Jet Boating NZ (JBNZ)
Co-application for a
Conservation Order
on the
Ngaruroro River
JBNZ Conservation Order Application – Ngaruroro River 15th May 2013 Page 2 of 15
INDEX
Page
Applicant Details 3
Application Summary 4
The sport of Shallow Water Jetboating 5
Shallow Water Jetboating on the Ngaruroro River 6
Jetboating passenger trip per year 6
Outstanding attributes of the Ngaruroro River 7
Restrictions and Prohibitions Sought by JBNZ 9
Authorisation 9
Ngaruroro River Map 10
Photographs 11-15
JBNZ Conservation Order Application – Ngaruroro River 15th May 2013 Page 3 of 15
APPLICANT DETAILS
Applicants legal name Jet Boating New Zealand Inc
Applicants common name JBNZ
Applicant Bev Owen-Cooper
Executive Officer
Jet Boating NZ (JBNZ)
Contact Details PO Box 313 Rangiora 7440
03 315 6694
JBNZ Logo
JBNZ Conservation Order Application – Ngaruroro River 15th May 2013 Page 4 of 15
APPLICATION SUMMARY
JBNZ is applying for a conservation order over a section of the Ngaruroro River in order to provide its
members and their guests with certainty that they will continue to be able to enjoy the high level of
benefit from their recreational use of the Ngaruroro River.
Over the course of a year, JBNZ estimates there are at least 2400 passenger trip per year on this section
of river. (See table 1 for the methodology).
The section from “The Cable” at Whanawhana (NZTopo50 BK37:918-158 down to the Fernhill bridge
(NZTopo50 BK38:230-114) – see map on page 10 - is revered for its persistent and reliable shallow water
boating experience. This section is preferred when in low flow, however the very characteristics our
members seek are the result of ongoing riverbed modification brought about by the regular floods that
sweep down the valley. During minor floods the nature of the riverbed means that many new “shallow
water” channels appear – offering variety.
Each fresh or flood changes the course of the channels – they are highly mobile, providing new shallow
water boating opportunities when the river flow once again drops.
Any modification to the ‘natural’ run of river flows is likely to reduce the mobility, number and nature of
the small channels that are an outstanding feature of this section, greatly reducing the value to JBNZ
members. A desire to ensure the natural characteristics of the river are retained is the driving force
behind this application.
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THE SPORT OF SHALLOW WATER JETBOATING
Members of JBNZ utilise the unique attributes of a waterjet powered, shallow draft, light weight, yet
robustly built ‘Jetboat’ to participate in an adventure sport called Shallow Water Jetboating.
Shallow water jetboating involves travelling along riverbeds where sections of the stream may be as
little as 50mm deep. The specialised design of the ‘jetboat’, with nothing protruding below the bottom
line of a robust hull, and when driven by a skilled driver, enable sustained navigation over what would
seem impossibly shallow water.
From time to time, generally as a result of driver error, the craft will run aground. This event
precipitates considerable effort to return the boat to water which must be at least 500mm deep to
enable the boat to accelerate back to the 30+ km/hr speed required for shallow water passage.
Our members seek to enhance their river reading, navigation and boat handling skills as often as
possible. With skill, shallow multi-channelled rivers can be navigated with a high degree of reliability.
Depending on driver skill and ambition, the challenge is often to choose the shallowest navigable
channel. The more variety in the riverbed the better, preferably with multiple channels running over a
riverbed made up of a fine, loose aggregate.
Shallow water jet boating often involves the entire family. It is an exciting yet safe family oriented
sporting activity.
Over the course of a year, our members will offer a ride to many guests. With most boats capable of
carrying up to 4 people, many members of the public will be introduced to the sport and to the
excellent river environment proved by the Ngaruroro River. See Page 6 for details.
There are other branches of jetboating, including white water (deep, swift water constrained by large
boulders), sprinting (specialised craft competing against a clock on purpose built tracks) and river racing
(specialised craft competing in special events).
The vast majority of hours are conducted on shallow water, family oriented jet boating adventures.
See photographs on pages 11 - 15
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SHALLOW WATER JETBOATING ON THE NGARURORO RIVER
The section of river downstream of “The cable” at Whanawahana (NZTopo50 BK37:918-158) to the
Fernhill Bridge (NZTopo BK38:230-114) is highly valued for shallow water jetboating.
The common launching point on the Ngaruroro is at Maraekakaho (NZTopo50 BK38:113-054), where,
fortunately, a gravel extracting site provides excellent access. This enables access both up and down
the river.
In the river above The Cable, the nature of the river changes dramatically. Above here, safe navigation
requires the skills of a white water specialist. In this section large rocks and pressure waves abound.
The limit of navigation is generally a location knows as the forks (the Taruarau River confluence
(NZTopo50 BJ37:872-221), although in high flows navigation a few kilometres above this point is
possible.
JETBOATING PASSENGER TRIPS PER YEAR
Jetboat drivers always carry at least one crew member and often up to four passengers. Typically the
passengers vary from trip to trip, ensuring that over a year a significant number of the general public
are introduced to the very special experience of Jetboating on the Ngaruroro River.
Statistics of use are not recorded.
Use comprises events organised by Jet boating NZ and private trips.
The following table provides an indication on the level of use for the Whanawhana to Fernhill Bridge
section. It is based on the assumption that most use occurs at weekends, with a slightly higher level of
use during the summer months.
JBNZ events attract members from throughout NZ and often span two to three days.
Description Number of weekends
Boats per weekend
Passengers per boat
Total People
Winter period 21 8 2.5 420
Summer period 21 15 2.5 788
JBNZ events 10 40 3.0 1200
Total passenger trips per year 2408
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OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTES OF THE NGARURORO RIVER
WHANAWHANA TO FERNHILL
JBNZ considers the braided reach of the Ngaruroro River mainstem between Whanawhana and
Fernhill as outstanding in terms of the jetboating experience it provides. The particular
values/attributes that make it outstanding are as follows:
Attribute 1 - This reach is the only one in the North island that:-
a) Consists of multiple channels over a high proportion of the 52 km reach
b) Consistently presents a riverbed comprised of fine aggregates and containing very few rocks
large enough to cause hull damage.
c) Provides many different driving experiences depending on the flow – on this river even minor
changes in the rate of flow (by as little as 2-5 cumecs) significantly alter the experience.
d) Has a course which changes frequently. Even minor freshes will change the course of shallow
channels because of the fine loose nature of the aggregate. This provides variety to the driver
and requires constant application of skill.
e) Has such a high value to members. No other North island river comes within 10% of the value
of the Ngaruroro. Many members frequently travel to the Ngaruroro from as far afield as
Wairarapa, Wellington, Manawatu, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland.
Attribute 2 – Accessibility is excellent
a) The Ngaruroro is highly accessible with many launching and retrieval locations
Attribute 3 - Unmodified nature is highly valued
a) The river has relatively few man-made constrains like stopbanks to modify its nature, which
allows it to express its natural character according to the geology of the area, flow regime, and
upstream gravel supply.
b) While water abstraction currently occurs from this reach, at current rates this does not
significantly affect members.
c) The natural flow is highly variable
a. Small changes in flow will modify the depth. A small rise in flow may add many more
channels providing new shallow water opportunities
b. A small drop can equally alter the challenge
d) Even minor freshes change the course
a. Frequent freshes change the course of the river, partly because the aggregate is fine
and loose. This means that every time our members use the river, the experience can
be quite different. This means their ‘reading the river’ skills (navigation of the best
path) are constantly challenged
JBNZ Conservation Order Application – Ngaruroro River 15th May 2013 Page 8 of 15
e) An unmodified river is pleasing to the eye.
f) Flood protection structures often create severe hazards – thankfully there are not many on this
river.
g) The turn-around point is defined by the river – it suddenly changes its nature at the
Whanawhana cable. For our members this is a vastly more satisfying experience than being
forced to turn around by an imposed rule. A situation that is sadly all too common on many
other rivers.
Attribute 1:4 – Clean water
a) The nature of the catchment means the water carries very little fine sediment. This is both
visually appealing but also makes it much easier to read how deep the water is.
b) Nutrient levels are low which ensures the water stays clean which is both pleasant to look at
and ideal for family picnics and swimming; – activities commonly associated with a jetboating
outing.
Attribute 1:5 – Safe stream banks
a) Most of the course stays well away from the banks, where there is a risk of willows blocking the
path
b) Flood protection structures are of a low scale
Attribute 1:6 – Conflict of use with other users is minimal
a) Good visibility ensures different user groups are aware of each other
b) This is not a highly rated fishery – there are not enough deep pools to support a strong fish
population
JBNZ Conservation Order Application – Ngaruroro River 15th May 2013 Page 9 of 15
RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS SOUGHT BY JBNZ
1. Natural movement of gravel is retained
To ensure the river continues to form multiple channels that regularly change their size and
form JBNZ seeks that:
(a) Beyond essential flood protection works, there is minimal disruption to the natural
movement of gravel through the mainstem of the river upstream of Fernhill as
might be caused by the building of dams and weirs.
(b) The flow of the river is not modified by the construction of water storage facilities in
the upper catchment (upstream of Whanawhana) that will cause more than a minor
change to the natural flow of the river.
2. No physical barriers
JBNZ seeks that there are no physical barriers like dam structures or weirs erected across the
mainstem of the river that might impede the safe movement of jetboats up or down the entire
length of the entire river.
3. Maintain the natural flow of the river
JBNZ seeks that there is no significant modification to the existing minimum flow regime of the
mainstem of the river between Whanawhana and the Fernhill bridge. Existing consented water
abstraction volumes and minimum flow restrictions are recognised and agreed as acceptable.
4. Discontinue dangerous river management practices
a. River management practices like creation of river training structures using railway irons
create structures that pose a high risk to the safe use and navigation of jetboats and
should be discontinued.
b. Many existing river management structures (like railway iron groynes) become exposed
as a result of erosion and create a high risk to the safe use and navigation of jeboats.
These should be removed as they are found.
AUTHORISATION
This application is authorised by Jet Boating New Zealand (JBNZ)
Bev Owen-Cooper Date 15/5/2013
Executive Officer
Jet Boating NZ (JBNZ)
Whanawahana (Cable) to Fernhill Bridge section with yellow highlight
JBNZ Conservation Order Application – Ngaruroro River 15th May 2013 Page 11 of 15
A group having a break just below the cable at Whanawhana having travelled from Maraekakaho.
Yellow highlight covers
the Whanawhana to
Fernhill bridge section
of the Ngaruroro River
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The consequence of not paying attention.
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A side channel that was perhaps too small
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Boat following perhaps too close!
JBNZ Conservation Order Application – Ngaruroro River 15th May 2013 Page 15 of 15
Vehicles and trailers parked at Maraekakaho on a JBNZ organised event