Mangahao White Water Park Nears Opening
Mangahao White Water Park Nears Opening
A huge amount of energy has been dedicated by a small group of individuals to develop the Mangahao White Water Park. This is now a world-class kayak slalom and freestyle facility, right on Manawatu’s doorstep.

The driving force behind the park is John Snook, a previous national champion slalom kayaker, and a long time member of the Palmerston North Canoe Club. He leads a team of enthusiasts that have put an enormous amount of personal time into the facility.

Photographed from the left:
John Snook (Trustee)
Ben Walkley (Paddler)
Ian Campbell (Trustee)
Warren Cheetham (Trustee)
This team also includes slalom paddlers competing at an international level as a result of the training they have received at the Mangahao White Water Park. They are Ben Walkley, Jerad Meehan, Heather Jul and Johan Rozenburg. These 4 outstanding Manawatu paddlers are currently aiming to qualify for the Olympics, and travel to Athens in the New Year to compete against other athletes with the same ambition.
The team is very grateful for the support received from the Eastern and Central Community Trust and the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.
The official opening is 9 November at 12pm. Opening events commence 8 November. For more information on the use of the facility and for enquiries about the opening please visit the website or email John Snook at J.Snook@ucol.ac.nz.
By Daimien Reynolds
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Mangahao White Water Park
What a marvelous thing Vision is!
NZ Canoeing National Championships
John Snook