Waianiwaniwa River

The Waianiwaniwa River (Waireka) is a river in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand.[1]

Waianiwaniwa River
Waianiwaniwa River and surroundings following flooding, July 1963
Waianiwaniwa River is located in New Zealand
Waianiwaniwa River
Location of Waianiwaniwa River in Canterbury
Location
CountryNew Zealand
AreaHomebush
Physical characteristics
Mouth 
 • location
Selwyn River
Length23.63 km (14.68 mi)

Location

The source is in the Wyndale Hills, which are foothills of the Southern Alps. The Waianiwaniwa River is a tributary of the Selwyn River.[1]

History

The Waianiwaniwa Valley originally belonged to the Deans family. This particular block belonged to one of the Deans sisters and she sold it to the Hawke family. The Hawkes broke it in turning tussock country into dairying country. The homes built by William A Hawke and Ernie Hawke still stand. The first farmer to use top dressing aircraft was Ernie Hawke on this property.

The Central Plains Water Trust is seeking approval to dam the river for a contentious irrigation scheme, with a proposed water level of 280 metres (920 ft) above sea level.[2] The Central Plains Water Enhancement Scheme is opposed by environmental groups such as Fish and Game and Forest and Bird, and by the locally based Malvern Hills Protection Society.

Māori knew it as Waireka (Sweet Water)

References
  1. "Place name detail: Waianiwaniwa River". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 2 April 2008.
  2. "Final report: Waianiwaniwa Reservoir Feasibility" (PDF). URS Corporation. 7 November 2002. Retrieved 7 December 2020.


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