Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
@ahafoka.bsky.social
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
Coastguard stories: https://bsky.app/profile/ahafoka.bsky.social/post/3m3qrgfddx22v
At Coastguard Hibiscus we’ve been getting ready for the busy summer with a combo of on water skills / drills & land based refreshers and discussions.
The last 2 weeks have been focused on first aid. Last week we went through the equipment on the boats to make sure the crew know what’s where etc
The last 2 weeks have been focused on first aid. Last week we went through the equipment on the boats to make sure the crew know what’s where etc
November 19, 2025 at 1:09 AM
At Coastguard Hibiscus we’ve been getting ready for the busy summer with a combo of on water skills / drills & land based refreshers and discussions.
The last 2 weeks have been focused on first aid. Last week we went through the equipment on the boats to make sure the crew know what’s where etc
The last 2 weeks have been focused on first aid. Last week we went through the equipment on the boats to make sure the crew know what’s where etc
It’s a beautiful day on the Hauraki Gulf. Lots of boats out but no taskings so far.
We’ve stopped for lunch at Tiritiri n Wharf
We’ve stopped for lunch at Tiritiri n Wharf
November 16, 2025 at 1:02 AM
It’s a beautiful day on the Hauraki Gulf. Lots of boats out but no taskings so far.
We’ve stopped for lunch at Tiritiri n Wharf
We’ve stopped for lunch at Tiritiri n Wharf
Also - if you are in the area please respect the rāhui in place.
November 15, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Also - if you are in the area please respect the rāhui in place.
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...
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...
November 15, 2025 at 10:48 PM
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...
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...
As I’ve mentioned before the boat day is on my boat and for #kikorangi folks I’ll take 8 guests if you message me to discuss the sort of day you would like.
Get a group together and I’ll do my best to make it a memorable day on the Hauraki Gulf.
Get a group together and I’ll do my best to make it a memorable day on the Hauraki Gulf.
November 15, 2025 at 4:17 AM
As I’ve mentioned before the boat day is on my boat and for #kikorangi folks I’ll take 8 guests if you message me to discuss the sort of day you would like.
Get a group together and I’ll do my best to make it a memorable day on the Hauraki Gulf.
Get a group together and I’ll do my best to make it a memorable day on the Hauraki Gulf.
This is the video they got excited about.
November 14, 2025 at 2:15 AM
This is the video they got excited about.
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
November 13, 2025 at 9:55 PM
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
The scammers are here ...
November 12, 2025 at 12:20 AM
The scammers are here ...
S took this picture as we departed this morning. (She’s better at this than I am )
November 9, 2025 at 12:15 AM
S took this picture as we departed this morning. (She’s better at this than I am )
A bit wet this morning but sooo calm.
Another video of Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island.
Another video of Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island.
November 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
A bit wet this morning but sooo calm.
Another video of Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island.
Another video of Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island.
None of the photos capture what it’s actually like.
November 8, 2025 at 7:31 AM
None of the photos capture what it’s actually like.
The wind has dropped even further. Lovely still night (at the moment )
November 8, 2025 at 5:57 AM
The wind has dropped even further. Lovely still night (at the moment )
Here comes the rain …
(Just a little drizzle)
(Just a little drizzle)
November 8, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Here comes the rain …
(Just a little drizzle)
(Just a little drizzle)
15/14 Here's a quick video one of the Kawau Rescue crew shot.
😂I don't think any of us would make it as social media influencers ...
😂I don't think any of us would make it as social media influencers ...
November 7, 2025 at 2:07 AM
15/14 Here's a quick video one of the Kawau Rescue crew shot.
😂I don't think any of us would make it as social media influencers ...
😂I don't think any of us would make it as social media influencers ...
14/14 After a bit of banter we parted company and returned to our various bases, refuel and wash down.
I was back home by 8:15pm and watched the end of NZ batting in the T20 vs. West Indies.
It was a good outcome and I'm pleased we didn't have to do too much.
#kikorangi
I was back home by 8:15pm and watched the end of NZ batting in the T20 vs. West Indies.
It was a good outcome and I'm pleased we didn't have to do too much.
#kikorangi
November 6, 2025 at 11:57 PM
14/14 After a bit of banter we parted company and returned to our various bases, refuel and wash down.
I was back home by 8:15pm and watched the end of NZ batting in the T20 vs. West Indies.
It was a good outcome and I'm pleased we didn't have to do too much.
#kikorangi
I was back home by 8:15pm and watched the end of NZ batting in the T20 vs. West Indies.
It was a good outcome and I'm pleased we didn't have to do too much.
#kikorangi
12/ Once we were certain they were OK we relaunched HIB2 (i.e. backed her down the ramp into the sea, lifted the wheels and became a boat again) we cruised out for a chat to our other volunteer colleagues.
November 6, 2025 at 11:57 PM
12/ Once we were certain they were OK we relaunched HIB2 (i.e. backed her down the ramp into the sea, lifted the wheels and became a boat again) we cruised out for a chat to our other volunteer colleagues.
9/ We advised Alpha of our change in plan. As we went out we were waved down by a kayaker who advised that he had helped 2 guys get their boat back to Opahi Bay so we advised CG Ops and Alpha of the additional info and made for Opahi Bay - which is very tidal but we were on an incoming tide.
November 6, 2025 at 11:57 PM
9/ We advised Alpha of our change in plan. As we went out we were waved down by a kayaker who advised that he had helped 2 guys get their boat back to Opahi Bay so we advised CG Ops and Alpha of the additional info and made for Opahi Bay - which is very tidal but we were on an incoming tide.
3/ We received more details: shorebased person had called in a 3m tinnie with 2 people on board, taking on water and struggling to get to shore near Scotts Landing, Mahurangi Harbour.
This info meant we loaded the dewatering pump aboard HIB2. Once the skipper another crewmember arrived we drove
This info meant we loaded the dewatering pump aboard HIB2. Once the skipper another crewmember arrived we drove
November 6, 2025 at 11:57 PM
3/ We received more details: shorebased person had called in a 3m tinnie with 2 people on board, taking on water and struggling to get to shore near Scotts Landing, Mahurangi Harbour.
This info meant we loaded the dewatering pump aboard HIB2. Once the skipper another crewmember arrived we drove
This info meant we loaded the dewatering pump aboard HIB2. Once the skipper another crewmember arrived we drove
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
It’s the view from his place in Army Bay, Whangaparaoa
November 5, 2025 at 9:10 AM
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
It’s the view from his place in Army Bay, Whangaparaoa
They are great birds. We see kororā (Little Blue Penguins) relatively often here.
This is an attempted pic of one from Whangaparaoa Passage (Auckland) 10 days ago.
This is an attempted pic of one from Whangaparaoa Passage (Auckland) 10 days ago.
November 4, 2025 at 7:51 PM
They are great birds. We see kororā (Little Blue Penguins) relatively often here.
This is an attempted pic of one from Whangaparaoa Passage (Auckland) 10 days ago.
This is an attempted pic of one from Whangaparaoa Passage (Auckland) 10 days ago.
very lazy - I spent 5 minutes and came across the same post this morning.
Here's the picture that went with it.
Here's the picture that went with it.
November 3, 2025 at 9:45 PM
very lazy - I spent 5 minutes and came across the same post this morning.
Here's the picture that went with it.
Here's the picture that went with it.
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
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
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
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
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...
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...
November 3, 2025 at 8:52 PM
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...
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...
We saw a Kõtare a week ago (on a branch over the water) - failed to get a half decent picture.
Here’s a pic from a year ago … also sitting on a wire at Shakespeare Regional Park, Whangaparaoa
Here’s a pic from a year ago … also sitting on a wire at Shakespeare Regional Park, Whangaparaoa
November 3, 2025 at 8:13 AM
We saw a Kõtare a week ago (on a branch over the water) - failed to get a half decent picture.
Here’s a pic from a year ago … also sitting on a wire at Shakespeare Regional Park, Whangaparaoa
Here’s a pic from a year ago … also sitting on a wire at Shakespeare Regional Park, Whangaparaoa