A fast-track application for a hydro scheme has been submitted with little time for opposition. If approved, this project will dam and divert nearly all the flow, permanently destroying one of Aotearoa’s most attractive whitewater sections. This is not the first time the Kaituna has faced destruction; a similar scheme was proposed in 2007. Once again, Whitewater NZ and local paddlers are fighting to protect this treasured river. The lower gorges hold deep spiritual value, feature world-class rapids, and serve as a key training ground for slalom kayakers. If built, the dam will destroy the river’s natural character, making all three sections of the lower gorges unrunnable. Local and international paddlers warn that the proposal disregards the Kaituna’s significance. "The Lower Gorges stunning canyons and lush vegetation make it truly…
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Kayak Session (Digital) - 1 Issue, Spring 2025