Planning approaches for the management of surf breaks in New Zealand

Abstract

There is a strong surfing culture, heritage, and community that shares a common spirit in New Zealand and around the world. Surf breaks are places where the practice of surfing predominantly occurs and have recently been recognised within statutory planning frameworks in New Zealand (Department of Conservation, 2010). Surf breaks are unique coastal features with natural characteristics that are diverse and connected across a broad range of spatial scales. Their surrounding environments and associated values have a variability that requires experience to develop a practical knowledge of their local characteristics. This fluidity and transient nature presents considerable challenges for planning and management professionals to address.

This report deals specifically with current practices and literature around planning processes and sustainable management approaches for surf breaks. It primarily concerns surf breaks in New Zealand, but could also assist with preservation initiatives in overseas locations. It will assist with identifying issues and developing appropriate responses that avoid degradation of the integrity of surf breaks as unique features of the coastal environment.

The information in this document will be helpful to non-government organisations and community members interested in the protection of surf breaks. The research is also intended to assist in monitoring surf breaks and their surrounding environments and may aid in the preparation of impact assessments.

The research is also intended to assist in monitoring surf breaks and their surrounding environments and may also aid in the preparation of impact assessments. Specific wave quality related impact assessments are already established in the field of coastal science, known as Surfability Impact Assessment (ASR Limited, 2011; Lazarow & Castelle, 2002). However, impact assessment methods are not so well developed for assessing policy and planning decisions on surf breaks and the resulting effects on communities interested in the use of these places.