n-206088 Surf Break Identification and Protection In the Gisborne District Disclaimer This background research report was prepared by Bailey Peryman for the Gisborne District Council in the summer of 2010/11. The report was part of a summer student internship. The report has not yet been peer reviewed, however, in the interests of releasing the information to those who contributed to the study, Council has decided to publish the document as it stands. This report does not reflect current Council policy. Further work will be carried out by Council staff to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 as soon as is practicable. At that time the information in the report will be considered as part of the planning process. “The sea holds a magic for those of us who know her. A magic so simple, pure and powerful it works as an unseen force in our souls… The sea brings comfort, solace, release and escape. The sea brings healing. The spirit of the sea, for some of us, is the very essence of life” Taylor (2007) n-206088 Surf Break Identification and Protection In the Gisborne District Executive Summary This study investigates what is necessary to identify surf breaks and their associated values to provide for their sustainable management in the coastal environment under the RMA. Surf breaks are a finite natural resource and a source of recreation for a diverse and increasingly large range of participants. Approximately 7% [310,000] of New Zealanders are estimated to surf on a regular basis1. Surf-riding contributes to the well-being of participants by promoting health and fitness and cross cultural and intergenerational camaraderie. All this is based on a very simple experience - riding a wave, in particular a wave with the right characteristics - a “surf break”. It is said that “only a surfer knows the feeling”. Gisborne is as close as New Zealand comes to a surf town, famous for its high quality, stress-free waves (Bhana 1996; Brunskill and Morse 2004). The town is made for surfing as far as surfers are concerned; a wide range and intensity of beach breaks, points, river mouths and reefs, for big waves and small, learners to ‘crusty old seadogs’ – Gisborne has it all. The town has a number of surfboard manufacturers, retail outlets and surf ‘schools’, and is also known for the number of world class competition surfers it has produced over the decades (Brunskill and Morse 2004). The need for recognising surf breaks in policy is important in light of rapidly increasing demands influencing land and water (fresh and marine) usage and ultimately affecting the integrity of the coastal environment. Surf breaks and their users provide a unique lens for viewing these competing interests given their location in the ‘mixing zone’ – the confluence of both land and aquatic based effects on the environment. In order to recognise and protect surf breaks effectively an understanding of the values, features and characteristics of surf breaks is required. This is achieved through consultation with experts familiar with the natural qualities of surf breaks and consulting people with experience and knowledge about surf breaks. This process is illustrated through this study. 1 Figures sourced from Surfing New Zealand. n-206088 Page 1 Surf Break Identification and Protection In the Gisborne District Consultation was mainly carried out within the surfing fraternity. However, it also included input from coastal experts, tangata whenua, and in general many members of staff at the Council are informed of the study through informal conversation, presentations and group discussions. The issues and options are presented for protecting surf breaks as a significant part of the natural character of the coastal environment. Key findings are: A combination of nationally and regionally significant surf breaks provide for a wide range of social, cultural, environment and economic values that support significant recreational and community health and well-being throughout the District. The importance of protecting surf breaks as regionally significant natural resources, particularly for local communities in the Gisborne district. Some surfers were cautious about protection due to potential media exposure of surf breaks, non-consultative Council management outcomes and for what purposes surf breaks were being protected. A diversity and representative range of surf breaks needs to be recognised. The interests of a wide range of activities that use surf breaks need to be recognised in providing for surf breaks. This includes, but is not limited to, surfing, surf life saving, paddle boards, body surfing and kite surfing. Surf breaks provide amenity value for passive on-lookers who often watch activities in the surf or the waves for their aesthetic value. Respondents supported a collaborative approach with the community for further policy development and implementation. This is as opposed to maintaining the status quo that relies on costly challenges to ad hoc decisions made through the consenting process where surf breaks are not provided for in plans. n-206088 Page 2 Surf Break Identification and Protection In the Gisborne District Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...........................................................................................................................................................................1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................................................................................................................................................5 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................6 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.................................................................................................................................................................6 1.2 WHAT ARE SURF BREAKS AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?................................................................................................................6 1.3 LOCAL CONTEXT ..........................................................................................................................................................................7 2. MANDATE FOR SURF BREAK PROTECTION ..................................................................................................................................9 2.1 NEW ZEALAND COASTAL POLICY STATEMENT 2010 ........................................................................................................................9 2.2 IMPLICATIONS FOR GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL .........................................................................................................................12 3. EXISTING TOOLS FOR SURF BREAK PROTECTION......................................................................................................................13 3.1 TARANAKI REGIONAL COUNCIL...................................................................................................................................................13 3.2 AUCKLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL ................................................................................................................................................13 3.3 SURFING RESERVES......................................................................................................................................................................14 3.4 LESSONS FOR DEVELOPING SURF BREAK POLICY.............................................................................................................................14 4. METHOD.....................................................................................................................................................................................16 4.1 SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS......................................................................................................................................................16 4.2 GROUP MEETINGS.......................................................................................................................................................................16 4.3 INFORMAL ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................................................16 4.4 DESKTOP STUDIES ........................................................................................................................................................................16 5. RESULTS .......................................................................................................................................................................................17 5.1 ‘NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT’ SURF BREAKS .....................................................................................................................................17 5.2 IDENTIFICATION OF FURTHER BREAKS .............................................................................................................................................19 5.3 SURF BREAK ASSESSMENT CRITERIA...............................................................................................................................................20 6. DISCUSSION ...........................................................................................................................................................................24 6.1 OVERVIEW