Swell Protection

Nineteen New Zealand top surf breaks will now be officially protected from inappropriate use and development under the revised New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement which came into effect in early December. New Zealand is known for quality waves, plenty of choice and relatively few surfers and the new legislation has been welcomed by the surfing fraternity as well as costal planners and environmentalists. Veteran local surfer Paul Shanks who is president of the New Zealand Surfbreak Protection Society welcomed the new legislation saying past and present governments should be congratulated for endorsing it. “It is definitely a step in the right direction and everyone who helped get recognition for these surf breaks deserves a pat on the back,” Shanks said.