Morgan Gorge on the Waitaha River was once a portage but last Summer two teams sucessfuly paddled it including Team Pyranha's Kevin England and Trent Garnham who described it as ''an incredible experience with committing and exciting white-water set deep in the most remarkable gorge on the West Coast. It was the season's crowning achievement''

Now, this fantastc stretch of river is under threat from a hydro scheme from West Power . Andy explains, this ''would leave the gorge and rapids downstream dry and lifeless. West Power, who have made the proposal, say they need a local power supply for Franz Josef's growing "eco tourism" market - an irony seemingly lost on them.

To be fair they thought that kayakers wouldn't mind because Morgan Gorge is a portage...well it was until this summer. ''For many, Morgan Gorge will remain a portage. But for some, the challenge is laid down.'' ''Let's hope West Power see sense and leave this beautiful gorge untouched to challenge the world's top kayakers for years to come.''