Issues

What goes in our oceans ends up in our food - infographic

6.5million tons of rubbish goes into the Pacific Ocean each year. A lot of that ends up in the food chain and finally in the 16kg (average) of fish we eat each year. Check out the infographic ...

Survey - recreational users of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai (it's only a few minutes of your time)

What's in the water ? Lincoln University is undertaking a survey of recreational users of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai.
We’d like you to tell us what you think and know about water quality, and how it affects your recreational activity.
We’d appreciate your contribution to our survey. Take part in the survey (5-8 minutes)
This research has been reviewed and approved by the Lincoln University Human Ethics Committee.
For any further information contact:
Dr Ronlyn Duncan: Ronlyn.Duncan@lincoln.ac.nz, Tel: 325 3838 Ext: 8105
http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/waterquality

YNZ survey - results show a lot of room for windsurfing development

Results of Yachting NZ biannual survey have been published. WNZ managed to get one question on windsurfing included and the results show significant potential for development. Total membership is down, but many those that run Learn to sail programmes have gained new members, and with only 2 out of 85 clubs that responded offering windsurfing there's plenty of scope to use windsurfing to grow membership. Read on for more details and to download the full survey results.

Actions and Advice on Aquaculture

Yachting New Zealand has received a lot of feedback from our recent position paper on aquaculture. It is great that while publicising the issues and our position on this subject that we are also raising awareness.

YNZ encourage clubs to get in contact with their regional council to see how they can have input in to the process. This could be done in a number of ways including suggesting changes to the Regional Coastal Plan, being added to the Interested Parties list for new applications, or making submissions on applications in your area.

What's in the water? A survey of recreational users of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai

You are invited to participate in the project by completing this electronic questionnaire.
The aim of the project is to take a snapshot of the following-
What do recreational users (e.g. wind surfers, walkers, shell fish collectors) of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai know about microbiological water pollution
What factors influence their decisions about water quality to undertake recreational activity
To what extent do recreationists utilise information provided by sources such as the regional council and recreation clubs.
As a recreational user of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai (the Estuary) over the age of 16 years, participation in this project will involve the completion of this online survey that should not take any longer than 10-15 minutes.
More details and survey

Yachting New Zealand on Aquaculture

Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) feels it is timely to reiterate its position on aquaculture development. This is due to the passing of the Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill earlier this year and the increasing number of significant new applications for marine farms being made which are causing serious concern.

Yachting New Zealand seeks to ensure that:
Aquaculture development takes place in areas where there will be no adverse effect on the community’s access to the coastal marine area (CMA) for recreational use.

Feedback sought on Draft Central Otago Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2011-2021

Central Otago is a premier area for New Zealand outdoor activities. After extensive discussions with stakeholders including sporting groups, government agencies and landowners, Central Otago has a draft of its first Outdoor Recreation Strategy. Submissions close on 11 November 2011. The full strategy can be viewed at http://www.codc.govt.nz/information/public_consultation. You will need to scroll down the page to find it. (Central Otago District Council) - Section 24. Wind Surfing - Kite Surfing

Rena disaster - what can you do to help?

Anyone wishing to help the oil recovery effort or report oil should contact 0800 645 774.
Maritime New Zealand are urging people stay off local beaches, saying those ''playing with oil'' and attempting to clean it up are hampering the official Rena response team. Sightings of any affected wildlife should be reported it to 0800 333 771.

The Orewa Beach Artificial Reef Project: Have your say

The Orewa Beach Artificial Reef Project: 3 reefs located obliquely to the shore approximately 375m and 700m off the Orewa Beach foreshore. This is a heads-up about the public submission process starting for The Orewa Beach Reef Project. I'm wanting to bring to your attention the proposed artificial reef planned for Orewa beach and if you are aware of the implications? I appreciate that a lot of you Windsurf/SurfSUP/Kite at Orewa or even live there so should have an interest in this issue (either for - or - against) so you need to get on to the public submission about the reef ASAP: PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 5PM 27th SEPTEMBER!

Auckland Windsurfing Assn. concerned at removal the Takapuna Beach Camp and impact of wharf and ferry terminal proposals

Auckland windsurfers attended a meeting about a proposal to remove the Takapuna camp ground. The Auckland Windsurfing Association (AWA) is taking the position that a wharf could compromise the windsurfing environment and that a ferry service will pose significant safety concerns. The AWA is interested in contacting any other groups with an interest in opposing the proposal.