phoam surf blog

Blackhead on a calm hot day

2012-01-18T15:34:00.005+13:00

A quick detour on the way back from posting in Green Island.

6 surfers out, and in the ten mins I was watching no waves caught, but I would give anything to be one of those just waiting out the back for a wave today.

Below: a closeup of the quarry activity now they are working above the carpark.

And interesting comparison below.

Above: the same view 14 months ago, when they first started excavating out for the new working site above the carpark.

Vege Garden Mid Jan 2012

2012-01-16T11:56:00.007+13:00

I havent spent too much time myself working on the vege garden, but Jayin has been hard at it.

Growing a few new things, like Caigua in the Morri house. This year we have bagged the tomatoes, and I have my Basil, Eggplant, Peppers, capsicums, and chillis plus a weird cucumber that doesn't seem to be doing anything but grow leaves with tiny little baby cucumbers?

Been heaps of strawberries since I shifted them into the herb garden, and the raspberries have really taken off this year pushing out the asparagus in the same patch. The logan berries have somewhat died off, but heaps of budding bunches of grapes coming along as well as a loaded cranberry bush.

Rhubarb galore. radishes, carrots, beetroot, all seeded out at 3 week intervals, which is why a bit of the garden is still looking bare. beans snow peas, which only 3 plants grew from seed so might be a bit sparse this year, we are still eating the beans from last year we blanched and froze.

Above pic: made a mistake, bottom plant is scallopini not Caigua, the Caigae is the big vine plant by the door of the morri house.

umm, courgettes too, only one edible size, barbequed it in the weekend. heaps of spuds in the bottom garden grown in the soil and tyres again, the yams in the tyres this year (3 of them) have taken off, so gonna have heaps of those.

One of the fegoa trees have died over winter, and we lost the apricot last year, , so looking at buying another nashi tree.

Not so many cherries this year got the tree wrapped in net, but not ripe yet, seems late this year.

I think thats about it!, oh got quite a few tamarilos again over Spring, and the fig tree out the front has doubled in size, but not so many fruit on it this year, i hope it grows more and maybe puts out more fruit next year.

HeliOtago Flight Over Dunedin

2012-01-08T00:00:00.009+13:00

Our HeliOtago Pilot Jason Frost-Evans, himself a keen surfer, I felt as safe as anything, never even had a thought of anything going wrong, having said this, I dedicate this post to the people who died in the hot air balloon crash today in Carterton.

Here flying over my beloved home suburb of Waldronville, Bogunville. With the Kaikorai Estuary on the foreground Estuary in the foreground, Blackhead Beach in the back with Blackhead headland top left.

Below: Our little chunk of paradise, you can see the short walk to the esturay from the back of our section over the reserve, and the golf course to the left.

Below, three surfers out at Blackhead Beach

Above: approaching Blackhead Headland with the sandstone cliffs leading to Dunedin.

Below: The other side of the Quarried Blackhead headland looking back towards Saddle Hill and the expanse of vegetation covered sandhills between the Blackhead beach and Waldronville.

Above: Tunnel Beach , the orange arrow points to the entrance to the tunnel dug into the sandstone that goes down to the beach, you can just make out 2 people standing on the beach.

Below: The Cliffs on which Cargills castle is Built, with St Clair and Dunedin City in the Background

Above: Cargills Castle on top of the Cliffs

Below: Beloved St Clair with a couple of nice waves breaking over the point.

Above: Industrial area of Dunedin City

Below: The New Dunedin Stadium, next to the other big Quarry in Dunedin, it is 50 metres deep. The area on which the stadium has been built is reclaimed land just 600mm above sea level approx.

Above: Invermay Animal lab/testing unit, I spent quite some time working and learning there when I was doing my Vet Nursing study at Polytech 89-91

Below: Me with my son Shane, and good friend Lisa who took the heli trip

Thinking of booking a ride of your own?

http://www.helicoptersotago.co.nz/index.php

More pics to come as they become relavent to stories I cover on my blog. Blackhead Headland and the Friends of Blackhead.

The Ocean beach Saga etc.

FOOD BILL - Our right to Have Vege Gardens under threat??

2011-12-29T12:11:00.009+13:00

There is a piece of legislation going through NZ parliament at the moment called the Food Bill. There is not much information in the media because the media aren’t or can’t talk about it. It will be snuck through faster than a greasy pig while we are on holidays in January. We need action now to get 50,000 signatures – already nearly 13,000 have signed – not enough and we potentially have less than TWO WEEKS.

Sign this petition to show that you oppose Food Bill 160-2 READ HERE

And remember to click on the link in the return email

to confirm your account for the petition.

It is a huge attack on our individual freedom and rights under the guise of protecting our safety. (the same excuse that is used in the US to curb our human rights)

The Food Bill 160-2 will seriously impede initiatives like community gardens, food co-ops, heritage seed banks, farmers markets, bake sales, and roadside fruit & vegetable stalls.
Just like the Otepotei Urban Organics

About Otepoti	Dunedin's network for anyone interested in growing food in their back yards or urban environments anywhere in Otago or Southland. We love to see people creating new gardens and learning how to manage them sustainably. And do ya know what we like most of all? Radical cats who join our seed savers network and participate in our 'Adopt-a-Crop' initiative, where you help to keep a heirloom or open pollinated vegetable variety going and share it with the rest of our seed savers network! visit our website at www.urbanorganics.org.nz for more info, and email otepoti.urban.organics@gmail.com to join the mailing list and receive a seed catalog! Woooo hooo veggies are sooo goooooood.

About Otepoti

Dunedin's network for anyone interested in growing food in their back yards or urban environments anywhere in Otago or Southland. We love to see people creating new gardens and learning how to manage them sustainably. And do ya know what we like most of all? Radical cats who join our seed savers network and participate in our 'Adopt-a-Crop' initiative, where you help to keep a heirloom or open pollinated vegetable variety going and share it with the rest of our seed savers network! visit our website at www.urbanorganics.org.nz for more info, and email otepoti.urban.organics@gmail.com to join the mailing list and receive a seed catalog! Woooo hooo veggies are sooo goooooood.

It is effectively companies like Monsanto preparing the way for total food control.
Affecting seed banks like the awesoem one we have at Otepoti

Food Bill update from Sue Kedgley

by Sue Kedgley

So many people have contacted us with their concerns about the Food Bill that I requested a further meeting with officials to discuss these concerns (officials have already agreed to amend the bill to make it clear it will not apply to seed saving, in response to a request from me.)

I concluded from my briefing with officials that the Food Bill has ended up inadvertently capturing things like home gardening, bartering and seed exchange, which should never have been covered in the bill in the first place, because of its broad coverage and definitions (eg its definition of sale includes bartering).

Phoam Surf Art - St Clair Pit

2011-12-19T23:10:00.004+13:00

Latest commission Acrylic on box canvas

The Aramoana Paddle Out Video

2011-12-17T17:27:00.003+13:00

Aramoana Surfer Paddle Out from Nic Reeves on Vimeo.

Aramoana, Dunedin, New Zealand, is a world class surf break. Now protected under national Policy in the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 as a protected surfbreak.
It is now under threat from continued dumping of dredged spoil in its' swell corridor from the maintenance dredging and spoil from the proposed deepening of the Otago Harbour by the Port of Otago. Currently resource consent applications to continue dumping are in hearing process. If you want to support the wave and the cause, please sign the petition at : thepetitionsite.com/1/Save-Aramoana-Spit-Heyward-Surfbreaks/

Thanks to Mark Stevenson photomarkstevenson.com for the water footage, and Ian Henderson for the original soundtrack 'Save the Wave'. All other film, photos, editing production by Nic Reeves, from Phoam Arts phoam.co.nz

Dunedin Womens Surfers

2011-12-15T17:24:00.000+13:00

(thanks to Dave O'Rourke for the photo) comment written on back.
as an aside, the 6th board from the left, is the actual board that Caitlin bought as her first board.

XMAS PRESSIES!! Framed photos of Otago surf and St Clair

2011-12-02T21:31:00.006+13:00

Just listed over at Trademe.

Pickup in Dunedin, can post via courier.

Also custom framed photos of scenes you like.

Perhaps I have some shots of you surfing over the years that would look great framed up.

Email me and ask

phoam.arts (at) gmail (dot) com

Dunedin shark-nets film 'positive environmental story'

2011-11-28T11:10:00.000+13:00

My father Trevor Reeves was a bodysurfer at St Clair in the 50's and 60's and two of his best mates were killed by sharks. I'm looking forward to seeing this documentary when its available.

By Nigel Benson on Wed, 16 Nov 2011

News: Dunedin

Film-makers Nicole Schafer and Andrew Scott stand beside the St Clair Beach shark bell. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Tangled Waters documents the five attacks in Dunedin, between 1964 and 1973, which included three fatalities, and the decision to install shark nets in Dunedin waters.

Film-makers and University of Otago science communication students Nicole Schafer and Andrew Scott (both 27) said it was an important film to make.

"It's a great local story that's never been fully told before," Ms Schafer said.

"It was a unique situation having shark netting. No-one else in New Zealand has had shark nets.

"It's also a great story, because we got the ending we wanted. It's a positive environmental story, which is very unusual."

The 25-minute documentary includes interviews with Dunedin city councillors during the voting decision to remove the nets.

The DCC, led by Crs Richard Thomson, Lee Vandervis and Kate Wilson, began investigating the shark net programme after anOtago Daily Times feature in January condemned the practice of net-setting.

The article revealed the nets had caught no great white sharks in 40 years, but had killed more than 700 non-target species.

Councillors subsequently voted 9-3 in favour of removing the $38,000 annual funding for the nets in the 2011-12 annual plan.

Ms Schafer and Mr Scott also interviewed shark attack survivor Barry Watkins, who was attacked at St Clair Beach in 1971, surfers and beach-goers, and filmed great white sharks in their natural habitat at Stewart Island.

The former St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club members said they wanted to make the film "because we're conservationists and the shark nets were wrong".

"It was the St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club that raised the funds for the original nets after the first two attacks in the 1960s, before they were later taken over by the DCC," Mr Scott said.

"I hope the film teaches people something about the history of a neglected wildlife in New Zealand.
We should be proud, like we are with kiwis and albatross, of sharks as well. We should take them to our hearts. They are so important to the environment. We need them for the eco-system to operate."

The students also gathered thousands of signatures at the Otago Farmers Market for a petition opposing the shark nets.

"Once people got all the facts, they were agreeing with us," Ms Schafer said.

"Everyone responded really well and was reasonable and wanted to discuss it. People think great whites are in Australia or South Africa, but New Zealand is a global hot spot for these animals."

There had already been interest in the film from Australia, she said.

Tangled Waters will premiere at the 2011 Science Teller festival, at 6.30pm today at the Regent Theatre.

New Surf Forecasts from Metoceans with Metservice

2011-11-25T12:52:00.004+13:00

Article at Otago Daily Times
Tue, 11 Oct 2011
Surf's up for swell forecasts
Surfers hoping to catch big waves this summer will be able to check out video forecasts and up-to-date swell information using a new online service.
MetService's surf, beach and boating section, launched this week, draws on swell forecasts from specialist provider MetOcean Solutions.
The site will also feature weekend surf video forecasts during summer, which will be hosted by expert forecasters who are also regular surfers themselves.
MetOcean managing director Peter McComb said partnering with MetService - the country's sixth most visited website - was an exciting opportunity.
"With a fantastic reach and growing community of users, we are delighted to provide the public with high-quality data for planning their marine activities,'' he said.

Looks pretty comprehensive.. check it out and see how it stacks up compared to your usual surf forecast websites.

Huge HYDRO Surf Hardware SALE

2011-11-23T20:35:00.002+13:00

This Thursday the 24th November from 5pm-7pm only


Location	Hydro Boardroom 165 George St Dunedin (opp Farmers)



More info	Massive Surf Hardware sale at Hydro Boardroom 165 george st opposite Farmers. over $50,000 worth of stock slashed to half price. Everything else except surfboards will be 20% off on the night aswell.

Some photos from the Wahine Surf Day

2011-11-18T13:49:00.003+13:00

NZ Surfing Nats 1976 - TV1 Special

2011-11-16T06:31:00.001+13:00

Thans to NZ Greenroom for supplying!

Ladies Surf Day St Clair

2011-11-13T15:48:00.004+13:00

Sharee Campbell organised an awesome day of fun, stoke and wahine warriorship.

Click on the HD symbol on the video toolbar to watch in High Definition on Vimeo.

And if you haven't signed the Aramoana Petition above this post yet, PLEASE DO SO and get it to 1000 !!

Blackhead Mining 2005 - 2011

2011-11-03T16:49:00.005+13:00

Shots from Google Earth from 2005 to 2011, a large high res file, so might take a bit of time to load.

Below, the back side August 2011, and two historical photos of the back side from 1907 and about 1942

The continuing adventures of Skidi and Fugly

2011-10-31T14:13:00.000+13:00

Sand Canyon & Puppies

2011-10-29T16:53:00.004+13:00

Above: Back Beach Brighton beach a few days ago, by a stormwater outfall pipe. This small stretch of beach is the only place on the south coast that holds this rich golden sand.

Below: some puppies having their first experience at the beach.

Proposed Management Options for Ocean Beach

2011-10-27T14:37:00.002+13:00

Proposed Management Options for Ocean Beach

Closes: 25/11/2011

In 2008, the Council appointed a Project Team to gather data and consider management options for Ocean Beach. This followed significant erosion on the beach in June/July 2007, the DCC’s replenishment of sand on the beach and other remedial works as part of a now established ‘holding pattern’, and a comprehensive consultation process. Since then the Project Team has gathered and analysed that data and completed a risk assessment process. It has now identified proposed management options for Ocean Beach, taking into account the existing processes and risks.

A report from Tonkin & Taylor dated October 2011 entitled: ‘Ocean Beach, Coastal Issues and Options’, sets out preferred options for managing the area using an adaptive management approach. The report is available for inspection at the DCC’s Customer Services Centre and Libraries from Tuesday 25 October during their ordinary opening hours. A summary of intent and submission forms are also available. The information, plus background material on erosion at Ocean Beach, can be found at www.dunedin.govt.nz/consultation.

Submissions must be received by 5.00 pm on Friday 25 November. Hearing dates have been scheduled for Tuesday 31 January to Thursday 2 February 2012. Please state in your submission whether or not you wish to be heard.

Consultation documents

Public Notice (PDF, 21.5 KB, new window)This document is a pdf copy of the Public Notice for Proposed Management Option for Ocean Beach consultation.
Tonkin and Taylor Report (PDF, 3.8 MB, new window)This report summarises the existing and potential future situation. It also describes a range of potential generic options to address the shoreline erosion.
Statement of Intent (PDF, 1.7 MB, new window)The Statement of Intent outlines management options for Ocean Beach and summarises the Tonkin and Taylor report.
Impact of Scenarios on Ocean Beach Domain (PDF, 463.6 KB, new window)this map shows the impact of Scenarios on Ocean Beach Domain.
Managed retreat sandy backdune (PDF, 1.2 MB, new window)This illustration shows the managed retreat with sandy backdune.
Reshaped dune marram foredune (PDF, 1.2 MB, new window)This illustration shows the reshaped dune with marram foredune.
Slideshow Stakeholders Meeting (PDF, 4.6 MB, new window)This is a pdf of the slideshow presentation to the stakeholders meeting.
Submission Form (PDF, 23.3 KB, new window)This document can be used to make a submission regarding the Proposed Management Options for Ocean Beach.

Consultation details

Closing date	25/11/2011
Contact person	Business Development Team Leader
Public feedback	Online submission form (new window) Email to - oceanbeach.comment@dcc.govt.nz Post to - Proposed Management Options for Ocean Beach, Community and Recreation Services, Dunedin City Council, PO Box 5045 Moray Place, Dunedin 9058, Attention: Lisa Labuchagne Hand deliver to - Proposed Management Options for Ocean Beach, Customer Service Centre, Ground Floor Civic Centre, 50 The Octagon - Attention Lisa Labuchagne
Public meetings	The public meeting is to be held on Monday 7 November 2011 at 7.00 pm. The venue is the Port Otago Room, first floor, Edgar Centre, corner Portsmouth Drive and Teviot Street. All interested members of the public are cordially invited to attend. A summary of the options and submission forms will also be available at the meeting .

The first ever International Symposium on the Protection of Waves

2011-10-23T12:14:00.003+13:00

The international conference on Wave Protection takes place in two of the most beautiful destinations on the planet: Biarritz, France and San Sebastian-Donostia.

This will be a meeting of the minds to discuss how to protect surfing coastlines worldwide from the effects of climate changeand the impacts of increasing populations flocking to the coast.

What Is The Value Of Waves?

Various initiatives for the preservation of the waves are conducted internationally. Therefore NGOs Surfers Against Sewage, Surfrider Foundation, Save the Waves Coalition, Salvem O Surf, with scientific support of Dr Tony Butt, organize a major international conference on the recognition of the value of the waves and their protection in the world.

While the coasts are attracting more and more people and territories seek to protect against the effects of climatic disorder, conservation of surfing waves is becoming a major issue on many coastlines.

The genesis of the waves comes from the alignment of multiple environmental factors, themselves relatively uncertain. This feature is responsible for vulnerability to any change in the environment that characterizes the waves.

This is why many surf spots have now been altered. Some even disappeared. There are several types of threats that can cause the disappearance of a wave.

Against this backdrop, the challenge for the surfing community is to highlight the fact that the presence of a wave exceeds the notion of pleasure it can bring to surfers. The objective is to characterize what are the economic, social and environmental values of a surf zone to a coastal area.

1. How Do You Define The Value of a Wave, and by Extension, of Nature?
2. What Are the Threats Facing the Waves?
3. Which Strategies Can Be Put into Place to Protect them?

These three questions will be at the centre of the conferences that take place on the two days.

To answer them, Surfers Against Sewage from the United Kingdom, Save the Waves Coalition based in Northern California, WiLDCOAST from Mexico,

Surfbreak Protection Society coming from New Zealand,

National Surfing Reserves from Australia, Portugal'sSalvem O Surf (…) and of course branches of the international Surfrider network (Australia, Argentina, Europe, Japan, Morocco, United States…) will all come together.

Representatives of the political and scientific worlds, joined by engineers specializing in coastal development, will discuss the issues surrounding waves within their respective areas of expertise.

Through a series of lectures and roundtable discussions, during which various experts will attempt to answer these questions, this event is the first major opportunity to offer the public an international panorama of reflections made in this area. This event will be considered as a success if:

We manage to use this exchange as a platform to discuss our larger goals as a global community of activists dedicated to wave protection. As such, we would like to introduce the idea of a global network of wave protection.

We are able to demonstrate a shared vision and how to continue the collaboration of all stakeholders in the future.

Potentially develop a joint conference statement on wave protection to set the stage for work plan for a future wave conference. Other ideas or initiatives can emerge, for instance to have the waves and surfing recognized as a worldwide natural heritage for mankind.

Swell restaurant sold in $1m deal

2011-10-18T15:17:00.000+13:00

Swell restaurant sold in $1m deal

By Simon Hartley on Tue, 18 Oct 2011

News: Business

Swell Cafe and Bar at St Clair has been sold as part of the receivership process of three companies of local developer Stephen Chittock. Photo: Linda Robertson.

Swell Cafe and Bar in the Esplanade block at St Clair - constructed by local developer Stephen Chittock whose three companies are in receivership - has been sold in a deal worth more than $1 million.

The purchaser is understood to be Thai restaurant chain operator Murray Macarthy, but he did not return calls yesterday.

A decade ago, Mr Macarthy bought and demolished the nearby St Clair dairy, sandwiched between the Metropole and Hydro buildings within the Esplanade block, but the section has since lain bare.

When spoken to in March, Mr Macarthy was operating 12 Thai restaurants and had no plans to sell the vacant St Clair section.

After being bought out in March of his share of the construction of the new St Clair Beach Resort boutique hotel in the Esplanade block, Mr Chittock next put his remaining property assets in the block up for sale in June.

In early August, Mr Chittock placed his companies in voluntary administration, as part of an attempt to attract new equity investors, but nothing transpired.

However, amid reports his liabilities stood at $5 million against assets of $5 million, Mr Chittock's refinancing options began to unravel.

South Canterbury Finance's receivers were identified as the largest creditor, owed $1.5 million, and the receivers exercised their right to place his companies - White Island Investments, White Island Properties and St Clair Village Hotels - in receivership. The voluntary administrators withdrew from proceedings last week.

Mr Chittock's properties for sale have a combined value of $4.4 million and cover a total 2739sq m footprint, made up of the seven-unit Esplanade Motels and Apartments complex, Swell restaurant and three private residences. One of the houses sold for about $400,000 recently.

Mr Chittock had previously driven an Esplanade rezoning change to allow small scale commercial outlets. He was understood to have paid about $1.3 million for the Swell house, which cost a further $400,000 to redevelop into the restaurant.

Insolvency Management Ltd of Dunedin is overseeing receivership of the three companies.

When contacted yesterday, about where the proceeds of the more than $1 million Swell sale and $400,000 house would go, Iain Nellies said the money would be distributed to secured creditors, such as the mortgage holder and secured business creditors. The receivers' first report is not due to be released until next month.

Colliers International has been marketing Mr Chittock's Esplanade property assets.

Contacted yesterday, Stephen Cairns, of Colliers in Dunedin, said there were separate offers on the residential house beside Swell and also another in Bedford St, while the real estate company was "in talks with several parties" over a possible sale of the motel block.

From the early 2000s, companies of Mr Chittock's purchased or held interests in up to nine of 16 properties (five commercial and 11 residential) within the Esplanade block.

After redeveloping the 12-apartment Majestic Mansions block in Bedford St, he sold the complex in March 2009 for an undisclosed sum.

simon.hartley@odt.co.nz

Aramoana Paddle Out - October 16th at 12 noon

2011-10-16T17:22:00.004+13:00

16th October at 12 noon 85 surfers paddled out at The Spit beach Aramoana to form a circle of celebration for the Aramoana/Spit wave.

The event was held at the mole end of the beach away from the actual surf break for safety reasons. The actual surfbreak is in the background under the cliffs.

The planners in front of the Aramoana Wave mural before the paddle out.

The circle of celebration for the Wave

Sponsors of the event, Surfbreak Protection Society and AirBanners.com

Tony Denley co-organiser with an incoming container ship at the end of the Mole

In the water

Ted Whitaker c0-orgainser of the paddle out

Nic Reeves co-organiser with her painted mural of the Aramoana Wave

Participants after the paddle out.
A video is being produced, published this week sometime.

Check out mondays ODT for an article and photo.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the event and participated.

Aramoana Paddle Out - October 16th at 12 noon

2011-09-25T18:27:00.007+13:00

This 'Surfer Paddle Out' on the 16th of October 2011 at Dunedins' Aramoana, Whareakeake and Karitane surf breaks. This is also a national event, organised by Surfbreak Protection Society. where there will also be simultaneous paddle outs being held that day at many of the other 26 protected surf breaks the length and breadth of New Zealand, as well as popular surf breaks in city areas.

This Paddle Out event demonstrates the national groundswell of concerned surf break users, and our desires to have these natural coastal features protected from developments and activities that continue to threaten their existence, despite legal protection policies. Once they are destroyed they are gone forever, and in this era of declining natural resources and threats to our pristine landscapes and seascapes, these surf breaks face equivalent pressures for their futures.

Surf breaks are rare and delicate coastal features which are often close to coastal developments that threaten their very existence. Just last year 26 surf breaks of national significance were protected by law under Policy 16 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010. Of these protected, only 5 are in the South Island, three of which are within Dunedin City boundaries, being Karitane, Whareakeake and Aramoana.

Aramoana, also known as 'The Spit' is a world class beach break of exceptional quality due to its clean offset peaks and barreling pits held in a variety of swell sizes and directions. It is also one of the only offshore breaks in the prevailing southerly winds around Dunedin.

Dumping of spoil in the swell corridor of the Aramoana/Spit surf break from harbour dredging by Port of Otago has been affecting the delicate bathymetric conditions that contribute to the high class surfbale wave since 1985. Surfers and bodyboarders have noted a gradual deterioration of wave quality over the years, especially of late, and fear that continued dumping of dredged spoil may cause irreversible adverse effects on the wave quality.

A recent resource consent application by Port of Otago has been lodged to continue dumping spoil at the Aramoana/Spit, Heywards Point and Shelley beach dumpsites, with the intention of much greater volumes than have been placed there in the last 10 years.
It is felt that not enough accurate science has been presented by the Port in the applications for consent renewal, and we are asking that independent specialist 'surf science' monitoring be conducted immediately prior to any further dumping.

Please show your support by participating in the paddle out on your surfboard, bodyboard, paddle surfer etc.

There will be a charter bus leaving the Esplanade at St Clair picking up in the Octagon, and then the University bound for Aramoana in time for the paddle out, cost will be $5 per head.

You can also donate to the cause via www.surfbreak.org.nz 'join us'.

An Aramoana Appreciation Beach Festival & Concert is being organised for late November, so please keep an eye out for this unique and positive event.

Public to have say on erosion plans

2011-09-08T21:02:00.000+12:00

By Chris Morris on Thu, 8 Sep 2011

News: Dunedin | DCC

The public will be asked to have their say as the Dunedin City Council considers plans to combat erosion at Middle Beach that could lead to a "managed retreat" from the area.

Councillors at yesterday's council community development committee agreed to consult the public on a draft Ocean Beach management plan prepared by consultant Tonkin and Taylor.

The draft plan covered an area stretching 4km from St Clair to Lawyers Head and includes Middle Beach, where serious erosion occurred following severe storms in 2007.

The report recommended continuing the council's holding pattern of monitoring and sand replenishment work - put in place following the 2007 storms - in the meantime.

However, the report also canvassed 13 longer-term options and recommended a managed retreat from Middle Beach and Kettle Park, or construction of an inland buried backstop wall to protect the area, over the next 10 to 50 years.

Initial estimates showed the work could cost between $8 million and $19 million, including a clean-up of the old landfill underneath Kettle Park at risk of being further exposed by continued erosion.

Council community and recreation services manager Mick Reece said he hoped consultation could be completed by the end of this year, with recommendations that followed considered as part of next year's long-term plan hearings.

Detailed information gathered by the council's Ocean Beach project team would also be made public through the council's website to aid the consultation process, he said.

chris.morris@odt.co.nz

Last Post

2011-06-02T18:01:00.008+12:00

Over and Out

This blog is on hold for winter, I will be back on board in the spring.

I am still running the 'Save Aramoana' campaign this year. (Please join the facebook group for updates).

So please subscribe to my posts by RSS posts feed (top of blog on left), so when I do get back on board, fingers crossed, you will be notified of any new posts. But for now I have to let the blog idle.

namaste Nic Reeves

Surf Breaks Workshop - Auckland

2011-05-30T14:22:00.002+12:00

A workshop has been organised to discuss the inclusion of surf breaks into legislative planning frameworks.

Surf Breaks Workshop (side event)

When: Tuesday 31 May, 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Where: The University of Auckland, The Design Theatre, Conference Centre, Building 423, 22 Symonds Street

Seventeen regional surf breaks were recently declared as nationally significant under Policy 16 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) 2010.

A workshop has been organised to discuss the inclusion of surf breaks into legislative planning frameworks. Topics to be covered include:

(a) What are surf breaks?

(b) What impact might Policy 16 have on planning and resource consent decisions?

The group of experts who appeared before the NZCPS Board of Inquiry Hearing on Policy 16 will guide a round table workshop on these topics. These experts will include Hamish Rennie (Senior Lecturer Environmental Management and Planning, Lincoln University), Robert Makgill (Director, North South Environmental Law), Matt Skellern (Planner, University of Auckland- Surfbreak Protection Society) and Dr Shaw Mead (Technical Director, ASR Ltd).

This promises to be an interesting and informative forum. Entry is free and all are welcome

Please contact James Frazerhurst at ASR Ltd for more information j.frazerhurst@asrltd.co.nz

This is where the “The University of Auckland, The Design Theatre, Conference Centre, Building 423, 22 Symonds Street” is …

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Raglan,+Waikato&ll=-36.853645,174.769065&spn=0.00152,0.003433&t=h&z=19

Raw Session from Saturday

2011-05-17T18:36:00.005+12:00

Session on Saturday, first time in about 3 weeks that I managed to get down to the beach to take photos. A few comments on my blog, and emails about the lack of content on my blog. I'm not going to apologise for being absent, I just hope that soon I can get fixed so I can get back to my life I once knew. Two top are Andy Sutherland having a good day and Jayin on his new single fin. Below are screen shots of the whole session with Andy, Jimi, Matt & Lamby

Dune contamination tests done

2011-05-01T10:05:00.002+12:00

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/141606/dune-contamination-tests-done

Developer sells share in hotel

2011-05-01T10:00:00.002+12:00

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/business/154066/developer-sells-share-hotel

St Clair site still vacant 10 years on

2011-05-01T09:57:00.005+12:00

There are no immediate development plans for the only vacant commercial section in the Esplanade block at St Clair - after almost 10 years of remaining derelict.

31st March 2011 ODT article - St Clair site still vacant 10 years on

St Clair Seawall Fencing Issues

2011-04-27T08:15:00.004+12:00

The St Clair Esplanade is undergoing $177,736 of repair work just seven years after its upgrade.

27th April 2011 - Esplanade repair bill tops $170,000 ODT article here

30th April 2011 - DCC acknowledges St Clair railing error ODT article here

Mr de Vries questioned the council's use of mild steel, rather than stainless steel, for the fence. He also raised concerns about rust appearing on recently repaired parts of the fence.

Media comments on Next Generation hearing submissions April 2011

2011-04-20T11:35:00.001+12:00

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/156972/surf-break-threat-feared

not much mentioned really, and the other article

South Coast Board Riders Association counsel Brett Gray said the association believed the impact of the disposal of soil at sea or at three current disposal sites would have a serious impact on the city's protected surf breaks.

Its main area of concern was the application to dispose of soil at the Aramoana "spit" disposal mound and Heyward Point, which could adversely affect the quality of the wave produced there.

"This wave is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the best beach-breaks in the world. In good conditions, over 100 to 200 people can be surfing at that break."

Surfers had been aware of the adverse changes to the quality of waves directly affected by the disruption to the swell corridor since the port had been disposing of dredge spoil at Aramoana, he said.

The true effects of the additional disposal were unknown and although wave monitoring had been promised, it would not give an accurate picture of the effects.

The association and Surfbreak Protection Society spokeswoman Nicola Reeves said they did not oppose the dredging of the Otago harbour basin but hoped the port company would look at alternative ways to dispose of the spoil and called for independent analysis of the effects on the wave quality, installation of a camera above the existing dump site and robust monitoring of the spoil mound and effect on the Aramoana surf break four times a year."

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/156971/grant-port-otago-consents-orc

"The Otago Regional Council has upheld its recommendation that Port Otago's dredging and disposal consents be granted but it has suggested amendments and added conditions to ensure its effects are more tightly controlled,"

there needed to be a good level of certainty for specific activities or monitoring to provide a degree of confidence that potential effects would be adequately monitored. Monitoring of the dredge spoil activities was a crucial aspect of consent for the activity, she said

"It is clear . . . there will be effects as a result of the deposition [of spoil]. What is in contention is the nature and scale of the effects and whether the scientific research will be found to be an accurate representation of the actual effects."

Bathymetric surveys should be taken during and immediately following the major capital dredging and disposal activities at a minimum of every three months and continue annually for three yeas after the capital dredging had ended, she said.

New Video Submission to Port Hearing Panel

2011-04-18T22:29:00.009+12:00

Presented to the hearing panel Tuesday at 10.30am .
Click here for the written submission

Dredging Deception

2011-04-14T09:40:00.008+12:00

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Surfers Unite to Save Aromoana Surfbreak | Promote your Page too

Below is a letter I wrote to the Otago Daily Times, they probably won't go near it, so posting here will give it some air

Dear Simon and Rebecca,

This is a private email to comment on your recent articles:

Economy v environment issue again

Harbour plans dredge up opposition

My name is Nicola Reeves, I am the South Island rep for Surfbreak Protection Society which is a charitable organisation dedicated to protecting surf breaks around New Zealand from inappropriate development, water quality issues and low impact access for all.

I have been meeting with Port Otago for 3 years in the Next Generation Projects' consultative phase. I submitted to the applications in August 2010. I was scheduled to speak to the submission on Thursday morning, but illness will not allow me to do so, Jayin Hutchings will be speaking on Surfbreaks behalf.

The campaigning of Surfbreak Protection Society (SPS) resulted in protecting 19 nationally significant Surf Breaks around New Zealand under Policy 16 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) 2010.

'The Spit' surf break at Aramoana is one of these surf breaks now protected, along with two other local breaks in direct line of sediment disturbance from the Next Generation Project - at Murderers and Karitane.

The Spit surf break has been directly affected since dumping began there in 1985, prior to then a world class wave still existed due to swell and wave refraction over the ebb delta at the mouth of the harbour. Detectable improvements in the peel angle of the wave due to the spoil mound has been recorded along with the potential for the destruction of the wave by continued dumping to an already full spoil mound.

Surfbreak Protection Society is very concerned about the actual and potential adverse effects that will or are likely to arise if this consent is granted for the proposed activity. This could result in significant adverse affects on the ‘wave environment’ and ‘amenity value of surfing’. The Council is required under policy 16 and 13 of the NZCPS to protect the Spit surf break.

Your articles indicate via wording and the graphic by Hayden Smith that the revised plan stage one dredged spoil from the capitol dredging 'Next Generation Project" of 500,000m3 per year, then 400,000m3 would be dumped at sea 6.5 K's out at the proposed new dump site 'A0'. This is not entirely correct.
The current inshore sites at Shelley Beach, The Spit and Heywards Point are the first and preferred disposal sites for stage one as stated in the recommendations report (march 2011), with the balance of spoil over 450,000m3 to be disposed at the A0 site. The currently owned dredges are not equipped to travel that far out to sea unless it is calm, as well as the prohibitive cost.

There is potential for 600,000m3 to be dumped at Aramoana over the next 3 years which will adversely affect the surfbreak.
The current statistics for spoil deposited at the Spit site over the last 5 years averages 32,000m3 per year. Reports published in 1998 and 2005 state that the dump site at The Spit is full, with a 43% retention of spoil per annum, and any further dumping would have a direct affect on the wave environment.

Experts in bathymetry and inshore wave science including information from reports commissioned by Port Otago have also indicated that the spoil site at The Spit, Aramoana is full, and further dumping has the potential to adversely affect the surfable breaking wave. A wave of this quality is a rare asset and has a great recreational and social and economic value.

The AEE report (May 2010) supplied with the resource consent applications state that there will be NO effect on the surfable wave at Aramoana and surfing in general.
This conclusion is ONLY based on the modelling for the A0 site 6.5 k's out to sea, NOT the CUMULATIVE effect of dumping at the current inshore sites. Where very obviously there will be a major effect.

PHOTO - The mechanism conducive to forming the surfable wave at The Spit Aramoana is created by a 'wave crest snap' as the swell rounds the ebb delta at the mouth of the harbour, the swell then moves over the dump site.
The spoil mound modifies the swell adjusting the peel angle improving the wave to a point, although energy is dissipated from the wave as it passes over the mound. A total absence of the spoil mound still gives a high class surfable wave with a slower peel rate and angle.

Unfortunately the presence of the ebb delta and offshore bathymetry creating the initial wave crest snap is artificially created by the construction of the fixed harbour mouth and mole built in the early 1900's and continual dredging of the harbour.

When is the BIG ONE?

2011-04-05T14:59:00.002+12:00

The only earthquake to cause significant damage in Dunedin occurred on April 9, 1974. I remember it clearly actually, even though I was only 4 years old. I was standing in the living room looking out window, the floor was rolling and I was really scared.

The quake was estimated to be 12km deep and centred 10km south of the city. (see ODT articl)

So a major faultline runs pretty much right underneath our house in Waldronville.

Taieri fault lines need research

Otago Daily Times By Eileen Goodwin on Tue, 7 Sep 2010
Research was ongoing, but it was now speculated Dunedin's 1974 earthquake was caused by the Green Island fault, rather than the Akatore fault, whichhad not been active for 1000 years, and 2000 before then. read more here

Quaking in our boots: How prepared is Dunedin?

Otago Daily Times By ohno and Kim Dungey on Sat, 18 Sep 2010

If earthquakes were as regular as clockwork, then a "big one" of magnitude 8 affecting Otago is 43 years overdue. "There is a 50% chance over the next 50 years that there will be a magnitude 8 earthquake on the alpine fault. read more here
Some facts that we should all be aware of. (source)

• The New Zealand Alpine Fault is one of the world’s most prominent and active fault lines
• The East Coast of the South Island is part of one of the earth’s tectonic plates
• The West Coast of the South Island is part of another plate
• The Southern Alps have grown 20,000 metres over the last 25 million years, but have eroded most of this growth away
• Much of the erosion of the high country ends up on the beaches of our coasts
• The Alpine Fault is due to move in a major way
• All of the above will impact upon us, or our children, and how will we continue to live in the “shaky isles”.

"The New Zealand Alpine fault which stretches 650km from Fiordland to North Westland, is known to have been the host of five events of about Force 8 magnitude where the effects have either been observed or can be measured geologically. The dates that can be provided for past events are circa 1350, 1475, 1615, 1725 and 1826. Using these dates, published in the recent “Hostile Shores” by Dr Bruce McFadgen, the interval between major movements coming forward in time, has been 125 years, 140 years, 110 years, and 101 years. The average gap between major movements over these 660 years has been 119 years. Using this average, another major Alpine Fault movement could have been anticipated in 1945. In other words, we are overdue by some 65 years, although if the longest gap of 140 years is used, we are overdue by only 44 years."

It is generally agreed between geologists from all round New Zealand that a Force 8 event would result in an 8 metre horizontal displacement and a 4 metre vertical displacement along the fault.

So with all this earthquake talk, I came across an interesting video on youtube on the "Expanding Earth" theory. Kind of blows the whole tectonic plate theory out the window.

Dunedin Shark Nets, Stay or Go?

2011-03-30T14:59:00.000+13:00

Pic: University of Otago forensic dentist Prof Jules Kieser with Barry Watkins' surfboard and a set of shark jams capable of making such an attack. Watkins was attacked by a shark in 1971

Report on shark nets
Otago Daily Times By Chris Morris on Fri, 11 Feb 2011
Shark nets protecting Dunedin's beaches remain in the sights of at least one Dunedin city councillor. Cr Richard Thomson has called for a staff report on the appropriateness of the nets, including their costs, any possible environmental effect and new scientific knowledge relating to the use of nets.

The report was requested at the end of Wednesday's community development committee meeting. Cr Thomson's move follows an unsuccessful attempt last month by several councillors to have funding for the shark nets removed from the council's draft budget for 2011-12.

Shark nets: are they worth it?
Otago Daily Times By Nigel Benson on Sat, 1 Jan 2011
What would we think if the Dunedin City Council paid $36,000 a year to protect us from lightning bolts? We'd think the council was mad, surely?

Yet, the DCC is the only local authority in New Zealand to maintain shark nets.Never mind that there has not been a shark attack in Dunedin waters for nearly 40 years.

And never mind that marine experts, environmentalists and even council staff who oversee the programme say it is nonsensical.

Shakes @ the Waterloo - 26th March

2011-03-24T12:41:00.001+13:00

Digging in

2011-03-16T17:39:00.004+13:00

Had to get to the beach today, couldn't stand another day inside, no matter what. Surf shots below.
So with this post I also took the opportunity to do a bit of a Blackhead quarrying update, I've been taking progress photos for months. The main sequence above is 15months of quarrying and lowering on the south side of the quarry which is the face that is seen from Blackhead Road and the carparks. Heaps of activity and changes, the one big thing is the disappearance of what I call 'the slip' which was clay slide shaped like an arch.

Diploma of Digital Film

2011-03-11T21:13:00.004+13:00

One of the assignments for the Diploma of Digital Film at the Southern Institute of Technology. I had to plan, film and edit together a chase scene. Filmed using a Canon 7D and Rode Videomic. Music by Head Like a Hole - Hot Sexy Lusty

Last year I took a few papers studying towards a Diploma of Digital Film with The Southern Institute of Technology. I ended up dropping the screenwriting paper as it was a bit too much of a workload with also working, and struggling with being sick too. It was a real tough squeeze to get the 101 paper finished, but I got there, and managed to get top of my class with an A pass. This year I am taking two more papers, and started last week. The video above is one of my last assignments - Starring Andy Sutherland and Chris Lamb.

Seaweek Beach Cleanup - Brighton

2011-03-06T15:02:00.007+13:00

5 adults and three children, including me and Jay turned up to deposit their collected rubbish from Beach cleanup points along the south coast around Brighton this morning.
A lady who walked the beach from Waldronville to Ocean view with her dog collected a supermarket bag of rubbish. Me and Jay collected rubbish around the surf lifesaving club and back bank, and along the Otokai Estuary and top domain.

Above: Scott and Caleb collected three very large sacks of rubbish from around the Waldronville area and gun club. And pic below: Sean and his daughters' Edith and Faye collected a large bag from the dunes and beach at Brighton.

I believe a few of the boys from Big Rock collected rubbish along the roadside from Brighton to Kuri Bush this afternoon.

The final weight of rubbish collected from Brighton was 170 kg.

Seaweek Coastal Cleanup 2011

2011-02-26T17:30:00.003+13:00

BRIGHTON BEACH CLEANUP

Sunday March 6th 10am - All welcome to come along and help out.
A group from Big Rock Boardriders will work their way along the coast towards Taieri Mouth to pick up rubbish in the car lay-bys where the freedom campers frequent.
Please meet at 10am by the Skip

A DCC contractor will deliver two really big wheelie bins to the Brighton Beach carpark at about 9am on Sunday March 6. Collected rubbish can go in the bins, or if there is a lot, it can be stacked within a 2 meter radius of the bins. This will all be taken away by the contractor at or after 1pm the same day. While we still have a central collection point at Hancock Park, St Kilda, rubbish will be going straight into a skip without sorting and weighing as the dirty rubbish cannot be recycled.

Quake Blessings

2011-02-22T20:31:00.005+13:00

Jayin and I have a large furnished spare bedroom available if you are displaced by the quake and want to leave the city.
We are in Dunedin, well away from aftershocks.
Please call or text 0274627494 if you are interested or pass on to someone who may need accommodation help.

Sending blessings and energy of support to those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch.
We know of a few friends who have lost their homes, many we have not heard from.

Sumner from the air

2011-02-21T14:56:00.000+13:00

Sumner etc, Christchurch, taken 29th september 2009, forgot to upload

360degree sunset

2011-02-13T21:28:00.002+13:00

Last night, for a short time there was a glowing sunset. This series' of 8 images was taken at my front gate, the roof in the middle is our house. An photo taken earlier in the evening of one of the ponds at the golf course over the road.

Artwork - Ocean View Beach & Flax

2011-02-07T21:34:00.002+13:00

Above, recent commission. Ocean View Beach with Flax.
Below Planning out and part way through.

Otago Conservancy values Survey

2011-02-03T15:02:00.003+13:00

Do you Value the Otago Coastline?
I'm sure you do.

Please take the time (they suggest twenty mins) to fill in the survey stating how you value the Otago coastline, and assist DOC in protecting our conservation land. eg: the beauty and Amenity value for surfing (or other activities), wildlife etc. If we don't make our individual voices heard, then our values are not regarded when conservation issues, development, plan changes and other matters try and weasel into our playground. So don't sit back and bemoan lost paradise in the future.

Make your opinions heard NOW!

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT

Big Rock Boardriders Midsummer Comp

2011-01-31T10:37:00.008+13:00

Jimi got it together for another relaxed comp for the Brighton Surf Club, Big Rock Boardriders, held it on the second day of the Brighton Gala day where their main event was held on the Brighton Domain. So to keep out of the way of the hundreds of carparking visitors and foot traffic we held the event at the horse carpark at Ocean View.
Below: from the comp spot looking down the coast to the Brighton Domain adorned with ferris Wheel and Gala Day presence.

Above, the Gala Day and Domain from near the top of Big Rock. Below Sam Taylor, below that Matt with one of his his trademark floaters.

Above Jimi and Andy, below, Judges lineup and spectators on the dunes, and Hayley

Above Jay tucks in, below Hayley modeling one of our XXL HOTLINE rashies

RESULTS
1st - Jimi Crooks
2nd - Andy Sutherland
3rd - Hayley Coakes
4th - Matt Aberdein

Tom Bodysurfing in between (also perhaps during) heats.
Sorry I didn't put up photos of everyone surfing, I missed on getting a few of you, I was just into relaxing for the arvo, even managed to get sunburnt again.

Brighton District 150th Celebrations

2011-01-28T08:10:00.003+13:00

This year the District of Brighton celebrates 150 years of settlement. Last year in preparation I worked with the 150th committee and designed a logo for the year long event.

So this post is about the Brighton District 150th logo design process.

A few years ago I worked on designing a logo for the newly formed Big Rock Boardriders (Brighton Based). Below are the final two designs. The one on the Right was adopted.

The one on the left has a silhouetted and colour shadowed "Big Rock" landform which divides Brighton from Ocean View, you can see it in the photo below, saddle hill in the background, and then the banner below the photo is taken from the top of Big Rock with Brighton on the left with the beach, and then Ocean View far to the right.

I had the photoshop document of this rejected surf club logo, so I picked the concept up again and evolved it into a few different designs for the committee to comment on. Below, they eventually decided on number 1 as seen at the top of this post.

It has now been developed into a bumper sticker to be given out or sold over the year, and the logo used on different local clubs' activities in 2011. The Brighton Pony club is using them on certificates very soon.
Below logo used in the Taieri herald for the
Brighton Gala Day beginning this weekend.

Below a couple of old Brighton Postcards.

2011 Nationals Dunedin by NZ Greenroom Productions

2011-01-26T11:26:00.003+13:00

Jan 2011 saw 'The Hyundai National Surfing Championships' contested on one of New Zealand's most exposed coastlines, Dunedin!

A town predominantly known for its student occupancy and legendary Rugby team, its also a coastline riddled with some of the finest surfing set ups known to man.

The event was a huge success for both Surfing NZ and its major sponsors Hyundai NZ and Sol, even though we were consistently bombarded with the classic Otago weather patterns of 4 seasons in one day!
As a location for surfer, spectator and photographer, the Esplanade at the South end of St Clair couldn't be a more comfortable location base the competition from.

The swell was contestable for all 4 days of competition and up and down the coast was firing at times with numerous surf stories of epic sessions being told in detail at The Esplanade every morning!

The 2 video clips highlight some of best surfers from around of NZ going head to head with the winners entering the history books as National Champion's of 2011!

Surfing NZ
Sport: Surfing
Series: 2011 Hyundai National Surfing Championships - SOL Surf Series Event 2
Date: 13th - 16th January 2011
Location: St Clair Beach, Dunedin
Event Info: www.surfingnz.co.nz and www.Hyundai.co.nz

Men's Longboard Final
Thomas Kibblewhite (Auck), 14.83, 1, Matt Cockayne (Mngwhai), 11.07, 2, Kelly Ryan (Gis), 10.6, 3, Cale Tolley (Mnt), 10.3, 4

Stand Up Paddleboard
Daniel Kereopa (Rag), 15.3, 1, Sean Hovell (Gis), 13.9, 2, Shayne Baxter (ChCh), 12.3, 3, Arnie Armstrong (Rag), 10.3, 4

Women's Longboard
Hannah Joynt (Dun), 11.17, 1, Daisy Thomas (ChCh), 8.1, 2, Hannah Howard (Auck), 4.97, 3, Shelly Jones (Auck), 4.27, 4

Open Men's Final
Jay Quinn (Gis), 18, 1, Richard Christie (Mahia), 16.5, 2, Maz Quinn (Gis), 14.1, 3, Morehu Roberts (Rag), 11.6, 4

Under 18 Men's Final
Ben Poulter (Rag), 13.87, 1, Tane Wallis (Piha), 12.17, 2, Jacob Kohn (Gis), 10.93, 3, Joe Moretti (Mimiwhangata), 7.47, 4

Open Women's Final
Airini Mason (Gis), 15.4, 1, Ella Williams (Whmata), 14.9, 2, Jessica Santorik (Rag), 12.7, 3, Hayley Coakes (Dun), 8, 4

A Complete list of all 2011 results and past National Champions are located on the Surfing New Zealand website under History.

Please see below for the remaining five events that make up the 20010/11 SOL Surf Series.

Sol Series Event 3 - 29-31 January - Billabong Pro presented by Sony, Whangamata (6-star)
Sol Series Event 4 - 12-13 February - Power Balance Pro, Mount Maunganui (4-star)
Sol Series Event 5 - 11-13 March - Rip Curl Pro, Raglan (6-star)
Sol Series Event 6 - 2-3 April SOL Super 16, Mobile (6-star)

The remaining events on the 2011 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour follow:

Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Event 3, 4-6 February, Sandy Bay (SNZ 6-star / ASP LQS 1-star)
Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Event 4, 19-20 February, Mount Maunganui (4-star)
Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Event 5, 4-5 March, Port Waikato (6-star)

Art Decor Commission

2011-01-21T19:50:00.005+13:00

An art commission (above) I completed over christmas was a simple design piece to fit in with a newly painted bedroom and duvet set.

I was first sent a photo of of both the new duvet and a closeup photo of the pattern. (above).
I also had the information that the bedroom had been painted with one wall bright red, and the balance white. The artwork was to be a long and large landscape shape to be hung on the opposite wall to the red.

Below, the completed painting in the room, unhung

It was a fun piece of art to create, and something which I would be keen to do again with a new set of decor challenges. The customer was very happy, thankfully.

Blackhead Aftermath

2011-01-18T14:21:00.007+13:00

The day after the Nationals finish, it is to be expected that the crews are still in town, and eager to search out a few more waves before the return to home turf. Dunedin locals shared the space with the visiting competitors at Blackhead on Monday Afternoon with solid 4ft sets pumping through brushed by a strong offshore. I was driving home from a family photo shoot and stopped for about 40 mins to capture the talent.

Hyundai Surf 2011 - Final Wrap

2011-01-16T21:53:00.011+13:00

Results from the finals DUNEDIN CREW

Women's Longboard - 1st - Hannah Joynt

Open Women - 4th - Hayley Coakes

Kneeboard - 1st - Malcom Diack

Over 28 Men's - 4th - Luke Murphy

Over 35 Men's - 2nd - Lyndon Fairburn

Over 40 men's - 2nd - Richard Ayson

Over 45 Men's - 3rd - Mark Stevenson

Over 50 Men's - 3rd - Kerry McNally

Over 55 Men's - 1st - Graham Carse, 2nd- Greg Page

Over 28 Women's - 3rd - Francios Lewis

Full results here

Above: The Morning of the 4th and last finals day fo the comp. Don't be fooled by those lines pushing into St Clair. A rogue set, below is a more accurate showing of the majority of the surfscape during the day.

go Dunedin!

2011-01-16T09:24:00.004+13:00

Open Women's Finals (Yet to be surfed)
Ella Williams (Whmata), Hayley Coakes (Dun), Jessica Santorik (Rag), Airini Mason (Gis)

Hayley Coakes made it to the final of the Womens at the Hyundai National Surf Champs! The Seniors grand final will be Luke Murphy and Lydon Fairburn . Well Done Dunnos Boys!
I haven't been able to make it to the comp the last few days, but will head in now to support Hayley and watch the finals

2011 Hyundai Surf Nationals - Day 1

2011-01-13T20:27:00.003+13:00

Above: About 10.30am on the morning of Day One of the Hyundai National Surf Champs. Massive sets rolling in through St Clair from way out the back, while Middles and St Kilda are just storm washes of foam. Below: The Esplanade holding the comp scene with Judges tent in the middle and the green and red flags.

Above: Massive sets rolling through made a tough paddle out for all competitors. Below: one of the better wind-swept faces goes unridden.

Above: the photog crew and spectators search the comp field for a decent wave. Below: Fat rolling closeouts.

Below 3: competitors.

2011 National Surf Champs at St Clair Dunedin 13-16 January 2011

2011-01-12T21:44:00.005+13:00

Panorama pic ( 5 stitched images) above taken yesterday at St Clair, surf was virtually flat, today it was big storm mush, tomorrow the Nationals begin in Dunedin. I will be able to make it in a few times over the comp, and have put aside some time and energy to process some pics and will blog them as I can. All the best to competing surfers both local and visiting.

Playing with light and thread

2011-01-09T21:53:00.004+13:00

Above and below: the Kaikorai Estuary empties out to the Pacific Ocean, and at times a small winding river cuts its way through the sand flats. These two images are threaded together in photomerge from 5(top) and 3 separate images on a wide angle lens.

Above and below, a family looking for flounders at sunset in the river.

Above and below: different techniques same scene. top is on a tripod with a long exposure, below hand held long exposure hand panning.

Above: camera propped on the rocks at the carpark capturing with a 4 second exposure a car driving across the kaikorai bridge.

New Years Surf 2011

2011-01-01T20:06:00.003+13:00

Early morning start, easily attainable since I went to bed at 11pm, slept through the new years changeover.
I'm looking forward to hitting a new gear this year, been in reverse for the last one with flat tyres and not much gas.
All pics of my best mate, partner and the most patient supportive human I know, Jayin.

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-25T20:43:00.010+13:00

Facebook uploader doesn't seem to be working.
So just uploading Family Photos for Family overseas.
Amber an Nick are driving down from Ashburton tonight, and will do the boxing day sales in the morning, then a family BBQ tomorrow night.
Hope you all had a great XMAS.

Top:, Skidi waiting on 'Dads' chair with his XMAS pressie for him.
Below: Then Joined by Dad at breakfast with his toast, shared.

Above: The pine tree branch Jay nabbed from 'somewhere' and brought back home on his scooter at midnight. Then right: Shane and Amber with Skidi.
Below Left: Shane openeing his Christmas Pressie, not happy about the camera in his face. Right: Caitlin giving the look for the camera.

My Dad (Trevor) and step mum Judy dishing up xmas lunch, all the salad and veges were from our garden, it felt so good out with my basket picking the veges.. Above right: Caitlin, Dad and Shane

Family pics taken in front of a half finished project of an eclectic mix of photo frames with pics of my kids over the years.
The house has been very quiet the last 6 weeks since Caitlin moved out, so its just me and Jay. Now, after being a mum for 25 years I can plan my future without responsibilities of being at home for children (theoretically). So I'm planning for a big LE - not an OE as I haven't the funds to travel overseas, but a Local Experience of New Zealand... once I get a camper van kidded out I'm planning on hitting the road to explore our beautiful country.

namaste and hope you all had a great Christmas.

out the window

2010-12-15T16:14:00.002+13:00

Above: Tomatoes are growing well in the Morri House (compare with the pic a few weeks ago here), Jay built me a potting table outside on it's deck, he's so clever.
Other than the vege garden, there is nothing happening in my life. I quit work late October, and have been at home. Sorry no blog posts, I haven't been doing photography or going out.

Damage Control

2010-11-30T20:32:00.005+13:00

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the national policy statement, which replaced an earlier policy, gave councils clearer direction on protecting and managing New Zealand's coastal environment, including surf breaks, for the first time.

Read the FULL online Article at the ODT here

Editors note in response to Article

Yes I agree the new NZ Coastal Policy Statement 2010 does create the need for extra attention for Port Otago in relation to their Next Generation project affecting the Aramoana Surfbreak, which is now Nationally protected.

Mr Hastie seems to have put his hand up to represent surfers as opposing the Next Generation Project, unaware of the lengthy negotiations with Mr Plunket that myself and Rod Rust have had to secure an understanding and good will prior to his comments in this article.

The 6.2k out to sea dump site will not adversely affect surfing/surfers under the Port Otago proposals. The dump sites of concern are the existing sites for which a separate consent will be applied for in 2011. Also of concern is the deepening of the channel at the heads and the effect on the ebb delta there.

Leroy Rust - Aiming High

2010-11-30T19:44:00.002+13:00

Read the whole article at the ODT website here

Skidi tired of getting so big!

2010-11-27T09:40:00.000+13:00

Arsenic, asbestos found in Dunedin dunes

2010-11-26T16:55:00.001+13:00

Please read the whole article on the Otago Daily Times Website here.

Mysterious sludge at beach years ago, Dunedin man recalls
From the ODT website By Chris Morris on Fri, 26 Nov 2010

Revelations the sand dunes at Dunedin's Middle beach are laced with traces of industrial chemicals have jogged memories of a mysterious white sludge for Dunedin man Wayne Campbell.

Mr Campbell (62) contacted the Otago Daily Times this week. after Dunedin City Council staff last week confirmed traces of arsenic, asbestos and other industrial chemicals had been found in the dunes.

The contamination of the seaward side of the dunes was believed to have come from old landfill buried under what is now Kettle Park, although council staff were awaiting more test results to determine the extent of the problem.

Mr Campbell said he could recall coming across a mysterious white substance while fossicking in the landfill as a young boy in the 1950s.

Please continue to read the whole article on the Otago Daily Times Website here .

Our Vege Garden - November 2010

2010-11-21T22:42:00.009+13:00

This year is going to be the bumper year for as close as possible to self sufficiency in fruit and vegetables. And I'm really enjoying spending more time in the garden now I am not working. Especially since:

We now have a 4mx2.5m Morrifield Tunnel House!
I'm Stoked to say that the tunnel house is all up and running with 6 beefsteak tomato plants, 6 cherry tomato plants, 6 chilli plants, 6 mixed pepper plants, a cucumber, masses of rocket, fennel, and a seeded row of mixed basil. Below- all planted out:

Above: Jay worked extremely hard last week to dig out and build the foundations for the tunnel house. We got in two trailer loads of mulch and organic compost, which was mixed in by Dean from 'We Hoe You Grow'.. every year from the start of our new garden, Dean has come and mixed and mulched our soil to a fine till, making our job much easier, and saving Jay's back for more surfs.

Above: Dean Hoeing last week -

If you want some quality Hoeing magic in your Vege patch, Dean Mooyman can be contacted at: 021 2474633 or email wehoeyougrow@vodaphone.co.nz

Above left: my new herb garden Jay put together over the top of an old broken concrete pad with the Tunnel House in the background, and to the right the three raised garden beds, newly planted out. Above right: the fruit trees coming along, with the mixed vine berries, grapes and berry bushes along the fenceline. At the bottom of the garden the big black walnut, and the big old skool apple tree.

Arvo Surf

2010-11-17T17:14:00.004+13:00

Auckland for Surfbreak

2010-11-12T19:15:00.009+13:00

A couple of weeks ago I travelled to Auckland for the AGM of the Surfbreak Protection Society.
I was honoured to get voted back on the committee for my second year, and look forward to doing whatever I can for the organisation.
Pic to left taken after the meeting at the Auckland Law Courts building somewhere in the centre city.
Left to right: Geer Iseke, Paul Shanks, Nic Reeves, Mike Gunson, Monique Olivier, Allen Pidwell, John Shaw, missing David Storck and Scotty Grieve.
New Surfbreak Facebook Group I made a few days ago

Surfbreak Protection Society | Promote your Page too

Above:: Taking off from Dunedin airport flying low looking towards waldronville (middle circle), where I live, with Blackhead headland to the left circled, suburbs Fairfield in the foreground, Green Island to the right. Closer to the sea is the Refuse Transfer station at the head of the Kaikorai Estuary which leads out to the sea past Waldronville. I love where I live!
Next pic below is of the Kaikoras shrouded in clouds on the way up.

Above: A night shot of Auckland from the street. And then my short trip to flat Piha. Last photo at bottom is from the plane window taxiing along the runway at sunset.

sample for Bob

2010-11-11T08:58:00.001+13:00

.jpg white border with click thru drop shadow.

.png with click through drop shadow. both 800 pixels wide

from the carpark

2010-11-03T19:20:00.003+13:00

26th October 2010 - Windy As -
Below: Jimi popping out of a loong tube, fresh from indo

New Coastal Policy Statement released

2010-10-28T18:22:00.005+13:00

Date: 28 October 2010
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation

A new national policy statement will give councils clearer direction on protecting and managing New Zealand’s coastal environment, including our top surf breaks, says Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson.

“The Government made a commitment to deliver more national guidance on implementation of the Resource Management Act,” Ms Wilkinson says.

“The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) 2010 that I’m recommending does that.”

The NZCPS sets out policies on coastal issues including protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes, planning for subdivision, use, and development, protection of biodiversity and water quality, and management of coastal hazard risks.

full article here

What are the nationally significant surf breaks and how were they chosen?

This policy attracted significant interest and the list was developed by the Board of Inquiry after taking submissions from national surfing organisations and individual surfers, as well as related environmental evidence. The surf breaks listed come from seven regions:

Otago: The Spit, Karitane, Whareakeake (Murdering Bay), Papatowai;
Kaikoura: Mangamaunu, Meatworks;
Taranaki: Stent Road breaks, Waiwhakaiho;
Gisborne: Makorori Point, Wainui breaks, The Island;
Raglan: Manu Bay, Whale Bay, Indicators;
Coromandel: Whangamata Bar;
Northland: Peaks (Shipwreck Bay, Super tubes, Mukie 1&2).

Top marks to all the Surfing groups, individuals, clubs & orgs in NZ, especially the efforts of Surfbreak Protection Society getting this policy in the NZCPS - protecting some of New Zealands top surf breaks.

Labour Weekend Garden

2010-10-25T22:04:00.004+13:00

Above, a Protea in our front garden.

Launching into another growing season, me and Jay are hoping to be as self producing as possible with fruit and vegetables this year. Pic Above is the garden at the beginning of the month, with soil turned over ready for planting out. Since then we have pricked out a pile of sprouted seeds into the furrows. New Trellis is up ready for the newly planted green beans, and the peas are in too,

Fruit trees are doing well, (above) and the berries are establishing themselves along the 3 tier espalier along the fence line.

We now have three strawberry Patches, and a good grove of Rhubarb plants. I think we have lost most of our asparagus plants which have been shooting for a few years, only two have sprouted so far.In the background of this photo (above) you can see I picked up some old low profile tyres at Mag and Turbo a few weeks ago, and Jay planted some spuds in them. Looking to get another 3 or 4 stacks going, two with Yams.

Readers Post - Yellow Eyed Penguin

2010-10-18T02:06:00.002+13:00

My name is Keith and I have just moved to the Brighton area with my wife Alice. Im a pretty keen (yet spectacularly poor) surfer and have followed and enjoyed your blog with interest for sometime.

I was out for a run this evening and came across a yellow eyed penguin just south of Brighton. We have moved up here from Kaka Point so im used to seeing them and it was obvious this one wasnt well. With darkness approaching we decided to catch it (after getting the ok from DOC).

DOC ranger then came and collected it from our house. Fingers crossed it will do well.

Just thought you might be interested to hear our wee story.

Keith and Alice

Nationals to be Held In Dunedin Jan 2011

2010-10-16T20:15:00.002+13:00

Article on the Otago Daily Times Website here

Surfscapes - Reviews - a success?

2010-10-14T10:13:00.004+13:00

The exhibition was due to end today,

but has been extended until the 6th of November 2010

Exhibition Review
ODT Thursday 30th September 2010 - Arts Section

"Surfscapes" (Green Island Gallery)

Green Island Gallery's "Surfscapes" consists of work by eight local surfers who are also artists.

Several of the names are familiar, most notably Steev Peyroux and Ollie Crooks, but the work by the remaining artists is also worthy of note.

James Kerr's work is impressive, with its boldly impressionistic colours.

The sea seems to ripple in the mix of pinks and cyans which he weaves from his brush, as do the waves in two equally attractive bright works by Ollie Crooks.

More realistic are the warm vibrant tones of Nic Reeves' paintings, which depict stylised South Pacific seafronts, with foam breaking against symbol-heavy Polynesian coasts.

Darren Tautari's work is attractive, understated, and realistic.

He nicely depicts his recognisable street and beach scenes, often by picking a feature, most obviously in the simple, effective Gulls.

His work sits opposite two excellent large pieces by Steev Peyroux depicting folded blankets of hillside lapped by coastal waters or sitting nervously under sullen skies.

Street art, unsurprisingly, makes its influence known, most obviously in a series of works by Nathan Shaw, but also in the cartoon-like surfer image of Nathan Lungley.

The exhibition is completed by a series of miniature hand-float boards, shaped and decorated in fine humour by Jayin Tzu.

Saving Waves: Coastal planning and surf breaks

2010-10-12T14:59:00.003+13:00

26th October 2010 at 6pm
Venue: Design Lecture Theatre, NICAI Conference Centre, 22 Symonds St, Auckland.
A lecture by Paul Shanks and Matt Skellern
Paul Shanks won the Ministry for the Environment Green Ribbon in 2006, for community leadership in Whangamata. Since then, Paul has taken a lead in saving New Zealand’s greatest surfing asset, its waves. From an international perspective, New Zealand is innovating in the ways it proposes to protect its world class surf breaks. Surfer and planner Matt Skellern contributes toward surf break protection alongside other surfers with backgrounds in planning, coastal science, oceanography, social science, law, economics along with perspectives from the surfing community and surfing industry.
Globally, surfers have been protesting the extinction of quality surf breaks for years. However, in December 2008, surf break protection was formalised through the World Heritage Surf Break movement based on the UNESCO model of World Heritage Sites. Following a similar trend, New Zealanders adopted the legal process to protect the world class surf breaks in Aotearoa.
Paul and Matt’s presentation aims to raise awareness of surf break protection at home and abroad, identifying potential issues for future ocean planning.

This Saving Waves lecture is kindly supported by the New Zealand Planning Institute and New Zealand Coastal Society.

Loopy Skidi

2010-10-11T09:10:00.004+13:00

Quiet weekends, and little entertainment lately, our new guinea pig Skidi is providing the entertainment. We also remodelled their cage to include a pipe from the top floor off the verandah. Now Skidi does his mad running loops from the top floor down the tube to the back of the bottom floor, and back up the tube over and over and over. Laughter is the best remedy.

Happy Birthday Shane

2010-10-05T21:58:00.004+13:00

Today is my sons' 24th birthday.
Happy Birthday Shane, was great to spend the afternoon with you.
Above: Shane shooting off a few while I was baiting up the hook.
Below, A few of Shane's surf shots.

Below again: Downsouth and Jay paddling out. In the foreground the fishing hollow.

Above left; Shane took a photo of my first fish I caught. By the end of the session, after some filming from the rocks too, I had caught three fish using my super secret bait method. I was so stoked its been about 25 years since I last rock fished at Brighton.
After downsouth left to drive back to ChCh, Jay stayed out and surfed with Beano, and I went home with Shane. Above right: the three fish in the laundry sink at home.
Later in the afternoon Jay prepared the fish and we wrapped in foil with butter and tarragon and bbq'd them. I made a spinach (from the garden) garlic and tomato treat to accompany it (Pic Below)

Above, the vista sitting outside eating the catch, looking out over the spring garden.
PS.. my mother saw this post and sent me a photo she took of me having just returned from one of my fishing trips in 1980 ( I was ten or 11). I had also just taken a photo of the fish with my own camera ( you can see it on the window ledge next to me).. so in 30 years nothing has changed! thanks for the pic mum.

Stolen Surfboard - Brighton Beach

2010-10-02T21:54:00.004+13:00

i nic

Local surfer Neds' daughter's surfboard went missing from the car park at the brighton (Dunedin) surf club today. He was surfing and she was playing on the beach with her mum and sister.

Ned would would like to think it wasn't stolen but it looks that way. He handmade the board mad for her, so it's kind of special to both of them. It's quite distinctive.

If you know of anything, hear anything, or even see it around,

please contact me via this blog

20th Cape Classic 2010

2010-10-02T09:51:00.006+13:00

The 20th Cape Classic
23rd - 24th October 2010

20 years of the Cape Classic with $7500 cash and more sponsors product up for grabs.
King Kapisi and the nomad for the after party and T Bay with a nice a-frame bank forming we are set to go.
Get down, over or up to Westport for the Best Classic yet.

Entry Form Here
Facebook page Here

St Clair in the Sun

2010-09-27T21:34:00.005+13:00

What a stuinning day, after all the freezing weather and snow the last week. I sat on the Esplanade getting my 20 minutes of natural Vitamin D early this afternoon. Usually I'm always out in the sun, either taking photos, gardening or surfing but the last 10 months in exile, with nadda surf, no gardening and not many photo sessions my vit D levels dropped way low.. looking to boost them up naturally now, fingers crossed hopefully soon I can get back out on the water too. Being sick is a pain.

Below left: Not much sand at the base of the sea wall at the moment.
Below Right: A view along the esplanade towards the St Clair resort.

Surfscapes Exhibition

2010-09-22T15:46:00.004+12:00

The opening night was a great success, thank you to all those who came.
The Exhibition will run until the 6th of November, another two weeks longer than planned.

The Gallery Opening Hours are
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm

Surfscapes - the Art of Otago Surfers

2010-09-16T08:24:00.006+12:00

When	Exhibition Opening 7pm Friday 17th September running for 4 weeks till the 14th of October 2010

Location	The Green Island Gallery, Cnr Main South Road & Church Street, Green Island - 194 main South Road, Green Island (next door to the Night and Day Store)



	An exhibition of Surf Art from Otago Surfers will run for 4 weeks at the Green Island Gallery, Dunedin. Come and view a diverse range of art styles and mediums inspired by surfing and surf culture. Opening night is Friday the 17th of September at 7pm. Featuring artists: Steev Peyroux, Ollie Crooks, Nathan Shaw, Darren James Tautari, James Kerr, Jayin Tzu, Nic Reeves and Nathan Lungley. Check out the facebook event for more information and to register your attendance to the opening, so we can cater accurately. 10% of sales will be donated to the Surfbreak Protection Society. see you there!

Keep Dunedin Beautiful Litter Pick

2010-09-14T18:05:00.004+12:00

St Clair & Kilda Beach Cleanup

Saturday 18th of September at 2.30pm - meet at the locked John Wilson Gates

Sunday 19th September at 10.30am - meet at the Shark Bell, St Clair

check out the facebook link and register your attendance
organised by Chloe & Tony Denley

he says:
"Dunedin people (or NZ wide if you want to organize a wee group for your local area) - I organized a group of us last year to have a litter pick down in St Kilda...... It wasn't the biggest turnout but we still managed to get over 5 big bags of rubbish!

Was hoping about going big and doing the whole stretch of St Clair/ Kilda on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of September.... Probably working in groups of 2 so one can collect the recyclable and the other general landfill waste.

Bags and gloves will be provided by the DCC and the bags will be collected from the normal litter collection the following week.

The Saturday I'll be working until 1pm hence a 2.30 start but those who may be only able to do the Saturday are welcome to start a group earlier and i will either join or continue on later.

The Sunday I will be starting at 10.30am.

For those of you not local to Dunedin maybe you know of schools or groups who would be interested in this week.. If so all information can be found on the website.. http://www.knzb.org.nz/"

Previous rubbish collection by Tony last year just one day at St Clair beach.

RIP - Clarke

2010-09-06T21:19:00.004+12:00

Today Caitlins' beloved guinea Pig Clarke was put to sleep after a long and immensely loved life a few months short of his 6th birthday.
He was old, tired, blind and in pain from failing health. Full of character to the last minute it was an extremely hard decision, he has now been laid to rest at the bottom of the garden and we plan to buy a Rhododendron to plant above his resting site.

Above: Born on the 29th of November 2004.
His Father was my beloved Floyd, and is survived by his mother Ishana

Above: When Clarke was just a few months old he was already completely devoted to Caitlin. His favorite game was always to run and even jump big distances up onto her chest and snuggle under her chin. Berlow: Caitlin inside the boys' cage, Clarke used to love to run all over Caitlin like a mountain goat.

The video below is of Clarke and his half brother Fugly playing around with a pellet bowl. Only ever kept inside (and outside on nice summer and spring days) a two storied apartment with mirrored walls, fresh hay and blankets and teddy toys. Clarkes favourite one was the EXPOL Penguin, which he always cuddled up to at night.

yeow bra - by Just The Torso

2010-08-30T08:43:00.001+12:00

Gold on You Tube, username 'Just the Torso'
gotta be a Dunedin crew?

Sign up with jack Johnson and WIN!

2010-08-29T14:33:00.004+12:00

The ‘Capture Your Commitment’ Campaign
creating positive global change.

You can now be apart of the community by signing up at explore.org/jack-johnson and help achieve sustainable change.

They will be giving away daily prizes like Jack Johnson’s newest CD, ‘To the Sea,’ and $25 iTunes gift cards. Also,the grand prize is a custom surfboard signed by Jack.

Thanks very much, and remember, an individual action, multiplied by millions, creates global change!

Full Moon Sunset

2010-08-24T21:24:00.004+12:00

Caitlin decided to go for a surf after school today. It was getting pretty late in the day and she hadn't been out for over a month. so a last minute scramble to the beach. Below, full moon rising over Green Island.

Above, my favourite shot, the full moon on slow shutter speed with an oyster catcher feeding on the shoreline. Below, Caitlin leaving the water after I missed shooting her waves because I was too focused on the full moon and oyster catchers.

Above, One last shot of the edge of Big Rock at Brighton with the rising full moon.

Looking at Blackhead

2010-08-20T22:00:00.004+12:00

Almost every day I drive past the Blackhead headland and Quarry. Every time constant quarrying activity has moved more gravel piles, eaten away at the rock faces and the profile has been nibbled away like a slow methodical attack on a girl guide biscuit.

Last month a refreshing walk along Blackhead beach revealed more than a pretty reflection.

Rubble and rock from quarry spill overflow and scour the side of the headland, covering the spectacular columnar volcanic features and rare dwarfed native scrub. This area is protected by the 1991 covenant, where spill must not cover and destroy the natural rock formations and affect the vegetation.

St Clair Blowin In Up & Out

2010-08-17T16:10:00.006+12:00

There was a half hour window last week between work and Caitlins school interviews. best place to enjoy the sun and surf on a cold winters' day was down at St Clair. The backwash and high tide made excellent entertainment for kids on the Esplanade, blowing massive plumes of spray in the air off the sea wall.

A team of American pros including Mark Losness were commanding the channel kept in check by our own Danny Carse. Style was all around even on the Esplanade Drive.

Submissions are in !!

2010-08-13T20:45:00.005+12:00

I want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me in this incredibly intensive and absorbing task.
My submission is in on behalf of the Surfbreak Protection Society.
I also worked with the guys from Big Rock to get that one written up and helped out with a few others offering advice and answering questions. I have spoken to many people who have also placed their own submissions including

ODT Saturday 14th August - Public Respond to Port Proposal
"More than 60 public submissions were received by the Otago Regional Council by late yesterday on Port Otago's proposed $100 million channel-deepening project"

ODT Wednesday 11th August - Port Otago Channel Submissions closing
"Dunedin spokesperson for the Surfbreak Protection Society, Nik Reeves, said Aramoana beach was one of the country's best breaks and called for submissions. St Clair surfing club South Coast Boardriders Association was also calling for submissions.

Ms Reeves said in a statement yesterday while previous sand dumping had improved wave quality at Aramoana in the past, she wanted dumping more closely monitored and the spoil to be dumped further out to sea."

I had a meeting with Geoff Plunkett the CEO of Port Otago yesterday with Lincoln Coe and supported by Rod Rust. This came about as a result of the video, and media releases. The meeting actually went really well, and I discovered that Port Otago are really open to engaging with the public, and really do have their concerns at heart. I heard of a number of things they have done outside of their requirements in other areas. Looking forward to more dialogue in the future.
Although I'm hoping that a proposed merger of Port Otago with Lyttleton does not change the mix. (see ODT 14th Aug 2010 Otago seen as looser in proposed port sale) "The scene is set for the almost two-year-old proposed merger between Port Otago and Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) to become one of the most contentious issues faced by southern local bodies and ratepayers in decades. "

Below are some links to some of the articles and releases that came about this week as a result of my Surfers Submissions Guidelines Video:

First was the interview with Kip Brook which led to the media release through his business Word of Mouth Media.
www.infonews.co.nz

An excellent article by Cory Scott from NZ Surf Mag's wordpress blog:
www.nzsurfingmagazine.wordpress.com

A news release I wrote for www.surf.co.nz

A brief article written by an american surf website, they used their own photo, didn't quite get the beach right www.surfertoday.com

A very heartfelt offer from Lloyd Godman, who is an internally renowned ecological artist who used to live in Dunedin. A beautiful panoramic photographic artwork (see top photo) to be used for the campaign in the future. www.lloydgodman.net