‘No harm’ during annual Crate Day river gathering

Monday, 9 December 2024

Some of the Crate Day punters at the Waimakariri River were dressed in traditional Arab thawbs.

A gathering of four-wheel-drive enthusiasts at the Waimakariri River as part of the annual Crate Day celebrations was seemingly uneventful, despite fears from conservationists and bizarre costume choices.

Crate Day is an unofficial celebration on the first Saturday of December during which punters try to drink a crate of beer in 12 hours.

In previous years, 4WDers have taken to the Ashley-Rakahuri River on Crate Day, despite warnings from the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group (ARRC) and Environment Canterbury (ECan).

According to an ECan spokesperson, about 40 vehicles gathered at the Waimakariri River this year.

The organisations have consistently tried to dissuade petrol heads from driving on the riverbed from September to January, the breeding season for rare birds such as the black-fronted tern/tarapirohe and the banded dotterel/tūturiwhatu.

Last year, an estimated 150 4WD vehicles drove up and down the Ashley Rakahuri River leaving broken eggs in their wake.

Some of the Crate Day punters on Saturday.

On Thursday, the ARRC used its Facebook page to implore drivers to cancel all river runs. The post said it was not possible to signpost all the nests as there were too many scattered along many kilometres of river.

However, punters on Saturday still made their way down the Waimakariri River kicking up clouds of dust. The Press captured some of the revellers dressed in traditional Arab thawbs, with at least one holding a toy gun.

An ECan spokesperson said about 40 vehicles were seen at the river.

“Our rangers spoke to almost every driver about the importance of protecting nesting birds, including a colony of black-billed gulls in the area.”

One group of drivers stayed on the berm track most of the time, while the other group drove on the riverbed, they said.

“Both groups kept their distance from the black-billed gull colony. Rangers didn’t see birds, chicks or eggs being harmed this morning, but can’t say for sure that no harm occurred.”

A police spokesperson said police were not aware of any incidents of note related to the Crate Day celebrations, but were looking into a report of a disorder at 10.30am on Saturday on Diversion Rd near the Waimakariri River.