Politicians to join nationwide wild river weekend

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5. Politicians to join nationwide wild river weekend

Fun events are being held at 10 rivers around New Zealand this weekend to celebrate wild rivers and highlight the need to protect them from development.

The events will include kayaking and rafting, fishing demonstrations, nature walks and talks, children’s activities and picnics.

MPs are joining some events, including Green Party co-leader Russel Norman, who will take part in a kayak slalom on the Hurunui River in Canterbury. West Coast/Tasman National MP Chris Auchinvole will be rafting the Matakitaki River in the Buller region.

The Day on a Wild River events are organised by nine conservation and recreation organisations that have united to protect wild rivers from hydro development and irrigation dams.

Day on a Wild River organising groups are Fish & Game, Federated Mountain Clubs, Forest & Bird, Whitewater NZ, the Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations of NZ, the NZ Rafting Association, the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers, the Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ and Mountain Bike NZ.

More information: www.forestandbird.org.nz or www.wildrivers.org.nz or www.fishandgame.org.nz

Contact:

Forest & Bird Wild Rivers Co-ordinator Debs Martin, 027 684 0599
Whitewater NZ President Polly Miller, 021 027 58661
New Zealand Fish & Game Council Chief Executive Bryce Johnson, 021 397 897
Federated Mountain Clubs President Rob Mitchell, 027 362 0101

EVENTS
Hurunui River
North Canterbury
Sunday Nov 29
10am-2pm
Rafting, kayaking slalom including Green Party co-leader Russel Norman, picnic/BBQ

Nevis River
Otago
Sunday Nov 29
10am-2pm
Nevis Crossing
Botanical and historic places tours, rafting through the upper Nevis Gorge. Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei speaking

Orari River
South Canterbury
Saturday Nov 28
10am-2pm
Bird survey, weed blitz on alders, rafting, picnic/BBQ

Clarence River
Marlborough
Saturday Nov 28 (Sunday 29 if wet)
10.30am
Rafting, picnic, nature talks, BBQ

Mikonui River
West Coast
Saturday Nov 28
9am-5pm
Mikonui River mouth
Rafting, kayaking, tree planting and picnic (2.30-5pm)

Matakitaki River
Near Murchison
Saturday Nov 28
10am-2pm
Blue Rock gorge river activities.
Rafting trips, electric fishing, river exploration, kayaking, games for kids
2-4pm – BBQ afternoon at NZ Kayak School, Waller St, Murchison
7.30pm Slide show by Craig Potton at Murchison Sports Centre
Sunday Nov 29
Explore the upper Matakitaki area around Mammoth Gorge, botany trip, bird watching, electric fishing in side streams, kayak and raft trips run by Nelson Canoe Club

Hutt River
Wellington
Sunday Nov 29
3pm-6pm
Rivendell, Kaitoke Regional Park
Kayaking, fishing demonstrations, bbq and kids’ games

Waingawa and Waiohine Rivers
Wairarapa
Sunday Nov 29 1-4pm
Holdsworth Lodge.
Fishing, water monitoring, guided walks
9.30am Waiohine River rafting trip organised by Whitewater NZ

Otaki River
Saturday Nov 28 10.30am-3pm
Otaki Gorge Picnic Area
Nature walks, water testing, mini raft making, picnic

Mohaka River
Saturday Nov 28
10am-4pm
Glenfalls Reserve, 8km along Waitara Road (off the Napier-Taupo Road)
Canoeing, rafting, fishing, environment lessons, family picnic

Kaituna River
Saturday Dec 5 (note different weekend)
12pm
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, Trout Pool Road, Okere Falls
Kayaking for the experienced, rafting trips, bush walks, entertainment (music), children’s activities, sausage sizzle