The waters of New Zealand’s Kaituna River, home to world-class whitewater sections and rich cultural heritage, face an imminent threat from a proposed dam. The project, put forward by Taheke 8C, would destroy paddling opportunities on three renowned gorge sections by constructing a weir and diverting nearly all river flow into a 3-kilometre canal system.
At stake are three legendary whitewater sections:
- Pari Whakahihi (Awesome Gorge G3)
- Pari Tukino (Gnarly Gorge G5)
- Pari Kohukohu (Smokey Gorge G3-4)
These sections will be dried, drowned, or subject to highly varied flows! Upper Awesome Gorge is also a training ground for New Zealand’s world-class slalom athletes, and many international slalom paddlers visit NZ to train here. If the dam is put in place, this training ground will be lost, and the likelihood of recreational releases or access of any form to the lower gorges is very low!
This situation is particularly urgent because of New Zealand’s recently passed Fast-track legislation, which limits public input and environmental impact considerations in the resource consent process. Whitewater NZ, a volunteer-run charity organization, is leading the charge to protect this treasured waterway.
The proposed hydro scheme threatens not just world-class paddling opportunities, but also the river’s ecological health and cultural significance to local communities. If successful, this development could set a concerning precedent for fast-tracked hydro projects on New Zealand’s untouched rivers.
Whitewater NZ is mounting a comprehensive defence through:
- Legal advocacy to represent the paddling community in the consent process.
- International media campaigns to showcase what’s at stake.
- Community mobilization efforts gathering support from paddlers, conservationists, and Indigenous communities.
- Independent scientific environmental, recreational, and cultural impact assessments.
How You Can Help
The international paddling community plays a crucial role in protecting the Kaituna!
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Become a Member: Whitewater NZ needs to demonstrate significant representation of the paddling community to secure meaningful dialogue with decision-makers. Your international membership, while requiring a small fee, carries significant weight in discussions with government ministers and adds to their voice as a registered nonprofit organization.
- Share Your Story: If you’ve paddled the Kaituna’s legendary gorges, consider sharing your experience. Personal stories about the river’s global significance and how similar developments have impacted rivers in your home country can help build a compelling case for preservation. Consider sharing with communications@whitewater.nz
- Spread the Word: Share updates about the Kaituna’s situation within your paddling networks and beyond. The more international attention this receives, the stronger the case becomes for preservation. Follow and share content from Whitewater NZ’s social media channels (find them on Facebook and Instagram) to help amplify their message.
- Lend Your Expertise: If you have experience in environmental science, hydro-engineering, public relations, or river conservation, your knowledge could be invaluable. International perspectives on successful river defence strategies are particularly welcome.
The paddling community worldwide has an opportunity to stand with our New Zealand friends in protecting this remarkable river. Become a member, follow Whitewater NZ on socials, and stay tuned for updates on how you can support this crucial conservation effort!