Identification of Wellington regional surfbreaks Technical Report
- Author
- Gunson, M.; Orchard, S.; Windsor, P.
- Year
- 2014
- Publisher / Organisation
- Greater Wellington Regional Council
- Pages
- 34
- Summary
- Surf breaks are unique and valuable components of the coastal environment. They have cultural, spiritual, recreational, and sporting meaning to in excess of 200,000 people in New Zealand1 . Surfbreaks are becoming increasingly recognised in New Zealand coastal policy which is consistent with developments occurring internationally. An increased focus on mechanisms to protect surfbreaks has resulted from numerous cases of degradation worldwide and a greater awareness of existing values2 . The argument for protection of surfbreaks recognises that a range of benefits are associated with these unique places. These values depend on the integrity of natural processes which influence surfbreak environments, and on a variety of aspects important to surf break users including accessibility and environmental health3 . The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) provides guidance to local government for the day-to-day management of the coastal environment4 . The scheduled 10-yearly revision of the NZCPS 1994 included a comprehensive review process and input from stakeholder groups5 . The process attracted considerable input from surfers and surfing organisations and resulted proposals for a definition for “surf break” and provisions for surf break protection were recommended6 . These recommendations were largely adopted within the final NZCPS 20107 . Local authorities are now responsible for implementing NZCPS policies and an essential first step is to understand the features of the surf breaks in their area. However, in New Zealand the characterisation of surf breaks for management purposes has not yet been extensively researched8 . There is an urgent need for a better understanding of the resource in relation to the values derived by the community and consideration of the mechanisms by which degradation can occur. The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) has proactively recognised its obligations to give effect to policies 13, 15, and 16 of the NZCPS with regard to surfbreaks, and is taking steps to better understand the resource.