Thought I would post this after reading it on:
www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?stor...39&msg=emaillink

JAFFAS.. the last bit is going to give you warm fuzzies..
:shock:
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5m shark sighted off Goat Island marine reserve

22.12.2003
By PATRICK GOWER
A warning has been posted at the Goat Island tourist mecca after sightings of a 5m shark feeding in its waters.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) has put up a sign after three reports of the shark at the marine reserve, north of Auckland, which attracts 250,000 visitors a year.

It was seen last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, on one occasion coming out of the water to snatch a penguin.

DoC spokesman Warwick Murray said the shark had been seen from the glass-bottomed boat that works the reserve and is believed to be in close to shore to give birth.

"We are not sure if it presents a threat to the public," he said. "They tend not to eat substantially when they are pregnant."

The type of shark had not been positively identified although there had been claims it was a great white.

Mr Murray said if the shark was not spotted in the next few days the warning sign would be removed. Letting the kids paddle around posed minimum risk.

"People need to make those judgments themselves. It is reasonable to let people know [a shark] was spotted around there so they can be cautious if they are anxious about that."

Glass-bottomed boat operator Ivan Blackwell said about a dozen people were on board when the shark was first spotted in Alphabet Bay, just out from the main channel where most people swim.

"We were watching the penguin when all of a sudden this big thing came out of the water and bang - just took it."

Mr Blackwell saw it further out to sea on Thursday and Auckland University researchers saw the shark near the reserve on Friday.

He could not identify it other than to say, "It's a big black thing with a big black fin on it".

He did not want the "chance sighting" to put people off swimming at the reserve, saying, "It is the Pacific Ocean after all - there are sharks in it".

"It hasn't been seen since Friday so it has probably headed on down to Auckland, where there is a bit more tucker."

..... mmmmm might be on it's way to Orewa to munch on some kiters me thinx.

I've been at that reserve before... real nice spot. I've even been surfing there. Allways wondered about sharks there....




http://www.geocities.com/blownawaykitesurfing

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlownAwaywithkiteboarding

"They tend not to eat substantially when they are pregnant."

So just snacking then?
Not the whole person, just a foot perhaps?

Comforting

Kitesurfing is a bit like scuba diving...
Always take your buddy and a knife.

If you see a large set of molars stab your buddy !!

Any one going to Orewa today ?

Ah yes that could be interesting... offshore wind + kitesurf = fast food!

Hey Madness where are you planning on kiting today man???

I am not :cry: ...
Drank too much on Sat night and still have the jitters.
I know that sounds dumb, but if you had to see the state I am in you would understand.

Never buy the cheap bottle of red and go home when the wife says so!!

I don't drink and i have no wife... so I can't say i can relate.... kiting's my bitch, my drugs and my rock n roll.


About to head out for an arvo seshion... eith Pine Harbour, Bramley or Shoal Bay. Pine harbour it is.....





http://www.geocities.com/blownawaykitesurfing

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlownAwaywithkiteboarding

Thought this pic would go down well !!

Cyclone is a kiteboard manufacture in Durban.. :shock:

Sweet..... is that rough patch around the upper fin of the board where the shark went to take a bite....

oh for christ sake do we have to look at that ! here i am thinking that a shrak with any brains wouldnt bother a kiteboard movin accross the water at any speed and now u post that pic.oh well thats life,i thougt i saw another marko at the coast yesterday,the fish were jumpin lots,hummmm

Where abouts did you go Johnnie? Come over to Pine Harbour sometime and hang out with us eastsiders....