NZRCA News

NZRCA submission to protect Nevis River

4 October 2008

The iconic Nevis river is the subject of plans by Pioneer Generation to build a 40MW hydro dam. In opposition to this Fish & Game have applied for a variation to the Kawarau Water Conservation Order (WCO) seeking to impose a prohibition on damming the river, along with conditions on minimum flows. The NZRCA has submitted in support of the variation to ensure recognition and protection of the outstanding recreational values of the Nevis River. These values are well-described in Ben Willems' early descent as 'one of a kind in New Zealand - an unforgettable experience'.

Special Tribunal for Hurunui WCO appointed

30 September 2008

Jim Lynch (chair), Dr Gerry Closs, Dr Gail Tipa and Adrienne Williams have been appointed to consider an application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River. Water Conservation Orders are set up to recognise and sustain waters that are considered to be outstanding as a habitat or fishery, or for scenic, scientific or recreational values.

The tribunal will consider an application by Fish and Game and the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association (PDF, 5.3MB) for a water conservation order to recognise and sustain the outstanding amenity and intrinsic values of the Upper Hurunui waters and the contribution that the Lower Hurunui River makes to those values. The tribunal members have sound experience in dealing with RMA matters and water conservation orders. The special tribunal will meet shortly and then organise a hearing and report back to the Minister with recommendations about whether there should be an order and if so, in what form. The findings of the special tribunal can be appealed to the Environment Court.

NZ Freestyle Kayak Series launches with Blissfest 2008

30 September 2008

The NZ Freestyle Kayak Series encompasses four events throughout New Zealand over a four month period. The series commences with Blissfest 2008 in Dunedin (3, 4, 5 October, details). 1 and 2 November features the Tekapo Throwdown and 20 and 21 December has Xmas @ Kaituna. The focus of the NZFKS is to provide an opportunity for kayakers to participate in a fun social environment where the emphasis is on giving things a go. Each event includes both fun and semi-competitive events and have included events like pairs ball-racing, downriver freestyle and social rodeos.

Whakapapa release in doubt

26 September 2008

Genesis Energy have advised that the proposed Whakapapa release for tomorrow (September 27) is unlikely to proceed due to a lack of water. Update 27 September: The release has been postponed until Sunday, but this is also unlikely to proceed. Update 28 September: The release has been cancelled.

Tongariro river flows may be higher

17 September 2008

Genesis Energy advise that due to recent rain, the flow in the Tongariro River below Rangipo Dam on Sunday 21 September will be at natural flows. Please note these may be higher than the 30 cumecs advertised. Rangipo Power Station will not be in operation and Genesis Energy has no control over flows in this section of the river. Assess the conditions for yourself before entering the river. For more flow information see Flowphone +64 7 386 8113 and http://www.hydro.genesisenergy.co.nz/Tongariro_map.asp (both updated hourly).

NZRCA River Guide now online

11 September 2008

The NZRCA River Guide is intended to be an authoritative guide to the sections of rivers used by kayakers in New Zealand/Aotearoa. By referencing a robust, stable index of sections, paddlers, authors, photographers, researchers, planners, bloggers, and students can compare notes, share knowledge and enhance understanding. With permission from Graham Charles, the NZRCA River Guide has been seeded with sections from New Zealand Whitewater (4th Ed.). Graham's scholarship has been supplemented by additional information from Matt Barker, Alan Bell, Mike Birch, Glenn Murdoch, Jonathan Hunt, Guido Wassink and Tony Ward-Holmes. The initial guide offers over 250 sections, though not all have complete information. Contributions from the kiwi kayaking community are welcome. We have additional features in the pipeline, including comments, ratings, photo galleries, maps, incident and trip reports and more. (See also About the NZRCA River Guide.)

Our rivers are not renewable

10 September 2008

Our wild rivers are threatened by climate change and runaway power consumption. Electricity demand is predicted to keep growing at 1.3% - 2% or an extra 150-200 megawatts of generating capacity every year. That extra demand is equivalent to the generation produced by damming two rivers the size of the Hurunui and the Mohaka every year. Forest and Bird South Island Conservation Manager Chris Todd says we need to make sure power generation is truly renewable and responsible to avoid destroying the remaining wild and scenic rivers in New Zealand.

Mangahao release scheduled for Saturday 4 and Saturday 18 October

9 September 2008

[9 September] NZRCA and King Country Energy have agreed to a Mangahao release on Saturday 18 October. Negotiations are continuing regarding a replacement for a previously cancelled release, likely to happen in September or October. Update: 13 September: To make up for past release dates where no water was released, an additional release has been scheduled for Saturday 4 October and the October 18 release will be 40cu instead of the usual 30cu (expect a pushier, more exciting run).

Submissions sought in effort to protect Nevis River

6 September 2008

Submissions are invited to the Special Tribunal to assess Fish and Game's application to amend the Kawarau River Water Conservation Order 1997. The initiative is specifically in opposition to plans by Pioneer Generation to put a 40MW hydro dam on the Nevis through a loophole that requires the wild and scenic character of the river to be maintained but doesn't prohibit damming. Fish and Game's application seeks amendments to the water conservation order as it applies to the Nevis River to prohibit dams on the river and to set minimum river flows to protect fishery and amenity values, and to better recognise the river's outstanding wild, scenic and natural characteristics, trout fishery, trout habitat, native fish habitat, cultural and historic characteristics. Kayakers know the Nevis as a nationally outstanding run posing a consistent challenge to expert paddlers. Send submissions (in the prescribed format (RTF, 40KB)) to alex.miller@mfe.govt.nz or by post to Special Tribunal - Kawarau River Water Conservation Order, c/- Alex Miller, Ministry for the Environment, PO Box 10362, WELLINGTON 6143. Submissions must be received by the Special Tribunal by 3rd October 2008.

Whakapapa release in doubt

5 September 2008

Genesis Energy have advised that the proposed Whakapapa release for tomorrow (September 6) is unlikely to proceed due to a lack of water. Update 6 September: The release has been postponed until Sunday, but this is also unlikely to proceed.