Latest Articles - New Zealand Surf Journal

UPDATED: Could Raglan Be The New J-Bay WCT Stop?

Maya & Billy Win 2026 Nats

Fiji’s government moves to restore customary control of surfing areas

The Physiology Of Life & Death

Dr Will AllenAug 5, 2021August 31, 20210

The raw story behind the Taieri Mouth drowning tragedy of April 2021 and the team of surfing doctors who discovered the fateful capsize. Doctor Will Allen takes us back to a day that still haunts him – but a day that has inspired him to teach other surfers to save...

Emerson’s Search For New Zealand’s Underground Chargers

Derek MorrisonJan 25, 2021July 25, 20240

New Zealand Surf Journal is excited to launch our nationwide Search For New Zealand’s Underground Chargers … powered by Emerson’s Brewery, of course. Yep, you read that right. We’re on the hunt for those surfers in New Zealand who drop tools when the swell starts maxing out. We’re talking big-wave...

Special Feature: The Ratso Story

Derek MorrisonJul 27, 2020July 25, 20240

I’m standing in the garage with him as he sniffles back the taps and shuffles through a rack full of surfboards, his long hair hanging flat. He pulls one after another out and they’ve all got stories: he’s made a bunch of them, rode others to world titles and has...

Shaper Profile: Pete Anderson

Derek MorrisonApr 24, 2020July 25, 20240

With more than 36 years experience shaping surfboards out of Whangamata, Pete Anderson is one of the most humble and well-respected surfboard manufacturers in New Zealand. In this film he shares his journey from growing up in the heyday of Whangamata’s board-building industry to his insights, his hopes and most...

Artist Profile: Aaron Kereopa

Derek MorrisonMar 8, 2019August 12, 20190

Raglan surfer and artist Aaron Te Whanatangi Kereopa chats about his journey, following his mischief, taking the risky road and how his talent has guided him into an incredible place in his art and life. Since that first day he picked up a knife and surfboard more than 20 years...

Unruly Caverns: Chasing Slabs In The Deepest South

Derek MorrisonOct 15, 2018March 1, 20190

A late-season swell offers one last roll of the dice for New Zealand’s big-wave riders and the stakes are high. As the winds swing through the ideal bearing the focus falls on a reef on a remote corner of coastline. Four teams of surfers get the session of a lifetime....

UPDATED: Could Raglan Be The New J-Bay WCT Stop?

Derek MorrisonJan 24, 2026January 24, 20260

Rumours are circulating that J-Bay has been dropped from the 2026 World Championship Tour in favour of another fabled pointbreak: Raglan. Yes, it’s shaping up to be true. Over the past few months, swarms of WSL officials have been spotted throughout Raglan, doing due diligence on the town and assessing...

Maya & Billy Win 2026 Nats

Derek MorrisonJan 18, 20260

Raglan surfers Billy Stairmand and Maya Mateja have claimed the premier divisions of the 2026 New Zealand Surfing Championships with Billy taking an unprecedented ninth title while Maya chalks up her second. Billy’s run at the nationals have been puzzling and controversial over the past four years – he last...

Fiji’s government moves to restore customary control of surfing areas

Derek MorrisonNov 26, 20250

Sitiveni Rabuka’s Cabinet has endorsed a bill that is set to repeal a significant piece of regulation that liberalised access to all surfing areas in Fiji. The Fijian government confirmed that the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025 had been given the all-clear to be tabled in parliament, which...

Review: Wai-Tai Aotearoa Boardshorts

Derek MorrisonOct 29, 2025October 29, 20250

A fresh brand out of Gisborne, Wai-Tai Aotearoa’s all-new four-way stretch boardshorts are punching with the best right from the get-go. In a surf industry dominated by big brands that give very little back to New Zealand surfers, this new boardshort company makes it easy to support New Zealand design....

The Jack Tyro Story

Derek MorrisonOct 27, 20250

Filmmaker Jonathan Smit reveals the story of Sumner surfer and New Zealand representative surfer Jack Tyro in this beautifully made and edited film. Press play, enjoy! Credits: Featuring Jack Tyro Filmed & Edited By: Jonathan Smit

Understanding The Battle To Save Wairarapa’s Coastal Access

Derek MorrisonAug 18, 2025August 18, 20250

South Wairarapa District Council’s proposed bylaw – to ban all public access to the public road leading to one of the most remote and spectacular coastlines in New Zealand for a period of three years, may be a misstep. Here’s our guide to understanding what’s happening and how surfers can...

Council Seeks To Close Access To Iconic Wairarapa Surf Coastline

Derek MorrisonAug 17, 2025August 18, 20250

South Wairarapa District Council is proposing a bylaw that would ban all public access – even on foot – to a public road leading to one of the most remote and spectacular coastlines in New Zealand. The Wairarapa Coastline in question is a real jewel in the New Zealand surf...

Benji Lowen Now Top 10 In Australia After Latest Win

Derek MorrisonJul 31, 20250

Christchurch-raised Benji Lowen has had a blistering year in surfing contests with a string of wins here in New Zealand, before repeating that feat along Australia’s East Coast. He’s just won the GromSearch Oz Cup in his adopted backyard of Coffs Harbour, NSW, and that’s boosted him into the top...

How To: Find Your Perfect Wetsuit Fit

Gemma WagstaffJul 4, 20250

Nothing’s worse than forking out a bundle of cash only to find your wetsuit leaks like a sieve as soon as you duckdive your first wave. Gemma Wagstaff, the designer at New Zealand wetsuit brand Gemma Lee, has spent more time than most thinking about exactly that. Here’s her advice...

Watch: Rising Tide

Derek MorrisonMay 19, 20250

In the footsteps of some true greats, a new generation is emerging from the deep south. This film follows 2025 National Champion Alexis Owen, Lewis Murphy and Keo Morrison and friends around some of their favourite waves. The Otago coastline is renowned for producing rippers, like Graham Carse, the Barton...