Hugh Canard (NZ)

Hugh Canard has been at the forefront of Whitewater New Zealand (WWNZ), which seeks to preserve NZ’s whitewater resources and enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. In short, Hugh has done much to promote not only kayaking, as recognized by being a recipient of NZ’s highest award from the NZ Canoe Federation, but also the river environments in which kayakers live. NZ’s whitewater attracts many international paddlers each year.

Hugh’s presence in the national policy development arena has raised the awareness amongst our political leadership of the importance of the river environment for recreationalists and whitewater kayakers. Seen as a fringe sport, kayaking is now recognized as a strong, vibrant sport and part of NZ cultural, sporting and environmental heritage. 

Hugh has been involved with WWNZ and its predecessor organizations as a volunteer for well over 30 years. Hugh has had influential roles in securing national Water Conservation Orders on NZ’s major whitewater rivers, the Kawarau, Buller, Grey, Rangitata and Mohaka. He has given expert kayaking evidence at hearings on the Hurunui River and Mokihinui Rivers. His already significant contribution to the improvement and maintenance of river environments has taken a quantum leap forward in the last decade. Hugh was on the steering group for the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and one of five environmental members of the government-driven Land and Water Forum.

Hugh started active whitewater paddling in the 1960s, and he remains an active paddler today. He embarked on explorations of rivers in the NZ South Island in a hand-built craft. He carried his various craft up wild rivers on the West Coast of the Southern Alps and then floated down again. One such trip was to float the Waimakariri River from its glacial source to the sea, 151 km in an inner tube over 4 days. He was a pioneering trailblazer of the South Westland glacial rivers of the Whataroa, Callery, Tatare and Waiho.

Patron is an honorary role which marks the respect with which Hugh is held by the NZ kayaking community. Hugh’s passion and enthusiasm to explore, protect, and share our rivers are exemplary and inspirational, and he encourages and inspires future generations to do the same.