Derek Morrison

Conservation Week: Surfing With Sea Lions, A Short Film

Derek MorrisonApr 25, 2026April 23, 20260

In this short film, Moss Thompson, a surfer and DOC coastal ranger in Otago, explains what surfers need to do to safely surf with sea lions. We’ve all been there: trying desperately to enjoy a surf only to have a sea lion turn up and get in your grill. Well,...

Conservation Week: A Predator Detection Specialist With A Passion For Surf

Derek MorrisonApr 23, 2026April 23, 20260

This DOC ranger travels the southern surf coast, mixing her battles for biodiversity with sessions at hidden spots. Writer Jose Watson catches up with Melissa McNaughtan on the West Coast. Surfer Mel McNaughtan is a DOC Biodiversity Monitoring Ranger who works out of Hokitika. She is part of a team...

Tom Butland And Alani Morse Win Wildcards Into Raglan Pro

Derek MorrisonApr 20, 2026April 20, 20260

Taranaki’s Tommy Butland and 15-year-old Raglan surfer Alani Morse win the Backdoor King & Queen of the Point, and claim the wildcards for the Raglan Pro, stop number 4 on the World Surf League Championship Tour, May 15-25. With the cleanest 3-5 foot surf of the five-day event window at...

Watch: Salt In Their Veins

Derek MorrisonMar 24, 2026April 7, 20260

Award-winning filmmaker Rita Hencke brings us into the lives of the Bajo people of Southeast Asia, offering an insight into their strong bond with the sea and the challenges small-scale fishing communities face. The Bajo people of Southeast Asia have a deep connection with the marine environment. As descendants of...

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, 2025April 23, 20260

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...