The document discusses efforts in New Zealand to protect surf breaks through organizations like the Surfbreak Protection Society and policies like the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. It outlines issues like sewage pollution impacting surfing and legal cases where surfing has been debated. The goal is to have surfers recognized as kaitiaki or guardians of surf breaks and involve the surfing community in conservation and planning efforts.

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