The hearing got underway today to hear the submissions on Port Otago’s application to increase dredging volumes. The surfing community is presenting at the hearings to protect Aramoana Spit which we believe is at serious risk if the application is granted. Aramoana is a nationally protected surfbreak under the 2010 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.

Jayin Hutchings spoke on behalf of Nic Reeves from Surfbreak Protection Society at the hearing this morning as Nic was unable to attend. There were some interesting questions from the panel indicating interest in the surfing related issues. Local surfing legend Rod Rust spoke to Paul Shanks personal submission. Another surfer, who is unknown to Surfbreak, spoke this afternoon too so there has been a good showing from the surfing community.