1. Protecting waves in Aotearoa / New Zealand
Experience presented by PAUL SHANKS
Morning Glory – Whangamata Bar
courtesy of Tony Ogle
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

2. NZ seabed

3. Surfers practising Kaitiakitanga at Makarori
• Indigenous Maori or Tangata Whenua
Signed Treaty of Waitangi with British Crown
• Kaitiakitanga - guardianship
 key concept for NZ and surfers

5. 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

6. 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

7. •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

8.  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

9. “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.”

10.  SPS mobilising surfers
 Surfbreaks significant features
 Surfing academics and surfing
politicians crucial to consultation

11. 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

12.  Mixed reaction
 Taranaki regional council enshrined
83 surfbreaks
 SPS promoting policy
 Creating scholarship

13.  SPS using policy in submissions and
RMA court hearings
 Greater workload
 How do we reach out?

14. • Surfing Reserves (NSR)
• National Water Standards
• Engaging with legal, planning, science and
academia
• Economic value of surfing waves

15.  Long paddle
 Proactive - not reactive
 Guardians of inter-national surfbreaks
 Assist others