Our purpose is to preserve New Zealand's whitewater resources and enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.

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Access to rivers, touring and trip reports, recreational releases, river usage.

Submissions sought on Kaituna River plan

Submitted by jonathan on Wed, 2017-05-31 20:37

The Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority is seeking submissions on the new Kaituna River Document (PDF, 6MB).

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Hunua Falls run in "leap of faith"

Submitted by jonathan on Wed, 2017-04-05 22:17

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On Wednesday 29 March, posted a 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.

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Kayakers frustrated by Mangahao release failure

Submitted by jonathan on Wed, 2017-03-22 07:04

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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.

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The Endless Summer 2016-2017

Submitted by jonathan on Sat, 2016-12-17 20:15

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

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Kayakers aghast at hydro approval for wild and pristine river

Submitted by jonathan on Mon, 2016-10-17 19:34

Whitewater NZ is dismayed and perplexed the Department of Conservation (DOC) is proposing to grant Westpower a concession for a hydro scheme on the South Island's wild and pristine Waitaha River.

Whitewater NZ is the national kayaking organisation, representing kayakers throughout the country.

The organisation's Conservation Officer, Doug Rankin, says they are aghast at the proposal to develop the Waitaha, which is in a remote area west of the Southern Alps.

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Rangitaiki River (Aniwhenua) closure 29 Mar-1 Apr

Submitted by jonathan on Fri, 2016-03-11 21:23

(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 .

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Kaituna River access: Coroner's inquest re Louise Jull

Submitted by jonathan on Wed, 2015-10-28 20:28

Last week Matt Bennett made a submission on behalf of Whitewater NZ to the Coroner's inquest into the death of Louise Jull on the Kaituna River. John Snook also made an independent submission. In doing so they became party to all other submissions (currently confidential). Whitewater NZ has sought professional legal counsel to aid in our submission.

KJET re-apply for Kawarau access

Submitted by jonathan on Fri, 2015-08-21 20:57

KJET have once-again applied for resource consent to operate on the Kawarau River via Smith's Falls. Whitewater NZ is ing local clubs to oppose the consent because of safety concerns. Read the background to the issue and use our submission form prepared by WWNZ Conservation Officer Doug Rankin. Submissions close 2 September 2015.