March 26, 2019
Kaituna River closed after kayak deaths
The Bay of Plenty Regional harbourmaster intends to close three gorges in the lower Kaituna River after two deaths and at least one near miss.
Peter Buell says the Awesome, Gnarly and Smokey gorges pose significant danger, even to experienced kayakers.
They will be closed to recreational users from May 1.
A meeting for stakeholders including iwi, landowners and recreational river users will be held before then.
Existing commercial white-water rafting and other recreational activities outside the gorges would be unaffected.
Mr Buell says the three gorge sections contain a number of serious hazards, including submerged logs, which it would be unsafe to remove.
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com