the boy racers of kiting eh ?

No clubs, no organisation, its a joke

Bans will happen its just a matter of time.

Kite surfers need their own area to use, it works pretty well at orewa but the council is behind the kite surfers there. Its time they started to issue fines to idiots, 1 week confiscation of kites etc. Remember Most of us don't do these stupid acts , its just a few .

For the last 10 years kitesurfers have promoted self responibility and it has worked just fine. If you see riders risking others it is your responsibilty to talk to them in a friendly informative way, I have friends from years back that I first met like this. Also if you mess up - you are on your own, and rightly so. Kitesurfing is an individual persuit with self responsibilities.

Like I say - you go around it the right way (ie friendly) you will find the rider really appreciates the advice.

Many riders in NZ do more than they get credit for in working to keep kitesurfing respected by other beach users/ recreational users, and in keeping the freedom to enjoy our recreation. They also communicate with authorities when issues arise. We also have a good realtionship with the harbourmasters who keep us informed here about any issues we can help deal with.

Heh team,

Just chill its not targetting kitesurfers but all users CROSSING the dunes. As one of the few local kiters there its about respect. If you want to surf the ocean side launch at the surf club or drift launch at the point in picnic bay and Kite across.Currently guys are leaping off the dune and transitting through the main breeding area of Fairy terns of which there are only five breeding pairs left at Mangawhai and are on the endangered list.

The Mangawhai community for a long time have welcomed all water users, the upper harbour is a ski land from the yellow buoy so you can play as much as you like. If you have any doubt where to go just come and ask down the surf club (like the boys did on Sat and the guards looked after there wagon.)

So kite in the water, launch from the houses side of the estuary and dont be lazy kite around dont transit across

Ferg

Hi All,
DOC, it stands for a few things and none are really fit to publish here. All i can say from my dealings with DOC here at Tongariro National Park is they make the rules to suit themselves. They can do anything they like if it involves "Management of the DOC area".

My suggestion is start with looking at the "DOC Management Plan" for Mangawhai. It will most likley state - No Vehichles, Cycles, motorised contraptions it may even say no foot traffic - It won't state Kitesurfers, kites, kitebuggies or paragliders. Of course they can change the plan but it takes years and is open to public consultation. Try and object and you'll go around in circles for years and they will hide behind red tape.

How about - Make a little round sticker up with a old wrinkled biddy with binocs and a line through it, stick that on the board.

Just remember the department of Confrontation always loves a good argument so make sure you are prepared.

Better yet stay airborne, DOC has no control over air space, they are there to manage land in the interests of ALL New Zealanders.

Like Ferg has said, stay out of the dunes and everyone should be happy.

quoting 'Just chill its not targetting kitesurfers but all users CROSSING the dunes. As one of the few local kiters there its about respect'

sorry this has nothing to do with respect! and it doesnt target all users ... it singles out kiteboarders and puts them in the firing line alongside dogs /fires/ motorbikes...

But my argument has got more to do with a signboard showing a kiter on the water with a banned cross through it! ... and public perception....

how does joe blow public read the sign... " no kiteboarding allowed " there is no defined boundary so where are the kiteboarders not allowed?

leave that signboard in place and it wont be just one old biddy waving her stick at the 'local' kitesurfer but it will be every second member of the public who saw the sign ..spotted a kitesurfer on the water and then gets on the blower to complain!
and just remember its the squeaky hinge that gets oiled first!
I am not sure how you define 'respect' but you have to remember it applies equally to both sides of the argument... DOC must respect our rights as much as we already respect the local environment...

and yes there are many ways to access the ocean beach but I dont want to see a day come where myself or my kids are banned from kiteing or any other watersport around the sanctuary because of public perception instigated by a DOC signboard that kiters are a menace!

Hi Guys,

I had a chat with Abby Meagher from DOC yesterday - the person with the day to day responsibilities for managing the Fairy Terns at Waipu and Managawhai.

DOC have no issue with kiteboarders using the estuary at Managawhai, and this sign/sticker is NOT the start of a ban of us using that piece of water.

However the SAND DUNES between the estuary and ocean at Managawhai is one of only three locations where the NZ Fairy Tern breed. With only 40 birds left and 5 breeding pairs DOC put a huge amount of effort into helping the Fairy Tern survive. DOC do not want any disturbance in this area - including kiters using the pond in the dunes or walking through the dunes with a kite flying.

The sign does define the sand spit in the picture as the area of concern, but where the sign is placed (on the in-land side of the estuary) could cause confusion. With the feedback that has just come through from us a better defined sign may be possible in the future. However the bottom line is and ALWAYS will be:

STAY OFF THE DUNES AT MANAGAWHAI

If anyone wants to talk to DOC about this sign, Fairy Terns or any other issue with riders using Managawhai Estuary you can contact Abby on:

ameagher@doc.govt.nz or phone her at the Whangarei Area Office 09 470 3304

Cheers

Dave Kay