Morning Glory – Whangamata Bar

courtesy of Tony Ogle

Protecting waves in Aotearoa / New Zealand

Experience presented by PAUL SHANKS

Aroha nui to: Dr Rose Segedin, Te Ngaru Roa aa Maui; NSR, Surfers against Sewerage;

Surfrider Foundation USA, Europe & Australia; Save the Waves; Patagonia; All at Once;

Volcom; Jack Johnson and for all those that have helped with many fundraising activities

NZ seabed

• Indigenous Maori or Tangata Whenua Signed Treaty of Waitangi with British Crown

• Kaitiakitanga - guardianship key concept for NZ and surfers

Surfers practising Kaitiakitanga at Makarori

Guiding law for development with some environmental protection

Give regard to Treaty of Waitangi

Required policy statements and plans Eg New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement First NZCPS Ratified in 1998 after consultation

• University Coastal Studies began same time

Attracting surfers

Propaganda from multinational companies in Aoteroa New Zealand

“the ocean has vast purifying capabilities”

Result :

Sewage and outfall overflows forming algae blooms – red tides

Contamination of Kai Moana beds

The ocean unfit for surfing

Aquaculture

•Similar wave and issues

to Mundaka

•Maori appealed

•Surfers no experience

•Surfer expert witness

•Surfing debated in court

•Surfing conditions in

consent for first time

Photo G McIntosh

Advised to be “proactive not reactive” ◦ Got involved in local planning

◦ Raised profile of surfing

Commissioner for Environment came to our area due to our effort

Won Green Ribbon Award

“Surfbreak Protection Society is a Society dedicated to the

conservation of the "treasures" of the New Zealand

Surfing Community - our surfbreaks - through the

preservation of their natural characteristics, water

quality, marine eco systems and low impact access for

all.

We strive to be Aotearoa's Kaitiaki "Guardians - Trustees"

of our surfbreaks and the natural environments that

compliment them.”

SPS mobilising surfers

Surfbreaks significant features

Surfing academics and surfing politicians crucial to consultation

Policy 16: Surf breaks of national significance

Protect the surf breaks8 of national significance for surfing listed in Schedule 1, by:

a.ensuring that activities in the coastal environment do not adversely affect the surf breaks; and

b.avoiding adverse effects of other activities on access to, and use and enjoyment of the surf breaks.8Surf break - as defined in the 8

Surf break - as defined in the Glossary as defined in NZCPS

Definition of a rideable wave

Definition of swell corridor

NZCP

Mixed reaction

Taranaki regional council enshrined 83 surfbreaks

SPS promoting policy

Creating scholarship

SPS using policy in submissions and RMA court hearings

Greater workload

How do we reach out?

• Surfing Reserves (NSR)

• National Water Standards

• Engaging with legal, planning, science and academia

• Economic value of surfing waves

Long paddle

Proactive - not reactive

Guardians of inter-national surfbreaks

Assist others