News
Native Watercraft Ultimate 9.5 - New
Contact proposes additional dams on Clutha
Wild Rivers Images Needed
NZRCA AGM 2009 outcomes
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. Sophie Ballagh (Dunedin) is new Communications Officer after Robin Rutter-Baumann. Thanks to Robin Rutter-Baumann, Graeme McIntyre and Sue Robertson for their previous efforts on behalf of kayakers.
The AGM passed the remit to change the registered name of the association from 'New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association' to 'Whitewater New Zealand'. The change in branding will be processed over the next few months.
Special guest Metiria Turei MP described Green Party policies in relation to rivers and water, and gave some advice on how to engage with the Government and Ministers of Parliament. The AGM also heard from Paul Caffyn (KASK) about areas of mutual interest to river and sea kayakers, and from Josh Stevenson (VentureOut) regarding the implications of Maritime NZ's commercial kayaking guidelines (PDF, 84KB) and how they may effect clubs. Glenn Murdoch showed slides and video arising from the recent Wild Rivers workshop in Murchison.
Graeme Wilson (nominated by Whitewater Canoe Club) is Canoeist of the Year for 2009 (well done, Graeme!). The next AGM will be in Wellington on Saturday 24 April 2010.
Paddle Press: Friends of the West River: Troubled local economy dealt a new blow by Vermont State and Federal Agencies – Jamaica, VT
"When all is said and done, we're trying the best we can to play"
Well we're another summer down. They seem to race by. Before packing the van I managed to swing some time on the coast in the company of Keith Reiley. Moving under the radar Keith maintains a low profile on the NZ creeking scene but is one of the countries top adventure paddlers.
Image below - Keith Reiley inside Prices gorge. This section of river is walked more often than its paddled. Even if you walk every rapid its better to be riverside than busting your gut to get up and around. Try it!
Keith Reiley dropping into a fast chicane drop that comes at you before you know it.
Kokatahi River.
Image - "the man drop" As I watched Steve and Keith complete the portage I was struck by a contrast in size.
The Bliss-stick Mystick a design thats right at home on NZ's West Coast. Fast, responsive and predictable. Keith Reiley finds a launch pad in the Kokatahi.
Image - Lower Kokatahi Gorge. How many kiwi's appreciate the undisturbed natural beauty of our wild rivers?
Image - Dean Arthur, Whitcombe River.
NZ Canoeing Summer 2009
CUMEC Magazine Issue 7
Numbers needed for Waikaremoana releases
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/.
Paddle Press: Outdoor Retailer: Project OR
Paddle Press: Wenonah Canoe, Inc.: Current Designs Sponsors the "Go Wild" Expedition
Support sought for Manukau Whitewater Park
Central Plains Water dam knocked back
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.
The NZRCA has opposed the CPW project's request to take up to 40cu from the Waimakariri river due to the significant impact that would have on the recreational amenity for kayakers. A final decision has yet to be issued, and the matter may yet be appealed to the Environment Court.
