Lower Wairau River cruisers approved

Nelson-based Gentle Cruising Company has been granted resource consent to operate two small shallow boats on the Lower Wairau River in Marlborough.

The self-contained two-person cruisers will be available for charter, and will operate on the Opawa and Wairau Rivers.

Marlborough Rowing Association president David Williamson said it was only a matter of time until serious injury or death resulted from a collision on the river between a boat and rowing crew.

Hearings commissioner Paul Williams said he considered imposing speed restrictions on the craft but, as they only travelled at four to five knots, that seemed superfluous.