Dave Rastovich, a Pro surfer, environmental campaigner and activist is visiting New Zealand to promote the safety of Maui’s Dolphin especially as they are threatened by seabed mining, his efforts are featured in an article by National & World News website which you can view here for their comprehensive coverage.

On Friday, 16^th November Dave Rastovich (32, Byron Bay, NSW AUS), began a daunting 350km sea-paddle from Cape Taranaki to Piha to draw awareness to the threatened stretch of coast and in support of “Kiwis Against Seabed Mining” (KASM). Rastovich’s route passes through the area where the proposed seabed mining is to occur. The area is the habitat of the critically endangered Maui’s Dolphin, a species that now faces risk of total extinction.

The epic journey incorporated education and awareness events culminating on Dec 1st. Rastovich’s remaining itinerary as of this writing : Wed 21- Fri 23^rd paddle, paddle, paddle (meetings and engaging with local communities); Sat 24^th – Raglan Info Event; 25^th – 30^th – paddle, paddle, paddle to South of Piha meetings and engaging with local communities); Sat 1^st Dec – Piha Conclusion “Love Your Ocean Day!” Major day time event. Evening finale event at the Piha Bowls Club.

Proposals to mine the West Coast seabed are firmly opposed by a range of business groups and environmental organisations, including SEAFIC (The Seafood Industry Council), Sea Shepherd NZ, Project Jonah, Sustainable Coastlines, Mauis SOS, Greenpeace, WWF, Forest and Bird, and Surfbreak Protection Society.

Please join Dave Rastovich and take whatever measures you can to help protect NZ coast and seabed from oil mining, and protect the Maui’s Dolphin as they face extinction.

The Editor