Hutt River

Sunday 29 November

About 700 people took part in Day on a Wild River activities at Kaitoke Regional Park on Sunday.

“It shows how much people love rivers,” Upper Hutt Forest & Bird organiser Graham Bellamy said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to learn about new ways they can enjoy rivers and about the fish and eels and water insects that live in them.”

Children queued up to have a turn in a kayak under supervision from members of the Hutt Valley Canoe Club.

Upper Hutt College year 9 pupil Michael Bird learnt how to paddle in a deep pool in the Hutt River, and attempted to make his way up a small rapid, helped by expert kayaker Paul Schofield. “It’s fun,” Michael said. “I like the rapids best.”

Eel feeding on the Pakuratahi River was popular with children, who loved stories from Kiwi Conservation Club officer Jenny Lynch about the epic journey eels make at the end of their lives to breed in the Pacific Ocean.

Many adults and children tried casting a fishing line on the lawn, and learnt how to tie fishing flies from Hutt Valley Angling Club members.

Hutt Valley Tramping Club members demonstrated how to link up to safely cross a deep river, and Fish & Game staff caught some bullies and an eel by briefly stunning them using electric fishing.

Speakers at the event included Rimutaka MP Chris Hipkins, who praised the event for raising awareness of wild rivers and the need to protect them from development. Kaitoke Regional Park ranger Steve Edwards spoke about the many recreational opportunities of the park.

The afternoon was one of 10 Day on a Wild River events around New Zealand to celebrate wild rivers. Some planned for Saturday were affected by heavy rain.

Further Information

Contact Graham Bellamy glbellamy@slingshot.co.nz