The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004 THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER

Tokomaru Bay wharf See Trip Report on page 9. photos from Max Grant

The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. - KASK

1 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004

LRB3 - KASK RUAHINE Whitewater Club KASK HANDBOOK 71 Salisbury St., Ashhurst. KASK, the Kiwi Association of Sea For a copy of this mother of all sea Ph: 06 326 8667 Fax: 06 326 8472 Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc., a network of handbooks, contact KASK http:/ New Zealand sea kayakers, has the Treasurer, Max Grant, ruahinewhitewater.orcon.net.nz objectives of: 71 Salisbury St. Ashhurst, 5451 BAY OF PLENTY 1. promoting and encouraging the Ph: (06) 326 8527 home Alan Hall sport of sea kayaking Fax: (06) 326 8472 Ph: 07 579 2922 Fax: 07 579 2923 2. promoting safety standards email: [email protected] email: [email protected] 3. developing techniques & COST: ROTORUA/TAUPO Area equipment New members: gratis Emma Haxton 4. dealing with issues of coastal Existing members: $22 email: [email protected] access and protection Non-members: $24.95 Phone: 07 357 4660 5. organizing an annual sea Make cheques out to KASK (NZ) NEW PLYMOUTH Contact forum Inc.Trade enquiries to Max Grant. Bob Talbot, 6. publishing a bimonthly 10 Ranfurly St., Waitara. newsletter. THE LRB3, or the Little Red Book Ph: 06 754 4191(H) or 0274 457038 3rd. Edition, is a mammoth compila- email: [email protected] The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is pub- tion on all aspects of sea kayaking in WELLINGTON Network lished bimonthly as the official news- New Zealand, by many of the most Christine Coshan, PO Box 26052, letter of the Kiwi Association of Sea experienced paddlers in the Universe. Newlands, Wellington Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. Following a brief introduction, the Ph: (04) 971 2141 handbook is divided into six sections: email: [email protected] Articles, trips reports, book reviews, - Kayak, & Equipment Website: equipment reviews, new techniques, -Techniques & Equipment http://www.wskn.wellington.net letter to the editor, and moments when - The Elements the word 'Bugger!' was said singu- - Trips and Expeditions SOUTH ISLAND larly or often {referred to by some as - Places to Go MARLBOROUGH incidents} are sought to enliven the - Resources Helen Woodward pages of the newsletter. Ph: (03) 579 5669 Each section contains up to nine sepa- [email protected] Send in a plain brown envelope, or via rate chapters. The Resources section, NELSON cybermail to: for example has chapters on: Martin and Karen Clark Editor: P Caffyn, - guide to managing a sea kayak Tel (03) 548 5835 RD 1, Runanga. symposium [email protected] West Coast .N.Z. - Literature CANTERBURY Sea Kayak Network Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 - Author profiles Andy & Deirdre Sheppard E Mail address: - Guides and Rental Operators 53 Kent Lodge Ave [email protected] - Network Addresses Avonhead, Christchurch. 8004 - Sea in NZ listing Ph: (03) 342 7929 KASK Annual Subscriptions are: email: [email protected] $25 single membership SEA KAYAKING Website: $30 family membership. www.CanterburySeaKayak.orcon.net.nz $35 overseas NETWORK ADDRESSES NORTH ISLAND OTAGO Cheques should be made out to: Rob Tipa K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & sent to the NORTHLAND (03) 478 0360 KASK Treasurer: NORTHLAND CLUB [email protected] Max Grant, 71 Salisbury St. PO Box 755, Whangarei. SOUTHLAND Ashhurst, 5451 email: [email protected] Stan Mulvany Ph: (06) 326 8527 home AUCKLAND CANOE CLUB 03 215 7263 Fax: (06) 326 8472 PO Box 147-282 [email protected] email: [email protected] Ponsonby, Auckland. email: auckland-canoe-club SKOANZ Correspondence to the Secretary: [email protected]. Sea Kayak Operators Assn. NZ Maurice Kennedy HAURAKI Kayak Group Suzanne Dent, Administrator PO Box 11461 Pelham Housego 42 Burdon Road, RD 21, Manners St., PO Box 46-146, Herne Bay, Auckland Woodbury, Geraldine Wellington. WAIKATO Ph/fax: (03) 692 2912 e-mail: [email protected] Evan Pugh, RD2, Putaruru email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.skoanz.org.nz KASK Website: www.kask.co.nz Ph: (07) 883 6898 2 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

INDEX EDITORIAL to check boat traffic before the cross- EDITORIAL p.3 Proposed Dusk to Dawn Ban on ing of Tory Channel entrance. Only Paddling in the Sounds one barge and one ferry were sighted COMMITTEE COLUMN Following the ‘Cause for Alarm’ note in this paddle between 9.20pm and by Vincent Maire p.4 in newsletter 107, where Ian Calhaem 1.20am. heard an interview on National Radio CALENDAR which mentioned a proposed Marl- The background information support- Canterbury - Okains Bay p.5 borough District Council bylaw on ing the proposed bylaw seemed to be Coastbusters 2004 p.5 banning kayaking in the Marlborough focused on a growth in commercial Sounds from one hour before sunset operators and rental kayaks, such as MATANAKA CAVES MISS to one hour after sunrise, I got in touch has occurred with the Abel Tasman TERRY SOLVED with KASK past president Helen National Park, but it is obvious that no Joyce Singleton, Judith Beuth Woodward, who also was a former thought was given whatsoever to the & Mark Robertson p.6 employer of the council. Helen talked ramifications to recreational paddlers. with the MDC harbour master who The submission requested speaking CONSERVATION knew nothing of the bylaw, but fur- rights for KASK at a hearing, and a White Flippered Penguin survey ther digging with the assistant har- response from the ‘Democratic Serv- by Bianca Sullivan p.6 bour master revealed the following ice Co-ordinator’ of the MDC notes proposed Draft Amendment to the the date, venue of the hearing will be NETWORK INFORMATION Navigation Bylaws 2002. Under sec- made closer to the time. Waikato Information tion 2.11 Ships to be Licenced, clause by Evan Pugh p.6 (viii) stated: ‘No person may operate GRIM SUMMER Marlborough Phone update a kayak on the water between the Two sea kayaking fatalities this sum- from Helen Woodward p.6 hours of one (1) hour before sunset to mer, the first an inexperienced Ger- one hour (1) after sunrise.’ man paddler on the north coast of NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS Stewart Island and the second, a pad- Mokau River December 2003 Well, as this proposed draconian by- dler killed in a collision with a power by Evan Pugh p.7 law would have a major detrimental boat at Okiwi Bay, north of Nelson. I Bay of Plenty Whale Paddler affect for recreational paddling pleas- have covered both these tragic deaths by Ryan Whittle p.7 ure and safe kayaking, I worked up a plus a near miss in Golden Bay for East Cape Trip strong four page submission with input two women in some detail (p. 19 - 20). by Ian Algie p.9 from Helen Woodward, the Marlbor- Blumine Island Pilgrimage ough KASK network contact. The sub- FORESHORE ISSUES by Paul Caffyn p.11 mission takes issue with the MDC for In mid-December the government’s not consulting either KASK or Helen foreshore ownership policy was an- TECHNICAL nounced in a 100+ page document, Reflections on the Gentle Art of Issues raised included: with ownership vested in all New Rock Gardening 1. Wind - dawn and dusk are often the Zealanders as ‘public domain.’ Cur- by Brian Strip p.14 calmest in terms of wind and sea con- rent provisions in the law will be Trailers and Long Loads ditions replaced with a public domain title. by Sandy Ferguson p.15 2. Boat Traffic - Dawn and dusk represent Open access will be subject to cultural Grim Summer & Collision Avoidance the times of least boating traffic in terms of sensitivity or safety and biosecurity by Paul Caffyn p.18 power boats, yachts and jet skis issues around working ports. 3. North Island paddlers - arrive after INSTRUCTION/CERTIFICATION dark on a Friday and paddle to a RANGI JOKE Responsibility and Education campsite in the dark Opinion on the Rangi and Cultures by Alan Byde p.14 4. Time constraints on paddlers could jokes in the last newsletter was Instruction Officer’s Report lead to landing on exposed coastlines strongly divided. Some (see letters to by John Kirk-Anderson p.16 5. Safety Rules for paddlers and rec- the editor) thought the jokes were ommended equipment of night pad- offensive and racist, while others noted LETTERS TO THE EDITOR p.17 dling were noted, plus the chapters on the contrary. I would suggest Kiwis Navigation and Night Paddling in the have lost the ability to laugh at them- HUMOUR KASK Handbook. selves and that this politically correct Shark Fishing Bait p.17 climate is dividing New Zealand, al- Only in Australia p.19 An example was given of the late most like the Springbok tour did. The November night paddle from Picton jokes will continue. However I am THANKS to Blumine Island for the pilgrimage, most amenable to having the weighty Max Grant for printing, Maurice where all kayaks had either fixed all reins of newsletter editorship taken Kennedy for distribution, and all the round white lights, tuna line float lights off me by an enthusiastic new editor. contributors. or headlamps. A VHF radio was used

3 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004

half of sea kayakers nationally. The (2) DoC has called for submissions COMMITTEE AGM will take place between 4 and from individuals and organisations COLUMN 5pm on Saturday afternoon on March on how best to invest funds for recrea- 6th at Coastbusters, which is being tional use over the next ten-years. by Vincent Maire held in Orewa. Paul Caffyn and I, in the absence of For me 2003 ended and 2004 started anyone, else, have to run with this in my sea kayak. With a group of The Coastbusters programme and reg- one. It is vital that sea kayakers needs friends from the Auckland Canoe Club istration form is enclosed with this are recognised when it comes to spend- we undertook a six-day paddle from issue of the Sea Canoeist Newsletter. ing taxpayer funds on camping sites Coromandel Harbour to Whangapae. If you want additional copies visit the etc. At first the weather was not the best Events page on the KASK website and we were stranded in Fantail Bay www.kask.co.nz and download it (3) Publishing continues to be an im- for three nights by 30 - 35 knot west- from there. You will note that KASK portant part of what KASK is all about. erly winds. But once the front passed members have a discount on their As well as the bi-monthly Sea Canoe- over and we made it round to the Coastbusters registration fee. ist Newsletter, there are two other eastern side of the peninsula, the trip projects in the pipeline including a sea became one of those never-to-be-for- As I write this, Coastbusters registra- kayak safety booklet, which is being gotten adventures complete with fresh tions have hit the 40 mark, and in all funded by Water Safety New Zea- fish and many wonderful evenings my years on the committee, I can land. around the camp stove (fires prohib- never recall this mark being broached ited). six weeks out from the event. Num- (4) And perhaps the biggest challenge bers are limited so my advice is to currently faced by the committee is I made two interesting discoveries on book early so as not to miss out. how best to manage an organisation the trip. Firstly cooking pikelets is a run by a bunch of enthusiastic volun- great way to bring a group together. I On the matter of the KASK website I teers that has in excess of 500 mem- took a bag of pikelet mix in the kayak was delighted to discover that if you bers. WATCH THIS SPACE and it was put to good use at Fantail go into Google and do a search for Vincent Maire Bay to keep everyone’s spirits up. ‘sea kayak New Zealand’, KASK KASK President The second great discovery comes ranks number two. Currently the courtesy of my good friend Rebecca KASK site is getting some 20,000 hits QUOTE: “Sea kayaking has almost Heap, and is a simple towelling bag a month and 700 to 800 visitors. The unlimited potential for people who with a drawstring top that works as a subscriber list has also exceeded 200 like putting things in bags and sealing very effective fridge. I had fresh but- names. Having the Coastbusters pro- them tightly.” — John Dowd. ter all week! Once ashore, wet the bag gramme on the website has also proven and hang it in the shade of a tree and to be very popular with more than 300 KASK WEBSITE UPDATE it cools the contents as it evaporates. people downloading the PDF in the For more details refer to pp.103-106 first six weeks. There are two new pages on the KASK of The KASK Handbook. website - www.kask.co.nz - one deal- These improvements and develop- ing with Conservation issues and the The other event that has been keeping ments have come about as a result of other providing information and con- me busy is my involvement with the the membership survey we conducted tact details on sea kayak clubs and 2004 Coastbusters Sea Kayak Sym- in 2002. The results showed that the networks around NZ. If you are in- posium planning committee. This site was not highly thought of by volved in club leadership please check event just seems to get better and members so we have added more pages that we have your details correct. If better and this year we are delighted and features and the effort and invest- your club or network is NOT listed that John Dowd, founder of Sea Kay- ment has paid off. If there is some- then please send the information to aker magazine, the author of Sea Kay- thing you would like to see on the site, the webmaster. We are also interested aking: A Manual for Long-Distance please email the webmaster. in providing any further information Touring, a pioneer ocean paddler and on clubs and networks such as pad- ex-pat Kiwi, will be with us as a Looking ahead to 2004, your commit- dling nights, location, etc. Please for- keynote speaker. tee will have its work cut out on the ward them to the webmaster. If you following projects: are interested in Conservation issues For the first time ever KASK will be you may be prepared to take on an holding the AGM at Coastbusters. (1) Introducing the KASK proficiency advisory role to the KASK committee This is also the first time the organisa- award. This has been a huge task, on matters affecting coastal issues. tion’s AGM has been held in Auck- much bigger than any of us ever imag- Details are on the Conservation page. land and will give northern members ined. But progress is being made and Vincent Maire the opportunity to hear first hand some sub-committee chair, Susan Cade, will of the many important activities the be leading a workshop on the award at organisation is involved with on be- Coastbusters.

4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) inc. Notice of Annual General Meeting

The 2004 Annual general meeting of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) inc. will be held at 4.00pm on Saturday 6 March 2004 at Coastbusters, Orewa, Auckland in conjunction with the 15th Annual KASK forum. All notices of motion/remits/apologies etc. should be forwarded to the KASK Secretary: Maurice Kennedy, P O Box 11461, Manners StreetWellington Email: [email protected] Phone: 04 970 7154 Pvt. 04 499 7559 wk 04 473 1603 fax

It is a requirement of KASK’s constitution for all notices of motion and remits to be in the hands of the secretary 30 days prior to the start of the meeting. The AGM will also elect officers of the association, these are, President, Secretary, Treasurer, Safety Officer, Conservation Officer, Instruction Officer, Publications Officer, and Forum Organiser. Nominations for Officers must be submitted by members in writing, signed by proposer, seconder, and nominee prior to the AGM. Nomination forms are available from the secretary at the above address. Maurice Kennedy, KASK Secretary.

Make your contribution to KASK and recreational seakayaking by having your say at the AGM. A great opportunity to contribute to KASK’s annual programme - have your say on issues facing the recreational sea kayaker, and to influence the future direction on national initiatives for sea kayaking like training and conservation.

Nominations are also requested for the two annual Graham Egarr Memorial paddle trophies: - in recognition for services to sea kayaking in New Zealand - in recognition of outstanding contributions to the KASK Newsletter These beautifully crafted trophies were built by John Dobbie, laminated wooden blades on a stand.

CALENDAR The 2004 Coastbusters Symposium The programme and registration form Pacific exploration and settlement. Canterbury Sea Kayak for the 10th. Coastbusters Sea Kayak Kerry is a professor of History at Network Symposium is now on the EVENTS Massey University, the author of a Okains Bay Miniforum page of the KASK website – number of books including the highly 14-15 February 2004 www.kask.co.nz The symposium will acclaimed ‘The Quest for Origins’, Our annual get-together at Okains with take place over the weekend of March and a world authority on the those a bit of instruction (lots). Free except 5 to 7 and once again the venue is intrepid maritime explorers, the for camping fee. Some may wish to go Puriri Park at Orewa, with the Sunday Austronesians. Workshop presenters over on the Friday night. paddle at Sullivans Bay. Guest speak- include Steve Levett on navigation; ers include world-renowned sea kay- Steve Knowles on weather; Dr Mark Sessions start 9.30 a.m. aker and author John Dowd. Born in Johnston on health and injury preven- Either come each day or camp for the NZ, John has spent most of his life in tion; John Kirk-Anderson on risk weekend. There are showers ($2 hot Vancouver and his on-water journeys management and the KASK Bugger water) and kitchen facilities. include expeditions through the Car- File; Gerry Maire on and pad- ibbean and the Indonesian archi- dling techniques plus a presentation Be prepared to get wet, rescues and pelago. He is also founding editor of from the KASK Assessor & Training surfing (if there is any). Contact: ‘Sea Kayaker’ magazine. Also from Committee on the new KASK profi- Andy & Deirdre Sheppard North America is Shawn Baker, an ciency award. There will also be a Ph: (03) 342 7929 ACA kayak instructor from Montana showcase of DIY kayaks. The event is email: [email protected] and a member of Qajaq USA, a club limited to 120 participants and book- devoted to Greenland style kayaks. ings will be on a first in first served The network now has a new Shawn will be demonstrating Green- basis. website: land paddling and rolling techniques Cost for KASK members $97, non- www.CanterburySeaKayak.orcon.net.nz in the pool. members $115 Return the registration form to: The event will open on Friday evening Coastbusters 2004 with long distance solo sea kayaker PO Box 101-257 Kerry Howe giving a presentation on NSMC

5 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004

One cave in particular is very danger- previous year, but this year over 30 MATANAKA ous even on the best of days, due to its burrows were found. Ranger in shape - even the smallest swell gets charge, Anita Spencer, thought there MISS TERRY compressed as it moves in and of must have been some mistake, but course gets steeper, making getting each group reported the same im- SOLVED back out very difficult - needless to provement over last year. say we didn’t do that one. Thanks to Joyce, Judith and Mark, the With no predators around the island, mystery of the location of the We did the trip with the local operator the future for these special penguins is Matanaka Caves has been solved. who took us after we all met doing the looking extra good. And just for the They are not on a Pacific Island, but KASK trip leader’s course. We used record - bird fleas do attack humans. just north of Dunedin. his double sit on tops which was a good thing as there was quite a bit of Subject: Matanaka Caves bumping and scratching going on in Hi Paul some of the caves - not a place for WAIKATO A quick Google search turned up the glass boats. Matanaka Caves near Waikouaiti in REGION East Otago. The web site is: The caves themselves vary hugely, http://www.otagochartersnz.com/ from the open vaulted one, with its Lonely & Want someone to kayaking/packages/ own beach, as pictured on the website, Hope this solves the mystery. to a very narrow one that goes in about paddle with? Cheers 200 metres with ‘no exit’ and ‘no I have recently started organising trips Joyce Singleton turning’. around the Waikato and Rotorua ar- eas and have a good list of paddlers Subject: Matanaka Caves The guy who showed us round, is that I keep in touch with for group From: Judith Beuth Alan Anderson paddles, If anyone out there in the Hi Paul, Just looked up my Mobil ([email protected]) central Waikato, Hamilton, Rotorua N.Z. Travel Guide and it mentions or nearby areas wants to be notified Matanaka Peninsula at the northern He is very protective of the caves, when we have a trip planned please end of Waikouaiti Bay which is 42 km which comes mostly from a love of email me and I will add you to the list. NNE of Dunedin in North Otago. the area, but I guess partly he’s pro- tecting his business as well. Our trips are mainly on the Waikato That might be helpful...... Great maga- River, Rotorua Lakes, Taupo, Waihou zine. My husband and I have just Hope all this helps, do get in touch if River etc. Also anyone wanting in- completed a trip around Lake you’re in the area. formation on Taupo or the Waikato Waikaremoana using John Cheers etc. get in touch and I should be able Flemming’s trip account he wrote a Mark Robertson. to help. couple of years ago. Things have Dunedin Evan Pugh changed slightly with one of the DoC RD2, Putaruru huts replaced and huts and campsites [email protected] have to be prebooked now. John goes Ph: (07) 883 6898 there quite regularly so I will ask him CONSERVATION to do a recent trip report for your mag. Judith Beuth White Flippered Penguin Survey KASK Subject: Matanaka Caves from Bianca Sullivan Hi Paul NETWORK CONTACT Visitors to Otamahua/Quail Island A group of us paddled the caves about CHANGE may have wondered about all the ac- a year ago, I haven’t paddled many tivity, as DoC rangers and local caves, but this was an amazing trip. Helen Woodward, the Marlborough runanga, Te Hapu of Ngati Wheke, It’s only about 15 minutes paddle to region KASK contact, has advised of together with volunteers from a the first cave, then they just keep a contact phone number change to: ‘Women in Conservation’ project, coming. I’m not sure about the total Ph/fax: (03) 579 5669 wandered around the coastline, stick- number; I think something like 10 to ing their hands and heads into bur- 15 separate caves. Access is only pos- rows. This keen group were carrying sible to some on really good days out the annual survey of white (next to no swell that is), others are flippered penguin. more protected - the whole stretch is partially protected by a series of rock Last year 12 burrows were found, and shelves which you paddle on the in- that was a huge improvement on the side of most of time.

6 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

camped on the true right bank. After The complete trip was 80km and we NEW dragging kayaks up the bank, we were lucky that the river was high as ZEALAND camped in a lovely flat grassy area this enabled us to land with ease as and did some investigating of the area normally mud is the main get-out ob- TRIP REPORTS around some tracks and bush. The stacle. For us there were many very night went by and in the morning it level and grassy camp sites, but you was harder getting into the kayaks as do need to drag your boats up a level Mokau River the water had dropped a foot and it or two for safety and care is needed December 2003 was now hard slippery mud on quite a getting in and out on the hard slippery by Evan Pugh slope to get in. There was not a lot of banks. With a normal flow there should bird life - we saw a few wood pigeons be many small rapids to pass with ease We had been looking forward to this and tuis and heard moreporks during and this is a real gem of a river to trip for a while as Phil, John and I had the night; ducks were common on the paddle, a real good trip, easy and safe not been down the Mokau before but water and would disappear and bob with no real hazards, as long as you the time was here and my wife Linda up all over the place. are sensible and also leave no sign that and daughter Amanda would drop us you have been, you will enjoy this trip off at the entry point and pick us up the Not far before our campsite from last thoroughly next day. night we had passed a cliff load of Evan Pugh coal on the river which was very im- The entry point is off SH3, 21 km east pressive - coal used to be barged down of Pio Pio, then 6km down Totoro the river from this area but not for a BAY OF PLENTY long time as we could see no sign of a Rd., which is sealed. We drove over Whale Paddler the bridge and through a farm gate and jetty or landing from days gone by. down to the river’s edge; this is pri- We had also seen goats which were by Ryan Whittle vate property and the farm house is fairly scatty, not being used to seeing (reprinted from the ‘Auckland just across the bridge so you should many people, they darted away as we Canoe Club newsletter’) ask first. We sorted our boats and got paddled past them. ready to go, the river was flooded by A trip to explore new territory in the probably a couple of feet and was The first day had been very humid, Bay of Plenty was planned for the first flowing past pretty quick. We were sunny and hot - the second was wet week of December 2003. Colin in a off and past some nice limestone cliffs but not cold and we paddled on through Sea Bear, Matt and Ryan in Alba- then through a 2 metre gap between the big valleys which eventually turned trosses, and Brian in a Barracuda, trees that had fallen. into lowland with big old dead trees in loaded gear and boats into a trailer in the river for a few kms. Then this Auckland and drove to Whangamata We did the first 23 km in 2 hours and seemed to clear away for the hundreds to be joined by Graeme in his Barra- had stopped for lunch on some farm- of small whitebait sheds along the cuda from Roturua. land with no bulls on it, as many of the way to the sea. I spotted an open sided paddocks had them awaiting our ar- whitebait shed which would be good Leaving late morning with a gentle rival and we felt we didn’t need the for shelter in the rain while we had a breeze on our backs and the sun in our extra company. This first section had snack - so we clambered up the slip- eyes, a visit to the islands off the a variety of farmland and small lime- pery bank for 15 minutes and while beach was made on the strength of stone cliffs. We then got into native we were in comfort the incoming tide stories about a tunnel. On the seaward bush and what I would call small from far off rose a foot and tried to side, an entrance through a 20m tun- mountains, steep and bush covered all steal one of the kayaks which was nel led into a bay on the inside of the around us and sheltering us from what- drifting in its parking spot as we clam- donut shaped island. With dense veg- ever we needed to be sheltered from, bered carefully back down. etation covering the inside and room as the river zig-zagged through them. to spare for the five boats, it was a There were many waterfalls mainly We were away again with our progress great way to start the trip. small and a huge slip in one area that now slowed and continued on and had come down from a long way up; into a stiff headwind on the last 3km A lunch break before too long by many side streams some waiting to be straight to the Mokau bridge. It is Whiritoa ensures we don’t start off explored. I had been told that there fairly shallow up here and we landed too fast. Mayor Island is near its clos- would be lots of small rapids but as the on the right hand bank to the sea side est to the mainland here, about 30km river level was high, you could hardly of the bridge where a good boat ramp offshore and will keep us company notice them except for one which had and grassy area with loos are. We for a while. Another tunnel after lunch, foot high waves to dart through. waited for a while in the drizzle until and an area of algal bloom gives the the van arrived, loaded up we went to sea a muddy red colour, then its the Panirau Island approx. 35km from the the museum in the small settlement first of the longer sandy stretches - start was supposed to be our camp site and studied some pictures of interest 8km down Waihi Beach. The bar at but we carried on another 7 km and of the area. the Kaitaki has the surf breaking well

7 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004 offshore, but leaves a calm channel for the rest of the trip. The first Euro- through dumping surf and walk close in that allows us an untroubled pean occupation of Moutohora came through hot, hot, hot sand over the landing at Bowentown for the first in the 1830’s with an unsuccessful beach to the picnic tables at Pikowai night’s camping. attempt to establish a shore-based campground for lunch. State High- whaling station. The venture failed way 2 and the forestry railway line run Another fine, calm day. Mt. without a single whale being cap- alongside the shore here. Maunganui is hazy on the horizon and tured. Forty years later came attempts marks the end of the long sandy beach to make money from sulphur. It was After lunch, a short distance puts us in on the seaward side of Matakana Is- extracted and sold to a refinery in front of Matata Campground, which land. We paddle out past the breaking Auckland over a number of years but looks too good to pass by. We pitch surf on the bar before heading south was of poor quality, and the venture our tents absolute beach front in the closer to shore. Reports of the locals was abandoned in 1895. The next early afternoon, with a calm blue Pa- patrolling the beach in vehicles come phase of industrial activity came in cific Ocean clear except for the out- to nothing today. The car we see is 1915, when quarrying provided rock line of volcanic White Island on the parked with a family playing on the for the construction of the Whakatane horizon. Avocado trees are in fruit sand. An approach from a motor-boat harbour wall. A total of 26,000 tonnes over the back fence, and a local fish- for a nosy was the only other activity of rock was removed over five years. erman gives us a demo of a battery we saw while passing the island. It powered torpedo/boat to set his long may not stay this tranquil for much In 1965 Moutohora was declared a line that was featured on TV recently. longer, with property development wildlife refuge and the island was A couple of us try a swim, and the plans being advertised on the internet. bought by the Crown in 1984. Once water still has a bit of a bite to it. the goats which had been introduced The wind picked up steadily during to the island were eradicated, a plant- We wake to another hit of blue skies, the morning and on arrival at Mt. ing programme began and 12,000 and launch with another gentle breeze Maunganui for lunch, which meant plants covering 45 species are now at our backs. The weather gods have that keeping warm onshore was a chal- established. Today Moutohora is cov- been receiving copious praise on this lenge. Around the Mount onto ered with a mosaic of pohutukawa, trip. Dumping surf on the sandy beach Papamoa Beach, the same wind is mahoe, kanuka, bracken fern and makes landing unfriendly, and pass- now at our backs and becomes a friend grassland. There are 190 native and ing the Tarawera River, it appears as it speeds us along. Mayor Island is 110 introduced plant species. The is- there is another case of algal bloom, well to our left now, and the tree tops land is now completely free of the but its the output delivered to the sea are all that is visible of approaching goats, rats, cats and rabbits which from the Kawerau Mill upstream. On Motiti Island, looking like the masts previously devastated native plants a road bridge crossing the river, the of tall ships from here. Its much more and animals. The most significant fea- graffiti labels it the “Black Drain”. A visible when we pause offshore from ture of Moutohora’s current fauna is local tells us that it has recently im- Papamoa Beach Campground, it must the breeding colony of grey-faced proved, with fish again able to live in be low lying to change so quickly. petrels. Sooty shearwaters, little blue the river. Don’t imagine that there penguins, the threatened New Zea- would be much of a view in that water. We decide to make the most of the land dotterel and variable oyster- following wind and continue down catcher also breed on the island. Morning tea is taken after landing in the rest of the beach, surfing around Threatened species which are occa- the Rangitiaki River entrance, but the the boulder strewn Ohurie Point, and sional visitors are the Caspian tern, breeze is uncomfortable when you are into Little Waihi estuary against the the North Island kaka and New Zea- damp and exposed, so its soon back dropping tide. The camp manager tells land falcon. Other species present in- on the water. The number of houses us to camp for no charge, but Colin clude common forest birds, captive- on the beachfront remains high. The skilfully negotiates a fairer price to bred red crowned parakeets, three liz- BOP is reported as having the highest include hot showers. With the number ard species and fur seals. In March building activity in the country with of coastal campgrounds being sold to 1999 forty North Island saddleback 32 new houses a week. By the look of property developers, we have no wish (tieke) were transferred from Cuvier it, most of them are on the sand dunes to remove the financial incentive of Island, off the coast of Coromandel, along the beach. staying from the owners. to Moutohora. Public access to Moutohora is restricted to permit hold- The Whakatane River entrance ap- Monday dawns with clear blue skies ers and approved tour parties and pears too rough to go in. There is very and calm seas. Its becoming addictive school groups little of Whakatane visible from the - and we want more. I wonder what river mouth. It would be easy to pass the poor people are doing today? Motiti Viewing from the water, the Norfolk by with the impression that its a very Island sinks quickly under the hori- pines planted at campgrounds stand small settlement. Around Kohi Point zon as the day progresses, and Whale out with their orderly planting posi- into the lee, we land at one of the small Island (Moutohora) off Whakatane tions, and make the campgrounds sheltered beaches for lunch, and are grows larger and will watch over us easier to spot over the dunes. We land provided with a view down Ohope

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Beach. It seems a busy spot for a given away by the Norfolk Pines, al- noon. A drive back to Rotorua to drop Tuesday. lows us an afternoon lazing in the sun. Graeme at home and camp on his back The weather man says a front is com- lawn overnight mean an unhurried At the southern end of Ohope Beach, ing and the wind turns to the North- return to Auckland for the rest of us on one side of Ohiwa Harbour entrance west to support his prediction. That’s Saturday morning. is all white water, but the other side now a head wind and might mark the allows us a comfortable passage. The end of our golden spell of weather. A very satisfying trip with contrasts high tide allows us right up to the front between the long sandy beaches and door of the Ohiwa Motor Camp, and Overnight it drizzles down for a good rock gardens of the Bay of Plenty. we are able to borrow their trailer to 10 minutes, the only rain of the trip, Thanks to Kerry Howe, who has done move our boats to the camp area where and the golden weather is back in the it all before, to Colin for organising there is plenty of grass and an open morning. Colin likens it to Camelot, the trip, the weather gods for supply- cabana style kitchen. A very nice where it only ever rains at night. Rock ing great conditions, and Whale Is- campground. A visit back to the land- gardening takes the place of long land for watching over us for the week. ing spot after a few hours show there beaches, pohutakawa in flower and is NO water. We won’t be leaving that lush bush replace the sand dunes. way in the morning. The main beach Rocks are everywhere, many lurking resembles those on the West Coast, just below the surface. Buildings are with a long walk over deep sand and conspicuous in their absence on this EAST CAPE TRIP driftwood to get to the water. part of the coast. by Ian Algie

Using ant mode, making numerous We come across another tunnel, which Bill had suggested that a four to five small trips to get the gear and boats to turns into a labyrinth with five exits day trip around the East Cape from Te the water before packing, the lesson and entrances in the rock formation. Araroa to during the end that the hardest part of any trip is Dizziness and collision with the other of November would be a good way to loading and unloading the boats at kayaks become the biggest hazards. welcome in summer 2004. So he did either end of the day, is reinforced. There are plenty of fisherman at the a good prep job with daily paddling The amount of driftwood on the beach Motu River outlet. Attempts to pad- distances and possible camping spots, is increasing as we proceed. Many of dle upstream are soon abandoned as and Friday 7th Nov. saw four keen the logs have chainsaw cut ends, so the flow is too strong to make much Sea Kayakers, Bill Anderson, Graeme are probably man made. I wonder headway. The cool river water is re- McIntyre, Max Grant and Ian Algie how much driftwood there would be freshing and its worth the effort. set off for an overnight stop in Napier if the forestry was not here? I get to on our way to the East Cape. ask a local who has been there all his We stop for lunch on a quiet beach life, and he thinks there was more just past the Motu. There is a rundown Saturday saw us heading north, lunch- when he was a child. Remembering shack and a million dollar view. Whale ing at Gisborne, then on to Tolaga wood piled metres high along the Island is still clear across the bay, and Bay, where we left Bill’s car and beach, only to have it all washed away White Island is coming into greater transferred all the gear onto my trusty on the next high tide. For all the wood relief as we travel east. old Holden for the final leg to Te on the beach, there is very little in the Araroa. A good campground was lo- water. Paddling up the Haparapara River for cated, tents set up, then we checked a look shows a few flat areas that out the local restaurant, where hearty We land on the beach before Opotiki would be worth making enquires about portions were the order of the day. to look for a geocache that Matt doesn’t camping at in future, but we have The local pub was handy, so it was a have on his list yet and all get to become accustomed to hot showers good chance to mix with the locals experience the thrill of the hunt. Back every night at the campgrounds, and and take in a World Cup Rugby game. on the water, the Norfolk Pines again continue on to Te Kaha. It has a per- signal where Tirohanga Campground manent population of 300, and a very Rising early we packed tents and gear lies, and we stop for lunch. This was accommodating camp manager who into our kayaks together with a week’s the starting point of Colin’s earlier drives down with his trailer to carry food and took up the offer from the East Cape trip, and marks his comple- our boats uphill about 800m to the camp owner to deliver us to the beach, tion of the East coast from East Cape campground. then store my car while we were away. to 90 mile beach. The weather was perfect, just a light We decide to end the trip here, quit- breeze and clear skies, with short The wind dies over lunch, and we ting while we are ahead, and Brian dumping waves on the beach giving a cover the last of the long beaches - catches a shuttle to Whakatane in the lesson in launch timing. I emerged Waitotahi. The number of houses re- morning. The bus to Whangamata has very wet and had to recover my new duces the further down the beach we already left when he arrives, so he hat, so was off to a shaky start. travel. An early stop at Opape uses his thumb before driving back to campground which has its location pick us up with the trailer in the after-

9 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004

Had a good trip along to East Cape locals allowed us to top up our water highlight of the day was the paddle and out to East Island, which reminded supplies. The weather was so good around Pourewa Island and into me a lot of Bear Island off Waimarama, that we decided to carry on south Cook’s Cove, where the amazing rock where we managed to find a landing around Waikahawai Point and late in formations created many caves to ex- spot for lunch. After a circumnaviga- the day found a good grassy campsite plore. tion of the island, our compasses at . Max declared he showed we were on a southerly head- wasn’t carrying his 3L cask of Volluto Luckily the last leg into the now strong ing as we paddled down the barren Rosso any further, so after polishing NW wind was fairly short and we looking coastline looking for possible that off, a few suspect jokes being told landed back at Tolaga Bay right next campsites. Later in the afternoon we and Graeme, or was it Bill giving a to the wharf which juts out into the landed close to the outflow of Te Pito lesson in astronomy? T’was an bay, and is reputed to be the longest in stream with Graeme giving a good evening to remember. the southern hemisphere. The demo of side surfing. The farmer/ campground was handy so were able owner of the land was mustering his We awoke next morning to clear skies, to carry our boats right to our camping cattle off the beach and gave his OK to light winds and a perfect marine fore- spot, and have a welcome hot shower. camp the night. A strong easterly wind cast, so headed south averaging about had sprung up so after finding a shel- 7km/hr to the historic , Bill and I set off on the four hour tered spot we set up camp. A steep hill where we inspected the old wharf and round trip back to to pick overlooking the beach provided a pre derelict buildings which were last used up my car, which had most of the dinner challenge, climbing to the top about 50 years ago. The afternoon petrol siphoned out of it. Luckily the through scrub enabled Max to get cell paddle brought us to , local store opened up for us to fuel up, phone reception. where there is a monument commemo- and return to Tolaga Bay. rating Captain Cook’s landing there Next morning the wind had fortu- in 1769. We shared the good camping Thursday saw us packed up and on the nately dropped off enabling us to make ground there with a large group of homeward journey. The wind at good progress, with many sea birds Gisborne school children. An entrée Norsewood was so strong my roof feeding off the small fish close to the of crayfish given to us by some local rack bent and was lucky not to lose the surface. Passing the mouth of the fishermen, was cooked up by Max boats onto the road. Waiapu River, Port Awanui provided and provided the perfect evening for a a picturesque lunch spot with most enjoyable days’ paddling. (Max Thanks to Bill, Graeme and Max for Pohutukawa trees and sandy beach. also ate most of them!) making the East Cape trip one to re- A NW wind was forecast for the next member. Plans are already being made The afternoon paddle saw us land day so headed off early on the last leg to return to Tolaga Bay and continue again at Tuparoa, which is the beach to Tolaga Bay with 4 dolphins check- our journey south to Young Nicks suburb of , where the friendly ing us out just off Marau point. The Head, south of Gisborne. Ian A. Entrance to Cook’s Cove

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

SEA KAYAKING Although it was only 1.20am, we were Late Saturday, binoculars were PILGRIMAGE disappointed not to be greeted by those brought out to identify the strong pad- already at the campsite. However it dling style of a solo late arrival from was difficult for the two sleeping par- Waikawa. KASK treasurer Max Grant Blumine Island - 11/03 ties not to be disturbed by our noisy had a marvellous time with a pod of Marlborough Sounds arrival - particularly when several common dolphins during his paddle, by Paul Caffyn headlamp beams were pointed into with one almost touching the side of The Phantom (carefully disguised as their tents. Graciousness prevailed and his kayak. Nelson paddler AJ) has been a tad Cathye brewed up a tea for the arriv- tardy in recent annual pilgrimage or- als. I was so tired, particularly after a Resident wekas kept pilgrims on their ganisation, particularly after the very recent trip to Australia, that I had co- toes, with their attempts to steal food, successful stoning and burning of a jet ordination problems inserting the even climbing on top of the picnic ski replica at Pipi Beach, Pelorus poles into the tent fly. table. Wallace weka, was chased down Sound. Pressure from Wellington pad- the beach for some distance before dler, Cathye Haddock, led to a quick Saturday, a morning chorus of birds dropping a large loaf of Vienna bread. resolution of dates and a venue was and wekas racing between tents left set - the DoC campsite on the western little chance of sleeping in for those At 7pm, suits, ball gowns, top hats, side of Blumine Island in Queen Char- light sleepers, but the day was perfect, bow ties and tiaras were donned for a lotte Sound. Notification of the pil- not a cloud in the sky and a heavy dew sumptuous feed of appertizers, main grimage was only sent out by email as evidence of no wind. meal and desert. Sue Cade brought with no time for advertising in the out a candelabra, silver tray, and crys- KASK newsletter. Following a leisurely breakfast, the tal wine glasses. The burning and ston- pilgrims paddled around to the north- ing of a plastic sea kayak was thwarted The Phantom and Nettie made the west side of the island to visit old gun on two counts, a DoC fire ban and the long drive out to Punga Cove Friday, emplacements built during WW2 to presence of Max Grant, probably the in order to leave only a short paddle to protect the South Island from the threat largest manufacturer of plastic boats Blumine Island, but were nailed by 35 of Japanese invasion. At the first point, in New Zealand - but it was a great knot+ southerlies, and had to wait where a fresh north-easterly was build- enticement to ensure Max’s presence until early evening for the wind to ing a whitecapping chop, we met at the pilgrimage. ease, before arriving at the DoC camp- Conrad Edwards who had paddled site on Blumine Island. Pete Simpson across Cook Strait, leaving his home Following a scratchy AJ tape record- and Cathye Haddock left later in the Titahi Bay at 3.45am. Although a tad ing of the National Anthem and a day, also from Punga Cove, and made damp, from a wet crossing and expe- Haka, much mirth followed the play- the RV by 8pm. riencing strong tidal stream drift by ing of a series of AJ’s answerphone The Brothers, he turned around and messages. Those folk taped would Driving up from the West Coast, Paul joined us along to a short section of prefer to remain anonymous - but be Caffyn with kidnapped Welsh pad- gravel beach, where two rusty railway warned when you leave a funny mes- dler, Trys Morris (see note below), lines poke vertically out of the inter- sage on AJ’s answerphone. Follow- met the Wellington ferry at 8.30pm, tidal zone. Here we landed, parked the ing the very first Marlborough Sound’s with a noisy pod of paddlers departing kayaks above the high water mark, pilgrimage, when a replica of a river Picton at 9.30pm. Light winds eased, and headed into the bushes. Apart kayak was stoned and burnt, AJ re- and cloud cover slowly dissipated from the rusty railway lines, there is lated a story of incensed white water leaving a magic calm evening for the only a blue piece of plastic strapping paddlers at a Murchison meet who burnt paddle to Blumine Island. Phospho- around a tree to mark the track start. a fibreglass sea kayak. I hadn’t heard rescence in the water, both off the this story before, but apparently sparks bow waves and from each paddle On a terraced bench in the regenerat- from the burning kayak left tent flys stroke was almost mesmerising. Navi- ing bush, we passed a picnic table, appearing that they had been blessed by gation, via the automatic lights and a water supply and toilet, with more of the Pope himself, they were so holy. brilliant half moon, was superb down the blue plastic strapping marking the to Kurakura Point where the moon start of a benched track leading up- The moonlit, calm evening, was a set, leaving only a dark silhouette of wards to the north side of the island. stunner. When Max related a story of Blumine Island. David Fisher’s GPS The two massive concrete gun why dolphins only approach some helped during the paddle with dis- emplacements, magazines, and ob- paddlers, skepticism was in the air. tance remaining and a course to steer servation posts are in remarkable con- He told the pilgrims that dolphins can to the campsite. Closing on the west- dition, with superb views of the ap- hear the heartbeat of paddlers on the ern side of the island, it was impossi- proaches to the sound. Sixty years of water, and can pick up a second heart- ble to differentiate between beach and regeneration has led to forest cover beat of a pregnant woman. Appar- cliffline, but bright headlamps re- both on top of and in front of the ently, two blokes were out chasing a vealed the a DoC campsite sign, and emplacements. pod of dolphins, which would not the yellow and black pilgrimage flag. approach, but when they landed and a

11 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004 pregnant lady paddled out, the pod pods of common and Hector’s dol- ish woman to attain that level of quali- could not get close enough to her. phins came close to the paddlers. Al- fication. Based in Wales, she spends When she finally landed, and the blokes though all the lady paddlers claimed six months running BCU courses and paddled out again, the dolphins would they were not pregnant, comment was assessing trainees, and helps run expe- again not get close to them. in fact made as to what AJ and Nettie ditions for the remainder of the year. had been up to during the night! Sunday dawned without a breath of Trys and British paddler, Bob Timms, wind - not a cloud in the sky. After a A fresh north-easterly, drawing down set out in 1999 for a long paddle from leisurely hearty breakfast and drying the sound, led to loads of surfing runs, Folkestone, England, to Australia. In off of dewy tents, boats were packed. and a quick run back to Picton. A two single kayaks, Nigel Denis Ex- Prior to departing, the pilgrimage flag marvellous weekend - good camara- plorers, they paddled across the Eng- was ceremonially lowered by AJ and derie, good weather, and a lovely re- lish Channel, across France through Cathye, with the largo movement of mote pristine campsite for the pil- locks and rivers, then around the south Dvorak’s New World Symphony be- grimage. coast of France, the coast of Italy, ing played by Paul Caffyn - well actu- ferried to Greece, but finally pulled ally it is also known as the lilting Trys Morris the pin at Athens in 2002, when only Scottish melody ‘Going Home’ and Welsh BCU kayaking coach, Trys two out of seven permits for paddling was played without symphonic back- Morris, was kidnapped on the Friday, the middle eastern countries had come ing on a blues harp. AJ and Pete while she was honeymooning on the through. The kayaks were quite heavy, Simpson headed towards Punga Cove, West Coast of the South Island. Bik- given the modern communication kit while their ladies joined the others for a ing with her fiance from Picton to they were carrying; sat. phone, radios, leisurely paddle back to Picton via a Bluff, Trys and Simon met with Paul cameras, solar panels for recharging lunch stop at a DoC campsite in Ruakaka Caffyn for a feed, and Simon kindly batteries, but the paddling particu- Bay. Nettie, who had never seen dol- allowed her to join the sound’s pil- larly in southern France and around phins before, was overjoyed when both grimage. With a five star BCU coach Italy was most enjoyable, with friendly certificate, Try is only the second Brit- locals and good camping beaches. Blumine Island

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Trys paddled a Nordkapp over the regeneration now completely mask- track leading down to the second weekend, and it was interesting to ing the access roads and emplacement. Further east, along the listen to her comments on instruction, emplacements. It would be difficult track, a set of 215 concrete steps lead coaching, rudders and certification in to spot the huge concrete structures up to the old army campsite. The the UK. A high proportion of UK sea today from a kayak, such is the sub- island is now administered as a scenic kayakers are male, and Trys suggested stantial growth forest around them. reserve by DoC. a more even balance with female pad- dlers could be achieved if the use of From the beach landing, marked only For further reading on the island his- rudders was encouraged, with less by the two rusty remnants of the re- tory, the PDF file refers to: emphasis on learning a wide range of mains of the wharf structure, the start The Price of Vigilance: the Building paddling strokes. She went on, how- of the rising access track is reached of Gun Emplacements in the Marl- ever, to note this could well see her above the picnic table and loo. Al- borough Sounds, 1942’, Neal, K and without a paddle stroke coaching job! though overgrown, the track is easy to Leov, N; 1999; privately printed, Nel- follow to the first magazine, where a son. Blumine Island Gun fork to the left, leads down to one of ‘Defending New Zealand’, Defence Battery History the two emplacements. A further 15 - Study Group, Wellington, pp 478 - Peter Simpson provided the follow- 20 minutes walk on the main track 479, 851. ing website address which has a two leads to a second magazine, with a page PDF file on the history of the observation post above, and a fork Paul Caffyn. Blumine Island gun battery, with map showing gum emplacement sites and a 1944 photo of the island: http://www.doc.govt.nz/Publications/ 004~Science-and- Research/Pam- phlets/pdf/blumine.pdf

In late 1941, the British military rec- ommended New Zealand establish coastal defences in the Marlborough Sounds to provide protection for a proposed secure anchorage for the US Navy. Two gun emplacements were planned for the northern aspect of Blumine Island. Two scows were used to transport material to the island, with a substantial wharf built to land workers and supplies. After delays caused by the island’s steep slopes and soft rock, two massive concrete gun emplacements were constructed, Peter Simpson & Cathye Haddock each with a separate observation post Susan Cade and Trys Morris and magazine. The guns had a range of about 13.5kms. A water supply, works camp and power supply were also established. The guns were ready for action in September 1942 and test fired on 9 March 1943. Two officers and up to 20 men were stationed on the island, but after the Battle of Mid- way in June 1942, the threat of Japa- nese invasion decreased and the guns were removed in October 1943.

An aerial photo of the access road and gun emplacements taken in 1944, shows the ravages of the construction access roads and also sheep farming. Bare slopes with remnants of low scrub make it difficult to picture the same island today, with 60 years of

13 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004

In line astern through gaps, around you sideways, skittering you towards Reflections on the sharp bits, all the while watching a rock wall. You hope the cushion of warily and measuring the conditions water will minimize the impact while the Gentle Art and yourself and still keeping an eye you keep the kayak between yourself of Rock on each other and being ready to as- and the hard bits. sist. Sharing the moment, showing Gardening you can do it. You’ve had one of those moments from Brian Strid that prove you are still alive but you A big one comes. You turn quick back off for a while to get over it. Wafting on a swell up a rock face and enough to face it but the boat still Where is life without them? then back into the suck-hole, waiting stands on its end. The next one pushes for the next one while being jostled and buffeted by the surrounding white water or getting out quick. Eyes and mind never still, you’re having a ball.

Then it’s looking through a chute read- ing the water at the other end and sliding through an impossible gap depending on the incoming wave to make it work.

On top of a rock, falling, stabbing with the paddle hoping it doesn’t break then letting it go because you’ve grabbed at the rock with your hands instead and realizing you shouldn’t have but your buddy is right there.

RESPONSIBILITY AND EDUCATION by Alan Byde reprinted from the Canterbury Sea Kayak Network Newsletter

Wartime, 1944 -1945. Fighter aircraft centre and there was a canoe, as stable ment have told the BCU that if we were required for ground attack in in roll as a beachball. Some died. don’t do something about it pretty Normandy. North American “Mus- quick, will be made a crimi- tang” single seaters were flown over In 1957 when I built my first (and nal offence.” Around 25 died each the Atlantic in numbers. Extra fuel only) PBK 20 I found myself in de- year in what I called then, “Cheap was carried in under- wing tanks. mand to help beginners to begin, on Floating Accidents”. They were not Those tanks, having helped the ‘plane the river Wear by Durham Cathedral. canoeists. Canoeing was the solution, over, were dumped in great heaps in “Can I have a go in your canoe, please, not the problem. UK. The lightweight tanks were made Alan?” Within a year the Central of moulded plywood, teardrop shaped, Council for Physical Recreation had The President was the first “Senior circular section, 13 feet long and two me on their books as an instructor. I Coach” appointed, I was the second. I feet diameter. was assured that when I ran one of had to acquire the qualifications PDQ. their courses for teachers and youth That included the Royal Lifesaving The “Cockleshell Heroes” offered the leaders, I was covered by their insur- Award of Merit, which alone took first sniff of victory when they at- ance. The canoe club in Durham had dedication and three months hard work tacked German shipping up the insurance for the fabric of the Old to obtain. EAR* was not known then. Gironde Estuary. This had great po- Mill where we stored , and that Add to that I visited paddlers from litical value and their heroism was was all. Calshot to Berwick, N Wales to Es- rightly praised. Many youngsters sex, to ask them, who also did not wanted to be canoeing heroes too. Soon after that the British Canoe Un- have qualifications, to test me accord- They wanted to have canoes. There ion President and Chief Coach visited ing to the BCU rules, which were were great heaps of ‘canoe’ shells at Durham and told me “So many young- sparse. We qualified one another at airfields all over UK. The shells were sters are dying each year in so-called first. taken home, a cockpit hole cut in the canoeing accidents that the Govern-

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

After two years of enthusiastic effort ance, “Are your people qualified?” a rescue service that failed to rescue and many thousands of miles in my No qualifications, no insurance. the fishermen off Otago a few weeks Austin A 35 van, complete with fam- ago. Some one out of touch appar- ily and tent, the rules were satisfied I was pig in the middle. On one hand ently “Knew Best” and had the au- and I had my Senior Coach Award on I held my Senior Coach Award from thority to make it stick while men genuine terms. I had earned my place the BCU, and upheld their standards, died. and I tested men and women for years on the other hand my colleagues in to satisfy the rules. During that time Oxford were stating the obvious, that In May each year advertise winter the rules developed. The annual coach- although they had taught youngsters pool paddling sessions under skilled ing convention was at times hilarious for twenty or more years on a pond by instructors, using “BAT” pool kay- and at times verged on violence. Per- the Cherwell stream, without trouble, aks, or something similar, learn all the sonal scores were settled. Sporting now they had to have qualifications? stroke work, capsize drills, rescue politics hit the heart of the recreation. What qualifications? techniques, where utter novices and The sprint paddlers reckoned that eve- tough old seadogs meet and swap ryone else was an encumbrance and Back at BCU the national coach, experiences. It worked in my time and they demanded and for a while got, Oliver Cock, with roots in the thirties I suggest it will work here. the bulk of the meagre Governmental and the 1936 Olympics, insisted that Alan Byde grants. People like myself struggled all tests be taken as for touring canoe- to acquire and to keep going (at our ing, with tent, repair kit, food, spare *EAR: expired air resuscitation. We own expense) a motley collection of clothes, etc etc. Tell that to a teacher at were taught Holgar Neilson, moving what passed for canoes. Lifejackets Dragon School Oxford with a pond to the arms about and chest compres- were a rarity. The death rate declined play with and he asked plaintively, sion, release. EAR was just arriving. during these years from around 25 a “Why do I need all that?” I was made 1964, I think. I joined the police year to 10 a year. Something was to feel as welcome as a bad smell on a squad for 3 months of twice a week working. The BCU had made the ef- crowded bus. I offered my resigna- training. They put me in the water fort, the Government took notice. tion as a Senior Coach to the BCU but polo team after that. Canoeing became an acceptable rec- the Chief Education Officer pointed reational activity. out that without that, Oxford was un- likely to qualify for insurance. TECHNICAL Amateurs like myself, in Education, Trailers and long loads found ways to make the plugs and John Kirk-Anderson’s talk (17/09/ by Sandy Ferguson moulds for GPR kayaks. True canoes 03) showed me that the BCU has (reprinted from the ‘Canterbury Sea were very rare. Using fiery materials come a long way since I dropped out Kayak Network Newsletter’) in school workshops we turned out a in 1984. It also became evident that kayak a week. Parents were asked to kayaking and canoeing in NZ is at Check out- provide paddles, and much the same pass as the BCU in http://www.lsta.govt.nz lifejackets. I was invited to turn my 1960. The background conditions are Any load which extends more than 1 collection of duplicated sheets of ad- vastly different, The gear is excellent, metre behind the trailer must have a vice into a book, “Living Canoeing” the variety of kayaks huge, the knowl- clearly visible white, red, orange or That made its way here to NZ in 1969 edge reliable, but the hazards of sea yellow fluorescent flag attached. The and two great NZ business ventures and river remain the same. flag must measure 400 mm long by were started on the strength of that 300 mm wide. You might note that it advice. “What to do?” I hear. I suggest, as a doesn’t say the flag has to be spread Pom with no current qualifications out, just a bit of cloth of those dimen- In 1968 I was appointed to a position but a lot of experience, that so-called sions!! as warden of the Riverside Centre in blood chits and escape notes of that Oxford. We taught schoolchildren, sort are without value. If anyone says Also there has been mention of addi- we suffered vandalism, we made hun- “Lets go to the Sounds” and some- tional lighting for loads extending dreds of canoes in the five years I was thing goes seriously wrong, that per- more than one metre. Do a search on there, we bought an old ambulance son will be hauled in front of the the web site using “projecting loads” with worn out kingpins, we took young coroner and be given some bloody or “Factsheet 13” people thousands of miles each year awkward questions by experts in in- to great surfing spots and white water timidation. Basically, if the kayak extends more rivers. We lost none. than 1 metre from the front and/or rear The route may be old, but it is reliable. of the vehicle you will need to have Around 1970 there was national con- Education, education, education. lights on the kayaks. With one kayak, cern that insurance for these activities one light rear and at the front if it was insufficient. Schools and Educa- Educate the novice paddlers, educate projects far enough there. Two lights tion Authorities were told when they the Government officials. I for one if you have two kayaks as they will be applied as usual each year for insur- would be afraid if we had to rely upon more than one metre wide. Two half

15 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004 metre wide kayaks and a bit of a gap These lights need to be clearly visible I observed the personal skills day and between them will add up to more in clear weather at a distance of at a guided day on a SKOANZ Level 1 than one metre in total. Allowing that least 200 metres during the hours of Guides Assessment, conducted by LEDs are now very bright, from the darkness. This applies to all vehicles, Chris Gully and Todd Jago in specification “visible at night for 200 no matter when they were first regis- Christchurch. I was keen to do so as it metres” it should be possible to make tered. is seven years since I did my guides a cheap, battery driven lighting sys- course, and as the Proficiency Award tem to clip on to your kayaks when will be a pre-requisite for this award, carried at night. Instruction I wanted to know how it would stack Officer’s Report up. I found the assessment to be of a Here is the relevant wording from high standard, and very fair. Two can- Factsheet 13: by John Kirk-Anderson didates passed, one was deferred, and Loads which overhang the outside of The last three weeks have been busy, one failed. A lack of candidate’s prepa- the body or deck of the vehicle by with an assessor training weekend on ration was evident, and Chris and Todd more than one metre to the front or 1-2 November, observing on a said that is always a problem. The rear, or more than 200mm to the left or SKOANZ Guide’s assessment, 7-8 Proficiency Award will address that. right side, need to carry special warn- November, and a KASK, SKOANZ, ing devices attached to the overhang- NZOIA Instructor grandparenting I was also invited to attend a meeting ing end(s) of the load. meeting on 15 November. between SKOANZ and NZOIA to During the hours of daylight, there discuss the proposed Sea Kayak In- must be either: Assessor training: Five participants structor One and Two awards. There · a clean white, or fluorescent red, were trained in Christchurch by Gareth were also present members of orange or yellow flag, at least 400 mm Hare, and all felt it was very worth- SKOANZ who would be reviewing long by 300 mm wide, or while. It was agreed in principle that, the existing guide award. · a hazard warning panel, at least 400 where possible, we would work to- mm long by 300 mm wide showing an gether on assessments until the scheme The meeting was interesting, with dif- orange diagonal stripe (200 mm wide) was established and assessors’ confi- ferent views aired. The scope of the against a yellow green background, dence had risen. After speaking with proposed instructor awards was agreed facing forwards or rearwards. Gareth regarding the proposal to hold upon, and suggestions were made as practical workshops for assessors, I to changes to the guide award. It was During the hours of darkness, the flags phoned Tony Dumper in Auckland to decided that the Instructor One as- or hazard panels must be replaced discuss some issues he had raised. His sessment would be two days in length, with lights attached to the load as main points were; and would have the guide award as a follows: pre-requisite. The Instructor Two · for loads over one metre wide and They want KASK to raise the profile award would probably take a further extending more than one metre from of the proficiency course, through the three years of instruction after that the rear of the vehicle, one red lamp newsletter and the website. before a candidate was ready for as- (facing toward the rear) on each side sessment. of load They want an assessors-only page on · for loads up to one metre wide and the website to facilitate discussion. I did not stay for the second day, and extending more than one metre from I may have dropped the ball at that the rear of the vehicle, one red lamp KASK needs to decide on a cost for point. (facing toward the rear) at the centre the assessment. of load The scope of the Instructor One was to · for loads over one metre wide and A practical workshop was not needed. train paddlers to Proficiency level. extending from the front of the vehi- Speaking to Gareth Hare this week, cle, one white or amber lamp (facing As the Unit Standards are not yet on he raised alarm bells that the other toward the front) on each side of load the NZQA framework, and hence groups may then insist that this is a · for loads up to one metre wide and credits can not be issued, they want minimum requirement for those run- extending more than one metre from KASK to issue a certificate for the ning this training, and could easily be the front of the vehicle, one white or Proficiency Course, signed by KASK, part of the Minimum Assessor Re- amber lamp (facing toward the front) SKOANZ, and NZOIA. quirement. He was very careful in what at the centre of load he said, as he obviously works for · for loads extending more than 200 Gareth also said that he doubted that ATTTO, and therefore could be seen to mm beyond the side of the body of the money would be forthcoming from have a conflict-of-interest issue. vehicle, one red lamp (facing toward ATTTO for those who gained credits. the rear) on each side of the load at the I have since been told that this is the If this becomes the case, those mem- rear and one white or amber lamp situation in the ski industry, and they bers of KASK who have just attended (facing toward the front) on each side are moving away from Unit Stand- assessor training would not be able to of the load at the front. ards due to the cost. assess, unless they gained this further

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

award. This is an issue that we will Hi Paul, you want to put across an opinion on need to address. I’ve just received my copy of the Sea the foreshore and seabed issue, please Canoeist Newsletter and I’m a little don’t try and dress it up as humour. Also this week I helped introduce the concerned over the Humour articles. Keep this sort of garbage for talkback Proficiency Award concept to a meet- radio or the Barrytown pub. ing of the Canterbury Sea Kayak Net- While humour is of course very sub- work. The response was mixed! jective, I don’t believe the “Rangi” Because humour is a very personal and “Cultures” articles should have thing, it might be a good idea to drop The outcome was that we will be been published in the newsletter. They this section from the newsletter and running an assessment, dependent on may well be jokes you would email to stick to the thing at hand, kayaking. numbers, at our local mini-forum in people you know, but the Sea Canoe- Paul Kerr Feburary 2004. One month prior to ist is the mouthpiece for a national Nelson that we will hold a pre-assessment organisation, and as such is read by a training day to help candidates decide diverse audience with very different if they are ready. It is likely that some perspectives. or all of the other South Island asses- HUMOUR sors will attend. The Rangi piece could easily be con- Watch this space. sidered racist, and the last paragraph in Warning: following racist joke may JKA the Culture joke reinforces that view. be found offensive.

I’m not being PC over this, but KASK SHARK FISHING BAIT is working hard to be recognised as On a tour in Australia, the Pope took the voice of recreational sea kayakers, a few days off to visit the coast for Letters to the which means we have to consider some sightseeing. He was cruising Editor what we say. KASK is arguing that it along the beach in the Pope-mobile should be included in many different when there was a frantic commotion arenas and discussions, but these arti- just off shore. A helpless man, wear- I appreciate your anxiety about sea cles risk us being seen as Red-Necks. ing an English rugby jersey, was strug- kayakers’ access to foreshore, rivers gling frantically to free himself from and beaches, Paul, but in view of the We will not be doing our members any the jaws of a 25 foot shark. As the fact that KASK is a national body of good to be labelled as racist, and the Sea Pope watched in horror, a speedboat kayakers of many political persua- Canoeist to be seen as a soapbox. pulled up with three men wearing sions, I think it both unwise and unac- Wallaby’s jerseys. One quickly fired ceptable for you as editor, to air your There are enough people with a vested a harpoon into the shark's side while derisive views regarding Maori con- interest in sea kayaking who consider the other two reached out and pulled cerns about these issues under the KASK to be a gathering of a lonely the blue semiconscious English fan banner of this magazine. few. Let’s not give them anymore from the water. ammunition. There are obviously polarised opin- Cheers Then, using long clubs, the three beat ions on what you are pleased to call JKA the shark to death and hauled it into the ‘Maori grievance industry’ and the boat. Immediately the Pope you are perfectly entitled to yours. Dear Sir shouted and summoned them to him. However, KASK and its magazine I enjoy the KASK newsletters for the "I give you my blessing for your brave are not your personal fiefdom and I great information they contain and actions. I heard that there were some believe most Maori people would find like to send them to my friends over- bitter hatred between Australian and your ‘humour’ both ignorant and of- seas to let them know what is happen- English rugby fans, but now I have fensive. I think your prejudices, were ing in the NZ kayaking scene. But seen with my own eyes that this is not they to be widely circulated amongst there is one aspect of the newsletters true." Maori people, would only serve to that seem totally out of place in a ensure we were sent packing if we kayak newsletter and is a constant As the Pope drove off, the harpooner attempted to beach on their land. embarrassment, the humour section. asked his buddies, "who was that?" "It was the Pope" one replied. "He is I have never seen another national sea I realize that humour is a very per- in direct contact with God and has kayaking magazine editor indulging sonal thing, but what passes for it here access to all of God's wisdom." in this sort of partisan politicking and reminds me of the blokey smoko "Well" the harpooner said, " he may I am disappointed too that the elected rooms I frequented as a mechanic 30 have access to God and his wisdom, KASK committee has not asked you years ago. The item titled ‘Rangi’ in but he doesn't know anything about to pull your head in, frankly. the last issue is a piece of bigoted shark fishing. Is the bait holding up Malcolm Geard diatribe that is not only devoid of OK or do we need to get another 29 November 2003. humour but is downright offensive. If one?"

17 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004

in a small kayak.... not made for trav- elling in the open seas.” KAYAKER KILLED IN GRIM SUMMER COLLISION WITH Given the conditions in the area and by Paul Caffyn the fact that his gear had been washed POWER BOAT up, it was realistic to assume he had On 4 January, former Timaru man To my knowledge there have only probably drowned. No more aerial Richard Taylor, 30 years old, was been five fatalities involving sea kay- searches would be conducted unless killed when his kayak was struck by a aking prior to December 2003: more of Rinitz’s possessions were powerboat that was apparently tow- - a solo paddler off the Marlborough discovered. (Christchurch Press 23/ ing a sea biscuit (round inflatable tube, Sounds over a decade ago 12/2003). like an oversize inner tube). The acci- - a solo paddler off the Firth of Thames dent occurred at 5pm, while Taylor in October 2000 Innes Dunstan, in a phone call 26/01/ was paddling a sit on top kayak, some - March 2000, paddler missing off 04, shed a little more light on what 200m off shore, in Okiwi Bay, Kakanui Beach, near Oamaru - possi- transpired, and noted that no trace of Croisilles Harbour, south of French bly taken by shark the kayak or Rinitz has been found. Pass. - January 2000, journalist Andrew Rinitz bought a plastic recreational Heal was found in an upturned kayak single kayak in Invercargill, paddle A local resident said the boat turned in Pakawau Estuary, Golden Bay. and sprayskirt. The kayak had no bulk- straight around, picked up the man Possible result of an epileptic fit. heads or a rudder. He was planning to and rushed him to shore. It was clear - solo paddler off Banks Peninsula in study plants for their medicinal prop- he had received a pretty nasty whack December 2002. erties on the island, and made two on the head. A team of medics and a trips to the old whaling station in nurse onshore administered first aid This summer, the statistics are grim Patterson Inlet. to the man who was semi-conscious with two fatalities and a near miss. In when he was brought shore. Taylor late December 2003, a 56 year old With no previous outdoor experience, died as he was about to be loaded on German paddler was missing on Stew- and perhaps a total five hours of pad- to the rescue helicopter. The resident art Island, and presumed drowned. dling in the inlet, he set off to climb said he understood the accident oc- Lawrence Rinitz was last seen at Mt. Anglem via paddling along the curred in a area designated for power Bungaree Hut on December 9, and exposed northern coast of Stewart Is- boats. was travelling in a small green kayak land. With clothes and kit only in towards the Christmas Village area. plastic rubbish bags in the kayak, I The ‘Nelson Evening Mail’ clipping He had intended to climb Mt. Anglem would suggest this bloke was grossly (04/01/2004) noted that Maritime and return but had left no clear in- ill prepared for such a trip. Innes con- Safety Authority spokesman Bruce structions. siders he may have taken off the Maroc said he had spoken with po- sprayskirt to retrieve something from lice, but there was no decision as to His pack liner and day pack were a rubbish bag and was swamped by a whether the MSA would conduct its found washed up on the beach near wave. own investigation. A Blenheim con- the Christmas Village shelter hut but stable said it was too early to say helicopter searches from Halfmoon With no bulkheads, no sealed storage whether charges could be laid. Bay to Yankee River found no trace of bags for buoyancy, and no pump or him or his possessions. His sleeping , Rinitz would have needed Ron Wastney, training and conserva- bag and a change of clothes were to be a strong swimmer to reach the tion officer for the Nelson Canoe Club found at Bungaree Hut on December security of shore. Innes noted he has was contacted by a Wellington news- 11. similar type kayaks for rentals in paper for comments and unfortunately Halfmoon Bay for tourists, but they the clipping (Dominion Post 07/01/ Sergeant John De Lury, who was co- are strictly confined to within the bay. 04) is headed, ‘Kayak death gives ordinating the search, said Rinitz was Not much else to say - this bloke was push to ban’. It noted: ‘The death of a based at Innes Backpackers and fre- in the wrong kayak, the wrong place, kayaker in Okiwi Bay in the Marlbor- quently went off for days at a time, inexperienced and ill-prepared. ough Sounds is likely to put weight seldom returning when he said he behind banning twilight paddling in would. Because it was not out of char- On a more positive note, three Aussies the sounds, a canoe safety advisor acter for him to be overdue from such made an eight day circumnavigation says.’ This heading and comment is outings, the alarm was not raised until of Stewart Island between 6 - 14 Janu- unfortunate as Nelson sunset on the the weekend. ary; John Jacobi, Andrew Maffett and day of the collision was 9.03pm, four Jim Bucirse. ‘We had a great trip and hours after the collision. De Lury said Mr. Rinitz’s most recent paddled right around without any prob- excursion had taken him into a rugged lems and were thoroughly spoilt with Ski towing craft should have a for- windswept part of the island with big great weather. Our two days down the ward facing driver and additional ob- seas and currents. “He was travelling west coast were idyllic.’ server as a minimum. The driver is

18 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

legally responsible to abide by colli- 4. Early Course Changes ond tourist, also clinging to her up- sion rules and I find it difficult that no Never assume a boat has seen you. On turned kayak, 2km further on off one on the power boat (there were lumpy seas, when a kayak disappears Onekaka. four people apparently) saw Taylor into troughs, and particularly when on the kayak. I suggest that the boat the sun is low, a kayak can be ex- The women had apparently been driver should be charged with man- tremely difficult to see. Take early caught on an outgoing tide, boosted slaughter for the death of Richard action to avoid the path of all larger by a recent flood in the Aorere River, Taylor. vessels. Page 57 of the KASK Hand- and swept out into Golden Bay. Mr. book has two diagrams to show the Miller said the pair - a 22 year old In August 1999, a jet skier was con- what action should be taken when French woman and a 25 year old Japa- victed of manslaughter for the crash vessels are approaching. nese woman - were “surprisingly of his ski into a wooden dinghy which chirpy” when they were found and resulted in the death of a Cambridge 5. Capsizing boarded the rescue boat without help. man. In November 1997, a Porirua Lastly if a collision is unavoidable, “However they would not have wanted youth was charged with manslaugh- capsize the kayak to present the hull to to be out there any longer.” ter following the death of a 16 year old the boat’s hull. Stay in the cockpit woman, who was on a kayak when until the boat is past, as your body will Mr. Miller said the women, the sec- struck by the youth’s jet ski. So the be well below waterline and your head ond of whom was rescued just on precedent is there and there is no especially will be below propeller nightfall, “would have perished in the excuse for the police not to charge the depth of most high speed launches. night for sure” if they had not been boat driver in the recent collision. Talking with Grahame Sisson on this rescued. They were wearing matter, he related a collision between lifejackets. COLLISION AVOIDANCE a fishing boat and a plastic Puffin WHAT CAN PADDLERS DO kayak during the 1990 Xerox Chal- Reading between the lines, it seems 1. Visibility of Kayaks lenge. The weather in the Marlbor- likely the two women had rented kay- Nelson paddler Bevan Walker was ough Sounds was appalling with aks from the backpacker hostel owner, recently discussing kayak visibility strong winds and bad visibility. A who initially reported them missing. with Marlborough Sounds mussel fishing boat which was out searching They certainly had luck on their side barge skipper, Chris Redwood. Chris for competitors failed to see the kayak, to be spotted by a resident on shore, noted it was particularly difficult to see and the paddler had the foresight to after having been swept so far out to kayaks, particularly when motoring into capsize just before impact. The fish- sea. Assuming that neither woman the sun. When the use of ‘chopper ing boat ran over him keel to keel, but had previous paddling experience, flags’ (metre high pole with triangular the paddler survived the collision. they certainly did the right thing by flag on kid’s bikes) was discussed, Chris each remaining with their overturned commented a flag that flutters is more GOLDEN BAY boats, as this made the job of the visible than a rigid shape. NEAR MISS rescuers so much easier in locating (‘Greymouth Evening Star’ 29 the women. Both Bevan Walker and Christchurch December 2003) paddler Peter Sullivan strongly rec- Two tourists would have ‘perished MILD HUMOUR ommend the use of chopper flags, for sure’ if they had not been rescued Subject: Only in Australia mounted on deck aft of the cockpit, to after being tipped out of their kayaks Four youths from Canberra, Australia improve kayak visibility particularly off Collingwood on 28 December, pulled off a trick of breathtaking bra- when paddling in high density boat one of their rescuers said. The women, vado in order to gain revenge on a traffic areas, or where water skiing is who went kayaking at about 2.30pm, mobile speed camera van operating in carried out. And a bright orange or hot were treated for mild hypothermia the area. Three of the group ap- pink colour for the flag seems to stand after being rescued last night. proached the van and distracted the out best. operator's attention by asking a series A Collingwood backpacker hostel of questions about how the equipment 2. Paddle Visibility owner reported the pair missing just worked and how many cars the opera- Paddle blades can be sprayed with hot after 7pm and a search was begun. tor could catch in a day. Meanwhile, pink or orange dazzle to improve vis- Takaka police asked Collingwood the fourth musketeer sneaked to the ibility. And Bevan has attached re- boatie Des Miller and friend Warren front of the van and unscrewed its flective tape to his paddle tips, such as Iggo to check out a sighting by a numberplate. After bidding the van the white or yellow strips attached to Milnthorpe resident of an orange operator good-bye, the friends re- the white, plastic roadside markers. ‘blob’ in the water off Tukurua. turned home, fixed the number plate to their car and drove through the 3. Clothing and Lifejacket Mr. Miller said they came across the camera's radar at high speed - 17 times. Bright colours, reds or yellows, will first kayaker “by pure luck,” clinging As a result, the automated billing sys- stand out more than blue or black to her upturned kayak about 7km off tem issued 17 speeding tickets to it- colour against a backdrop of the sea. Tukurua Beach. They found the sec- self. Go Aussies!!

19 No. 108 December 2003 - January 2004 MAILED TO

If undelivered, please return to: Maurice Kennedy, PO Box 11461, Manners St., Wellington. 6034

KASK MEMBERSHIP POLICY Current membership fees are: - $25 for ordinary membership - $30 for family or joint membership. - new members receive a free copy of the handbook. - members should endeavour to renew by the start of our new year which is 1 August, and runs to 31 July the following year. - a subscription due notice and up to two reminders with red notices stickers etc., are sent out with the newsletters between June and October - existing members who leave their renewal to months before the end of the year (that is during June and July) have their sub credited to the following year. They in effect get a membership of up to 14 months as an incentive. - new members who join between 1 April and 31 July automatically get their membership credited to the following year. Again in effect receiving a membership of up to 16 months as an incentive. - the KASK committee puts its emphasis confirming renewals from existing members from July to October; and promoting new KASK memberships from November to February. Maurice Kennedy, KASK Secretary.

20