Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
LightNews LightNews
banner
ahafoka.bsky.social
Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
@ahafoka.bsky.social
850 followers 910 following 6.4K 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
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
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
Tonight’s view. Chamberlins Bay. Ponui Island. (East of Waiheke Is. Auckland)
Lots of yacht and launch anchor lights at night.
February 6, 2026 at 9:13 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Darren Shields (aka the "weekend spearfisherman" as Shane Jones called him) has replied. This reply illustrates how much Shane Jones is disconnected from the New Zealand voter in general.

#nzpol
February 5, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
fmacskasy.bsky.social
The Atlas Network's satrap here in Aotearoa,the Taxpayers "Union" is calling for nominations for the most wasteful govt expenditure this year.

I helpfully nominated David Seymour's MINISTRY FOR REGULATION,for wasting our money.

Happy to help.

(Lets do it!)

www.taxpayers.org.nz/jonesies_202...
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026 JONESIE WASTE AWARDS
Championing Value For Money From Every Tax Dollar
www.taxpayers.org.nz
February 2, 2026 at 9:39 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
I’m a few days late in posting this.

A week late …
Burnum Burnum with the aboriginal flag Transcript: "The Burnum Burnum Declaration England, 26th January, 1988 I, Burnum Burnum, being a nobleman of ancient Australia do hereby take possession of England on behalf of the Aboriginal people. In claiming this colonial outpost, we wish no harm to you natives, but assure you that we are here to bring you good manners, refinement and an opportunity to make a Koompartoo - 'a fresh start'. Henceforth, an Aboriginal face shall appear on your coins and stamps to signify our sovreignty over this domain. For the more advanced, bring the complex language of the Pitjantjajara; we will teach you how to have a spiritual relationship with the Earth and show you how to get bush tucker. We do not intend to souvenir, pickle and preserve the heads of 2000 of your people, nor to publicly display the skeletal remains of your Royal Highness, as was done to our Queen Truganninni for 80 years. Neither do we intend to poison your water holes, lace your flour with strychnine or introduce you to highly toxic drugs. Based on our 50,000 year heritage, we acknowledge the need to preserve the Caucasian race as of interest to antiquity, although we may be inclined to conduct experiments by measuring the size of your skulls for levels of intelligence. We pledge not to sterilise your women, nor to separate your children from their families. We give an absolute undertaking that you shall not be placed onto the mentality of government handouts for the next five generations but you will enjoy the full benefits of Aboriginal equality. At the end of two hundred years, we will make a treaty to validate occupation by peaceful means and not by conquest. Finally, we solemnly promise not to make a quarry of England and export your valuable minerals back to the old country Australia, and we vow never to destroy three-quarters of your trees, but to encourage Earth Repair Action to unite people, communities, religions and nations in a common, productive, peaceful purpose.
February 2, 2026 at 7:04 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Looks like it was a busy day on the water all around Aotearoa New Zealand …
538 trip reports between 6am and 7am
Coastguard NZ operations centre - where most of the radio operators are ⏱️ New hourly record for trip reports and our busiest day of 2026 so far! 👏 Between 6am and 7am, our National Operations Centre and volunteers across the country logged a huge 538 trip reports - nine every minute and a brand‑new hourly record, beating our previous highs of 487 (7 Feb 2025) and 483 (30 Jan 2022). And we’re not done yet. With a few hours still to go, today is already our busiest day of 2026, with close to 4,000 trip reports. We have also recorded more than 700 bar crossing trip reports, only the second time in history we’ve ever hit that number. Thanks to everyone who checked in today before heading out, and a special shout‑out to our volunteers on and off the water who gave up their own day in the sun so others could enjoy theirs. 👍 If you were out on the water and have photos to share, we’d love to see them in the comments! ☀️🚤
February 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Yesterday, while S & I were at a birthday, the Coastguard pager went off at 2:30pm. I tapped “Unavail” as I was too far away.

It was “Rescue 2 skipper please call Ops” which usually means there’s something unusual - and Hibiscus Rescue 1 was already on the water.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/army-bomb...
Watch: 'It shook our house' - Bomb squad blows up device at Auckland beach, rattling locals
A resident said their house shook after an explosion at Okoromai Bay just before 6pm.
www.nzherald.co.nz
January 31, 2026 at 7:44 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Looks like half of Westhaven has come to Bon Accord tonight …

I think there’s some Yacht Squadron weekend thing

Hardly any room here so I contacted the Auckland Coastguard unit and borrowed their mooring at the head of the harbour.
January 31, 2026 at 7:29 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
@snugbucket.bsky.social and @ninjakitty.bsky.social this may interest you.
January 30, 2026 at 7:42 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
This is good news … although we don’t know what’s driving the change

www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Caulerpa makes dramatic retreat in areas but 'sure as hell, this beast will be back'
Carpets of caulerpa, described as the world's worst marine pest, have mysteriously disappeared on a massive scale in Northland and the Hauraki Gulf.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 30, 2026 at 6:21 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Shane Jones is doing his best to lose the votes of the recreational fishing sector.

This clip is being posted all over various platforms and the reactions are 99% bad for Jones and New Zealand First

#nzpol
January 30, 2026 at 12:05 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
We had a Coastguard tasking late this afternoon and it was so calm on the way back to Whangaparaoa that I messaged S and suggested we take the boat out for a BBQ dinner …

Currently anchored between Tiritiri Matangi and Wooded Is. (it’s a fair bit windier but we are tucked in a calm spot)
January 29, 2026 at 6:04 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Feels like changes are happening for my very elderly neighbour.

He’s had an old school Trans Am in his garage since I moved here 5 years ago and a flat bed tow truck is here loading it as I type. (It’s looking a bit dusty)
January 28, 2026 at 11:47 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Someone spent a bit of money on signage and forgot to proofread…

(Either that or Spary Taning is a new cosmetic treatment)
A sign outside a cosmetic business in Auckland, New Zealand that lists various treatments: Waxing Facials Skin Care Tinting Gel Nails Spary Taning Threading LiLash
January 26, 2026 at 8:35 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
I don’t do the herald daily quizzes very often so was surprised at today’s result.
Screenshot showing 10/10 result for the morning quiz
January 25, 2026 at 7:09 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Rachel Hessey, who was until recently President of Coastguard Hibiscus (Whangaparaoa) and one of our 6 skippers was on Radio New Zealand this morning talking about what we do and water safety in general.

www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
Safety update from Coastguard Hibiscus
Coastguard is asking everyone to be prepared before hitting the water.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 25, 2026 at 3:06 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
This is awesome! I've seen black coral at the Poor Knights (east coast of Northland) while on SCUBA at over 35m depth and freediving in Fiordland at around 10m (where the freshwater layer on the surface creates similar conditions to being below 30m).
January 22, 2026 at 2:51 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Well, I guess he is correct ...

(he's got an Australian flag in his profile and the Aus east coast is that far from NY)
helenkennedy.bsky.social Helen Kennedy @helenkennedy.bsky.social · 18d
Twitter undefeated in the brain worms arena
Photo of a guy standing in Times Square holding a sign that says “Zohran is not my mayor” His tweet is “ I flew 10,000 miles to New York City to say one thing: “Zohran Kwame Mamdani is not my mayor.”
January 20, 2026 at 10:49 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
We camped at Bland Bay for a few summer holidays…
I hope the area recovers and the folks that were at the DOC campground are OK

www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
80 campers trapped in Whangaruru return home after having to hike over massive slip
The torrential rain sent floodwaters pouring through the Whangaruru campground and triggered a 50-metre-wide slip across the only access road.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 20, 2026 at 3:48 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
I've just started looking at Herenga a Nuku Aotearoa (the Outdoor Access Commission) and their Pocket Maps app.

Does anyone have experience with the app, maps etc.?

(My interest is mostly with where I can step ashore while away on the boat)

www.herengaanuku.govt.nz
Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission
We create and sustain public access to the outdoors. We’re a Crown agency working with communities and across statutory boundaries, enabling more people to connect with the whenua.
www.herengaanuku.govt.nz
January 20, 2026 at 3:03 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Every so often we get questions about searches. The folks at Coastguard Queenstown dropped a post with an overview so I've copied it here. It's a good overview of how we run searches in Coastguard NZ (like anything there's more detail and tools but it gives you an idea)
Ever wondered how our volunteer coastguard crews search for someone in the water? When Coastguard is tasked to search for someone in the water, we don’t simply head to the last place they were seen. The water is constantly moving, so the first question is always: 'Where is the casualty likely to be now?' Step 1: Start with the last known position Every search begins with the last known position where the person (or vessel potentially) was last seen or reported. This is the starting point, but it’s rarely where the casualty will still be. Step 2: Understand how the water will move them Once someone is in the water, they drift. How they drift depends on several factors: Tide – the biggest influence. If the tide is running at 4 knots, anything in the water can move 4 miles in an hour. Wind – pushes objects on the surface. A person will drift slightly downwind, particularly if wearing a buoyancy aid. What they’re in or on – a person in the water drifts differently to a dinghy, life raft or submerged object. By combining these factors, crews estimate where they may have drifted to. Step 3: Create a search area, not a single point Conditions and information are never exact, so coastguard vessels don’t search one precise spot. Instead, a search area is created. This is the area where the casualty is most likely to be. The longer the time involved, the larger that area becomes. Step 4: Search using planned patterns Volunteer crews search methodically, using planned patterns rather than random movement. These patterns ensure: - every part of the area is covered - nothing is missed - crews know exactly where to look and when The photos show how this works. Some searches start tightly around the estimated position and gradually widen, while others focus on key directions such as down-tide or down-wind. Search instructions are also provided by coastguard, whose systems calculate likely drift and advise the most suitable search pattern. This is combined with local knowledge of how tides and currents move around bays, headlands and open water, improving the probability of detection. Step 5: Constantly reassess Searches are never static. Volunteer crews continuously reassess: - changes in tide - changes in wind - new information as it comes in The plan is adjusted until the casualty is found or all reasonable areas have been searched. Why this matters? Searching isn’t about speed but accuracy, teamwork and discipline. A well-planned search gives the best possible chance of finding someone quickly, even in difficult conditions. This is only a snapshot of the process. Behind the scenes, extensive planning is carried out by multiple people and authorities, with many factors changing all the time, all to give the best chance of saving a life. View from outside the cabin of a Coastguard NZ vessel looking through the windscreen. Two volunteers are visible - 1 on the helm and the other on the VHF radio.
January 20, 2026 at 12:31 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
😀 Cousin Alf got a call and and had a chat with Radio NZ about his experience as a Sports DJ/Producer ...

They asked for his top songs ... he was on the beach at the time so it's a off the cuff list ...
www.rnz.co.nz/life/music/t...
The songs that always get the party started at sports games
Alfred Aholelei, aka DJ Algoodie, has played in some of the biggest sporting stadiums, warming up the crowd and players ahead of game day.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 18, 2026 at 11:55 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
#kikorangi This is an epic swim! 1,000 miles from one end of Aotearoa NZ's North Island to the other!

Check it out and follow his progress.
liveocean.org/swim4theocean/
Swim4TheOcean
One man attempting to swim 1,000 miles of treacherous coastline. To ignite New Zealanders around the race for a healthy ocean.
liveocean.org
January 15, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
heidelyn.bsky.social
The kākāpō is the world’s heftiest parrot (up to 8 lb), lives for as long as 90 years despite being flightless and almost blind, and only mates when rimu trees undergo a mass fruiting event. Just 236 birds remain in all of NZ, all on predator-free offshore islands: wapo.st/4qmTW4P (gift).
World’s fattest parrots set for mating bonanza after bumper berry crop
After a four-year hiatus, conservationists in New Zealand are relieved that the flightless kākāpo is once again breeding. Fewer than 300 of the parrots exist.
wapo.st
January 15, 2026 at 4:20 AM
ahafoka.bsky.social
I didn’t help these folks out expecting to be rewarded so it was a nice surprise to get a text asking for my address & then this morning a courier delivered 3 bottles of very good French wine! There are some good people in Aotearoa.

S & I will enjoy these.
3 bottles of French wine sitting on the dining table.
January 14, 2026 at 11:35 PM
ahafoka.bsky.social
Six hours in the water, 1 lifejacket & other flotsam.

Sounds like excellent coordination between the various rescue services!
www.coastguard.nz/our-story/ne...
Trio rescued after clinging to lifejacket for six hours after boat…
Trio rescued after clinging to lifejacket for six hours after boat capsizes
www.coastguard.nz
January 14, 2026 at 10:56 PM