In the mid-1970s the Tauranga Joint Generation Committee proposed a hydroelectric power scheme for the Wairoa River.

The newly formed Kaimai Canoe Club (established by Barry Anderson, Bill Ross, Kerry Smith and Peter Entwistle) opposed the scheme at the water rights headings, this was on the grounds that it would destroy fishing, sport and recreation for existing and future generations.

A compromise was arrived at by allowing the release of water 26 days a year for whitewater recreation.

[2] Every year in February the upper section of the river is home to a kayak extreme whitewater race.

The whitewater starts at McLaren Falls, a seven-metre Grade VI waterfall (usually not paddled).