Last September, a Special Tribunal recommended the upper reaches of the Hawke’s Bay’s Ngaruroro River be protected by a Water Conservation Order.

The recommendation was made on the basis of the river’s outstanding values including scenery, recreation and its significant trout fishery. Just 15 rivers in New Zealand have been protected by a WCO.

To celebrate the recommendation, packrafters from around the country paddled the remote river in November.

“This has to be a contender for the ultimate multi-day packrafting trip in the North Island,” said Brendon Nevin who travelled from Nelson to make the trip.

After a submission process, the recommendation to grant a WCO will go to the Minister for the Environment for consideration.

– Martin Robertson