Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
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ahafoka.bsky.social
Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
@ahafoka.bsky.social
780 followers 890 following 5.7K posts
NZ / Aotearoa based. Freedive, spearfisher & volunteer crew for Hibiscus unit of Coastguard NZ Tautiaki Moana https://www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz
Coastguard stories: https://bsky.app/profile/ahafoka.bsky.social/post/3m3qrgfddx22v
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ahafoka.bsky.social
Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON @ahafoka.bsky.social · Jun 29
Inspired by a pic Jeremy @floregonian.com posted of the sea I’m starting a thread of sea / water related pictures I’ve taken. Bear with me as I add to it sporadically as I seem to have quite a few pics in my phone. Most were taken in Aotearoa New Zealand. I’ll start with my profile pic.
Tony Freediving with a seal. We are both looking at each other (I’ve got a speargun in my hand but deliberately not pointing it at the seal). Pic taken at the end of Karikari Peninsula, Northland, New Zealand
ahafoka.bsky.social
Sadly the missing boat and fishermen out of Pataua South (just north of Whangarei) has not had a good outcome so far.

Here’s the FB post for Northland Coastguard Air Patrol where they detail their work. And some screenshots so you don’t have to go to FB

www.facebook.com/share/p/1M34...
Late Friday evening a 17-20 ft motor-boat was reported overdue by family after not returning by 1900 hours. Two people were on board. Our air crew responded at first light. What we did • The mission began at 08:55 from our base, with a search area established along the coastline from southern Awahoa Bay, northwards up the Taiharuru Peninsula and outwards towards Motutara Island (Ngunguru). • A systematic shoreline search was carried out followed by a creeping line search out to approximately five nautical miles. • At 10:35 we located the target vessel (brown hull, white top) within the search area and relayed the coordinates to our surface assets. • At 11:30 an additional target (an orange-coloured object) was located around Parauwanui Beach; again we reported the position immediately for surface units to attend. The air-crew landed at Whangārei at 12:35 for refuelling, then returned to base, landing at 13:15 after a total of 3.5 hours flying time, communicating via phone and VHF Channel 05 throughout. Outcome • Tragically, we confirm that one person was found deceased. • One or possibly two other people remain missing and the search is ongoing. • Our deepest condolences go out to the whānau of the person lost, and to their family and friends at this very difficult time. Why this matters • The speed, co-ordination and reach of our air patrol made a significant difference in locating the boat and object quickly, enabling surface and ground assets to respond. • But this could not happen without the support of volunteers, community spotting, surface craft, and strong communications, all of which are essential to saving lives. • If you’ve ever wondered how you could help, whether in the air, on the water, or behind the scenes, then volunteering with us matters. Every set of eyes, every asset, every hour adds up. Call for volunteers If you’re passionate about serving our coastal community, we’d love you to join us. You don’t need to be a pilot to help: we need people for mission-support, radios, coordination, logistics, training and more. Together we make our coast safer. Thank you to all involved yesterday: our volunteers, the surface crews, the members of the public who reported and assisted, and all agencies working alongside us. Your time, dedication and skill matter. Please keep the families affected in your thoughts, and if you’re heading out on the water this summer, make sure your boat, life jackets, communications, and trip plan are all sorted. Stay safe. Flight track of Northland Coastguard Air Patrol showing their search pattern Aerial shot of a Coastguard Rescue Vessel approaching the search target vessel. Sadly the vessel had no one aboard
November 15, 2025 at 10:48 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
This PledgeMe campaign has both saddened me as Siouxsie has had to run it and mad me happy seeing the pledges rolling in.

#kikorangi as Oli says let’s add $27k so it ticks over $200k!
olimnz.bsky.social Oli - ultracrepidarian @olimnz.bsky.social · 20h
OK team of 5m, we've got 15 days to add $27k to Siouxsie's fundraiser to top $200k.

If you can, please contribute to pay back some of the awesome mahi she did for us. If you can't, just encourage others to.

She doesn't deserve to be out of pocket over the legal battles she has had to fight.
Support Dr Siouxsie After She Supported Us! | PledgeMe
Support Dr Siouxsie to recover some of the money she spent fighting her legal case to protect employees experiencing online abuse
www.pledgeme.co.nz
November 15, 2025 at 4:17 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
I was looking for something else on the Coastguard Hibiscus facebook page and found this post from late June when we went to find a boat near Cape Colville that couldn't navigate.

Reading the comments from our American friends is quite something ...
www.facebook.com/share/v/16Gi...
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:40 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
The Niagara is still sitting, rusting on the seabed toward the northern edge of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and nothing has been done.

www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
A Northland shipwreck has been labelled an environmental time bomb - so why is the government refusing to act?
For 30 years, officials have been warned about an oil-laden shipwreck which could cause an environmental disaster - and for years, they've ignored the risk.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 13, 2025 at 10:58 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
This man knows what he is talking about.
booch.com Grady Booch @booch.com · 2d
Any sufficiently advanced AI hype is indistinguishable from grift.
— me
November 13, 2025 at 10:21 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Last weekend we lost propulsion on the port engine & had to limp home on one engine. Mānava came out of the water this morning at Gulf Harbour Marina & I was expecting major issues in the leg aka EXPENSIVE (la new leg!) but luckily it’s the bush that connects to prop to the driveshaft that was
Mānava, a 12m fibreglass launch, sitting on a cradle in the hardstand at Gulf Harbour Marina, Whangaparaoa.
November 13, 2025 at 9:55 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
As I said when I posted this earlier ... I don't always support LegaSeas position on things but in this case I do.
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Happy Exploding Whale Day to all who "observe" it ...

(Yes, this is an old one but everytime I see it I repost it)
localnotail.bsky.social Jane @localnotail.bsky.social · 3d
Happy Exploding Whale Day?
November 12, 2025 at 10:23 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
The scammers are here ...
Bluesky chat from @iraking that reads: We regret to infоrm you that your Bluesky account has been temporarily suspended due to security-related restrictions. To prevent the реrmanent termination of your aссоunt, it is imperative that you complete the verification process within the next 24 hours bу using the following Iink: 🔗 LINK DELETED SO I DON'T INADVERTENTLY SHARE IT / HAVE IT CLICKED ON BY SOMEONE READING THE ALT TEXT If the Iink does not open directly, please copy and paste it into your browser’s address bar. ⚠️ Imроrtаnt: Failure to complete the required verification within the specified time frame will result in the irreversible and permanent ban of your account. We appreciate your immediate attention and сооperation in this matter. Sincerely, Bluesky© Support Team
November 12, 2025 at 12:20 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Looks like a lot of Aucklanders are still hoping to see bioluminescence.

Stanmore Bay was the hot spot for Friday and we had our regular Coastguard training there tonight. Hundreds of hopeful people on the beach looking out to see.

I think they are a day or two too late.
November 11, 2025 at 8:32 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
This is great.

Sadly I won’t be able to make it to the Auckland events.

waateanews.com/2025/11/08/l...
Landfall! Hōkūlea And Hikianalia Make Safe Landfall In Aotearoa After 17-Day Deep Sea Voyage
waateanews.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:57 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
I’ve posted about Steve and Riley (and Young Ocean Explorers) before.

Here’s a bit of a throwback video to when Steve was the first to film orca predating Eagle rays (which is unique to Aotearoa NZ).

youtu.be/fPlAnWRuJiQ?...
Never seen before orca moment!! Steve Hathaway PADI master diver
YouTube video by Young Ocean Explorers
youtu.be
November 9, 2025 at 1:07 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Here comes the rain …

(Just a little drizzle)
November 8, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
ninjakitty.bsky.social
We set up #SecretSantaAoNZ to spread smiles and fun. We know that times change but our purpose doesn’t.
If times are tough — which under this government is NO SURPRISE — please still be a part of this. We have options that you can sign up to & a lot of peeps happy to be Secret Santas! 🎁 🧑‍🎄 🎄🙌
November 4, 2025 at 7:47 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
NZ Fisheries changes: Submissions are open on proposals to (amongst other things) allow NZ commercial fishers to land and sell marlin and 20 reef species e.g. this list: www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/p...

These species are easy to wipe out from a location and then won't return for some time.
Fisheries (Auckland and Kermadec Areas Commercial Fishing) Regulations 1986 (SR 1986/216) (as at 06 October 2023) 20E Sale of reef fish – New Zealand Legislation
www.legislation.govt.nz
November 7, 2025 at 3:13 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Prominent New Zealander in the news again!

I'm pleased I'm not a prominent New Zealander! (Especially not the one I suspect is the focus of this story)

www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/prominent...
Prominent NZer faces new sex abuse charge - up to 20 years' jail if convicted
He is due to appear in court next week.
www.nzherald.co.nz
November 7, 2025 at 2:30 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
1/ Coastguard pager app went off at 6:20pm last night "URGENT BOAT CALLOUT" for Hibiscus Rescue 2 (the Sealegs CRV in Stanmore Bay).

I was at Arkles Bay with S enjoying the end of a sunny day so we quickly jumped in the car and hightailed it home (<5 minutes drive) and I jumped into my car ...
November 6, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
paullecomtephoto.nz
Ok it's finally happening.

My Calendar 2026 is now available for pre-order. Printing by end of the month to allow for international shipping.

(sorry no international orders just yet, still setting that up).

So happy I could cry.

paullecomtephoto.nz/products/202...
January from my calendar 2026 Some old groyne poles in the ocean at sunset March page from my 2026 Calendar Limestone rock formation at Castle Hill after sunset July page from my 2026 Calendar A sign for a train crossing in a hoar frost & fog, Middlemarch Dec page from my 2026 Calendar Aerial view of the mighty Waimakariri River under a glowing orange sunset
November 4, 2025 at 11:30 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
One of my Coastguard Hibiscus crew mates took this picture earlier tonight and captioned it “early Christmas”.

It’s the view from his place in Army Bay, Whangaparaoa
November 5, 2025 at 9:10 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
1/.. In todays' installment of 'Occasional Adventures with Tony' on the sea in the Hauraki Gulf here's a story of a sunny day that went well.

The Coastguard pager app went off at 1pm. We didn't have a core volunteer crew rostered on today so I looked at the app to see who was available to respond.
November 5, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
kiwired.bsky.social
#Kikorangi
November 4, 2025 at 9:09 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
1/3 A friend of mine is an excellent spearo and runs a training group. He's organising a spearfishing competition with a difference. Key points:
1. comp location will be within 1 hr of Auckland
2. beginners will be paired with experienced spearos
3. Culinary skills get points: raw, whole & cooked
November 3, 2025 at 9:16 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Yesterday's article by Joel MacManus got it!

And cousin Alfs comments were sad to read. He's the stadium DJ & has been doing that for All Blacks, NRL etc. since the first major win by Tonga at Mt Smart

Tongan rugby league fans are the greatest show in sports thespinoff.co.nz/sports/03-11...
FB post by Alfred Algoodie Aholelei: What an incredible recap of yesterday’s game! But here’s something to think about: what if I told you that the powers that be didn’t want the singing and dancing to shine as brightly as they did? Whether it was this game or the one at Go Media with Toa Samoa, it’s true. I’ve been reflecting on moments from the last 3 weeks at the stadiums where our people showed up, and after reading the article, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. Despite the musical and cultural restrictions imposed on us, nothing could dim the vibrant energy in New Zealands national stadium! Let’s keep showing up, keep supporting one another, and continue to proudly celebrate our cultures and teams! Thank you to everyone who sang, danced, and cheered at Go Media, Suncorp, and Eden Park. Can’t wait to see you all at Commbank Stadium! 🇹🇴 🇳🇿 🇼🇸
November 3, 2025 at 8:52 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
For no particular reason the timing of the final shot in James Burkes Connections series popped into my head this morning.

I watched this series as a kid and was fascinated. At the time I didn't appreciate the superb timing required to get the last shot to work.

youtu.be/2WoDQBhJCVQ?...
The Greatest Shot In Television
YouTube video by MoonEyes Plays
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
siouxsiew.bsky.social
It’s nuts the crap people believe about me. Someone even thinks I leafleted schools to scare boys into getting vaccinated! That may just sound silly, but misinformation and disinformation like this means some people want me and others like me jailed or even dead. It’s heartbreaking.
Screenshots of comments left on Facebook. Comment one reads: "She's a fat pinked haired freak show, imagine that fat cun+ giving out health advice". Comment two reads: "You are an absolute nutjob!!! And YOU should be un prison!!! And you are a LIAR, and a attention seeker, You should be embarrassed and ashamed of yourself!!! NOBODY GIVE THIS WITCH MONEY !!! SHE IS A LIAR !!" Comment three reads; "Fuck off bitch, fuck what u think". Comment four reads: "You're a joke hopefully we get covid tribunals soon Seems to me like you were wrong along, and worst still, you KNEW you were wrong yet you were blindly guided by the "science" of Comrade Jacinda. You need to be held accountable". Comment five reads: "You don't deserve a cent. From anyone. Our corrupt politicians stupidly gave you a public platform to spew your garbage. You lied to the country about covid, deaths, cases, lockdowns, masks, social distancing and safe and effective vaccines. You lied, people died. And you gaslit those good people bravely standing up and telling the truth. You and your woke lying mates created the fear and confusion amongst our people. You should be tried, charged and jailed for the damage you have done". Comment six reads: "Hope you're absolutely bankrupt evil pink-haired lying witch". Comment seven reads: "how much money did you make from all those media appearances during covid?? Surely enough to cover your legal fees????". Comment eight reads: "You're a fat pinked haired hack". The final comment reads: "So are school boys still able to ejaculate after getting covid (thinking face emoji) you said they would not be able to in the leaflets you distributed to schools?? you should be the one being sued for your bullshit information during Covid, you made millions of public money telling lies you sick twat".
November 3, 2025 at 7:10 PM