Surfer says he was run out of town

An Auckland surfer who has visited Taranaki for more than 30 years claims he has been run out of town by a group of thugs who don’t like sharing their waves.

The 51-year-old, who would not be named, said he was attacked by a man he had never met at Arawhata Rd last Friday after a misunderstanding.

Police have confirmed an assault complaint is being investigated but said there was no issue with intimidation or threatening behaviour at surf breaks, a stance backed up by other surfing identities.

The victim said that following the unprovoked attack, where he received several punches to the back of the head and suffered a broken finger, he would not return to the region.

‘‘They don’t want people surfing in their town and they have succeeded with me – they have run me out. It was the most ugly thing I have ever had to experience."

The man said he had been visiting Opunake since discovering it as a teenager and while it was renowned for world-class waves, he claimed some locals were ruining its reputation.

‘‘You have got a little town there whose motto is ‘world famous for surf’ and you have got a small group who are actively discouraging people from coming in.’’

Opunake Boardriders veteran member Murray Weir said he had heard something had happened but did not believe there was a problem with intimidation.

‘‘They are normally pretty good, the locals,’’ Weir said. ‘‘I think it is a bit of a storm in a teacup.’’

It is not the first time surfers from around the region have become protective of their surf breaks. In 2010, Oakura’s Paige Hareb was confronted by locals angry the women’s World Tour was coming to Taranaki, fearing the waves would become overcrowded.

However, Surfing Taranaki chief executive Craig Williamson said he had not heard of visitors being threatened or intimidated at surf breaks for a long time.

‘‘I don’t think that it would have anything to do with locals and people out of town. I think it might have more to do with people disrespecting each other.’’

Ha¯wera Senior Sergeant Kyle Davie said it was not an issue with intimidation at surf breaks. ‘‘The assault was over what they believed were rumours being spread.’’

However, Davie said police took public safety seriously and wanted to hear from anyone who felt intimidated or threatened.

‘‘The beach is there for everybody to enjoy.’’