Before a Special Tribunal Under the Resource Management ......A river bug is a single person...
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Before a Special Tribunal Under the Resource Management Act 1991 In the matter of an application for a Water Conservation Order for the Ngaruroro River and Clive River Statement of Evidence of Dr Douglas Alexander Rankin on behalf of New Zealand Fish and Game Council, Hawke's Bay Fish and Game Council, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, Jet Boating New Zealand, Whitewater NZ Incorporated and Ngāti Hori ki Kohupatiki 17 October 2017
Transcript of Before a Special Tribunal Under the Resource Management ......A river bug is a single person...
Before a Special Tribunal
Under the Resource Management Act 1991
In the matter of an application for a Water Conservation Order for the Ngaruroro River and Clive River
Statement of Evidence of Dr Douglas Alexander Rankin on behalf of New Zealand Fish and Game Council, Hawke's Bay Fish and Game Council, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, Jet Boating New Zealand, Whitewater NZ Incorporated and Ngāti Hori ki Kohupatiki
17 October 2017
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Introduction
1 My name is Douglas Alexander Rankin.
2 I have been engaged by Whitewater NZ to assist with their application for a WCO
on the Ngaruroro River by characterising the kayaking/rafting values of the
Ngaruroro River in a regional and national context.
Qualifications and experience
3 I am 64 years old and reside in Christchurch. I hold BSc (Hons) and PhD degrees
in Chemistry from the University of Canterbury and have worked all my1
professional life until 2010 as a research chemist and scientist in wool science at
the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (Inc) and its successors.
4 In the last five years I have been working virtually full time in a voluntary capacity
as Conservation Officer for Whitewater NZ, on various issues concerning river
and water conservation in New Zealand.
5 Since being introduced to sailing boats as a youngster, and then joining the
University of Canterbury Canoe Club (UCCC) in 1971, and building my first
canvas white water kayak, I have developed a life-long interest in white water
paddling. This has involved me making journeys over the last forty six years to
various well-known white water rivers throughout New Zealand and also in the
United Kingdom, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and the USA.
In addition to kayaking I have in the last 20 years also enjoyed using other white2 3
water craft such as rafts, catarafts and river bugs to make white water journeys
both in New Zealand and overseas. In 2012 I was fortunate enough to cataraft
the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River (I had kayaked it twice previously in
1985 and 1997) and a number of other classic wild and scenic river runs in
Oregon and Washington in the USA. I have just recently returned from my fourth
trip down the Grand Canyon, this time rowing an 18 foot gear and passenger raft
(and doing a little kayaking and river bugging) as lead qualified boating operator
on a 16-day private trip of various New Zealand and overseas friends.
1 Except for two years as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Unit of Nitrogen Fixation at the University of
Sussex in Brighton, UK, from 1978-1980.
2 Two inflatable pontoon rafts with a metal frame between the pontoons, often fitted with oars for rowing and
controlling the craft.
3 A river bug is a single person inflatable craft (a little like a single person raft) designed for river running in
which the river ‘bugger’ sits facing downstream. The bugger uses fins on their feet and webbed hand gloves
for propulsion and control, a full wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket, and descends the river feet first drifting down at
the speed of the current (see http://bugsports.org/river-bugging/, accessed 2 October 2017).
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6 My white water paddling has also taken me into administrative, instruction and
advocacy roles in the sport. I have held various positions from gear officer to
treasurer and club captain and president within the UCCC, and the BugSports
Club (Inc) and the Whitewater Canoe Club (Inc) both here in Christchurch. I have
also been actively involved in the national body representing kayakers and white
water paddlers interests in New Zealand, namely Whitewater NZ (Inc) (and its
predecessors the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association (NZRCA) and
the New Zealand Canoeing Association (NZCA)), primarily as Conservation
Officer and supporting and leading conservation cases. I am a life member of the
UCCC, and an awardee of the Canard Cup from the New Zealand Canoeing
Federation, the latter for services to river conservation in New Zealand and
particularly for my role on behalf of the NZCA in the Buller Water Conservation
Order (WCO) application.
7 Since my earliest days paddling I have appreciated the value and conservation of
the best white water recreation resources both here and abroad. This interest
was heightened for me during my two years as a post-doctoral research fellow at
the University of Sussex in the UK in 1978-1980. There I was also able to travel
and kayak a little in the UK and Europe on some of the classic white water runs
(and others that I have since done including the Dee, Isel, Inn, Möll, Loisach,
Sanna, and Leiser, and the Olympic white water course at Augsburg) and also
witness first-hand the demise of many of its waterways through damming.
8 Since then I have been actively involved in advocacy for kayakers and rivers in
New Zealand, in activities ranging from submitting and producing evidence for
Regional Water Boards, Special Tribunals and the Environment Court, to leading
kayaking cases for Whitewater NZ for Water Conservation Orders (Buller,
Rangitata and Hurunui) on some of New Zealand’s outstanding white water
rivers. I have submitted and presented evidence to Regional Councils and
Department of Conservation (DOC) Hearings (the most recent being the
Westpower concessions on the Waitaha River in December 2016) and the
Environment Court on resource consents and/or concessions impacting on
kayakers values. I have also been involved in assisting with NZCA surveys to
quantify river values throughout New Zealand and more recently involved in
regional planning processes on behalf of Whitewater NZ and writing on kayaking
values in the Canterbury region [1].
9 I have developed a strong interest in river and groundwater hydrology and water
quality, and flow and other requirements needed to provide for kayaking and
white water values. I have done this to support effective engagement in
advocacy, and I have submitted to various parties and presented to Hearings on
such matters. This has involved me using my expertise as a scientist, and also as
an expert kayaker and river runner. This kayaking and technical expertise has
been ground-truthed by numerous conversations with other expert paddlers here
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and overseas and other experts in their own fields over the years. I have done
this to ensure my views reflect those of the wider paddling community, and that I
have the right understanding concerning other technical matters.
10 I have been fortunate to have kayaked and/or rafted and bugged4 many of the
classic outstanding white water runs on rivers in New Zealand at up to a Class IV-
IV+ level of technical difficulty, including many runs on more remote rivers
accessible essentially only by helicopter. This has included normally repeat visits
to nationally outstanding runs such as on the Landsborough, Waiatoto, Mokihinui,
Karamea, Whataroa, Rangitikei, Mohaka, Motu, Ngaruroro, Tongariro, Kawarau,
Grey, Buller, Maruia, Matakitaki, Clarence, Hurunui, Rangitata, Waiau and
Glenroy as well as regionally outstanding runs on other rivers primarily in the
South Island such as the Waimakariri Gorge, Ashley Gorge, Taipo, Okuku,
Takaka, Wairoa (Nelson), Opihi, Grebe and others. A number of these river runs
are recognised for their outstanding white water and kayaking and rafting values
by inclusion in Water Conservation Orders (WCOs), but for various reasons many
are not.
11 In addition, I have run a number of outstanding wild and scenic rivers overseas
including the Franklin in Tasmania (in a world heritage area), a number in
Western Europe, and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River (one of the seven
natural wonders of the world) and the Clackamas, Klickitat, Tutle, Wind, White
Salmon, Rogue and Klamath in the USA. This river running experience and my
scientific expertise has put me in a very good position to be able to comment
knowledgably and comprehensively on the different features, values and aspects
that make many white water runs so valuable to the New Zealand and wider
white water recreation community.
12 My involvement in this Water Conservation Order application and process to date
has been as Conservation Officer of Whitewater NZ. I have primarily assisted
with the gathering, coordination and provision of sufficient information to support
the application to date with regards to kayaking and rafting values. This has
involved a degree of analysis of relevant literature known to me, and which in
some cases I have co-authored, as well as gathering contributions from (and
discussion with) various other paddlers.
13 While this is not a hearing before the Environment Court, I confirm that I have
read the code of conduct for expert witnesses contained in the Environment Court
Consolidated Practice Note (2014). I have complied with it when preparing my
written statement of evidence and I agree to comply with it when presenting
evidence. I confirm that the evidence and the opinions I have expressed in my
4 Making river journeys using river bugs.
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evidence are within my area of expertise. I have not omitted to consider material
facts known to me that might alter or detract from the opinions that I express.
Scope of evidence
14 My evidence will address:
(a) Personal experience of the Ngaruroro River;
(b) Activities carried out by kayakers and canoeists on rivers;
(c) Kayaking runs and flow requirements on the Ngaruroro River;
(d) Analysis of previous kayaking value assessments of the Ngaruroro River
and comparison with other rivers nationally;
(e) The threat posed to kayaking values by irrigation or hydroelectricity power
development in the Ngaruroro catchment;
(f) The kayaking values which warrant protection; and
(g) Concluding comments.
Personal experience of the river
15 I made my first visit to the Ngaruroro River in November 2011 when I made a
descent from Kuripapango to Whanawhana as part of an overnight trip along with
fellow catarafters and rafters from Christchurch, Blenheim, Nelson, Wellington
and Taihape. Although I have paddled extensively in rivers in the South Island of
New Zealand, I had up until then paddled little in the North Island, having been
time constrained by my professional work as a research scientist and in bringing
up a family.
16 Subsequently I have made two further trips from Kuripapango to Whanawhana
both by cataraft.
(a) Labour weekend of 2012, another overnight trip with a contingent of over
thirty kayakers, rafters and catarafters, including members of the
Whitewater NZ Executive, kayakers from various kayak clubs from
throughout New Zealand, and participants from other organisations such
as River Valley, Fish and Game and the Catalyst Group; and
(b) Labour Weekend of 2016, another overnight trip facilitated by rafting
support from River Valley and Mohaka Rafting, with various
representatives from the WCO co-applicants.
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17 I have made one descent of the river from Boyd’s airstrip to Kuripapango
(including through the Oxbow) by cataraft, just after Labour Weekend in 2012,
accompanying a commercial rafting trip on a three day run by Hidden Valleys Ltd.
18 My overall impression from both these runs is that the Ngaruroro River contains
outstanding wilderness, scenic and white water values. This impression has been
subsequently affirmed on many occasions by other experienced white water
kayakers I have talked to.
Activities carried out by kayakers and canoeists on rivers5
Introduction
19 Kayakers and canoeists6 use hard shell or inflatable craft called kayaks or canoes
for travelling down rivers, and also on lakes and in the sea. Kayakers are
attracted to paddling rivers for a variety of reasons including the excitement and
challenge of negotiating or playing on rapids containing a variety of white water
features; training and competing in multisport, downriver racing and white water
slalom events; reading and using the water to enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of
surfing on standing waves, playing in holes (looping the boat end over end,
cartwheeling, doing flat spins, blunts, tail and nose stands), and executing
numerous other free-style moves; executing underwater mystery moves while
squirt boating; running drops or waterfalls, or particularly scenic white water rivers
or spectacular gorges; or just surviving a run down through a miasma of crashing
white water.
20 All facets of the sport except flat water kayaking or racing rely on moving water
producing hydraulic features and rapids, which provide exciting features or a
challenging pathway down a river. Each branch of the sport requires its own
specialised and appropriately designed craft. For example, flat water and
downriver racing paddlers use very long narrow fast craft often constructed of
glass fibre, Kevlar and/or carbon fibre composites, whereas most other white
water paddlers use polyethylene plastic craft that are much shorter, more stable,
5 This section of my evidence is largely taken (and modified) from a report I helped prepare for Environment
Canterbury, and of which I was the lead author [1]. It summarises the essence of what constitutes river
kayaking and canoeing.
6 The term kayaker and canoeist are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking a canoeist kneels and uses
a single bladed paddle in a canoe that may or may not have an enclosed deck. A canoe is of native-American
origin. In a kayak a kayaker sits and uses a double bladed paddle and the boat normally has an enclosed
deck. However, ‘sit-on top’ hard skin plastic kayaks and inflatable kayaks with no enclosed deck are now
widely available and used, although not normally in more difficult white water. Kayaks are of Inuit origin.
Despite this difference the term ‘canoe’ is often used to include kayaks but not generally vice versa. A ‘canoe
club’, for example, often has more kayakers than canoeists as members and most paddlers in New Zealand
are kayakers rather than canoeists. ‘Canoe polo’ is usually played in short purpose built kayaks. In this report
the term kayaker and paddler covers both kayakers and canoeists.
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highly manoeuvrable and extremely robust and durable. The use of polyethylene
plastic boats, which started about 30 years ago in New Zealand, has
revolutionised the sport and the average standard of paddling has also increased
significantly in recent years.
White water
21 White water hydraulic features that paddlers seek out are formed by the
interaction of water flow or volume of discharge and the river bed morphology,
and particularly the bed gradient and structural features, such as large rocks,
ledges, and bank features. The hydraulic features include:
(a) Standing waves like ocean swells;
(b) Breaking waves or haystacks;
(c) Boils; upwellings from below the river surface;
(d) Holes or stoppers; recirculations formed behind submerged rocks or bed
features which tend to stop and hold kayakers;
(e) Eddies; pockets of water behind bank and bed features where the water
moves in a different direction to the main current;
(f) Eddy lines; boundary lines between eddies and the main current;
(g) Big water; large size hydraulic waves, holes and other features typically
found in high flow and flooded rivers; and
(h) Drops, slides or waterfalls.
22 The size and power of such hydraulics depend on the flow down the river, the
gradient or steepness of the bed and the roughness and features in the bed
(gravel, rocks, bedrock). In smaller rivers with lower flows the size of features and
power of the white water is normally smaller, whereas in rivers with larger flows
more powerful hydraulics are produced including highly valued ‘big water’. This
water is typified by very large waves and hydraulic features and is a sought after
challenge by many more experienced kayakers. The hydraulic features are found
in various combinations on rivers and produce rapids, sometimes only in small
numbers where gradients are lower and in much higher numbers where gradients
are steeper.
Technical difficulty of white water
23 The difficulty of negotiating these features is described by river Classes or
Grades given to different reaches of water or rapids, with six Classes ranging
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from I to VI in order of increasing difficulty (Appendix I). Henceforth, I use the
word Class, when capitalised, to refer to level of difficulty on this scale.
Kayaking activities
24 White water or touring kayakers generally make river journeys down reaches or
parts of rivers, sometimes carrying gear in their boats for camping on overnight or
longer trips. Such kayakers normally prefer rivers with many rapids and will often
stop to inspect rapids to work out pathways down them or stop to play on suitable
hydraulic features during a trip. Steep creek paddlers specialise in running hard
(Class IV-V+) high gradient white water, often in steep creeks or rivers with
waterfalls or rock slides, using specialised high volume boats designed to exit
holes or recirculations at the bottom of waterfalls easily. Such kayakers normally
wear protective arm and elbow pads.
Repairing canvas canoes in a Christchurch backyard in 1972. Trips down rivers in New Zealand in early days were in canvas boats until fiberglass boats arrived on the scene. The arrival of stronger fibreglass boats revolutionised kayaking and opened up the possibility of running much more difficult white water than was previously possible. Photo: Doug Rankin.
25 Squirt boaters use low volume kayaks designed to be easily submerged on
hydraulic features such as eddy lines and spend much of their time executing
moves below the water surface. Squirt kayakers primarily use larger volume
rivers. Downriver and multisport racers mostly use multisport kayaks, specialised
narrow fast purpose built craft made in New Zealand, on Class I-III white water.
They normally focus on developing paddling fitness on river runs for competing in
race events, rather than playing on hydraulic features. Wild water racers race
Olympic class white water race kayaks that are 4.5 metres long down white water
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rivers or courses up to Class III or IV, and which are normally less than 10 km in
length. Multisport or long distance racers will often use much longer kayaks (over
6 metres in length) and race longer distances, such as about 65 km down the
gorge on the Waimakariri River in the Coast to Coast multisport race.
Ian Fox paddling a low volume plastic play boat, which is ideal and designed for playing on water features. Location: Grandstand Eddy (the pocket of water tucked in behind the rock on the bottom left of the picture) and running over the ledge and into Cheesegrater at 14 cumecs in Māori Gully on the Hurunui River. Photo: Graeme Wilson.
26 Rodeo7 and park and play kayakers use small short play boats and specialise in
executing skilled technical, and sometimes aerial, acrobatics on well suited and
structured hydraulic features. These include holes and waves on short sections of
river or at single features that are sometimes artificially built in water parks (such
as the two play waves recently constructed by Contact Energy on the Hawea
River in Central Otago).
27 Paddling is predicated on having sufficient water available to produce water
features and courses of value. For example, on a flat water or white water river
for downriver race training, enough water will be needed to create sufficient depth
(typically two metres) so boats don’t drag or squat. For a white water river,
enough flow has to be present to create valued white water.
7 Now more commonly referred to as ‘free-style’ kayakers, will often compete in organised free-style events.
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Running white water
28 Paddlers read the water they are about to descend and choose a route or line
down the river, which will give them the most fun and satisfaction. This might
mean the fastest route of descent for competitive wild (white) water and slalom
racers (the latter through an ordered course of gates suspended above the river)
or that offering the greatest technical challenge, enjoyment or safest route for a
white water, steep creek or touring paddler. Beginners may prefer white water
small enough in size to give a certain level of excitement without being too
frightening, whereas experienced paddlers may get their satisfaction from running
bigger water and hydraulic features or big drops.
29 Paddlers negotiate their way down through hydraulic features, playing on them or
sometimes avoiding them at all cost. Some of the features can form a serious
hazard to kayakers, e.g., big holes that don’t release paddlers, waterfalls, or
steep strainer rapids - where water flows between rocks often beneath the water
surface but which doesn’t permit a boat or paddler to do so. Sometimes features
are too hazardous or risky to run, except by the most skilled, and so are walked
around or portaged. Thus, white water paddling can offer a serious technical and
physical challenge to a boater.
The sport of kayaking
30 Kayaking is a sport and recreation that is growing in New Zealand with increased
instruction through school, polytechnic, and private instruction organisations such
as the New Zealand Kayak School. This, and registration of professional kayak
instructors through the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA),
and canoe club programmes has grown significantly the technical skills and
uptake of the sport. School and polytechnic programmes often focus on personal
and social development and risk assessment and management for young people,
and also for training and educating them for future careers in teaching, kayak
instruction, raft guiding and the tourism sector.
31 Most river kayaking is done in spring, summer and autumn. However, with the
advent of dry suits8 and other purpose built paddling gear, kayaking can be
carried out all year round. Thus, kayakers will sometimes run some rivers in
winter when they have sufficient flows in them, especially if they do not have
reliable flows in them at other times of the year. Kayakers also spend time honing
their skills in the surf and by playing canoe polo in the winter off-season and
8 Dry suits are complete body suits normally made out of a breathable but waterproof fabric such as Goretex,
and fitted with water tight zippers and latex wrist and neck seals. They are completely water tight and allow a
paddler to stay dry and warm even in a wet and cold environment.
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learning, or practising, Eskimo rolling (self-righting a capsized kayak whilst
remaining in the boat) skills in indoor pools.
32 It takes expert tuition, training and a lot of experience to make a good paddler of
any discipline. Technique and skill are generally more useful than physical
strength. Kayakers learn basic skills on flat water and easy moving water initially,
and then progress to more difficult water. Basic skills like the ability to Eskimo roll
are essential for tackling more difficult white water. Paddling takes you to hidden
places amongst beautiful scenery and wilderness that many people never see.
On a river you are the master of your own destiny – it is your knowledge,
experience and skill that allows you to safely negotiate white water at any level of
difficulty. Each kayaker is responsible for their own navigation, decision making
and performance.
33 While kayaking is an individual sport it is almost always done in groups, because
if you accidentally get caught on a rock or pinned on a log or in a rapid, or take a
bad swim, your only chance of rescue is normally by the team of people you are
with. This breeds a strong camaraderie amongst paddlers, who rely on self-
knowledge, experience and skill, both in terms of looking after themselves and
their paddling companions on a river. Rescue in some situations can only be
accomplished by highly skilled and trained paddlers using tools such as rope and
pulley systems and saws, adding another dimension to the sport. Paddlers on
any river trip should always carry rescue and safety gear. Although there are
risks, kayaking is one of the safest adventure sports.
Kayaking runs and flow requirements on the Ngaruroro River
Kayaking runs
34 The Ngaruroro River offers kayakers a range of kayaking runs and paddling
experiences. They include two outstanding multiday wilderness kayaking trips,
both of which are of a moderate Class and a reach of river valued as a nursery
run for beginner kayakers. Landscape, vegetation, wilderness, scenery and class
of rapids vary over the length of the river. The sections that are kayaked include:
(a) The upper river multi-day trip from Boyd Hut or Ngaawapurua Hut down to
the Cameron carpark at Kuripapango or down to the Kuripapango bridge;
(b) The Oxbow, which is a short section from the Cameron car park down to
the Kuripapango bridge;
(c) The lower river gorge (normally a two-day trip) from Kuripapango bridge to
the next road access at Whanawhana; and
(d) The braided river below Whanawhana to the coast.
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35 The Taruarau River, a tributary of the Ngaruroro River, offers a remote two-day
(or long one-day) Class IV kayaking run from the Napier-Taihape Road Bridge
down to the Ngaruroro confluence.
36 The Ngaruroro River (and Taruarau River), like many of its North Island river
counterparts, is typically a smaller river, with white water and rapids of a more
technical nature (typically ‘tighter’ with less river room and a little more difficult to
navigate) and generally smaller in size than many of its larger volume or higher
flow South Island counterparts. The runs contain many of the white water
features and/or hydraulic elements valued by kayakers and rafters and described
in the previous section, except there are no waterfalls in any of the main river
reaches (there are in side streams entering the river in a number of locations).
The Oxbow provides an ideal place for introducing beginner kayakers to white
water and a taste of what the Ngaruroro catchment has to offer.
37 I have provided a selection of photographs that illustrate some of the sights,
values and experiences to be had on the Ngaruroro River. They follow this text.
Having landed at the Boyd airstrip after a successful flight from Taupo, team adrenaline and excitement levels build at the beginning of a three day adventure with over 100km of paddling on the Ngaruroro River. Part of the adventure is flying into remote wilderness areas to access rivers. Auckland University Canoe Club (AUCC) trip October 2012. Photo: Ross Whittome.
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Upper Ngaruroro River tussock flats. Photo: Eric Martinot.
Exceptionally clear blue, cold crisp drinking water with an abundance of trout in the upper tussock clad reaches of the Ngaruroro River. Photo: Ross Whittome.
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A section of the Upper Ngaruroro in the transition from high country tussock to pristine beech forest. Hidden Valley’s four day raft descent with about 20 people October 2012. Photo: Doug Rankin.
In the beech forest zone on the Upper Ngaruroro, crystal clear water, good white water and beautiful scenery. Typical tight rocky Class III rapid. Hidden Valley’s raft descent October 2012. Photo: Doug Rankin.
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Campsite at the old Forestry Service Omarukokere bivouac in the Upper Ngaruroro, with a bonfire at night beside the river. Part of the magic of a river journey. At this point the party had seen about three people all day so there are a few hunters and fisherman up in the upper river. AUCC trip October 2012. Photo: Ross Whittome.
Class II white water not far down below the Kuripapango get-in on the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro River. Note the vertical rock gorge walls. Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012.
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An inflatable kayak and catarafts on the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro River. These craft are relatively stable and offer less experienced paddlers the opportunity to make the journey. Skill is still required to run the more difficult rapids or otherwise they need to be portaged. Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012. Photo: Brian Megaw.
Challenging rapids in the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro River below Kuripapango on the last day of a three-day AUCC journey from Boyd airstrip in 2012. The flow in the river lifted overnight by about a foot and resulted in a fantastic Class III-IV white water run on the last day. A kayaker is visible in an eddy in the right bank background. Photo: Ross Whittome.
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Kayaker on Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro Gorge. Note the bedrock lining the banks in this section of the river and the massive sloping large rock slabs exposed on the banks up to the vegetation line (near sky line in places). Photo: Gwyn Ashcroft.
Catarafters enjoying negotiating a rapid in the Lower Gorge. The rapid is formed by a constriction by bedrock and larger rocks in the river producing a gradient step and a hole that the nearer catarafter has just burst through. Such features are a delight to run and negotiate or play on for kayakers, rafters and catarafters alike. Photo: Hugh Canard.
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Looking back up to Barrier Falls in the Lower Gorge on the Ngaruroro.Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012. This is a Class IV rapid with a route down the chute visible on river left or another chute (obscured) on river right. Photo: Doug Rankin.
Lunch stop on the Ngaruroro River about 10 km above Whanwhana, Whitewater NZ and North Island Canoe Clubs descent October 2012. Photo: Doug Rankin
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38 The Ngaruroro is widely used and valued by kayakers, rafters and white water
adventurers both from the Hawke's Bay and nationally.
39 Further evidence on these values is provided by expert witnesses Mr Bernie
Kelly, a past President of the Hawke's Bay Canoe Club, and Mr Mike Birch, a
former President of the NZRCA, both of whom have much experience of the
Ngaruroro River.
40 Additional supporting evidence for the rafting values and use of the Ngaruroro
River and the Taruarau River is provided by Dr Gwyn Ashcroft, a canoeist,
kayaker, rafter and member of the New Zealand Rivers Association.
Kayaker on an easy Class II drop on the Taruarau River. Photo: Gwyn Ashcroft
Flow requirements
41 Water flow is the key requirement to produce white water (paragraphs 20-29).
42 Flow needs for kayakers can be visualised using the conceptual flow evaluation
model of Whittaker and Shelby [2] (Figure 1). The model assumes that there are
marginal flows below which a reach is unnavigable and has little or no white
water (marginal flow low) and above which the flows are too high and dangerous
or white water features are lost (marginal flow high), and ranges of flows in
between which are acceptable and optimal. The ranges of flows can be broad as
a result of catering for different kayaking activities and kayaker skill levels and
interests but also reflect the range of flows over which white water features can
be present.
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Figure 1. Hypothetical flow evaluation curve with characteristics labelled (after Whittaker and Shelby [1, 2])
43 In general beginner kayakers prefer a range of flows lower than those preferred
by more experienced kayakers9 on the same white water river reaches. In lower
flows the white water will be easier to negotiate and less powerful and less
intimidating. Intermediate, advanced and expert kayakers will often progressively
prefer higher ranges of flows but this is not always the case, it depends on the
quality of the white water sought, and what white water features exist at different
flows, and the reason for the trip.
44 The Upper Ngaruroro River and Lower Gorge for kayakers are very slow and
difficult to navigate below flows of about 5 cumecs (556 mm stage height at
Kuripapango10
), and between 5 and 10 cumecs (721 mm stage height) are rocky
and not so good for beginners.
45 For flows of approximately 10 to 40 cumecs (1211 mm stage height) both runs
are good for kayaking and for rafting the lower Ngaruroro gorge. However, higher
9 Kayaker abilities have been classified as: Beginner; kayakers early in their careers - comfortable on Class I
or II white water; Intermediate; comfortable on Class III white water; Advanced; comfortable and competent on
Class III+ or Class IV white water; Expert; competent on Class V white water [1].
10 The calculated stage height data are derived from a power fit (R
2=0.9998) of appropriate high quality
approved stage height and river flow data from the 2017 year, using the 9 September 2015 rating curve for
site 23104 – Ngaruroro at Kuripapango, and data from the NIWA hydroweb portal.
(https://hydrowebportal.niwa.co.nz/Data/DataSet/Chart/Location/23104/DataSet/QR/Master/Interval/Monthly/C
alendar/CALENDARYEAR/2017/06; accessed 10 October 2017)
12000434 | 3053301 page 20
minimum flows are needed for rafting the upper river depending on the launching
site11
.
46 Flows of between approximately 10 and 15 cumecs (839 mm stage height) are
good for beginner kayakers, and between 12.5 cumecs (784 mm stage height)
and 17.5 cumecs (889 mm stage height) for intermediate kayakers, with a flow of
about 15 cumecs (839 mm stage height) being most suitable for intermediate
kayakers. As flows increase above 20 cumecs (934 mm stage height) so does
the size and the power in the hydraulic features of many of the rapids, increasing
their technical difficulty and making group and incident management more
challenging.
47 The approximate lower flow limit requirements for kayakers for different river
reaches above are similar to those presented by Dr Ashcroft in his evidence.
48 As the river bed is relatively confined and often narrow, especially below the
tussock flats in the upper river, and down to below Barrier Falls in the Lower
Gorge, quality white water remains in these reaches over a range of river flows,
which is particularly valued by white water boaters. It also permits river journeys
to be made at lower end flows by slightly less experienced parties, albeit a little
‘scratchily’ (i.e., with a certain amount catching on the bottom of the river), as the
power, size and speed in the white water is not as great and so can be less
intimidating and difficult and less hazardous than higher flows.
49 Above flows of 40 cumecs the river is approaching a fresh or flood stage, where
river users need to be highly skilled and aware of the risks of such higher flowing
rivers. Flows in the river can rise very rapidly in intense rain events (and
correspondingly fall relatively rapidly once the rain stops) and paddlers venturing
on the river at such times need to be able to handle such conditions.
50 The flow in the Taruarau needs to be above 600mm on the stage height gauge
under the Taruarau Bridge at the put in on the Napier-Taihape Road for a
worthwhile trip.
51 In general river flows that best meet the needs for kayakers and rafters on
wilderness rivers such as the Ngaruroro and Taruarau Rivers are those provided
by natural flows. These provide flows that seem natural and which experienced
paddlers recognise as being in keeping with the size and geomorphological
structure of the rivers. Furthermore, flow recessions from freshes or floods are
11 For example, Dr Ashcroft in his evidence to this Hearing on behalf of Whitewater NZ suggests that a
minimum stage height of about 900mm or flow of about 18 cumecs is needed to get a raft down if launching
near Boyd Hut. If launching at Ngaawaparua Hut, about one third of the way down the upper river run, Dr
Ashcroft suggests a minimum stage height of about 700 mm or a flow of about 9 cumecs at Kuripapango will
be needed for a raft to get down the river.
12000434 | 3053301 page 21
also in keeping with the size and scale of the river bed and corridor and
surrounding landscape.
Analysis of previous kayaking value assessments of the Ngaruroro River and
comparison with other rivers nationally
52 Two national surveys have been carried out examining the kayaking recreation
values of rivers throughout New Zealand. They are the New Zealand
Recreational River Survey (NZRRS) conducted by Graham and Jan Egarr [3, 4]
and published in 1981 for the NZCA, and the 1991 River Use Survey (RUS)
conducted by the NZCA [5]. The data from the RUS survey were analysed by
Martin Unwin (who assisted in the design of the RUS), Jonathan Hunt and myself.
The results were first presented to the Planning Tribunal/Environment Court
Buller WCO Hearing [5], and subsequently in a number of other proceedings
(e.g., see reference [6]). I provide a précis of the relevant results below.
1981 New Zealand Recreational River Survey
53 The NZRRS was started in 1978. Over about a two year period the authors
visited and examined the established or potential value of over 1500 streams and
rivers throughout New Zealand for river recreation. They assessed river water-
based recreation opportunities for motor launches; jet boats; drift boats; kayaks
and canoes; rafts; pack floating, cascading and Li-lo drifting; and swimming. It is
a seminal and comprehensive study conducted by experienced insightful river
recreation users.
54 The study is very thorough in its discussion on the methodology used. The
authors consulted literature and experts in various disciplines, and clearly explain
how the results have been analysed. The authors also describe the rationale and
the lengths required to address concerns over subjectivity, and to ensure
consistency of assessment of river values throughout the country, both of scenic
and recreation values12
.
55 The results are now a little dated in some areas, particularly for some recreation
values. Some reaches of rivers were considered unnavigable and highly
dangerous at the time (e.g., Nevis Bluff rapid on the Kawarau River, or the Huka
Falls on the Waikato River), but now they are routinely run, albeit by very skilled
12 In both cases this has been done from the point of view of the experienced recreationalist using the
resource, and therefore is river user based (“This survey was aimed at locating those areas of importance to
the recreationalists themselves, not to locate areas of importance for recreation according to administrators or
any other group” (pp 29 [4]). The scenic evaluations were also based on perceptions and experience from the
river itself by river recreationalists, and therefore is river corridor focussed, and not reliant on land based
assessments.
12000434 | 3053301 page 22
expert kayakers. In addition, a number of river reaches had never been run and
therefore their recreation potential was not fully appreciated.
56 Nevertheless many of the results of the study have stood the test of time and
much of the data generated, and especially the comparative data, are as relevant
today as when they were originally generated.
57 Recreational and scenic values of different reaches of the Ngaruroro and
Taruarau Rivers [3] determined in the NZRRS are given in Table 1. Recreational
values were ranked on a five point scale of insignificant, low, intermediate, high
and exceptional. A low recreation rating reflects a valueless and mediocre rating
based on user numbers whereas intermediate value reflects an average ranking,
high value reflects a popular ranking, and exceptional reflects an extreme
ranking. Scenic values were ranked on a six point scale of dull, uninspiring,
moderate, picturesque, impressive, and exceptional.
Table 1. Values assessed in the 1981 New Zealand Recreational River Survey
River Recreational Value Scenic Value
Ngaruroro, Upper High Impressive
Ngaruroro, Lower Gorge Exceptional Impressive
Ngaruroro, Lower Intermediate Moderate
Taruarau Low Impressive
58 At the time of the survey a complete kayak descent of the Taruarau River had not
been made and the low recreational value was largely ascribed on this basis. As
such, the recreation score for this river is inaccurate. The high and exceptional
recreational values ascribed to the Upper Ngaruroro and Lower Gorge,
respectively, were primarily for the known kayaking and rafting values of the runs.
The intermediate value for the lower Ngaruroro River (Whanawhana down) was
largely given for the jet boating values.
59 In addition to the above assessments, reaches of rivers were ascribed recreation-
preferred categories, which combined recreational and scenic values. This was
done in an effort to rank the relative values of the nation’s best recreational rivers,
as assessed at that time. Rivers were classified as:
(a) Category A: consisted of all rivers with both exceptional recreational and
exceptional scenic values (six reaches of the Wanganui, Motu, Grey,
12000434 | 3053301 page 23
Ahaura, Shotover and Clarence Rivers – the Motu, Ahaura and Shotover
have WCOs13
on them);
(b) Category B: consisted of all rivers with exceptional recreational and
impressive scenic values or high recreational and exceptional scenic
values (seven reaches in the North Island including the lower gorge on the
Ngaruroro River and thirteen reaches in the South Island – including
reaches of the Buller, and Maruia and Motu that have WCOs on them);
(c) Category C: consisted of all rivers with exceptional recreational and
picturesque scenic values, high recreational and impressive scenic values,
high recreational and picturesque scenic values, and exceptional
recreational and moderate scenic values (twenty five reaches in the North
Island including the upper Ngaruroro and thirty nine reaches in the South
Island – including reaches of the Rangitikei, Mohaka, Buller, Gowan,
Ahaura, and Rangitata which have WCOs on them); and
(d) Category D: consisted of all rivers with high recreational and moderate
scenic values, intermediate recreational and exceptional scenic values,
intermediate recreational and impressive scenic values, and intermediate
recreational and picturesque scenic values (thirty one reaches in the North
Island and forty eight reaches in the South Island – including reaches of
the Buller, Kawarau, and Rangitata which have WCOs on them. However,
note that neither the lower Ngaruroro River (from Whanawhana to the sea)
nor the Taruarau River featured in Categories A-D).
60 Thus, from as early as 1980, reaches of the Ngaruroro River were recognised as
having outstanding white water recreation and scenic values, on a par with other
outstanding rivers throughout the country.
1991 River Use Survey
61 The 1991 RUS was initiated by the NZCA in recognition of the need for up-to-
date information on river usage by NZCA members and recreation values after
the NZRRS had been published in 1981. The objectives of the RUS [5] were:
(a) To measure the relative importance of New Zealand rivers to NZCA
members;
(b) To measure the usage of New Zealand rivers by NZCA members; and
(c) To develop a database for future advocacy of New Zealand rivers.
13 In part on the Motu and Shotover for outstanding kayaking, canoeing and rafting values, but not for the
Ahaura River.
12000434 | 3053301 page 24
62 The survey was implemented via a questionnaire distributed to NZCA members
in affiliated clubs throughout the country. The key item of this questionnaire was
a table listing 200 river sections, chosen after consultation with each club and
grouped by geographical region, with a matrix of data columns against each river
for respondents to complete as appropriate [5]. The Taruarau River was not
included in the survey as it was not widely paddled at that time.
63 Respondents were asked to identify any river sections which they had paddled,
and to provide: the total number of canoeing trips made to the river; the
importance of the section to them as a canoeist on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5
(highest); and the travel time, scenic beauty, wilderness feeling, and degree of
canoeing challenge, also rated on a 1-5 scale.
64 To maximise consistency between respondents, guidelines detailing the
characteristics associated with each 1 to 5 grade were included with the survey
instructions, so as to establish a clearly delineated hierarchy of responses for
each attribute’ [5] (see Appendix II). Scenic beauty attributes referred to the
beauty of the river, riverbanks, and the surrounding countryside, and wilderness
feeling referred to the feeling of wilderness at river level.
65 A total of 604 replies were received from whitewater paddlers, representing
approximately 50% of the affiliated NZCA club members who participated in white
water kayaking at the time. Collectively, these respondents provided 9,788
assessments of individual rivers, representing a total of over 35,000 paddling trips
[5].
66 Mean attribute responses were calculated for respondents who had paddled
different river sections. Data from a number of rivers where only a limited number
of responses were received, and/or a limited number of trips had been recorded,
such as the Whataroa, Landsborough and Waiatoto, were excluded so as to not
unfairly bias the results. Thus some key rivers that had at the time of the survey
not been run that much, but which nevertheless have outstanding values, were
not included in the survey.
67 The results for the upper Ngaruroro River (Section 1613 in the Whitewater NZ
RiverBase) are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Mean attribute ratings (1=lowest, 5=highest) and ranks for the upper Ngaruroro River. Ranks in parentheses are for the subset of North Island rivers alone
Attribute Mean (1-5) Rank Description of relevant ratings
Importance 4.11 16 (8)
"Important; canoeing this river provides an
experience exceeded by few other rivers." (4)
or "Extremely important; this river offers a
unique canoeing experience." (5)
12000434 | 3053301 page 25
Travel time 3.63 -
"Moderately close; suitable for a long day-trip,
or an overnight trip from home." (3) or
“Distant; involves a full weekend or long
weekend trip from home.” (4)
Scenic
beauty 4.51 3 (2)
"Very attractive; river environs scenic and
sometimes spectacular. Surrounding country
provides striking views.” (4) or “Inspiring;
scenery spectacular and varied. Large scale
vistas [e.g. rock formations, gorges,
overhanging vegetation, deep and clear
pools, rapids.” (5)
Wilderness
feeling 4.74 3 (2)
"Strong wilderness feeling; largely unmodified
environment, with very limited access to any
form of roading. Walking out from the river
feasible, but could take up to a day.” (4)
"Exceptional wilderness feeling; pristine
environment, extreme sense of remoteness,
walkout long, arduous and difficult.” (5)
Canoeing
challenge 3.37 23 (12)
"Rapids frequent and/or difficult enough to be
enjoyable, but still well within my own
capabilities: essentially a “fun” trip, with plenty
of good play spots.” (3) "A challenging canoe
trip which requires full use of my canoeing
skills without actually extending them." (4)
68 The overall mean importance for the upper Ngaruroro River is 4.11 and the reach
is ranked 16th (or 8
th out of North Island rivers) out of the 200 river reaches in the
1991 survey (i.e. in the top 10%). The rating of 4.11 translates to "Important: this
river provides an experience exceeded by few other rivers."
69 The mean ratings for scenic beauty and wilderness feeling for the upper
Ngaruroro of 4.51 and 4.74 both rank very highly at 3rd (and both 2
nd in the North
Island), respectively, after the Motu and Karamea Rivers.
70 The mean canoeing challenge for the upper Ngaruroro is 3.37 (ranked 23rd
),
reflecting the Class of the white water on the run (Class II to III with a little Class
III+-IV) and the challenge to and the ability of the respondents that have run the
reach.
12000434 | 3053301 page 26
71 There is a degree of correlation (R=0.866) between the mean canoeing challenge
and mean overall importance for the ninety four most highly ranked river reaches
in the country (Figure 2), where about 75% (R2=0.7495) of the mean overall
importance is associated with the variation in the mean canoeing challenge [8].
Most points are scattered along a well-defined line, with two main outliers low on
the right hand side that correspond to reaches of the Wanganui River – a river
that is technically easy but highly valued. This is perhaps a logical result; white
water kayakers will want to paddle white water, and for those that can handle it,
the more difficult, or that with the greatest challenge, is likely to be the more
highly valued. In some cases wild (wilderness) and scenic values (and possibly
other values) might occur with some river reaches and add to the overall
recreational or importance value, but this might not always be the case.
72 The mean travel time rating was a parameter that proved a little difficult to
interpret. However, what was noticeable was that important rivers that required
significant commitment to visit them and/or to travel between and within the North
and South Islands to access them, or that required flights to access them, often
y = 1.0854x - 0.9705 R² = 0.7495
1
2
3
4
5
1 2 3 4 5
Can
oei
ng
chal
len
ge
Overall Importance Figure 2. Degree of canoeing challenge versus overall importance
12000434 | 3053301 page 27
had higher travel time ratings than those that could be readily accessed by roads
or that were close to larger centres of population.
73 The results for the lower Ngaruroro gorge (Section 1614 in the Whitewater NZ
RiverBase) are shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Mean attribute ratings (1=lowest, 5=highest) and ranks for the lower Ngaruroro gorge. Ranks in parentheses are for the subset of North Island rivers alone
Attribute Mean (1-5) Rank Description of relevant ratings
Importance 3.89 27 (13)
"Moderately important; a river with some unique
features, although comparable alternatives exist
elsewhere." (3) or "Important; canoeing this river
provides an experience exceeded by few other
rivers." (4)
Travel time 3.28 -
"Moderately close; suitable for a long day-trip, or
an overnight trip from home." (3) or “Distant;
involves a full weekend or long weekend trip
from home.” (4)
Scenic
beauty 3.81 22 (12)
"Attractive; scenic appeal is significant, but
generally derived from local features such as
bankside vegetation and the nature of the river
environs rather than large scale grandeur." (3)
or "Very attractive; river environs scenic and
sometimes spectacular. Surrounding country
provides striking views.” (4)
Wilderness
feeling 4.14 8 (6)
"Strong wilderness feeling; largely unmodified
environment, with very limited access to any
form of roading. Walking out from the river
feasible, but could take up to a day.” (4)
"Exceptional wilderness feeling; pristine
environment, extreme sense of remoteness,
walkout long, arduous and difficult.” (5)
Canoeing
challenge 3.44 22 (11)
"Rapids frequent and/or difficult enough to be
enjoyable, but still well within my own
capabilities: essentially a “fun” trip, with plenty of
good play spots.” (3) "A challenging canoe trip
which requires full use of my canoeing skills
without actually extending them." (4)
74 The overall mean importance for the lower Ngaruroro gorge is 3.89 and the reach
is ranked 27th (or 12
th out of North Island rivers) out of the 200 river reaches in the
1991 survey (i.e., in the top 15%). Like the rating for the upper Ngaruroro River,
the rating of 3.89 translates approximately to "Important: this river provides an
experience exceeded by few other rivers." On average the view of the
12000434 | 3053301 page 28
respondents is that the lower gorge is not overall as important as the upper
Ngaruroro River, whose overall mean importance rating was 4.11.
75 The mean ratings for scenic beauty and wilderness feeling of 3.81 and 4.14 are
ranked 22nd
and 8th (12
th and 6
th in the North Island), respectively, reflecting the
very attractive scenery and strong wilderness values of the reach.
76 The mean canoeing challenge for the reach of 3.44 (ranked 22nd
) which is slightly
higher than the upper river run. This no doubt, reflects the Class of the white
water on the run (Class II-IV, and on average higher than that of the upper river),
and the challenge to, and the ability of, the respondents that have run the reach.
77 The mean travel time rating of 3.28 for the lower gorge run compared with that of
3.63 for the upper river presumably in part reflects the greater commitment in
terms of time and travel (and perhaps cost; air transport is needed as well) to
reach the put-in for the upper river trip compared to the road access available for
the lower gorge run.
78 Neither the lower Ngaruroro River (below Whanawhana down to the sea) nor
Taruarau River feature in the assessments of the top 94 river reaches in the 1991
RUS.
79 Further analysis of the RUS data for Class III-III+ river reaches shows how the
Ngaruroro runs rank in overall importance (or other parameters of interest) to
similar Class runs throughout New Zealand.
80 Tables of data for these runs are not presented here for brevity. However, the
upper Ngaruroro River and lower gorge ranked 5th and 12
th, respectively, for
importance out of thirty one Class III-III+ river reaches throughout the country. In
contrast, the same reaches ranked 2nd
and 4th, respectively, for importance out of
eleven Class III-III+ river reaches in the North Island. The upper Ngaruroro River
ranked 1st for both scenic beauty and wilderness feeling for the thirty one Class
III-III+ river reaches throughout the country, and the lower Gorge 8th and 2
nd for
these same two values, respectively.
81 A summary of the mean attributes of importance, scenic value, wilderness value
and canoeing challenge, and their ranks, for a selection of different river reaches
surveyed in the RUS, is presented in Table 4 (see Appendix III). In addition
reaches are flagged if they are recognised for their kayaking river values in a
WCO.
82 Clearly the upper Ngaruroro River and the lower Ngaruroro gorge runs have
ranks similar to a number of other highly ranked and important kayaking river
reaches identified in 1991, and which are recognised by WCOs.
12000434 | 3053301 page 29
83 Some river reaches of lower overall importance in the RUS rankings are also
recognised in WCOs. These are typically highly valued kayaking reaches of lower
Class or difficulty.
Other literature sources
84 In 1978 Graham and Jan Egarr published for the NZCA a comprehensive series
of canoeists guides for New Zealand [7]. They were followed by two books
drawing these compilations together [8] for both kayakers and rafters. A more
recent literature source for kayakers wanting information on river runs throughout
New Zealand is New Zealand Whitewater written and compiled by Graham
Charles [9] (now in its 5th edition).
85 In general guidebooks do not rate or rank the relative values of different river
runs.
86 However, in his North and South Island guidebooks [8] Graham Egarr did list the
best and most popular and frequently run river trips, and in a smaller (subset) list
the very best of the difficult white water trips. The upper Ngaruroro River, lower
Ngaruroro Gorge and Taruarau Rivers featured in the list of the best and most
popular and frequently run river trips in the North Island (out of a total of 42 runs
in the North Island; there was a total of 59 rivers/runs in the South Island). The
lower Ngaruroro gorge (but not the upper river nor Taruarau River) featured in the
list of the very best of the difficult white water trips (for which there was a total of
10 runs in the North Island, and a total 19 runs in the South Island).
87 In his second edition guidebook Graham Charles rates the lower Ngaruroro gorge
run amongst 120 great kayaking runs (1999 edition) as
wilderness and worth it
and in the lower gorge river description also mentions the upper river trip from
Boyd’s Hut as
highly recommended …. a fabulous and rare beginner/intermediate self-support trip.
In his fifth edition of the guide published in 2013 [9] Graham Charles has
expanded the list of rivers to 180 great runs, including the Taruarau River, where
he states:
seldom-run …. needs a bit of rain or snowmelt to bring it into condition” and is “A long trip in the wilderness with a couple of great gorge sections”.
88 Over fifty new runs have been added to the 2013 edition of the guidebook, most
of them harder Class IV and higher creek boating runs. Such runs only flow
sufficiently after rain and are not generally suitable for rafting or for the majority of
12000434 | 3053301 page 30
kayakers, being the domain of expert kayakers/canoeists. Most of the runs are in
the North Island or West Coast of the South Island and are relatively
inaccessible. These additions to the guidebook reflect the continuing growth and
development of the sport of kayaking in New Zealand and particularly the
identification and use of more challenging creek boating and wilderness runs.
89 To quote the author from his introduction to the 2013 edition [9]:
The information in this guide book STILL stands as a useful snapshot of the values and beliefs the whitewater community holds from the start of 2013. By virtue of being included, any of the runs are of exceptional value. The individual character of each is only a small part of the bigger picture that makes Aotearoa wai huka such a valuable resource. Remove any of these runs and the picture becomes fragmented and of less value. ….
Hence this information and reflection, and that from other guidebooks, gives
further evidence as to the long recognised value of the Ngaruroro and Taruarau
white water runs.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council River Values Assessment System (RiVAS) white water
kayaking study
90 In 2010 a regional white water kayaking study was conducted by the Hawke's
Bay Regional Council [10] using the River Values Assessment System (RiVAS)
[11]. The RiVAS study identified the significant kayaking rivers and runs in the
region using an expert panel of local kayakers, and ranked river reaches using a
multi-criteria analysis approach. Total river ‘scores’ were determined by summing
scores for a range of attributes of different rivers and/or river reaches and then
ranking the scores from highest to lowest and ascribing high, medium or low
values to groups of rivers with scores in particular ranges. Other RiVAS kayaking
studies have also been done by the West Coast Regional Council [12], of which I
was a co-author, and the Tasman District Council [13].
91 In the Hawke’s Bay RiVAS kayaking study [10], final overall scores were
calculated giving equal weights to river reaches scored on a scale of 1 to 3 for
seven attributes: scenic attractiveness, perception of wilderness, density of
quality hydraulic features, flow reliability, number of users, user catchment and
scarcity of kayaking opportunity14
. The combined runs on the Ngaruroro River
14 Giving equal weighting to such parameters in the RiVAS model is not based on any rational basis,
deductive reasoning, or model validation. The observation from the 1991 RUS study that 75% of the variance
associated with the overall mean importance of different river reaches throughout the country could be
explained by the mean degree of canoeing challenge for those reaches (see paragraph 71 and Figure 2),
suggests that many of the attributes used in the RiVAS study have less relevance to the overall importance of
river reaches than is assumed by the RiVAS model. If canoeing challenge is the dominant factor, then other
factors will be less important, presumably contributing to 25% of the variance in river reach importance not
12000434 | 3053301 page 31
featured high up in the overall scores, ranking overall 3rd
equal and with the same
high score (19; out of a possible total score of 21) as the combined runs on the
Mohaka River (which has a WCO), and other reaches of the Ruakituri, Mohaka
and Ngaruroro (Kuripapango to Whanawhana reach).
92 The upper Ngaruroro reach (Boyds airstrip to Kuripapango) scored 18 and was
4th equal with two other river reaches, and the Oxbow reach (DOC campground
down to the Kuripapango Bridge) scored 16 and was 6th equal and the lower
Ngaruroro gorge scored 19 and was ranked 3rd
equal.
93 Thus, the ranking of the Ngaruroro River by the RiVAS study is not inconsistent
with the relative ranking measured in earlier studies. That said, I have concerns
regarding the accuracy of the rankings generated, given my previous experience
with the RiVAS method [1, 10, 12, 14], and comments from participants in the
Hawke's Bay study15
. As such, I do not place great weight on the findings from
this study.
Threat posed to canoeing values by irrigation or hydro electricity power
development in the Ngaruroro catchment
94 Significant takes for irrigation or damming for hydroelectricity power (HEP)
development on the Ngaruroro River would undermine the kayaking values of the
upper Ngaruroro. At present HEP development in the Ngaruroro is not being
mooted as an option but damming the river or side streams to create a water
reservoir for irrigation purposes is apparently a possibility. Conflict arises because
the river features valued by paddlers and HEP or irrigation developers often are
the same, e.g., rivers of appreciable gradient and water flow. Impacts from such
developments could be serious.
95 Harnessing waterways by damming or diverting them destroys the wild, natural
and scenic characteristics of rivers. The presence of artificial structures such as
explained by canoeing challenge. Thus, summing the scores equally for seven factors, none of which
incorporate canoeing/kayaking challenge, to produce a total score assumed in RiVAS to define the relative
value of different river reaches is not likely to be valid or correct. This exemplifies concerns about the RiVAS
methodology and highlights the need to validate the model, before it is widely adopted for use by Regional
Councils and/or other parties in RMA or other processes.
15 The expert panel touched on various limitations of the assessment In the Hawke’s Bay kayaking study in
the foreword to the report [10]. Amongst other matters it states “ … Additional work is needed to be confident
that the assessment reflects the values of the wider kayaking community. The assessment is a best estimate
only, given a lack of existing data and limitations to the Expert Panel’s knowledge; ….The assessment is
primarily intended as an engagement tool to assist the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council in planning for more
sustainable management of the region’s rivers. The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) makes it clear
that its purpose includes enabling people and communities to provide for their social wellbeing, of which
whitewater kayaking is a part (RMA Part 2, section 5). The assessment is neither intended, nor robust
enough, to be used definitively in the RMA resource consenting process. …”.
12000434 | 3053301 page 32
canals, dams, penstocks or power generation facilities in river valleys or the
taking of large quantities of water contributes to the loss of these values.
96 HEP or water storage schemes, which impound significant quantities of water,
destroy free flowing reaches of rivers. White water canoeists require free flowing
rivers with natural flows, and these resources are diminishing rather than
increasing in number.
97 Schemes that involve the taking of substantial flows out of the Ngaruroro River or
its tributaries for irrigation, such as for storage of flood flows in side streams,
could impact negatively and severely on the recreational values of the river
downstream from such abstraction points.
98 Schemes which involve impoundment or control of water (e.g., of lake levels) in a
catchment and the release of water back into that catchment for HEP or to the
land for irrigation, could smooth the natural variation in flows and replace this by a
uniform flow. This would normally mean that flood flows will no longer flow down
the river as these peaks will be stored for electricity generation or irrigation
purposes. Therefore rapids downstream will still have water flowing through them,
but these flows may no longer be variable so the canoeing opportunities will be
reduced. If the flows are not optimal, the canoeing value of the rapids
downstream may also be reduced or destroyed. Various flows are needed for
optimal boating and unless these are provided and of sufficient magnitude then
canoeing values could be destroyed.
99 Controlled flows could also alter the natural river building and bed alteration
processes downstream, which occur during major flood events. These natural
events can be an important dimension to the canoeing value of a river. They can
change rapids over time producing new features, which offer new challenges.
They can also result in changes for the worse, for example, where valued rapids
are filled in with debris and lost.
100 Degraded water quality can lead to unsightly and unnatural periphyton growths or
blooms and/or toxic bacterial blooms (such as Phormidium) occurring in
waterways, which can exclude river users from valued resources due to health
risks to themselves or other animals or otherwise degrade the river recreation
experience.
The kayaking values which warrant protection
101 The attributes that provide for and contribute to the outstanding kayaking values,
which warrant protection, are those that contribute to make the upper river to
Whanawhana outstanding in that respect. They include:
12000434 | 3053301 page 33
(a) The nature of the rapids and bed and river channel features, including
gorge wall and river bed bedrock features;
(b) The natural river flows that in combination with the river bed features and
gradient produce the outstanding white water in the river runs;
(c) The scenery and wilderness values in the catchment;
(d) The water clarity and quality in the catchment and natural clean river beds
free of unsightly and unnatural algal growths found in degraded or polluted
water ways; and
(e) The length of the river containing the features above that provides for a
variety of multi-day river trips of various durations, including a potentially 5
day or more multi-day trip.
102 The values are best protected by ensuring the river catchment is left in its current
largely undeveloped state. This will mean no alteration of the river bed will be
permitted or damming of the Ngaruroro or Taruarau Rivers or their tributaries.
Leaving the river catchment in its natural state will ensure vegetative cover will
maintain water quality and clarity and natural flows, and retain scenery and
wilderness values.
Concluding comments
103 It is my expert opinion that both runs on the Ngaruroro River - the upper river
down to Kuripapango (including the Oxbow reach) and the lower Ngaruroro gorge
from Kuripapango down to Whanawhana – are clearly outstanding for their
kayaking and rafting values and scenic and wilderness values when compared to
other river reaches in the country. This view is supported by my reading and
understanding of the literature on the subject, my personal experience rafting and
kayaking many rivers in New Zealand and overseas, and conversation I have had
with fellow paddlers over the years.
104 Although the Oxbow reach is described and identified as a separate run in the
evidence of Mr Kelly for Whitewater NZ, I do not believe it should be considered a
separate reach for the purposes of the WCO. The Oxbow reach has the same
scenery and wilderness character and white water values as the upper Ngaruroro
River, and is an integral part of the multi day trip experience that really makes this
river stand out nationally.
105 Some submitters have suggested that the white water recreation value should not
extend down to Whanawhana, but should stop where the white water stops,
where the river emerges from between the Ruahine and Longfellow Ranges.
12000434 | 3053301 page 34
Such a suggestion does not take into account the complete experience and
journey that makes up this part of the run:
(a) The get out for the lower Ngaruroro gorge run is an access road off
Whanawhana Road, approximately 7 km downstream of the Whanawhana
cableway, therefore the actual river trip experience extends below
Whanawhana. The WCO is seeking protection of the lower Ngaruroro
gorge run down to the Whanawhana cableway.
(b) The transition in scenery and river character downstream from the
Taruarau confluence to the Whanawhana cableway is an elemental part of
the lower Ngaruroro gorge run and the eventual warm down and reflection
post journey.
106 The kayaking value of the Taruarau River is clearly not as highly ranked in
importance as the runs on the Ngaruroro River. Nevertheless, the white water
experience is highly spoken of by those who have done it and adds to the overall
outstanding white water experience offered by the Ngaruroro River.
107 Granting a Water Conservation Order that retained natural flows and water
quality on as much of the Ngaruroro River system as is possible, would help
protect the outstanding significance of the system, and not just for the kayaking
and rafting values.
Dr Douglas Alexander Rankin
17 October 2017
12000434 | 3053301 page 35
References
1. D A Rankin, N Earnshaw, I M G Fox and T Botterill, Kayaking on Canterbury
Rivers: reaches, values, and flow requirements, Report No. R14/31,
Environment Canterbury Regional Council, February 2014, 80 pages.
2. D Whittaker and B Shelby, B (2002), Evaluating instream flows for recreation:
applying the structural norm approach to biophysical conditions. Leisure
Sciences, 24, 363-374.
3. G D Egarr and J H Egarr, New Zealand Recreational River Survey Part II North
Island Rivers, Water and Soil Miscellaneous Publication No 14, National Water
and Soil Conservation Organisation, 1981; G D Egarr and J H Egarr, New
Zealand Recreational River Survey Part III South Island Rivers, Water and Soil
Miscellaneous Publication No 15, National Water and Soil Conservation
Organisation, 1981
4. G D Egarr and J H Egarr, New Zealand Recreational River Survey Part I
Methods and Conclusions, Water and Soil Miscellaneous Publication No 13,
National Water and Soil Conservation Organisation, 1981.
5. M J Unwin, Brief of evidence of Martin John Unwin in the matter of an inquiry
into the Draft National Water Conservation (Buller River) Order 1989; Hunt, J,
Unwin, M and Rankin, D (1995), New Zealand River Use Survey, unpublished
results, New Zealand Canoeing Association.
6. D A Rankin, Brief of evidence of Douglas Alexander Rankin in the matter of an
Environment Court inquiry into the draft National Water Water Conservation
(Rangitata River) Order 1991, Christchurch.
7. G D Egarr and J H Egarr, Northland; Waikato and Hauraki; Hawke Bay, East
Cape, Bay of Plenty; Taranaki; Manawatu, Wellington, Wairarapa; Nelson
Marlborough; Canterbury; Westland; Otago Southland Canoeists’ Guides, New
Zealand Canoeing Association (Inc) by the Watermark Press, Auckland,1978.
8. Graham Egarr, New Zealand’s North Island Rivers: A Guide for Canoeists and
Rafters, David Bateman Ltd, Auckland, 1989; Graham Egarr, New Zealand’s
South Island Rivers: A Guide for canoeists, kayakers and rafters, Nikau Press,
Nelson, 1995.
9. Graham Charles, New Zealand Whitewater, Craig Potton Publishing, Nelson,
Editions 1996, 1999, 2002, 2006; New Zealand Whitewater 5: 180 Great
Kayaking Runs, 5th edition, Graham Charles, Hokitika, 2013.
10. Booth, K, Bellamy, S, England, A, Hales, W, Kelly, B, Mahoney, M, Reed, C
and Sevicke-Jones, G (2012), Whitewater Kayaking in Hawke's Bay: An
Application of the River Values Assessment System (RiVAS). Land
Environment and People Research Paper No. 12 HBRC Plan No: 4373, Lincoln
University, Canterbury.
11. Hughey, K F D, Booth, K and Baker, M-A (2010), River Values Assessment
System (RiVAS), The method. In: Hughey, K F D, Baker, M-A eds. The River
Values Assessment System: Volume 1: Overview of the method, guidelines for
use and application to recreational values. LEaP Report No. 24A, Lincoln
University, Pp. 43-62.
12. Booth, K, England, A, Rankin, D, Unwin, M, Charles, G, England, K, Riley, K
and Ritchie, D (2010a), Part A: Whitewater kayaking in the West Coast Region:
Application of the River Values Assessment System (RiVAS). In: Hughey, K F
D, Baker, M-A (eds) (2010). The River Values Assessment System: Volume 1:
Overview of the method, guidelines for use and application to recreational
values. LEaP Report No. 24A, Lincoln University, Pp. 95-117.
12000434 | 3053301 page 36
13. Booth, K, England, A, James, T, McGowan, S, Miles and Price, M (2010b), Part
B: Whitewater kayaking in the Tasman District: Application of the River Values
Assessment System (RiVAS). In: Hughey, K F D, Baker, M-A (eds) (2010). The
River Values Assessment System: Volume 1: Overview of the method,
guidelines for use and application to recreational values. LEaP Report No. 24A,
Lincoln University, Pp. 121-140.
14. Hughey, K F D (2012), RiVAS and RiVAS+: Insights and lessons from 5 years’
experience with the River Values Assessment System. Paper presented at the
2012 New Zealand Agricultural & Resource Economics Society (Inc.)
Conference, Nelson.
12000434 | 3053301 page 37
Appendix I - International Scale of River Difficulty (also referred to as Grade,
especially outside the USA)
Class I Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all
obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight;
self-rescue is easy.
Class II Novice: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident
without scouting. Occasional manoeuvring may be required, but rocks and
medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are
seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.
Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated
“Class II+”.
Class III Intermediate: Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult
to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex manoeuvres in
fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are
often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily
avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found,
particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced
parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but
group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at
the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class III-” or
“Class III+” respectively.
Class IV Advanced: Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat
handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may
feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages
demanding fast manoeuvres under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may
be needed to initiate manoeuvres, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may
require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be
necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to
high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group
assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A
strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the lower or
upper end of this difficulty range are designated “Class IV-” or “Class IV+”
respectively.
Class V Expert: Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a
paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and
holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids
may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of
fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At
the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined.
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Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and
rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper
equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential.
Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5
is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2,
etc… each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the
last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar
order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.
Class VI Extreme and Exploratory Rapids: These runs have almost never been
attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability
and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may
be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favourable water levels, after
close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapid
has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an appropriate
Class 5.x rating.
(From American Whitewater: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/do-
op/id/safety%3Astart/#vi._international_scale_of_river_difficulty; accessed 21 October
2013)
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Appendix II - Assessment scales from 1991 River Use Survey
From p3 of the NZCA River Survey questionnaire:
WHAT SECTIONS ARE APPLICABLE TO ME?
Section One [to be completed by all N.Z.C.A members]
Please answer all questions in this section, regardless of whether or not you paddle
rivers.
Your answers will give us basic profile data on the membership of N Z C A.
Section Two (to be completed by all river paddlers)
In this section, we would like you to identify all the rivers you have paddled, and to think
about how each river appeals to you as a canoeist. On the following pages, we have
listed 200 rivers (or sections of rivers) used for river canoeing. For any of these rivers
that you have canoed, please fill in the following information.
Column 1: Total number of canoeing trips on this river.
This is the total number of river trips you have done on this river since you started
canoeing/kayaking. If you have difficulty remembering exactly how often you have used
a river an approximation will do.
Column 2: Importance of the river to you as a canoeist/kayaker.
We would like you to give the river a rating, from 1 [least important) to 5 most
important], depending on how you, as a canoeist, feel about this river. Base your rating
on the following scale:
1. Little or no importance; plenty of other rivers provide similar canoeing canoeing
opportunities.
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2. Minor importance: other rivers provide similar canoeing opportunities.
3: Moderately important; a river with some unique features, although comparable
alternatives exist elsewhere.
4. Important; canoeing this river provides an experience exceeded by few other rivers.
5. Extremely important; this river offers a unique canoeing experience.
Column 3: Attributes of the rivers.
We would now like you to consider four attributes of each river in more detail. These are
trave/ time; scenic beauty; wilderness feeling; and the degree of canoeing challenge. As
with column 2, we want your personal assessment of each factor, expresses [sic] on a 1
to 5 scale. Base your rating for each factor on the following scales:
Column 3 [a] Travel Time (closeness to where you lived when you paddled the
river)
1. Very close; suitable for a part-day trip from home
2. Close; a comfortable day-trip from home.
3 Moderately close; suitable for a long day-trip, or an overnight trip from home.
4. Distant; involves a full weekend or long weekend trip from home.
5. Very distant; would only be canoed during an extended trip involving four of more
days away from home.
Column 3[b]:Scenic Beauty.
This refers to the beauty of the river, riverbanks, and the surrounding countryside. Score
this according to your opinion of the scenic beauty on a scale of 1 to 5.
1. Not attractive; river environs and surrounding country generally uninspiring, river
water may be dirty or discoloured.
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2. Moderately attractive; some local features of scenic interest, mixed with less
attractive sections.
3. Attractive; scenic appeal is significant, but generally derived from local features such
as bankside vegetation and the nature of the river environs rather than large scale
grandeur.
4. Very attractive; river environs scenic and sometimes spectacular. Surrounding
country provides striking views.
5. Inspiring; scenery spectacular and varied. Large scale vistas [e.g
mountains/bush/open country), and/or unique and striking river environs (e.g. rock
formations, gorges, overhanging vegetation, deep and clear pools, rapids.
Column 3 [c] Wilderness feeling
This refers to the feeling of wilderness for you at river level.
1. No wilderness feeling; road traffic or other human activity generally visible/audible
from river. Highly modified river environment.
2. Little wilderness feeling; roads/human activity readily accessible from river, even if
not directly visible. River environment shows obvious signs of modification.
3. Some wilderness feeling; river environment may be modified, but canoeist is
essentially isolated from immediate human activity. Roads generally reachable from
river, but may involve some rough scrambling.
4. Strong wilderness feeling; largely unmodified environment, with very limited access to
any form of roading. Walking out from river feasible, but could take up to a day.
5. Exceptional wilderness feeling; pristine environment, extreme sense of remoteness,
walkout long, arduous, and difficult.
Column 3[d] Degree of Canoeing Challenge.
1. Little or no canoeing challenge; play spots either very limited or non-existent. For me,
a canoe trip on this river is mainly a social occasion/day in the fresh air.
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2. Rapids require little concentration to negotiate, but satisfying play spots can be found;
mainly a social occasion, but always provides an enjoyable trip.
3. Rapids frequent and/or difficult enough to be enjoyable, but still well within my own
capabilities; essentially a "fun" trip, with plenty of good play spots.
4. A challenging canoe trip, which requires full use of my canoeing skills without actually
extending them.
5. A very challenging trip, which I would only attempt when confident of paddling at my
best. The limit of what I feel to be within my canoeing ability.
Column 4: Rivers you have not paddled but have interest in.
There may be some rivers which you have NOT paddled, but for which simply knowing
that the river exists is important to you as a paddler. For any such river(s), please use
column to assign an importance grade, using the same criteria as for column 2. i.e. 1:
little importance 2: Minor importance etc.
Column 5: Additional Comments
This is optional and is for any comments you may like to make concerning the river, its
significance to you, or concerns you may have for the river. You may if you wish write
further comments on a separate sheet of paper and return with survey.
Other Rivers:
We realise that some canoeists may have paddled rivers which are not on our list. If you
have paddled any such rivers, please list these individually, one per line, in the spaces
indicated on pages 5 onwards, and complete columns 1 to 3 as for the other rivers you
have paddled.
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Appendix III – Table 4. Mean attributes of importance, scenic value, wilderness value and canoeing challenge and their ranks for a selection of
different river reaches surveyed in the 1991 RUS (backgrounds for rows containing reaches recognised for their kayaking values in WCOs are
highlighted in red, and those for the upper Ngaruroro and gorge in green)
River District River Reach Class
Attributes Ranks
WCO
Importance
Scenic
value
Wilderness
value
Canoeing
challenge Importance
Scenic
value
Wilderness
value
Canoeing
challenge
1761 Gisborne/East Cape Motu all reaches IV 4.74 4.64 4.80 3.86 1 2 2 8 yes
2111 Nelson Karamea all reaches IV-V 4.58 4.80 4.93 4.43 2 1 1 1 no
1618 Hawke's Bay Mohaka Te Hoe to Willowflat IV 4.54 4.36 3.96 4.01 3 5 11 6 yes
2422 Otago Shotover Below Deep Ck IV 4.43 4.02 3.70 4.07 5 13 17 5 yes
2419 Otago Kawarau Roaring Meg III 4.43 3.40 2.59 3.76 4 41 65 12 yes
2116 Nelson Buller Murchison to Lyell III 4.41 3.66 3.04 3.89 6 27 38 7 yes
2418 Otago Kawarau Dogleg III+ 4.40 3.32 2.65 3.76 7 46 60 11 yes
1428 Central North Island Rangitikei Matawhero Bridge to Pukeokahu IV 4.30 3.95 3.83 4.36 8 17 14 2 yes
2612 Marlborough Clarence II+ 4.26 4.27 4.41 2.92 9 7 4 48 no
2429 Otago Taieri Sutton to Hindon IV 4.25 3.53 3.63 3.53 10 34 22 16 no
1415 Central North Island Whakapapa IV 4.24 4.17 4.16 3.71 11 8 6 13 no
2311 Fiordland/Southland Hollyford IV 4.21 4.46 3.81 3.79 12 4 15 9 no
1435 Central North Island Tongariro Rangipo to Potu Intake Dam III+ 4.18 3.96 3.71 3.53 13 16 16 15 no
1819 Bay of Plenty/Rotorua Wairoa V 4.17 3.09 2.61 4.11 14 55 64 4 no
1814 Bay of Plenty/Rotorua Rangitaiki Wheao to Murupara IV 4.15 3.46 3.30 3.77 15 39 30 10 no
1613 Hawke's Bay Ngaruroro to Kuripapango III+ 4.11 4.51 4.74 3.37 16 3 3 23 no
2211 West Coast Grey Gentle Annie Gorge III 4.09 4.30 3.98 3.20 17 6 10 33 noa
2519 South Canterbury Rangitata Gorge IV-IV+ 4.08 3.16 3.19 4.12 18 49 36 3 yes
12000434 | 3053301 page 44
River District River Reach Class
Attributes Ranks
WCO
Importance Scenic value
Wilderness value
Canoeing challenge Importance
Scenic value
Wilderness value
Canoeing challenge
1212 Auckland/Waikato Waikato Nga Awapurua II+ 4.07 2.67 2.18 3.52 19 80 82 17 no
1434 Central North Island Tongariro Rangipo Dam IV 4.03 4.17 3.88 3.48 20 9 12 18 no
2421 Otago Shotover Upper II+ 4.03 4.07 3.56 3.16 21 12 24 34 yes
1617 Hawke's Bay Mohaka Pungahuru to Te Hoe III 4.00 3.87 3.65 3.23 23 21 19 28 yes
1616 Hawke's Bay Mohaka to Pungahuru II 4.00 3.95 4.16 2.98 22 18 7 46 no
2528 North Canterbury Hurunui
Maori Gully to
Hawarden Gap III 3.93 3.28 3.01 3.58 24 48 39 14 nob
2114 Nelson Buller Lake Rotoiti to Owen River III 3.91 3.54 2.80 3.29 25 33 51 26 yes
2121 Nelson Matakitaki Earthquake rapid III-IV 3.90 3.36 2.94 3.45 26 42 42 21 noc
1614 Hawke's Bay Ngaruroro Kuripapango to Whanawhana III+ 3.89 3.81 4.14 3.44 27 22 8 22 no
1413 Central North Island Wanganui Retaruke - Pipiriki II 3.88 4.16 4.21 1.73 28 10 5 88 no
2530 North Canterbury Waiau to Hope River IV+ 3.83 3.77 3.86 3.47 31 24 13 19 no
1436 Central North Island Tongariro Potu Intake Dam to Boulder Reach III+ 3.83 3.53 3.24 3.07 29 35 33 39 no
2430 Otago Taieri Taioma to Outram IV 3.83 3.14 3.29 3.05 30 52 31 41 no
2216 West Coast Taipo III 3.81 3.98 3.63 3.21 32 14 21 30 no
2115 Nelson Buller
Owen River to
Murchison II+ 3.80 3.35 2.65 3.07 33 44 59 40 yes
1818 Bay of Plenty/Rotorua Kaituna IV 3.76 3.5 2.85 3.47 34 38 46 20 no
1412 Central North Island Wanganui Taumarinui - Retaruke II 3.75 3.69 3.51 1.74 35 26 25 87 no
2319 Fiordland/Southland Mararoa III 3.72 3.79 3.23 3.21 36 23 34 31 no
2526 North Canterbury Ashley III+ 3.68 3.51 3.22 3.32 37 36 35 24 no
1816
Bay of
Plenty/Rotorua Whirinaki III 3.67 3.98 4.08 3.15 38 15 9 35 no
2123 Nelson Maruia III-III+ 3.65 3.92 3.65 2.93 39 19 18 47 yes
2616 Marlborough Wairau
Upper (to Rainbow
Road) III 3.64 3.65 3.05 3.24 40 29 37 27 no
1416 Central North Island Manganui-a-te-ao III+ 3.63 3.74 3.47 3.12 41 25 26 37 no
12000434 | 3053301 page 45
River District River Reach Class
Attributes Ranks
WCO
Importance Scenic value
Wilderness value
Canoeing challenge Importance
Scenic value
Wilderness value
Canoeing challenge
2527 North Canterbury Hurunui Upper II+ 3.61 3.15 2.81 2.72 42 50 49 52 no
1429 Central North Island Rangitikei Pukeokahu to Utiku II 3.36 3.66 3.33 2.39 57 28 29 68 yes
1430 Central North Island Rangitikei Utiku to Mangaweka II 3.36 3.36 2.82 2.31 58 43 48 71 no
2520 South Canterbury Rangitata Waikari Station to Peel Forest II-II+ 3.33 2.78 2.51 2.51 60 73 67 61 yes
2118 Nelson Gowan III 2.98 3.02 2.65 2.66 79 60 61 54 yes
rafting
- Otago Nevis
Nevis Bridge to
Kawarau IV-V - - - - - - - - yesd
a Kayaking and rafting values presented at WCO Hearing but not accepted by Tribunal
b WCO applied for and kayaking values recognised for part of run in draft WCO. However, applicants withdrew the application, and from the process, after legal tests for granting of WCOs in Canterbury were changed by the
National government in the 2010 Environment Canterbury Temporary Commissioners Act, and to be judged equally in terms of outstanding values, economic and (farm) industry interests
c WCO asked for in Buller River WCO Hearing process but declined as challenged by electricity interests
d Note the Nevis River was included in an amendment to the Water Conservation (Kawarau) Order 1997 in the Water Conservation (Kawarau) Amendment Order 2013. This river reach was not assessed in the 1991 survey as it
was not widely known or used at that time
