any more tips on this one guys?

You could use the LoginRedirector plugin:

http://community.elgg.org/pg/plugins/project/384766/developer/jdalsem/loginredirector

It allows to redirect users to dashboard, profile or a custom page. It can also be configured for a different redirect on the first login after registration. If the plugin is not 100% what you need, I'm sure you can take its code as a starting point at least.

Find the action file (most likely seems to be register)

where the forward is at the bottom change to the following:

if(isloggedin()){

forward($vars['url'] . "pg/dashboard");

}else{

forward($vars['url']);

}

If you look at Shouvik's post you will also find another answer. Go to root/mod/riverdashboard/index.php

at the top there should be the following:

gatekeeper();

if so, remove it. Then non-loggedin users can view the dashboard.