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
Pinned
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.
We decided to head east to Coromandel for the weekend. It was a bit windy toward Channel Is. so we went South to Motukaramarama Is. (south of Colville). These islands are wonderful and have the bonus of a gannet colony.
December 13, 2025 at 4:16 AM
We decided to head east to Coromandel for the weekend. It was a bit windy toward Channel Is. so we went South to Motukaramarama Is. (south of Colville). These islands are wonderful and have the bonus of a gannet colony.
My calendar arrived today and it's even better than I had hoped.
Wonderful images from the New Zealand's South Island Te Waipounamu
Wonderful images from the New Zealand's South Island Te Waipounamu
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...
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...
December 11, 2025 at 10:36 PM
My calendar arrived today and it's even better than I had hoped.
Wonderful images from the New Zealand's South Island Te Waipounamu
Wonderful images from the New Zealand's South Island Te Waipounamu
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
It can't be emphasised enough how important this land is to our neighbourhood. The three sports clubs, the community garden, the green space. The bowling club's role as a community space is vital since the RSA sold up. Commercial development would be an act of harm. www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/5...
'It just needs to stay' : Uncertain future for 100-year-old sports club
The Hallyburton Johnstone Sports Club has been based on donated land for almost 100 years, but there are now questions over the ownership of that land.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 11, 2025 at 9:28 PM
It can't be emphasised enough how important this land is to our neighbourhood. The three sports clubs, the community garden, the green space. The bowling club's role as a community space is vital since the RSA sold up. Commercial development would be an act of harm. www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/5...
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
Final day! Today is the last day to make a submission on the long term protection of the hoiho penguin.
The Government has extended the emergency ban on set net fishing around Otago for another nine months. This will give breathing space to protect the endangered hoiho population.
1/2
The Government has extended the emergency ban on set net fishing around Otago for another nine months. This will give breathing space to protect the endangered hoiho population.
1/2
December 11, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Final day! Today is the last day to make a submission on the long term protection of the hoiho penguin.
The Government has extended the emergency ban on set net fishing around Otago for another nine months. This will give breathing space to protect the endangered hoiho population.
1/2
The Government has extended the emergency ban on set net fishing around Otago for another nine months. This will give breathing space to protect the endangered hoiho population.
1/2
I don't know Michael Davis but he's part of the extended family ... so I'll add him to the list 😂
www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025...
www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025...
Historic first: Pacific heritage at the helm of Architecture and Planning – University of Auckland
Associate Professor Michael Davis is the first person of Pacific heritage to head the School of Architecture and Planning.
www.auckland.ac.nz
December 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
I don't know Michael Davis but he's part of the extended family ... so I'll add him to the list 😂
www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025...
www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025...
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
The Luxon Govt abandoned the orderly transition off fossil gas because they believed in fairies at the bottom of the garden - magical gas would somehow appear. So now we are in the middle of a disorderly transition. Idiocy. www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Lost in transition: The businesses trapped by New Zealand’s energy crisis
Behind the nation's energy crisis are businesses quietly fighting to survive - many feel they have nothing but bad options.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
The Luxon Govt abandoned the orderly transition off fossil gas because they believed in fairies at the bottom of the garden - magical gas would somehow appear. So now we are in the middle of a disorderly transition. Idiocy. www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Reading this has improved my morning.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
last Sunday my aunty who's a piano teacher had her end of year recital. she fills her house with fold up chairs by the grand piano and her pupils/students and often their families come along. they play a piece or two to a generous audience who are just delighted the whole time
December 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Reading this has improved my morning.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
😀I feel like at least 50% of my posts are pictures (and some Coastguard NZ stories).
Here's a thread specifically of picture of the sea ...
bsky.app/profile/ahaf...
Here's a thread specifically of picture of the sea ...
bsky.app/profile/ahaf...
Bluesky has felt sleepy for a while now. I want to encourage everyone to post more. Text is fine, but you know what? People enjoy damn near any picture of something neat. Food, your bike, a cat, whatever. Also, liking is nice, but reposting is what actually helps exposure.
December 9, 2025 at 8:28 PM
😀I feel like at least 50% of my posts are pictures (and some Coastguard NZ stories).
Here's a thread specifically of picture of the sea ...
bsky.app/profile/ahaf...
Here's a thread specifically of picture of the sea ...
bsky.app/profile/ahaf...
Hmmm just went and had the wax in my ears sucked out and OMG I can hear so much more now! (S will be pleased!)
I decided it was time after going for a swim in the weekend and the water stayed in for longer than it should.
I decided it was time after going for a swim in the weekend and the water stayed in for longer than it should.
December 9, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Hmmm just went and had the wax in my ears sucked out and OMG I can hear so much more now! (S will be pleased!)
I decided it was time after going for a swim in the weekend and the water stayed in for longer than it should.
I decided it was time after going for a swim in the weekend and the water stayed in for longer than it should.
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
This would include every single online interaction and every single online platform to support online interaction 🤣😱👀
For example:
-youtube
-xbox
-discord
-online comment sections
-reddit
-substack
AND
-apps for sports teams
-apps for schoolwork
-google docs
-email
-zoom
-microsoft teams
#nzpol
For example:
-youtube
-xbox
-discord
-online comment sections
-substack
AND
-apps for sports teams
-apps for schoolwork
-google docs
-zoom
-microsoft teams
#nzpol
In other bait news, Catherine Wedd's "Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill" defines a "social media platform" thusly, which is some bullshit because surely it would categorise SMS as such.
December 8, 2025 at 9:49 PM
This would include every single online interaction and every single online platform to support online interaction 🤣😱👀
For example:
-youtube
-xbox
-discord
-online comment sections
-reddit
-substack
AND
-apps for sports teams
-apps for schoolwork
-google docs
-email
-zoom
-microsoft teams
#nzpol
For example:
-youtube
-xbox
-discord
-online comment sections
-substack
AND
-apps for sports teams
-apps for schoolwork
-google docs
-zoom
-microsoft teams
#nzpol
The Auckland folks objecting to Plan Change 120 on the basis that having flood etc. info on their LIMs will impact insurance and property values don’t seem to realise that insurance companies will do their own assessments eg. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Man dumps home insurance over Tower's sea surge assessment
Trevor Taylor's Christchurch home is several kilometres from the sea, but his insurance company has hiked his premiums by 30%.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 8, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The Auckland folks objecting to Plan Change 120 on the basis that having flood etc. info on their LIMs will impact insurance and property values don’t seem to realise that insurance companies will do their own assessments eg. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Gotta love a good summer shark story ... Or rather non-story.
It's summer and the bronze whalers (and others) come inshore to pup etc. They are cool animals to see but not a news story.
Te Arai (north Auckland) is a none spot for seeing them
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/aucklands...
It's summer and the bronze whalers (and others) come inshore to pup etc. They are cool animals to see but not a news story.
Te Arai (north Auckland) is a none spot for seeing them
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/aucklands...
'It almost looked like a stingray': Parent plucks children from shallows after shark spotted at Akl beach
Around 20 to 30 people scrambled from the water as shouts of 'Shark!' spread.
www.nzherald.co.nz
December 7, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Gotta love a good summer shark story ... Or rather non-story.
It's summer and the bronze whalers (and others) come inshore to pup etc. They are cool animals to see but not a news story.
Te Arai (north Auckland) is a none spot for seeing them
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/aucklands...
It's summer and the bronze whalers (and others) come inshore to pup etc. They are cool animals to see but not a news story.
Te Arai (north Auckland) is a none spot for seeing them
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/aucklands...
It’s been a good day! We had S family over for a birthday lunch then took them to Moturekareka for the afternoon (and a swim round the wreck of the Rewa ).
I’m crap at videos but here’s one anyway.
I’m crap at videos but here’s one anyway.
December 7, 2025 at 5:37 AM
It’s been a good day! We had S family over for a birthday lunch then took them to Moturekareka for the afternoon (and a swim round the wreck of the Rewa ).
I’m crap at videos but here’s one anyway.
I’m crap at videos but here’s one anyway.
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
Today’s the day for the Spear & Cook competition. The Spearfishing portion of the day started at 8am and runs to 1pm
Tiritiri Matangi Is. Auckland
Tiritiri Matangi Is. Auckland
December 5, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Today’s the day for the Spear & Cook competition. The Spearfishing portion of the day started at 8am and runs to 1pm
Tiritiri Matangi Is. Auckland
Tiritiri Matangi Is. Auckland
Looks like I’ve taken a few pictures at sunrise and sunset while out in the boat.
Google photos created this montage (ignore the music).
They are all from around the Hauraki Gulf (Kawau & Waiheke Islands mostly )
Google photos created this montage (ignore the music).
They are all from around the Hauraki Gulf (Kawau & Waiheke Islands mostly )
December 3, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Looks like I’ve taken a few pictures at sunrise and sunset while out in the boat.
Google photos created this montage (ignore the music).
They are all from around the Hauraki Gulf (Kawau & Waiheke Islands mostly )
Google photos created this montage (ignore the music).
They are all from around the Hauraki Gulf (Kawau & Waiheke Islands mostly )
Today in “not everything is about America”
December 2, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Today in “not everything is about America”
Here's a nomination for an Oscar that's close to my heart (and family - she's my cousins niece so I'm claiming her too!)
The short film Lea Tupu’anga/ Mother Tongue is now in Oscar consideration! Check it out #kikorangi
www.instagram.com/reel/DRvFABO...
The short film Lea Tupu’anga/ Mother Tongue is now in Oscar consideration! Check it out #kikorangi
www.instagram.com/reel/DRvFABO...
Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Here's a nomination for an Oscar that's close to my heart (and family - she's my cousins niece so I'm claiming her too!)
The short film Lea Tupu’anga/ Mother Tongue is now in Oscar consideration! Check it out #kikorangi
www.instagram.com/reel/DRvFABO...
The short film Lea Tupu’anga/ Mother Tongue is now in Oscar consideration! Check it out #kikorangi
www.instagram.com/reel/DRvFABO...
#kikorangi it's time for another submission - this one is in support of strengthening our life jacket laws for recreational vessels (and making them consistent across all of Aotearoa NZ).
Here's a link with info etc.
www.coastguard.nz/lifejacketca...
Here's a link with info etc.
www.coastguard.nz/lifejacketca...
Lifejacket Call for Change
www.coastguard.nz
November 30, 2025 at 11:50 PM
#kikorangi it's time for another submission - this one is in support of strengthening our life jacket laws for recreational vessels (and making them consistent across all of Aotearoa NZ).
Here's a link with info etc.
www.coastguard.nz/lifejacketca...
Here's a link with info etc.
www.coastguard.nz/lifejacketca...
40 … dunno what that says about me (other than that I’ve been on the planet for many years and lived a bit)
November 30, 2025 at 7:42 PM
40 … dunno what that says about me (other than that I’ve been on the planet for many years and lived a bit)
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
Then:
Our policy position will be cheaper than Labour's, which has "conga line of consultants and bureaucrats".
"Our view is, definitely, under our model, rates are not going to increase."
Now:
More than 40 different water entities are expected to emerge from these reforms
#nzpol
Our policy position will be cheaper than Labour's, which has "conga line of consultants and bureaucrats".
"Our view is, definitely, under our model, rates are not going to increase."
Now:
More than 40 different water entities are expected to emerge from these reforms
#nzpol
November 30, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Then:
Our policy position will be cheaper than Labour's, which has "conga line of consultants and bureaucrats".
"Our view is, definitely, under our model, rates are not going to increase."
Now:
More than 40 different water entities are expected to emerge from these reforms
#nzpol
Our policy position will be cheaper than Labour's, which has "conga line of consultants and bureaucrats".
"Our view is, definitely, under our model, rates are not going to increase."
Now:
More than 40 different water entities are expected to emerge from these reforms
#nzpol
Yesterday was a stunner of a day!
The water was sooo calm and it’s already pretty warm. Here’s what it was like in Bostaquet Bay (southern end of Kawau Island).
Summer is coming #kikorangi
The water was sooo calm and it’s already pretty warm. Here’s what it was like in Bostaquet Bay (southern end of Kawau Island).
Summer is coming #kikorangi
November 29, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Yesterday was a stunner of a day!
The water was sooo calm and it’s already pretty warm. Here’s what it was like in Bostaquet Bay (southern end of Kawau Island).
Summer is coming #kikorangi
The water was sooo calm and it’s already pretty warm. Here’s what it was like in Bostaquet Bay (southern end of Kawau Island).
Summer is coming #kikorangi
A mate of mine (through underwater hockey, underwater rugby, freediving and spearfishing) is in the NZ team at the CMAS World Spearfishing champs Sao Francisco Do Sol, Brasil.
(He's also repped NZ at freediving and UWR)
(He's also repped NZ at freediving and UWR)
November 28, 2025 at 3:21 AM
A mate of mine (through underwater hockey, underwater rugby, freediving and spearfishing) is in the NZ team at the CMAS World Spearfishing champs Sao Francisco Do Sol, Brasil.
(He's also repped NZ at freediving and UWR)
(He's also repped NZ at freediving and UWR)
Reposted by Tony Hafoka Ao NZ TON
In news that will shock you, emboldened by ACTs dismissal of democracy, Australian mining company wants to silence your voice ahead of them raping the land.*
www.odt.co.nz/regions/cent...
www.odt.co.nz/regions/cent...
November 27, 2025 at 9:58 PM
In news that will shock you, emboldened by ACTs dismissal of democracy, Australian mining company wants to silence your voice ahead of them raping the land.*
www.odt.co.nz/regions/cent...
www.odt.co.nz/regions/cent...