Christchurch has a magnificent new rowing facility at Kerrs Reach on the River Avon. Rowers will no longer have to watch out for broken glass and used syringes or contend with muddy bottoms – in both senses! - as they launch their skiffs off a purpose-built pontoon.

 

The design and installation of the pontoons and ramps are the work of Auckland based company, Salta Docks & Marine Ltd who are the official Australasian supplier for Connect-A-Dock Rowing Pontoons (a product of the U.S.A.).

 

These pontoons have been used all over the world in rowing clubs and at competition venues with great success.They were officially unveiled by Deputy Christchurch Mayor Carole Evans at a special ceremony recently.

 

South Island rowing stalwart John Wylie commented: "The Christchurch City Council has shown itself to be a leader in being the first to provide these facilities that are worthy of the hours and effort put into this sport by so many people of all ages and walks of life."

Julia was nominated by 2005 World Rowing Champions Nathan Twaddle after he spotted her working hard to make the 2007 BankLink National Championships at Twizel a success.

Nathan noticed that she was one of the people spraying all the boats on the trailor for didymo when they arrived at the regatta before heading off every day to work at the boatpark pontoon, checking that numbers were on the right way and also addressing safety issues. She would not have been able to see one race the entire regatta because of the position of the boat park. Not only that, but she was the one spraying all the boats again as everyone left! Fortunately, this hero won't go too 'unsung' as her efforts have just won her Rowing New Zealand's Volunteer of the Year Award!