More than 200 people participated in a wild river field day at the Nevis Crossing in Central Otago yesterday, designed to raise the profile of New Zealand's remaining wild rivers and their values.
The group of walkers, anglers, kayakers, and families met at Cromwell's big fruit sculpture from 10.30am before venturing into the Nevis and reassembling at the Nevis Crossing about 45 minutes away.
Otago's Fish and Game Council organised the event in conjunction with Forest and Bird, Whitewater New Zealand, and Federated Mountain Clubs.
Those involved enjoyed guided walks, a picnic, rafting, and an outdoor concert by folk singer Martin Curtis.
The event was part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the country's remaining wild rivers - many of which were at risk from proposed hydro-electric development, Otago Fish and Game Council chief executive Niall Watson said.
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei also attended the event, while other Green Party members participated in similar wild river days throughout the country.
Mr Watson said the Nevis River offered outstanding landscape and recreation values, was good for kayaking and angling, and provided remote tramping and back-country skiing access to the Hector Mountains and Old Woman Range.
A special tribunal is at present considering whether other values, such as plants, fish, and goldmining sites, deserve similar recognition under a water conservation order.
A tenure review proposal by Land Information New Zealand recommending freehold title be given to Pioneer Generation Ltd around the area is also attracting submissions - which close today.
