Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world! This summer season marks the 14th anniversary of New Zealand’s original Surf School…the Raglan Surfing School. From humble beginnings operating from the back of a converted Holden ambulance, the Surf School has now been recognised as one of the Top 10 Adventure Activities in New Zealand by CNN. The Surf School operates year round from its base in the beautiful surrounds of the Karioi Outdoor Adventure Centre located in Whale Bay. The Centre offers the Surf School’s clients an opportunity to experience more than just a great time in the water - a chance of experiencing a taste of the surfing lifestyle as well. Surf lessons are offered at 9am and 2pm everyday throughout the summer season and start at the Karioi Lodge. The 3 hour lessons include water and beach safety, soft surfboard and wetsuit hire and free transportation from
anywhere to and from Raglan town. Great value and service! The Surf School’s managers are top professional surfers, Zennor (the “Zen Master”) Wernham and Chris (“Bugsy”) Malone who oversee their crew of experienced Surfing NZ qualified coaches. Their passion translates to their students getting “stoked” on the sport while learning to ride the great waves of Raglan. Accommodation options are also available from the Karioi Lodge and Sleeping Lady Lodgings and range from campervan sites, backpackers to upmarket holiday homes overlooking the surf at Whale Bay. Why carry your board to the beach? The Surf School is also a one stop shop for surfboard and wetsuit rentals. A wide range of new equipment is now available for hire adjacent to the lifesaving tower at Ngarunui Beach. “Stand up for your rights!”…. “Stand Up and Surf’! RSS
Raglan Surfing School, 5b Whaanga Road, Whale bay BOOK NOW ON-LINE @ www.raglansurfingschool.co.nz - Or Call (07) 825-SURF (7873)
Wahine Moe Cruise: Raglan like you’ve never seen it before Here’s something you can do with the entire family that won’t cost an arm and a leg… Come to the Wharf! Discover the 1.5 hr. Wahine Moe ‘Sunset Harbour Tours Fish and Chips Experience’. Adults $39/ Kids $29. Let the captain and crew of the Wahine Moe take you on a fun filled scenic journey back in time, exploring the outer reaches of Raglan’s historical Whaingaroa Harbour. Hear some tall tales of settlements past and see the amazing hidden jewels of the ancient Te Akau limestone pancake rock formations. Enjoy a great fish and chips meal from the Wharf’s new ‘Fresh Fish Market’ …All the while listening to a great musical score over
the vessel’s state of the art sound system… sipping on bubbles or a cold beverage from our fully licensed bar… What more can one ask for? How about topping your evening off witnessing the most spectacular West Coast sunset from a vantage point like no other! Bring your friends, bring your family…and above all... BRING YOUR CAMERA! The Wahine Moe is also available for private charter. She’s a great venue for private parties, receptions and school outings. 70 passengers can be catered for. The vessel is equipped with some surprise features such as a spa bath, satellite TV and is outfitted for luxurious overnight floatel accommodation. Wahine Moe Crew
Bookings can be made on-line at www.raglanboatcharters.co.nz or by calling (07) 825-SURF (7873). Booking locations: Soul Shoes at Raglan Wharf, Kopua Holiday Park Office or i-Site. FREE Town Pick-Ups!
RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout 1
Magic ride right on our doorstep Magic Mountain is 20 mins drive from Raglan at the end of Houchen Road, overlooking Te Mata. At 328m above sea level, it is the highest dwelling in the district. The only place in the world you can see 3 harbours and 4 volcanoes from one spot. Whaingaroa (Raglan), Aotea and Kawhia harbours flow inland from the Tasman sea. Mountains Karioi and Pirongia’s steep, bush covered faces tower above the smooth green rolling hills leading up to it. Further south the snowy peaks of Ruapehu and Taranaki can be seen on a clear day. Rides are 1-3 hours long. Suitable for novice to experienced riders this is a great way to see the New Zealand countryside. The one hour ride is suitable for children and novice riders. The two hour ride is over rolling farm land to the Te Mata Domain. The trek to
the Bridal Veil falls involves some walking on foot through bush to Wairenga (Bridal Veil falls). Ride through paddocks of grazing sheep and cattle. See the wind turbines of the Te Uku wind farm and ride along ridges with endless views of surrounding countryside out to the Tasman sea. Experience the joy of riding and great scenery and take away memories that will last. Marcus began Magic Mountain almost 20 years ago. He has worked with horses all his life. He grew up locally and his grandfather, R.T. Vernon (Bob) wrote 5 books on local history. Recently Marcus worked on ‘The Hobbit’ as an animal trainer and riding double. Bookings essential. Ph 07 825 6892 or 021 0358998. email: bookings@magicmountain.co.nz www.magicmountain.co.nz
Magic scenery: Magic Mountain Horse Treks
Te Akau Adventures: Paddle to accommodation Penny Knuiman
Looking for something different to do over the holidays? Do you have out of town visitors you need to entertain? Do you have lots of family arriving for the holidays? Well why don’t you book your next water adventure with us! The Raglan based Adventure Company offers paddle to accommodation across the Raglan harbour to Te Akau, guided kayaking tours/rentals & tailored water adventures for all abilities. We can accommodate up to 20 people overnight. All equipment supplied, sit-on-top ocean kayaks. Learn paddling basics, suitable for all abilities. Head guide Jeff Duston has over 15 years’ experience. Launch from Lorenzen Bay (Raglan), after your water safety brief, paddle along the coast of the tranquil Raglan Harbour, discovering the unique limestone caves, picturesque pancake rocks, secluded beaches and the
rocky coast of Te Akau. Stop for a swim and stretch at Sand Spit Point, before embarking on the last part of your kayak journey up the pristine Ponganui Creek to discover a hidden waterfall. Spend the night camping in Te Akau at the Wild West Ranch with everything provided. Enjoy the outdoors, cook your own food in an authentic Italian pizza oven and in the morning wake up to the sound of tui’s and relax before your paddle back to Raglan. Check us out at www.teakauadventures. co.nz. We can tailor a package to suit your needs and your budget. Or call us for more information 07 825 0224. TE AKAU ADVENTURES LIMITED Just over the other side of the Raglan harbour in Te Akau. Jeff and Celeste Duston
Leave the car this summer and ride a bike
Want to explore the Raglan area by bike this summer?
2 RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout
Bike2bay, Raglan’s local bike shop, is your starting point for all your cycling needs. Repairs and sales, bike accessories, bike rentals, advice on bike tours, etc.., Bike2bay on Stewart Street does it all. We’re also stockist for GT, Haro, Jamis, Mongoose, Schwinn and Masi. Still got that old 80’s bike in the shed that you don’t want to get rid of ? Come and talk to Dirk about reconditioning your pre-loved one. You would be amazed what’s possible. For those not keen on climbing hills, did you know that you can easily ride your bike
around Raglan for 1 hour without doing a single climb. And then there is the new BMX track at the Kopua Domain for the young ones and the ones young at heart. If you’re up for the challenge, bike around Mt Karioi or ride to the top of the Te Uku wind farm. You see, there’s plenty of cycling to do in Raglan. So, need a repair, want to get a new bike or just need some cycling info, Come and visit us on 24b, Stewart Street or give us a call on 07 8250309 Ride hard, stay safe. Dirk
JAMINI-I Presents… Can’t make it to the festivals this summer.. No worries! Jamin-I has been busy lining up some big international producers to Raglan for your own entertainment! Lucky people! Here are some major nights to put in the calendar for January. JStar / UK - Mashup Remix Producer. Coming back for his 3rd year to play live just for us; JSTAR will be rocking an upbeat evening filled with his fresh new remixes. From our experience, the nights out we’ve had with J at the Yot Club have been and are still ranking on top of our stoke meter! Does JSTAR really need an introduction in Raglan? For the new comers...J is one of UK’s most prominent remix producers; bringing a wide array of music and squeezing it out of the sound systems like no others. Get ready for a big one! Dr.Cat / UK - Electro Swing Get ready to be taken on a journey back in time and join us on what will be remembered as Raglan’s first Electro Swing Party! Dr. Cat, producer/composer/ DJ and long-standing figure in London’s underground electronic music scene is coming to town to showcase the fresh and vintage sound of the “WHITE MINK”. (Quite an honour I’m telling you!)
JSTAR: Thursday the 3rd of January DR.CAT: Saturday 12th of January @ Yot Club. Doors open at 8.30pm. $10 cover & free shooter before 10pm Facebook: Raglan Sunday Sessions Recently rated as UK’s second best night out, The “White Mink” speakeasy nights brings a sound which remixes vintage swing from the 20’s and 30’s and mastering it with a 21st century twist. Trust us on that one, you will LOVE IT! Vintage dress code very much encouraged;
so come dance the night away, dust off that vintage dress and clip on your suspenders! Raglan Sunday Sessions: Brings you Fresh Grooves and Rootsy sounds with live DJ’s in the yard; weekly all summer. Great vibe from 4.20 till 9.00pm / FREE EVENT
RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout 3
Living it up with Raglan Kayak & SUP Sometime it’s good to try to remember what brought us to where we are..
5.30pm
Raglan Lions Club, Surfside Church and Raglan Volunteer Fire Brigade
WITH
www.knightsofthedubtable.com
Working towards Zero Waste in Raglan
I mean Raglan, what made you think, “ nice, I’ll come spend my time off here” or even “live here for ever!” The list of all the amazing elements that attracts us to be in Raglan could go on… But there is one aspect that connects all the dots: wanting to enjoy the good things life has to offer!. And the little question that bugs us all at the end of each year is: Am I living it or still procrastinating? And that’s where WE come in! Raglan Kayak and SUP is all about good times! After years of delivering our services, trust us, we know we can help you find that happy place! It’s super simple, all YOU have to do is to commit yourself to try new things.. and WE provide all the knowledge and equipment to get you to go out and live it! (No experience necessary, and all ages welcome) Think of our famous Kayak n Coffee Tour, kayak and SUP rentals that are available for you to use daily. Raglan Kayak provides top of the range equipment and most importantly, quality briefings which includes our 8 years of local knowledge of the area.
This is a point of difference that can make your outing cruisy, fun, and memorable for the right reasons.. So hey, make a commitment to get together with your people and have a good time and remember why you came here in the first place! Raglan Kayak operates daily from Bow Street Jetty by the water’s edge; there
you can find our equipment and guide ready to get you out and about. If we’re not standing right there, then we’re ALWAYS just a quick phone call away! We run according to tides, so call us first and trust our expertise to plan your mission! Raglan Kayak (07)825 8862 / 021 186 0521
Enthralling, Animal Free Entertainment For All!
Whaingaroa e whai ana i te Para Kore Happy Christmas and New Year Whaingaroa. It’s a busy time of year. Please assist our hard working staff by carefully sorting your recyclables and remember to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost. Your co-operation helps our town achieve such low levels of waste to landfill.
H
Raglan Recycling Centre Hours and Kerbside Recycling and Prepaid Rubbish Bag Collection Days Mon 24th Tues 25th Wed 26th Thurs 27th Fri 28th Sat 29th Sun 30th Mon 31st Tues 1st Wed 2nd Thurs 3rd Fri 4th
Dec 8.30 – 4.30 Dec CLOSED Dec CLOSED Dec 8.30 – 4.30 Dec 8.30 – 4.30 Dec 12.30 – 4.30 Dec 8.30 – 4.30 Dec 8.30 – 4.30 Jan CLOSED Jan 8.30 – 4.30 Jan CLOSED Jan 8.30 – 4.30
Kerbside WEST SIDE
It’s Kiwi as.....! A Great Time Guaranteed!
Kerbside EAST SIDE
Showcasing NZ’s Hottest Circus Talent Raglan - Rugby Grounds
Kerbside WEST SIDE
Kerbside EAST SIDE
For enquiries tel: (07) 825 6509 or 027 208 6742 Kaahu’s Nest (reuse shop): (07) 825 0017 www.xtremewaste.org.nz www.facebook.com/xtremewaste 4 RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout
oli 13 day 0 2 Hoopla Tour
Fri 28th Dec - 7.30pm
Tues 1st Jan New Years Day until Thurs 3rd Jan - 7.30pm
Sat 29th & Sun 30th Dec - 11.00 am & 7.30pm
Friday 4th & Sat 5th Jan - 11.00am & 7.30pm
Mon 31st Dec New Years Eve - 11.00am & 4.30pm
Sun 6th Jan - 2.00pm
Tickets start from $13 for Children and $18 for Adults
3 year olds and under Free
Affordable fun for the whole family, 90 action packed awe inspiring minutes of: brave burly boys beautiful aerial angels hula hoop honeys skillful jugglers colourful clowning and awesome acrobats
SORRY NO EFTPOS - CASH ONLY GROUP AND FAMILY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE CONTACT 021 481 519 AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT - BOOK ONLINE NOW AT WWW.CIRCUSAOTEAROA.CO.NZ OR SIMPLY PURCHASE BEFORE THE SHOW - BOX OFFICE OPENS ONE HOUR BEFORE SHOWTIME
Wildcoast Ruapuke Horse Adventures and Cabins Wildcoast Horse Adventures are an awesome 2 ½-3hr ride which takes you into the hills, down ridges, across rocky bottom streams, through beautiful native bush then down along the stunning Ruapuke Beach, and if you’re keen you get to have a canter too! Our horses are wonderful; we have a horse to suit your level of riding, from complete novice to the expert. Come and enjoy the dramatic landscape of Ruapuke. We have 2 studio style eco cabins set amongst our 120 acre farm surrounded by bush, birds and streams with beautiful ocean views. They are proudly run on alternative power with fresh spring water to drink and have a soak in your bath with a view. Both cabins are self-contained with linen and towels provided. Wildcoast is locally owned and family operated.
We are open everyday from Boxing Day until February with hours as below
Raglan Pharmacy Summer Opening Hours Tue 25th Dec Christmas Day
Closed
Thur 3rd Jan
9am-5pm
Wed 26th Dec Boxing Day
10am-6.30pm
Fri
9am-5pm
Thur 27th Dec
9am-5pm
Fri
28th Dec
9am-5pm
Sat 29th Dec
9am-7pm
Sun 6th Jan
10am-2pm
Sun 30th Dec
10am-3pm
Sun 13th Jan
10am-2pm
Mon 31st Dec New Years Eve
9am-5pm
Sun 20th Jan
10am-2pm
Tue 1st Jan
10am-3pm
Sun 27th Jan
10am-2pm
Mon 28th Jan Anniversary Day
10am-2pm
New Years Day
Wed 2nd Jan New Years Day Holiday 10am-6.30pm
Raglan Chronicle Review: “Wayne had expertly chosen horses to suit our ability and within minutes had given us all the information we needed to handle our horses, giving confidence to those of us who hadn’t ridden for years as well as those who had never ridden before. Our small party was soon on its way up the hillside. Experiencing this landscape from horseback is truly brilliant, fun and exciting. Riding through bush, across fields, rocky streams and steep sloping dunes, horses have a surprising ability to safely transport you across all kinds of terrain, and you quickly begin to put your trust in their sure footing and strength. Ending up down at
the waters edge at Ruapuke Beach, we rode the horses into the water where they enjoyed getting sprayed by the waves. A good canter along the long black sand beach was an exhilarating way to end the trek and head us back in the direction of the farm. Wildcoast really does provide everything you need to completely unwind, relax and recharge. You will leave feeling uplifted, energised, and already thinking of an excuse to come back for more!” Please ring Wayne or Penny on: 078250059/0274305526. www.wildcoast.co.nz 1549 Whaanga Rd, Ruapuke Beach (opposite Ruapuke Motor Camp) Bookings essential
4th Jan
Thursday 3rd Jan - back to normal hours with the addition of Sundays until the end of January
Christine and the team wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and a great 2013! We’ll keep you healthy and safe during your holiday and all year round and ensuring you’ll make everybody smile with our great gift selection.
EN O P AY S 7D
R A G L A N W H A RNN F
P EE O O P AAYYSS D 77 D
RR A AG G LL A AN N W WH HA A RR FF 07 825 0370
RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout 5
ragdoll
fashion and beauty news for stylish sisters Welcome to Ragdoll’s fourth edition, ‘The Summer issue’. It’s holiday time, the sun is shining, the harbour is glistening and this town is rocking. Here in Raglan we have a range of gorgeous boutiques and places to get pampered. We have a mix of cutting edge fashion and bohemian chic. Take a wander, chat to our friendly local store owners and enjoy the unique holiday and shopping experience. This issue we catch up with the talented designer Jo Sweeney who creates her own distinctive range of bags, belts and wallets from vintage fabric. We talk to Nadine of ‘atamira’ about recent developments and we chat with Rob Galloway, the founder of Soul Shoes who has recently moved their store and workshop to the wharf.
Chatting with designer Jo Sweeney: Where did you grow up? Tell us a bit about your background. I am a true Waikato farmgirl! I grew up around Te Aroha until I was 8 then shifted to Tamahere with my family.Both my parents were very resourceful. Mum made lots of our clothes and dad grew an abundant vege garden which I think inspired my creativity and the ability to use what was around us. How did it all begin with creating your own range? I have always been creative but never thought of it as a viable job. The death of two close friends in my early twenties hit me with the reality that life is too short to not do the things that I am passionate about, so at 21 I started my own company. It hasn’t made me rich (...yet) but it it makes me happy. I never take what I do for granted! What makes your collection different from others? I mostly work with recycled materials, which makes most pieces a one off. I like to use bold patterns, retro fabrics and fuse them into beautiful pieces of fuctional art for people to enjoy. I still get a buzz seeing people walk past wearing one of my pieces!
6 RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout
Are your pieces available outside Raglan? Yes, I have stockists from Auckland to Christchurch, but of course my main focus is at Jet here in Raglan. What has been the most difficult aspect of starting your own business? Starting it! Turning my creative idea into a practical business plan was a challenge. There were times when I doubted my ability, but with perserverance and support from family and friends in the Raglan community I have been able to successfully launch my business. Being self employed is constant hard work but I find the rewards of doing what I love in a community that I love always worth the hard work! What are you doing when you are not being creative? I think creativity is in every aspect of my life. It is who I am. What are your aspirations for the future? Start my website and set up a small “Jo Sweeney” factory in my house and take on the world from the rolling hills of Te Mata! Why do you love living in Raglan? The people, the landscape, and the deep rooted creative energy that flows through the community.
Ragdoll’s top 5
atamira refreshed in time for summer
Lucy
1. Enjoy an end of the year treat with a massage. Cultural Body Work is such a great way to de-stress, realign, relax & rejuvenate your body, mind & spirit. Bookings available at Matapihi Gallery. Appointments Ph: 027 2452115
Tish
2. Try Stand up Paddle boarding “Yoga on Water’. Get out on the harbour and explore the beautiful rock formations up close. Great for inner core strength and abdominals. 3. Update your wardrobe in Raglan. You don’t need to go to the city for retail therapy. We have it all here. Check out Raglan designed clothing at Flaxen Boutique by the Sushi shop. 4. Get a new look for summer. A change of hair colour or a new do can make you feel like you have a whole new wardrobe. Call Tonic or Essence for an appointment. 5. Check out the local nightlife. Dress up and go see a touring or local band at one of our great venues. Dance like no ones watching and sing like no ones listening.
Franzesca
style spotted about town
Chatting with Nadine, owner ‘atamira’: Whats news at atamira lately? We’ve grown! Recently we extended the shop to create more flow between our different collections and freshen things up (as we are 5 years old!). Atamira feels reenergised, we are stoked with possibly our strongest collection yet and continually have positive feedback from customers ... stepping it up this summer to a slightly new level which is exciting. We are loving new labels - Shakuhachi, Nyne, Komono watches, Sunday Somewhere and Sabre sunnies, I Love Ugly, Henson jewelry, Commoners, & Brixton hats ...fantastic compliment to our Atamira family. I hear you do guys too. What do you have for the men this summer? Yes, we now have GUYS! Strategically placed just in the front door so its easy to venture in and check out. We’ve tried to handpick the best range of forward thinking brands catering for beach life and casual to more dressed up. Men’s labels include the clever NZ designed ‘ I
www.atamira.co.nz
LOVE UGLY’, Commoners, Insight, Brixton hats & caps and Henson men’s jewelry. Can people shop at atamira online these days? Definitely. If you like our fresh and eclectic style check our web-store www.atamira.co.nz. You can browse before popping out to see us or buy online as we courier NZ wide. Regularly updated with new products, Sale items and fresh weekly blogposts on whats new or catches our eye. Are you on Facebook? Yes! Liking our Atamira page is the easiest way to stay in touch with us and our new collections, music and ideas we love, and Raglan goings on. We will be starting Instagram in the New Year too! Three best things to do in Raglan these summer holidays? Swim in the ocean as much as you can (and get better at surfing!), walks up Karioi and the live music at the Yot Club or Sunday Sessions…and catching sunsets!
see our most amazing range for women & men wishing you much aroha & summer swims xx
RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout 7
Find Soul at the wharf
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” — Ralph Lauren
Q & A with Rob Galloway: What is the story behind the beginning of Soul shoes?
Soul man: Rob Galloway - ‘Soul Shoes’ founder
I came from a family that were always making stuff, drawing, and painting; so in the early 70’s when I wanted some sheepskin boots I made my own and then a few pairs for friends. This led on to sandals that Pete Coddington and I were making and selling in Whangamata. The first shop I ever sold to was in Raglan where The Shack is today. 39 years and about 18 of our own shops later we are almost right back where we started with the workshop at the wharf. What style of artwork do you look for to feature in your design store? With Marie’s influence we have for the past 15 years been promoting and selling exclusively NZ made art and craft but we are now focusing on all the things we make ourselves, shoes, sandals, bags, belts and wallets.
8 RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout
percentage of our customers are coming to Raglan especially to buy our shoes and bags and we could take advantage of the competitive rents. Living in the silos the wharf is our backyard so we feel really at home here. How has the footwear evolved over the years? We have stuck pretty much to the same simple methods of construction over all these years and still make some of the styles we started with. We try to add a couple of new ones each year and I’ve been enjoying making new bag styles. Where are you most happy? Sailing Three ultimate dinner guests? I’ve got four kids so one of them won’t be happy. Maybe Ben or Louie could have a doggy bag.
Tell us about the move down to the Wharf.
What can we expect from you in the future?
We decided to move to the wharf partly because we felt the energy had gone out of the main street. Also a high
I seem to be a compulsive builder so who knows? Maybe just learn to relax and grow my hair back.
Whaingaroa Environment Centre presents...
Enviro Matters
WEC looks back on a great year...
2012 Round Up
We’ve had a busy and productive year here at Whaingaroa Environment Centre. There’s so many inspiring and creative eco- activities happening in Raglan, it’s great to be part of it all. Through our monthly Enviromatters page (here), we’ve been able to connect with you about our projects and our unique environment. Thanks for reading and participating, we couldn’t do it all without you.
The first big event of the year was Maui’s Dolphin Day in March, a beautiful sunny day with lots of great activities for the whole family. Next year we’re running it on March 2nd. We’ll have Xtreme Waste’s annual Recycled Raft Race along with some new events – watch this space. Put the date in the calendar, and we’ll see you there.
This winter, we said a farewell to one of our centre coordinators (Kimberley), and welcomed Anna in her place. During the cold weather, we focused on giving you tips on how to stay warm and healthy in your house, as well providing information on insulation. WEC sells door snakes, which are a cheap way to keep out nasty draughts. We'll be running the Curtain Bank next year, taking over from Julia Brown who has done a great job warming up Raglan homes.
Our centre was re-painted in August – thanks so much to the Town Hall Committee. We love our fresh new look. If you see our green flag outside the Town Hall next time you’re passing, pop in to have a look. You can come hang out with a life-sized Maui’s Dolphin, on loan from DOC, see our recycled xmas tree, and have a look at all our free resources and eco-crafts to buy.
Sustainable September was a packed month of talks, workshops and films. Events related to our local environment were very well-attended, including the pest control workshop (run by DOC) and spotlighting for native fish. If there’s something you want to know about our beautiful surroundings, we’ll know an expert who can help.
You also seem to love anything to do with growing your own veggies. Don’t forget that at WEC we have a range of seeds for sale from our seed bank, as well as lots of information on the best composting system for your house. No room to garden? There’s a number of community gardens in Raglan who would love some help. Get in touch to find out where. That’s it for us this year. We hope you and all your friends and family have a peaceful and relaxing Christmas break. See you in the new year for some more exciting projects.
Here's a word from a few of our sponsors... Thanks guys! Trash Footwear is about being resourceful and creative with what we have around us. Why rely on newly imported products that have god-only-knows what effects on the local environment and community?! Trash is looking instead to provide an avenue for residents and businesses to locally re-use materials. Trash is my attempt to help our massive waste problem and I have been fortunate enough to have the base of my Father’s long-lasting Soul Shoes with which to do this! Having trialled countless options over the 1.5 years it’s been developing (e.g. coffee sacks, seatbelts, vinyl flooring, conveyor belts), Trash is now working to settle on a few winners! If you know of any avenues of recycled materials, let us know. You can help to have these materials walking the streets of NZ instead of filling a hole in the ground somewhere! Check Trash’s Summer jandals at Soul Shoes on the Wharf or http://www.facebook.com/trashfootwear or e-mail Ben: trashfootwear@gmail.com
Raglan Backpackers and Waterfront Lodge is an accommodation business right on the harbour in the centre of town. On site we also rent out kayaks, surf boards, wetsuits and stand up paddle boards. We think the environment is incredibly important, and try to be as eco-friendly as possible, each year trying something new. This year we installed a hot water solar system, and it's working very well. We have a worm farm and a vegie garden onsite, and enjoy talking to guests about ways they can be more eco in their travels. We sponsor Enviromatters because we enjoy reading it ourselves and getting new ideas each month. Cheers, Suz and Tim,
PiwiWiwi Surf Campervan Rentals donated two of their campervans to Pro Surfer and activist Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich for his epic 350km paddle from Cape Taranaki to Piha. ‘Rasta’ embarked on this daunting trip to raise awareness of the threat of Seabed Mining to this coast. This practice would have massive and irreversible environmental repurcussions, severely impacting the critically endangered Maui’s Dolphin. The vans, specially decorated life sized Maui’s Dolphins stickers, drew in members of the public to talk to the gang along the way. PiwiWiwi Surf Campervans are strongly opposed to seabed mining and are proud to have supported this cause. For more info visit www.kasm.org.nz/ activities/coastal-paddle/ and www.piwiwiwi.co.nz - Anna (Piwi) and Niall (Wiwi)
Raglan Backpackers and Waterfront Lodge
thanks to our other sponsors and to Trust Waikato for funding Enviromatters
www.whaingaroa.org.nz ▬▬▬▬▬ envirocentre@whaingaroa.org.nz ▬▬▬▬▬ town hall, bow street ▬▬▬▬▬ (07) 825-0480 ▬▬▬▬▬ mon - fri 9:30 - 3:30, sat 12 - 2 ▬▬▬▬▬
December 2012
RAGLAN Summer Holiday Guide Pullout 9
Raglan Harbour Bar Crosssing and Cavitation by Raglan Wharf Seagull
Firstly I am not sanctioned by Coast Guard, local councils or any other authority to write this article. I have tried to cover all points as accurately as possible from my own experiences and hopefully it is of assistance to all other users. Listed below are the dangers of Harbour Bar crossings: • •
Lack of experience in dealing with breaking waters. Lack of local knowledge, including current weather, tides, sea conditions, and geographically where the safest/most dangerous part of the Bar crossing is located. • Planning and working out the optimum time in advance to cross the Bar on that day. • Boat and crew not adequately prepared to cross the Bar. • Cavitation. • Panicking in a situation when it it all goes all horribly wrong. A number of harbours and river mouths around the NZ coastline have harbour bars. Most of these, at times, are notorious to cross, none worse so than on our North Island’s West Coast. This article is based on my harbour, Raglan. Most of the content in this article is from my own personal experiences of over forty years plus of Bar crossings, and it does not get any easier. Hopefully most points are covered. A harbour bar has breaking waves at times because of its shallowing of depth and the size of the ocean swell as it crosses it. Swell can run out at sea up to 25mph; when it comes to the Bar, the bottom friction causes it to slow down, the wave swell length diminishes, but the swell height increases. The crest of the wave becomes unstable and overtakes the slowing waves and it breaks. Just like on any surf beach white water is aerated water and boat propellers can lose traction in white water. This is known as cavitation. Just what we don’t need when we are in the most dangerous of situations. CAVITATION: Because of the amount of air particles in the water your propeller looses its thrust, and the engine revs can change. You need your hand on the throttle like a feather, for if you panic and thrust the throttle down, it will just scream the motor and have no bite or thrust from the propeller. Then you have to pull back on the throttle and start again. You have no time for this. I believe many bar incidents occur because of cavitation. The next moment your boat will be sideways on to the next breaking wave bearing down on you. Swamped. It is not nice. The size of your boat, design of your boat, the size of your motor makes no difference, cavitation in these waters WILL get you. Remember, have the outboard leg right down, you may have it trimmed out whilst running at sea or up the harbour, but you need that outboard leg right down now. PROCEDURE FOR ENTERING RAGLAN HARBOUR: You may well ask why are you in this situation. Well, we go out on the full tide (optimum time to cross going out) and come back when the sea breeze has come up, swell could be up, the tide is wrong, and the fish bin is full. So stop at a safe distance outside the Bar. The Bar could be breaking right across. Secure everything movable on the vessel. Preferably rods out of the rocket launcher. Ensure anchor and warp are secure. Check petrol supply. Ensure life jackets are on and correctly fitted to all on board. Check outboard is fully trimmed down. Call Coastguard to go onto a Bar Watch for entering the harbour. Channel 86 Raglan. Establish your position with the harbour navigation beacons. (Sector Light) You will not see these when into the bar crossing. You will have a big wave in front of you. GPS. Use your wool trail on the GPS screen of previous crossings and put your boat symbol on them to stay on course. Run one boat at a time in crossing the bar. You can get cramped for space if you have to maneuver. Right, begin your run to the Bar, running on the leads (Sector Beacon Light) and pick a lull in the swell, turn if not happy and wait for the next lull then run with it. Run a planing speed of say 15mph.The swell speed will dictate your speed but you must be planing. Ensure your crew is holding on to substantial fittings. Do not cross the wave you are running with. Stay on the back of it. If you think you have too much speed, do not go off the plane, but run, small runs, back and forth along the back of this wave and stay there. You are committed now. Do not turn back. Your wave will
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increase in size substantially. It will break so stay with the coming in procedure. The wave close behind, is about to do the same and will not catch up to you. Stay on the back, do not go through it. The sea will be smooth. White water. Your hand is a feather on the throttle, the outboard rev will change notably as it fights for a bite in the water. As that wave breaks in front of you, it is still moving in, keep it calm, and you are in. It takes under 30secs. You only have that one wave, it is the one you rode from out at sea. Immediately check your bearings to the harbour beacons. When safely further up the harbour, clear your crossing with Auckland Coastguard. JOGGLE: Before I write about going out, the Joggle is the next stretch of water to pass through after that Bar crossing. The Joggle is pressure waves created by the large tides of the month and is worse when the maximum flood is running out. You have pyramids of water basically condensed at the entrance, but not on the Bar, rushing out to sea, but can hit you diagonally. Here you have to be patient as a skipper and unlike the Bar actually work your throttle through these seas. If your bow drops pull back on the throttle, if the bow is up use lots of throttle, you will not plane in this stuff. Negotiate these waters carefully as there can be some big holes. I have been dumped and the cross slop entering the fishing area meant running the bilge pump. CROSSING THE RAGLAN BAR GOING OUT: If it is a continuous Bar break, white water right across, the Bar is not negotiable! Do not go out at all. As above with coming in, these checks for crossing going out are the same. Secure the boat, lifejackets on, check petrol. Outboard trimmed down, Call Coastguard to go onto a VHF Ch 86 Bar watch, crew to hold on etc. Try to cross on an incoming tide or high tide preferably. If the Bar is marginal, time the break - is it settled for 3 or 4 minutes before it builds again? Go down close to the breaking water to observe, timing of the breaks, which side of the entrance is it breaking from, stay on the leads (sector Light) to give your position, and stay in water depth 6/7m. If another boat is going out watch him and do not follow, the next set of swells he has judged to miss may hit you, so circle and judge for your optimum time. Two boats can cramp space to move around and you may have his wake to deal with. Look out beyond the Bar, to the horizon for dark blue sets coming, or look south to Whale Bay or further for sets crashing on the shore. Inside the Bar run the boat in slow circles, waiting. It is safe here. If the lulls are judged to be long enough, time your chance after the next break. If you are going, go go go! If the wave/swell rises, go for the saddle the lowest part of that peaking wave. You are committed you cannot turn back. Bow ( the boat front)always to the wave, if you have to wear one, take it easy, just good easy motion up the wave and down the other side, don’t gun the motor for you will be hugely airborne and it’s a long way down into the bottom of the swell and the next one is coming now to swamp you. So next wave quickly look for a soft low saddle to cross, again if the previous broke you may have cavitation, take it easy. Bow to the wave, wear it and the same for the next, if you are through, everyone will be wet then…. Quickly move out of this area, a five minute run, then stop and take stock. Call Coastguard to say you are through the Bar. Give a TR Report for the rest of your day. Boats and outboards are very well made today and the incidences of motor failure and petrol blockages on the Bar have been eliminated. Boats do not fail on bars, skippers do! Today it is skipper error, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Panic, pushing the throttle down in mushy aerated water, you just lose it. If you are afraid, do not go. If the conditions are marginal do not go, stay away! Local Coastguards run, in our case, two Bar Safety days per year, these are well worth attending. Firstly you are on their vessel and they show how far off shore the Bar actually is, it is not at the apparent entrance but a further kilometer out to sea. They show you the width, depth, take you through and back. They point out the sand spits or shoaling areas on both sides. This is the knowledge you need to build on. Remember, if you go to cross the Bar and you consider it too dangerous and you don’t go, good on you, you live for another day and those fish will still be out there for you next time. (This article was republished due to public interest)
Area Fishing Report: by Raglan Wharf Seagull
Great fishing is to be had off the Raglan Coast at present. Snapper from the 30m mark. Bonito bait is best. You can easily bin up in just over one hour. They are of good size and condition. Gurnard are in numbers in closer behind the mountain, and off Ruapuke beach out to 20m mark. Plenty of large kahawai abound, some days in almost plague proportions and there are good trevally being caught in the mix too. Barracuda and mako sharks will waste a lot of your trace gear and there are numbers out beyond 40m mark. Don’t berley or chuck your bait fish frames over the side, because that is their best attractant. Crayfish are a plentiful along our coastline. Up the harbour, best said that I assume the flounder and mullet abound with these king tides but I have been too busy with fishing in these great ideal conditions outside the harbour. See you all in the Gals n Gurnard tournament on January the 5th or the Manu Bay competition on the 27th January. Play it safe on the water and all the very best.
Raglan: Gurnard city Raglan is renowned commercially and recreationally for the quality and size of its gurnard fish and associated fishery. I drove the local fish truck for a couple of years and many bins of gurnard destined for the Auckland Fish Market were presold to Fish Retailers who were prepared to pay a premium just to get it before the market auction. Other areas like the east coast also supplied gurnard - but it was like a by-catch, it did not have the quantity or the quality of colour and size of the Raglan caught fish. Gurnard is the most ordered fish in Raglan restaurants, hotels and clubs. Along with snapper it is the most caught recreational fish. Often on a double hook ledger rig you will get two at a time. 25cm is the regulation length and you are allowed daily 20 per angler, in your mix of trevally, kahawai etc. Plus 10 snapper. Flasher 4/0hook rigs with any bait type will catch them. They are certainly not fussy eaters. They eat anything off the sea floor. They grunt when caught and this is from their air bladder. 40 years ago we would follow the local trawler back to the harbour and net the gurnard being washed over - it was the sweeping off the deck - as there was no retail market for this fish. Generally you do not have to go far to catch gurnard. The back of the mountain off the waterfall will give you plenty. Harry Hadwin when he was alive caught a feed in the shallows on the high tide on the way to the SugarLoaf in the upper harbour. When fish scraps were thrown off the wharf the fisherman were often seen catching gurnard of good size complete with gurnard scraps inside them. I believe that if the Raglan Bar is consistently breaking right across the gurnard do not come into the harbour. To back this up they are easily caught on longlines and kon tikis but if a sizeable surf swell is running they are not there, but in calmer seas they are always along our coastal shoreline rummaging for a feed. You have blue cod down south over any foul ground and here we have our gurnard over the sand. Scientific name: Chelidonichthy Kumu. Maori names: Kumu kumu, Puuwhaiau. Kiwi nickname: Carrots. The Raglan Wharf Seagull
Hooked line and sinker: Get set for the Gals ‘n Gurnard ladies fishing tournament Fishing’s not just for the boys. In fact, according
Barbara’s luck was certainly in the day she caught
to long-time Raglan fisherman Graham Hubert,
a 10kg plus snapper (23lb); it’s the current club record
it’s often the ladies who land the biggest catches. Emma Brooks finds out more. Graham and Barbara Hubert love to fish. Every ten days or so, when the conditions are right, the pair and their crew can often be found heading for the open ocean in search of a catch. The couple first met on a fishing trip; Barbara was working as a hairdresser in Te Puke when she paid a visit
for a lady on a 15kg line. Getting more ladies interested in fishing is one of reasons behind the upcoming Gals ‘n Gurnard fishing tournament, to be held in Raglan on 5 January. Graham says the influx of visitors to the town over the Christmas period makes it an ideal time for running this kind of event, and with Raglan well-known for the quality of its gurnard, mixing girls and gurnard seemed a winning combination.
to Raglan to stay with her uncle. Graham took her out
The rules are liberal: fishing is allowed off shore, in
in his boat, Barbara caught a snapper and they’ve been
boats, off the coastline, beach, rocks, wharf and upper
casting out their lines together ever since.
harbour and anglers can use handlines, rods and reels,
“Barbara has a lot of luck,” says Graham. “Guys think it’s a man’s world but (ladies) have a special affinity with fishing. The days I’ve taken our two daughters out – we’ve had some of the best fishing days ever.”
Entry forms are available from the Te Kopua camping ground a fun, safe event and there’s plenty of great prizes up office, the Information Centre on for grabs from the tournament’s sponsors. Wainui Road and the Raglan Club Entry details: kontikis, longlines and electric reels. The aim is to run
- or you can download entry forms from the Raglan Club’s website: http://www.raglanclub.co.nz/ entry_form.htm Emma Brooks
Graham and Barbara’s fishing tips for newbies
Unique tuna caught off Raglan coast
The wharf is a safe place to get started and prior to the fire, people were catching good-sized gurnard off the wharf. You only need a 4/0 hook and a flasher rig.
Local angler Robbie Morris who has fished Raglan for many many years caught a ‘scomber australaicus’ earlier this month. The fish had a bright green mottled snake like back with a very large eye, jaw of a male salmon and ‘tuna like’ lumps top and bottom running down to its tail. Its
Top catch: L-R Renee Doig and Barbara Hubert with a great mornings catch
Top: ‘Scomber australaicus’ or Blue Mackerel
size was similar to that of a large local kahawai. Photos were sent to the Fishes Museum of New
Andrew stated it was good eating, oily and smoked
Zealand, and an Andrew Stewart replied, that the fish
really well. He also asked if we would kindly donate
was related to the mackerel family which has several
it to their fish collection, which we would have done
species and names, but only one is known in our
but it was already cut and salted for the smoke house.
northern New Zealand waters.
Raglan Wharf Seagull
The harbour is good for netting flounder and mullet. After a spell of fine, easterly weather you might find gurnard in the harbour but not if the bar is breaking; gurnard won’t swim through breaking water. Best bait for gurnard is bonito. If you catch a kahawai, skin it so you’re only left with the flesh and cut it into strips. This is top bait for snapper.
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COOKING CRAYFISH Assuming the crayfish is alive. Soak in a bucket of fresh water for 30mins. Boil seawater. Put crayfish into the boiling seawater. Now this is the key…… when the water reboils the timing starts. Average size fish 7mins, really large 10mins, smaller less time. Remove from water immediately time is up and place on a rack to cool. You can do 2-3 similar size fish at the same time if you can cover when boiling with seawater.
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