Pete Townend
Signature trip; the annual Yakity Yak Kayak Trip on the Whanganui River. This 6
day trip has been enjoyed by hundreds of club members over the last 15 years. Peter takes the lead role in organising food for up to 50 paddlers, with a combined spend of over $6000. It’s no small endeavour. These trips are looked forward to each year with enthusiasm and many club members have done five or more in succession. He says he loves this trip because it takes you back to basics (ha ha with that much food) and allows everyone to cruise at their own pace and enjoy this stunning area while developing lasting friendships.
Personal Focus for kayaking;
Spreading the word of how much fun kayaking can be and how rewarding it is working with others, passing on skills and knowledge so others can enjoy the sport too.
To protect our heritage and areas we visit for future generations. Along with protecting the access we have to the outdoors by preventing restrictive laws and controls that are not needed.
More about Pete
Founder of the Auckland Kayak School in the late 80’S and Co founder of Canoe & Kayak Ltd in the early 90’s.
Peter currently holds two five star New Zealand Kayaking Instructor (NZKI) Qualifications in White Water and Sea Kayaking. He also holds the New Zealand Outdoors Instructors Association (NZOIA) highest Instructors Certificate in Sea Kayaking and qualifications in White Water Instructing and Sea Kayak Guiding.
Peter has a large family, married to Treffery Barnett a Marine Biologist with four children the eldest, at 16, has cerebral palsy and three other go getters, the youngest at 8. The family is heavily into sport and has the normal lack of time, but no end of energy and noise.
Volunteer work currently undertaken by Peter;
Chairman of the Dacre Cottage Management Committee; which maintains one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings and reserves, set in the Karepiro Bay between the top of the North Shore of Auckland and the Whangaparaoa Peninsular. Many working bees organised by Peter have seen the protection of the area from pests, the planting of 4500 trees and their ongoing maintenance and the repair and maintenance of the buildings.
Chairman of Keep Okura Green; this organisation works to protect the Okura Estuary and Marine Reserve and it’s catchment area. Peter has taken their concerns on several issues through to the Environment Court, with positive environmental outcomes for the area.
Chairman of the Sea Kayak Operators of New Zealand (SKOANZ); Working with all Kayaking Operators to ensure that the industry continues to improve its relevance and safety to New Zealand.
Board Member of Outdoors New Zealand; Outdoors New Zealand is a membership organisation representing the New Zealand outdoor recreation and education sector.
Past Highlights.
He has represented New Zealand in Canoe Polo as the Coach for many New Zealand Teams including three overseas tours. He has also played for the NZ North Island Team in Australia.
Vice President for the Auckland Canoe Club
International Canoe Polo Referee.
Number One; marrying the boss.
day trip has been enjoyed by hundreds of club members over the last 15 years. Peter takes the lead role in organising food for up to 50 paddlers, with a combined spend of over $6000. It’s no small endeavour. These trips are looked forward to each year with enthusiasm and many club members have done five or more in succession. He says he loves this trip because it takes you back to basics (ha ha with that much food) and allows everyone to cruise at their own pace and enjoy this stunning area while developing lasting friendships.Personal Focus for kayaking;
Spreading the word of how much fun kayaking can be and how rewarding it is working with others, passing on skills and knowledge so others can enjoy the sport too.
To protect our heritage and areas we visit for future generations. Along with protecting the access we have to the outdoors by preventing restrictive laws and controls that are not needed.
More about Pete
Founder of the Auckland Kayak School in the late 80’S and Co founder of Canoe & Kayak Ltd in the early 90’s.
Peter currently holds two five star New Zealand Kayaking Instructor (NZKI) Qualifications in White Water and Sea Kayaking. He also holds the New Zealand Outdoors Instructors Association (NZOIA) highest Instructors Certificate in Sea Kayaking and qualifications in White Water Instructing and Sea Kayak Guiding.
Peter has a large family, married to Treffery Barnett a Marine Biologist with four children the eldest, at 16, has cerebral palsy and three other go getters, the youngest at 8. The family is heavily into sport and has the normal lack of time, but no end of energy and noise.
Volunteer work currently undertaken by Peter;
Chairman of the Dacre Cottage Management Committee; which maintains one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings and reserves, set in the Karepiro Bay between the top of the North Shore of Auckland and the Whangaparaoa Peninsular. Many working bees organised by Peter have seen the protection of the area from pests, the planting of 4500 trees and their ongoing maintenance and the repair and maintenance of the buildings.
Chairman of Keep Okura Green; this organisation works to protect the Okura Estuary and Marine Reserve and it’s catchment area. Peter has taken their concerns on several issues through to the Environment Court, with positive environmental outcomes for the area.
Chairman of the Sea Kayak Operators of New Zealand (SKOANZ); Working with all Kayaking Operators to ensure that the industry continues to improve its relevance and safety to New Zealand.
Board Member of Outdoors New Zealand; Outdoors New Zealand is a membership organisation representing the New Zealand outdoor recreation and education sector.
Past Highlights.
He has represented New Zealand in Canoe Polo as the Coach for many New Zealand Teams including three overseas tours. He has also played for the NZ North Island Team in Australia.
Vice President for the Auckland Canoe Club
International Canoe Polo Referee.
Number One; marrying the boss.
About UsThe New Zealand Kayak Magazine began in the mid nineties while we were rushing around arranging the monthly newsletter for the Yakity Yak Kayak Club members and Canoe & Kayak customers. The newsletter kept people involved in the sport, up to date with what had happened and what was planned. Read more... |
|
|