Mangahao White Water Park

A new community Asset!

Take a natural resource with unrealised potential and a group of Manawatu white-water athletes with attitude, and mix.  The result is a world class venue for us all to enjoy - the Mangahao White Water Park in Shannon.

This is a project conceived in 1999 by John Snook, a long time member of the Palmerston North Canoe Club and past national slalom champion.   $500,000 has been raised from a variety of local body grants, Eastern and Central Community Trust funding, Lottery Board and gaming machine grants,  the area below the Mangahao Power Station at Shannon has been transformed into a community based nature reserve and world class kayaking facility.

The 300 meter section of river immediately below the power station has been modified so that water hydraulics form features perfect for slalom and freestyle white water paddling.  The river bank has been developed into a small nature park complete with native plants and family picnicking facilities.

Due to be officially opened over the weekend of November 8th and 9th , the venue will be a centre for competition and the development of kayaking skills for both novice and experienced paddlers.  Youth will especially benefit with the opportunity to learning a new sport in a controlled and safe environment.  The facilities will be promoted to schools and will have instruction programs for anyone interested in learning about slalom or white water paddling.

Currently, the facility is fully operational, but dependent on river flows from the power station.  One organisation to take advantage of the facilities at this early stage is the White Hot Water NZ Kayak Centre for Excellence, sponsored by Ucol, Perception Kayaks, Sport Manawatu and Lufthansa.  It has helped paddlers reach for their full potential, including Ben Walkley, Heather Jull and Jared Meehan who aim to represent New Zealand at the 2004 Olympics Games.

For more information on the Mangahao White Water Park, please visit the website at http://www.slalomnz.org.nz or call John Snook on 021 1937411.

By Daimien Reynolds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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