for the Water Conservation Order for the Nevis River from 9am on Thursday 4 June in Cromwell (Golden Gate Lodge Conference Centre, Barry Avenue). If you are in the area, come along and show your support. Contact Glenn Murdoch conservation@rivers.org.nz for details.

The Canterbury Mayoral Forum is consulting on a sustainable water management framework for Canterbury through the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS). The discussion document (PDF, 1.3Mb) offers four options including improving current mechanisms, advancing environmental protection, reconfiguring consents and infrastructure, and advancing infrastructure.

Contact Energy has dusted off plans for four separate hydropower dams on the Clutha River. Existing dams at Clyde and Roxburgh would be joined by dams at any of Luggate (25m, 86MW), Queensberry (14m, 160MW), Beaumont (30m, 185MW) and Tuapeka Mouth (50m, 350MW). Contact is seeking public comment on the proposals before selecting preferred options for further advancement in 2010. Details and discussion forum are available at www.contactenergy.co.nz/clutha.

Whitewater NZ Conservation Officer Glenn Murdoch is busy putting together a slideshow demonstrating the beauty of our wild, remote and scenic rivers. He is looking for high quality images that can be used in campaigns and in presentations to stakeholders. The images don't need to be of steep rapids or boaters doing radical moves - we are after images that show how beautiful our rivers are. If you are happy to share your photos, contact Glenn at conservation@rivers.org.nz.

The NZRCA is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next Waikaremoana release on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the release to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/.

The NZRCA Annual General Meeting was held yesterday in at the Awara Clubrooms in Christchurch. Outgoing President Mike Birch presented the Annual Report to Members for 2009. Following elections of officers, Polly Miller (Christchurch) is the new President. Duncan Catanach is the new Vice-President. Ian Gill-Fox (Christchurch) is the new Safety Officer, following on from Glenn Murdoch who has been coopted as South Island Conservation Officer. Mike Birch steps down from President after four years and is now looking after Access.

The latest NZ Canoeing has been sent to members, featuring NZRCA Draft Conservation Strategy (Duncan Catanach), Conservation News (Tony Ward-Holmes), AGM, The Clarence River (Maggie Oakley), Release schedule, [Seeking] Canoeist of the Year. Read more in NZ Canoeing 09.1 (PDF, 1.2Mb).

Cumec Magazine Issue #7 (March 2009) is out now (subscriptions), featuring Himalayan River Girls (Sophie Hoskins and Malika Davies), NZFKS 2008, Laos (Sean Bozkewycz and Lachie Carracher), Kayaker Categories, Fiordland, The Upper Otaki (Chris Lacoste), Sevens Creek (Shaun McManamny), Paddlin'Fit - Finding the Balance (Megan Foster), Surf Kayak Technique - Posture and Trim (Ross Boardman), Interview: Hayley Shepherd, Technique: Boofing 101 (Ben Jackson) plus Photography Technique with Graha

Kayakers face fines of $200 for failing to carry a powerful light at night in after a safety bylaw was recently adopted by the Auckland Regional Council. Numerous kayaking organisations and individuals have criticised the lack of consultation and the poor quality of the resulting bylaw. In the NZRCA's submission on clause 2.17 Safety Officer Glenn Murdoch argues that the Auckland Regional Council safety bylaw (PDF) won't improve kayaker safety.

An ambitious proposal for a $60 million artificial whitewater park as part of Stage 2 of the TelstraClear Pacific Events center has been launched. The Counties Manakau Community Trust are seeking expressions of support from the community. The scheme would offer an Olympic quality whitewater course that would also attract school groups and tourists. Sign up to show your support.

The commissioners hearing the resource consent application for the Central Plains Water (CPW) scheme have indicated they are likely to reject plans (PDF, 96KB) for a dam in the Waianiwaniwa Valley.

Tony Ward-Holmes compiled the NZRCA's Submission on the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment. The proposed National Government bill aims to simplify resource management processes but jeopardise the opportunity for community groups such as the NZRCA to ensure recreational amenity is preserved.

The Piripaua and Whakamarino releases will be going ahead this weekend (4th and 5th April 2009). Bernie Kelly was at the river last weekend clearing logs and obstructions and took some photos. Follow the hot tip!.

The NZRCA is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next two Waikaremoana release weekends on the Waikaretaheke River. In order for the releases to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/.

Kiwi kayak auteur Josh Neilson writes, "This film follows us kayaking in Norway, USA and the Nepali Womens Kayak Expedition that happened last year. I was lucky enough to spend six weeks with a bunch of amazing Kiwi and international women teaching Nepalese women to kayak and get them ready to take on the male-dominated industry. The film is 1 hour long and half covers the adrenaline-packed creeking segment and the other half of the story is some amazing kiwi women kayakers.

The NZRCA Annual General Meeting will be held in Christchurch on Saturday 25 April from 10am-4:30pm at the Arawa Canoe Club Clubrooms at Kerrs Reach (off Avonside Drive). Guest Speaker: Metiria Turei (MP, Greens).

King Country Energy have advised that there will be a Mangahao release on Saturday 28 March.

Bruce Webber (info@morefun.co.nz) is running a couple of kayaking events at the Kawerau Slalom site. On Saturday 7 March, there will be "two courses set up - an easy course and a more challenging course. We will start with a timed run on the course of choice. Then unlimited practice. Second timed run early arvo, lets see how much better you get.", On Sunday 8 March, "Rapid races on the main slalom site, head to head and must catch one eddy. We will match kayaks and there will be a plastic boat class.

BullerFest 2009 is rapidly approaching. Featuring Boater Cross on Friday 27 February. Kayak Slalom (individual and teams), Rafter Cross and the famous Rock the Buller Party on Saturday 28. Sunday March 1 sees the return of the kayak Big Air competition. Rock the Buller Party with DJ's O.B One (UK) and Aunty Ethel (Takaka). A weekend not to be missed. Contact Ben Jackson or Karl Reece at bullerfestival@gmail.com.

Maggie Oakley describes a 2007 solo adventure down the rugged and remote Clarence river.

Women on Whitewater (WOW) is happening in Murchison on 7-8 March, and at Aniwhenua on 20-22 March. These weekends are a chance for women of all skill levels to come together, learn new skills and generally have heaps of fun paddling together. Contact Alison Kohoutal kohoutal@gmail.com for details.

The proposed National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management fails to safeguard recreational interests. For example, the definition in the NPS of "environmental flows and water levels" has specific regard to protecting, maintaining, enhancing or restoring Notable Values. Notable values include recreational values. However, recreational values are not currently considered in the draft NES on Ecological Flows and Water Levels.

The NZRCA is assisting the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club and Genesis Energy to organise the next Piripaua release on Sunday, 01 February. In order for the release to go ahead a minimum number of kayakers will need to register on-line at http://nzrivers.wufoo.com/forms/register/.

The NZRCA has agreed release dates with Genesis Energy and HBCC for the Piripaua and Whakamarino releases for 2009.

Featuring big water action on Kawarau's Citroen rapid, the Citroen Extreme Race is back as a one-day event, with an after-party at Dogleg takeout, featuring live band "SEABEAST". Contact Roy Bailey, bailey.builders@xtra.co.nz for details.

Duncan Catanach has compiled the NZRCA's Further Submission on National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation. The proposed NPS seeks to encourage electricity generation from renewable sources, but NZRCA's concern is that rivers are not renewable.