The first investigation was made by Ben Burger, a parent of a rower, to look for water which was more suitable than the Haven and port area for aquatic sports. He spent some time searching for a course and then gathering information and interested people it was resolved in 2005 to pursue and establish such a course which should be non-commercially operated and provided to the community with minimal cost. From this the Trust was formed.

 

It is the aim of the Trust that the course shall meet certain criteria as follows:

 

1. The course must be available to as many flat water sports and users as possible, and be built to international standards
2. The course must be able to be used for non-sporting activity when not in use, i.e. recreational park and picnic site.
3. It must have as little environmental impact as possible and should wherever possible enhance it.
4. It should be close to amenities and services.
5. Must have easy access to water for filling and must not stagnate in any way
6. The operation must be not for profit
7. It should be usable in all weather conditions.

 

The Nelson region was assessed for sites and as a first step the traverse (41⁰ 16’23.63”S  173⁰ 07’39.27”E) between Rough Island and Rabbit Island (Moturoa) was investigated.

 

The proposal was to straighten and deepen the traverse, put flow control weirs on it and provide a course. During public discussions there were concerns primarily from Forest and Bird about the effect on the ecology of the traverse and that it would “reduce” the “wet” surface area of the estuary as a whole.

 

This lead the Trust Board to reassess the selections and the best area which would meet the course requirements and the concerns raised. The Trust searched for a site ranging from the Wairau plane near Blenheim to Golden Bay. In the final analysis a facility on Rabbit Island (Moturoa) (41⁰ 15’29.17”S  173⁰07’21.43”E) right near to the traverse was an order of magnitude better than any other site we could find.   .

 

It was felt that the new site on Rabbit Island (Moturoa) would increase the existing “wet” area of the estuary which could be designed to enhance selected ecological niches if required. In addition the existing pine forest surrounding the course would be replaced with native flora therefore enhancing the prospects for increased biodiversity and populations of native fauna. 

 

This proposed course on Rabbit Island (Moturoa) would meet all the criteria set out for the facility including the environmental aspects i.e. it will be replacing pine (an exotic species) with more estuarine area and indigenous plants and it is hoped at least some of the concerns raised.

 

It should be noted at this point that we do realise that there are more issues of concern out there and we hope to address all of them in a feasibility study to be undertaken soon.