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With over 200 entrants, the Black Foils and Live Ocean’s Foil4TheGulf event - aimed at raising awareness for the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill - has become New Zealand’s largest-ever foiling event by number of entries.
The event, held on Saturday (May 24) at Auckland’s Okahu Bay, was inspired by the stalled progress of the bill in Parliament. The previous record for a foiling event in New Zealand was this year’s Foil Bay of Islands, which had just over 150 entrants.
Launched from the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Foil4TheGulf brought together foilers, from beginners to experienced, from across Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond. Attendees didn’t have to get in the water to join the action, with opportunities to learn more about the need to protect the Gulf, including a speaker panel and foiling lessons before the main event.
The ambition for the day was to garner public and political attention, and to refocus efforts on passing this important marine protection bill. A number of elected officials also attended, including Auckland Central MP and Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, and Auckland’s deputy mayor, Desley Simpson.
Peter Burling was one of over 200 foilers at the event. Photos / New Zealand SailGP team
Black Foils co-CEO and Live Ocean founder Peter Burling said it was special to see the foiling community come together in support of the event.
"It was great that the lack of breeze didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Everyone still got out on the water, had some good yarns, and enjoyed being together. Hopefully, everyone who was here today passes the message on to their family and friends to really drive some momentum behind the bill. It’s a team effort to get these things done, and it was awesome to see the size of the team today."
Burling’s fellow co-CEO and Live Ocean founder Blair Tuke hoped the event would help spread the word about the urgent need to protect the Gulf.
"The turnout today really reinforces how much the Hauraki Gulf means to such a wide range of people. It’s a taonga for all of New Zealand but it’s in decline. Hopefully, this event can put some energy behind the efforts to protect it."
A public campaign has accompanied the foiling event, encouraging participants, spectators, friends and family - both in attendance and across digital platforms - to share digital postcard images and messages about what they love about the Gulf. These will be sent to politicians, calling for its restoration for future generations.
All proceeds from the event went to the Live Ocean Foundation in support of the initiative. Photos / New Zealand SailGP team
All proceeds from the event have gone directly to Live Ocean to support restoration work in the Hauraki Gulf.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of Armstrong Foils, Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Akarana Marine Sports Trust, Appliances Online, Oceania Insurance Brokers, and Heineken.
