Meridian Energy recognises that by diverting water into canals in the upper Waitaki and away from river beds, recreational opportunities such as kayaking have been lost. As a result, recreational releases are provided as a part of our resource consents - nine times on the Tekapo River and once on the Pukaki River each year. Recreational releases can provide ideal conditions for kayakers as the releases are managed and therefore provide a controlled environment, in particular for less experienced kayakers.