13th December 2020

Hi Everyone

Keep yourselves safe and out of trouble over the holiday break.

3^rd January – Sunday 9 am – Dive Goat Island – Family day for snorkel or dive, meet in upper car park. If enough interested we will take the Club BBQ. Please let me know if you are able to join us Phone 0274 839839 There will be others joining us from the volunteer group from EMR (Experiencing Marine Reserves).

9^th January 2021 – Waiheke EMR Snorkel Day and the 10^th January EMR Waiheke Kayak and Stand up Paddle Day

16^th January 2021 – EMR day on Motutapu Island – Check out their website for further details. www.emr.org.nz

I have copied over the new rules for crayfish, although they have been around for some time now, for your info just in case you haven’t caught up with the changes.

New Crayfish rules – Don’t be caught out!

Daily bag limits

Maximum of 6 rock lobster (both species combined) on any one day.

Except Te Arai Point, Auckland to Cape Runaway where a total of 3 spiny rock lobsters can be taken, and the remainder (up to 6 in total) can be packhorse rock lobster. If no spiny rock lobsters are taken at the same time, 6 packhorse lobsters can be taken.

Rules changing in CRA2 area from 1 July 2020

Spiny rock lobster minimum size

Measure the tail width in a straight line between the tips of the two large (primary) spines on the second segment of the tail. If you are unsure of the sex, use the 60mm measurement.

Packhorse lobster minimum size

Measure the tail length along the underside in a straight line from the rear of the calcified bar on the first segment to the tip of the middle fan of the tail. Must have a tail length of at least 216mm (male and female).

Additional rules and protections

There are rules and protections for gathering rock lobster/crayfish that cover: protected types, gathering methods, pot construction and use.

From Te Arai Point, Auckland to Cape Runaway telson clipping is required for all recreationally harvested spiny rock lobsters. The last third of the telson (central part of the tail fan) must be cut off so that it is noticeably shorter than the other sections of the tail fan. This must be done to all legal spiny rock lobsters as soon as they are taken.

Labelled diagram of a telson-clipped lobster [PDF, 551 KB]

Do not telson clip any packhorse rock lobsters.

24th November 2020

For those that we won’t be seeing before the Christmas and New Year, have a great holiday break, keep safe and keep happy with lots of diving.

This coming weekend is busy, Chris Marden has bought the WHAI trip forward, I believe he is still looking for three more divers to join the trip.

We have the Dive Club Dinner at the Bays Club on the 29^th, Sunday Night, a few have their name down, and a couple have paid. Details below, I need numbers, please let me know asap by return email or 0274839839

Happy Birthday Ted Blackburn, turning 80 – congratulations, we will have a drink with you on Sunday night.

EMR (Experiencing Marine Reserves) have a fun filled day booked for the 28^th Saturday at Rotoroa Island. A number of Club Members are joining the group, whether you want to explore the waters or come out bird watching. Bring your lunch and let’s have a Club get together out there. Details attached and below on how to book your ferry ticket.

26^th November – Wednesday – Goat Island Snorkel – EMR with St Cuthbert’s School – A fun way to pass your water skills onto the younger generation. If you have a little time to help out please contact Sophie on 021 064 5125

28^th November – Saturday – Rotoroa Snorkel Day – 8am – 6.30pm – Join Experiencing Marine Reserves for Snorkelling at Ladies Bay (weather dependent), walks around the pest free island and a picnic lunch on the beach! Ferry tickets are from $18 to $45 each + a booking fee. The ferry leaves Auckland at 8.45am. For further details www.emr.org.nz Sponsored by The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation – Peter and I are going, who wants to join us, come along and help fill the ferry.? https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/rotoroa-snorkel-day-registration-125106279249?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=58be961d3e&mc_eid=7880d01950 Click on this to book your ferry tickets through Eventbrite.

29^th November – Sunday – 6pm – Christmas Meal – Bays Club – Beach Front – Anzac Avenue Browns Bay – Delicious Smorgasbord at $28 a head – magnificent feast. Drinks from the bar from 6pm – dinner at 6.30pm. Payment into Club Account ANZ Bank 06 0122 0074227 00 will secure your place. Please identify your payment and confirm with me as I will have to reserve seating. All welcome whether Members or not. Margaret 0274839839 or by email marg.howard@xtra.co.nz

6^th December – Sunday – Snorkel Day at Torbay with EMR (Experiencing Marine Reserves) – come along and join in – a lot of fun, 10 – 3pm. To register www.emr.org.nz

7^th December – Monday – 12 noon – Waiake Beach – Long Bay Reef Balls – high tide 1.15pm – I am organising a dive on the Long Bay Artificial Reef Balls. Club Members have dived them several times in the past, and Jonathan Jaffrey would like a full report on the condition of them and colonization. Like what sort of growth, algae, squirts, shells, fish, crayfish, etc. What the substrate is like, fine sand, silt and how deep? If a hollow has washed around them, just an update as Jonathon is not diving at the moment. We will need a couple of boats to ferry the divers out, are you able to help out with your boat? https://www.artificialreefs.org I have eight interested and two boats so far to ferry us out. If you are still keen, let me know and I will email the co-ordinates and boats etc.

9^th December – Wednesday – 7.00pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Pot luck dinner, bring your favourite dish to share – final Meeting for the year.

Who is going where at Christmas and New Year, let us know as there might be someone diving in the next Bay from you.

I would appreciate any ideas or suggestions for dive trips, guest speakers, social events, tramps, mountain biking, etc. please email me your ideas. If you would like to organise an event I will advertise for you. If you are booked on a trip and would like to share where, let’s see if we can get another Club Member to Dive with you.

No Meeting in January, first Meeting for 2021 will be February 10^th.

9th November 2020

Hope to see a good number of Members and friends this coming Wednesday night the 11^th November at the Club Meeting for a BBQ and to see a DVD of the history and the sinking of the MV Taioma. The ‘Taioma’ was built in 1944.

I am organising a dive on the Long Bay Artificial Reef Balls. Club Members have dived them several times in the past, and Jonathan Jaffrey would like a full report on the condition of them and colonization. Like what sort of growth, algae, squirts, shells, fish, crayfish, etc. What the substrate is like, fine sand, silt and how deep? If a hollow has washed around them, just an update as Jonathon is not diving at the moment. We will need a couple of boats to ferry the divers out, are you able to help out with your boat? https://www.artificialreefs.org See you Wednesday night to discuss this further.

A few Members have been helping out at the EMR (Experiencing Marine Reserves) events, it is very rewarding and great to see the excitement of the youngers experiencing snorkelling for the first time. If you have some spare time and would like to get involved let Auckland Co-Ordinator, Sophie Journee know on 021 064 5125. Check out their coming program on www.emr.org.nz fa cebook.com/emr.mtsct | instagram emr_nz

11^th November – Wednesday – 7.00pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Long overdue BBQ, note earlier start. Please bring a salad and desert to share. Also screening DVD of the history and sinking of MV Taioma.

15^th November – Sunday – 8.30am – BBQ breakfast at Cornwallis Beach – A great way to all get together. Let Chris Nipper know if you are keen. akidna27@gmail.com or phone 021 991732 – This info was sent out earlier, this is a reminder and further details are attached in the PDF file. Bring your snorkelling gear and have a fun day.

18^th November – Wednesday – Goat Island Snorkel – EMR with Papatoetoe West School – 9am – 3pm – if keen to help out please let me know

26^th November – Wednesday – Goat Island Snorkel – EMR with St Cuthbert’s School – 9am – 3pm A fun way to pass your water skills onto the younger generation.

28^th November – Saturday – Rotoroa Snorkel Day – 8am – 6.30pm – Join Experiencing Marine Reserves for Snorkelling at Ladies Bay (weather dependent), walks around the pest free island and a picnic lunch on the beach! Ferry tickets are from $18 to $45 each + a booking fee. The ferry leaves Auckland at 8.45am. For further details www.emr.org.nz Sponsored by The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation – Peter and I are going, who wants to join us.?

4^th December Friday – 6^th December Sunday – ‘MV Whai’ – out from Whitianga – The Dolphin Club once again is joining the South Auckland Dive Club to Dive the Mercury/Cuvier Islands on the ‘MV Whai’ – out from Whitianga. Board the ‘Whai’ 5.00pm on Friday night, and returning to Whitianga wharf around 5.00pm on the Sunday. Cost $455.00 Trip includes tank fills for minimum of 2 dives per day. You will only need ONE tank (make sure it is FULL, and IN TEST, as John will check it). All food and snacks will be provided by the club, bring your own drinks. Provide your dinner Friday night. All bait will be provided (no burley bombs) plus sea salt ice to keep your catch fresh. Please bring your dive certificates, as John will check as required under Maritime Law for charter vessels. And while you’re at it, check that all your gear is in good working condition. Nothing worse than faulty gear and you miss out on diving. Check with Chris Mardon on 021 02628956 to see if any spaces available. A $100.00 deposit with your booking to Westpac Bank Acc 03 0179 0203122 00 Please include YOUR NAME and WHAI TRIP 2020 as your reference. Balance is required by Friday 20^th November.

6^th December – Sunday – Snorkel Day at Torbay with EMR (Experiencing Marine Reserves) – come along and join in – a lot of fun. Time to be confirmed.

9^th December – Wednesday – 7.00pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Pot luck dinner, bring your favourite dish to share – final Meeting for the year.

Please take note no Meeting in January, 1^st Meeting 10^th February 2021 Cheers Margaret

12th October 2020

Hope you have all been keeping well, also keeping up your fitness and been out testing the waters now we are on Level 1. I have seen some of the Members photos on Facebook, even though the water is still cool, good on you for getting out there and getting wet. Who has been out for a scallop dive this season.?

Also for those that have been helping out with Experiencing Marine Reserves., another training day last Saturday for Volunteers. Check out their website and Facebook page as they have plenty coming up. https://www.facebook.com/emr.mtsct www.emr.org.nz Always looking for those willing to give a little time.

Just a reminder the next Club Meeting is this coming Wednesday night, the 14th at 7.30pm. Presentation of photos and footage from the recent Kermadec Island trip, plus sharing a couple of birthdays, hope to see you there. The report I wrote on the trip is below if you would like to see some photos and have a read. Be great to catch up again as COVID has had a lot of things on hold.

The October newsletter is on the website. Check it out, always a good read. www.dolphinunderwater.co.nz

14^th October – Wednesday – 7.30pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Guest Speakers – several presenting their photos and footage from the recent trip to the Kermadec Islands.

18^th October – Sunday – Snorkel trip to Mokohinau Islands – 9am – 4.30pm – this trip is with EMR and snorkel only – Back up date of Sunday the 1st of November. You need to be free for both dates. Leaving Tutukaka with Dive Tutukaka, a discounted trip – Tickets $161.06 – booking details below
www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/mokohinau-adventure-snorkel-registration-119972905189 For further details contact Auckland EMR Coordinator – Sophie Journee 021 0645125

8^th November – Sunday, Motiti Island, Bay Of Plenty – Dolphin Club Members have been invited to join any Mount Maunganui Underwater Club Trip if spaces available. This Trip Motiti Island and Surrounding Reef Area – contact President Glen Grant – 07 575 7979 or Club Captain Russ Hawkins 07 575 5986 – 027 286 3638 for further details. http://www.mmuc.co.nz/ The Mount Club have a wonderful website.

11^th November – Wednesday – 7.00pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Long overdue BBQ, note earlier start. Please bring a salad or desert to share.

4^th December Friday – 6^th December Sunday – ‘MV Whai’ – out from Whitianga – The Dolphin Club once again is joining the South Auckland Dive Club to Dive the Mercury/Cuvier Islands on the ‘MV Whai’ – out from Whitianga. Board the ‘Whai’ 5.00pm on Friday night, and returning to Whitianga wharf around 5.00pm on the Sunday. Cost $455.00 Trip includes tank fills for minimum of 2 dives per day. You will only need ONE tank (make sure it is FULL, and IN TEST, as John will check it). All food and snacks will be provided by the club, bring your own drinks. Provide your dinner Friday night. All bait will be provided (no burley bombs) plus sea salt ice to keep your catch fresh. Please bring your dive certificates, as John will check as required under Maritime Law for charter vessels. And while you’re at it, check that all your gear is in good working condition. Nothing worse than faulty gear and you miss out on diving. A $100.00 deposit with your booking to Westpac Bank Acc 03 0179 0203122 00 Please include YOUR NAME and WHAI TRIP 2020 as your reference. Balance is required by Friday 20^th November. Check with Chris Mardon on 021 02628956 to see if any spaces available.

9^th December – Wednesday – 7.00pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Pot luck dinner, bring your favourite dish to share.

Who would be keen for a local dive at Waiake Beach and Browns Bay Reef for a clean-up followed by a BBQ.? We have done this in the past and have collected an amazing amount of rubbish. We will need a couple of small boats to ferry divers to the reef, a few shore people to clean up the beach area etc. Let’s organise a date at the meeting on Wednesday night. Who is keen.?

A lot of Club Members are out there diving, share your trip with others and take a dive buddy with you, this could be a good way to attract new Members.

It should not be long now and hopefully the Fiji trip originally booked for August 2020 will be able to go ahead. The 10 that paid their deposit your money is safe. Just waiting to see when our borders will open to the Pacific Islands and as soon as we know, another date will be booked and further details confirmed. When the new date is available there will be room to add another couple to the trip, if you are interested, please let me know. Original details the 1^st week to Beqa Island Resort, Pacific Harbour and 2^nd week at Volivoli Resort, Rakiraki in the Ra Province on the North Coast. Both resorts on the main island of Viti Levu.

No Meeting in January, first Meeting for 2021 will be February 10^th.

10 October 2020 – EMR Training Day at the Dolphin Underwater Club and water training in the Quarry.

From Sophie Journee – Volunteer training day a success!

Kia ora everyone,
Thank you all so much for coming along to our second volunteer training day of the 2020/21 season. Despite the windy conditions we were still able to get through all of our in water activities with great enthusiasm.

A big thank you to the Dolphin Underwater Club for use of their club rooms for the day and also a big thank you to senior guides Stephen, Caroline and Margaret for helping to run the in water activities.
Another reminder of the Kermadecs talk hosted by the Dolphin Underwater Club on Wednesday (14th Oct), should be a very interesting night!
I will be in contact over the next couple of weeks with feedback from the day, your starting role, and your certificate.
Please see below for our latest mailer which has information on upcoming volunteering opportunities and how to sign up.
It would be amazing to see some of you at our Under the Sea Quiz night on the 22nd October!
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Have a read through all the volunteer training resources on www.emr.org.nz/internships especially the briefings.
Can’t wait to get you all volunteering this summer!

Upcoming opportunities to be involved

Participant tickets still available
Saturday 18th October, Tutukaka Marina

Under the Sea Quiz Night
Moved to Thursday 22nd of October
Volunteer photographer wanted – contact Sophie
Reserve a volunteer table today
Or buy an individual ticket and we will find you a team
Ticket $20 | Table $115

Volunteers needed for school delivery
Email sophie on sophie@emr.org.nz if you are interested

26 September 2020 – Kermadec Islands Trip

Margaret Howard with five other Club Members has just returned from a fabulous 11 days cruising on the MV Braveheart and diving the Kermadec Islands! See her trip report here

Kermadec Islands Trip Sept 2020Download

Ryan at helm taking Rob Ailing for dive with Braveheart in background

3 August 2020

Hi Everyone

Just a reminder for next Saturday 8^th August – Club Clean up and BBQ – 2.30 – 7pm of the Lake Edge and carpark. For those keen Divers the wonderful Lake Pupuke or delightful Quarry is there for you to explore and collect the rubbish off the bottom. Let me know if you are available for the Clean-up as the Club will provide a BBQ for the workers. Bring your own gloves, black sacks will be available.

Also we are sharing the day with EMR – Experiencing Marine Reserves – I have sent by separate email their details for anyone that would like to get involved with EMR. Please register your interest and come along for the pool session starting at 11.30am at the Glenfield Pool.

12^th August – Wednesday – 7.30pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Guest Speaker to be advised.

16^th August – Sunday 3pm – Okura Hall – For those that may be interested in hearing a most interesting and engaging guest speaker. The Friends of Okura Bush Incorporated Society have invited Dr Jacqueline Beggs the Director of the Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity at the University of Auckland. While her research has focused on the ecology and control of invasive wasps, she has also played significant roles in the sustainability of Kakapo, kaka, kereru and a range of invertebrates.

1^st September – Opening of scallop season – to 31^st March – For those keen scallop hunters – I think we will have to go a little further North to get a feed now as judging on last season, local areas have been depleted. Don’t forget 20 pp and 100mm size in Auckland area.

5^th September to 15^th September – Kermadec Islands Trip on the ‘MV Braveheart’ sharing this trip with Mount Maunganui Club, leaving from Tauranga. Five Members from the Dolphin Club are on this trip Chris Nipper, Margaret Howard, Allan Dixon, Laurie Wright and John Herring. This trip is now full.

9^th September – Wednesday – 7.30pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Guest Speaker to be advised.

12^th September – Whitianga Scallop Festival – This event has been cancelled for this year due to COVID-19 – details on their website for the 2021 Festival.

The Fiji trip originally booked for August 2020, the 10 that paid their deposit your money is safe. Just waiting to see when our borders will open to the Pacific Islands and as soon as we know, another date will be booked and further details confirmed. When the new date is available there will be room to add another couple to the trip, if you are interested, please let me know. Original details the 1^st week to Beqa Island Resort, Pacific Harbour and 2^nd week at Volivoli Resort, Rakiraki in the Ra Province on the North Coast. Both resorts on the main island of Viti Levu. For those that attended last month’s meeting, I hope you enjoyed the presentation of the Volivoli Resort in Rakiraki.

Who would be keen for a local dive at Waiake Beach and Browns Bay Reef for a clean-up followed by a BBQ.? We have done this in the past and have collected an amazing amount of rubbish. We will need a couple of small boats to ferry divers to the reef, a few shore people to clean up the beach area etc. Let’s organise a date at the next meeting on the 12^th. See you there.

29 June 2020

Hi Everyone

Great to see those that are out there enjoying what NZ has to offer, and I hear a lot of diving is taking place amongst the Members. My turn next weekend diving Deep Water Cove to try out my new wet suit and booties, I am sure I will be much warmer.

The offer still stands from Air Technology – 20 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay – (corner Ascension Place and Constellation Drive)

During June and July 2020, Hasan is offering a free regulator check. In case your regulator needs a complete service $25.00 discount will be redeemable towards that service.

Ring Hasan Soykan 09 478 9995 021 264 0107 or email or hasan@airtec.co.nz to book your regulator in.

Denis is working on the July newsletter at the moment. If you have anything you would like to add to the newsletter, stories, photos or advertise for sale, contact Denis da.triden@gmail.com and he will insert in the July issue.

If you would like to get the Club Logo on any article of your clothing, please bring it to the next Club Meeting and Denis will get it embroidered for you. The article can be a favourite, as long as it is not too worn, or a new item you have purchased. We have used the same firm out South for years, the cost will be around $7 per garment.

Thanks to those that have paid their Membership, there are still a few outstanding. Also thanks to Matt Gouge for working on our new website, all a new learning curb for Matt. Check it out for the new info Matt has added. www.dolphinunderwater.co.nz

We had our mid-year winter meal at the Bays Club, Browns Bay. It was well attended and the food was wonderful. A great catch up for many. We need to do it again soon.

The Fiji trip originally booked for August, the 10 that paid their deposit your money is safe. Just waiting to see when our borders will open to the Pacific Islands and as soon as we know, another date will be booked and further details confirmed. When the new date is available there will be room to add another couple to the trip, if you are interested, please let me know. Original details the 1^st week to Beqa Island Resort, Pacific Harbour and 2^nd week at Volivoli Resort, Rakiraki in the Ra Province on the North Coast. Both resorts on the main island of Viti Levu. Don’t miss the next Meeting to see the presentation on the Volivoli Resort.

NZUA are holding a virtual AGM this year on 25^th July a decision made because of the COVID virus and its implications. If you want to be a part of this with a link up contact Andrea at NZ Underwater phone 09 6233252 or andrea@nzua.org.nz Separate details have been sent out. Denis is also looking into opening the Club Rooms with a BBQ etc for those in the Auckland area that may like to meet up for the AGM.

I believe it is internet connection only that needs to be sorted. We will let you know if this is going to take place.

8^th July – Wednesday – 7.30pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Guest Speaker is Sandi Reily, Global Sales and Marketing Manager from the Volivoli Resort in Rakiraki, Fiji. Sandi is presenting details of the Resort and local diving, which we hope to include in our coming Fiji trip. Which was meant to be August, but not able to confirm anything until our borders open.

19^th July – Sunday – Diving/Snorkelling Poor Knight Islands – leaving Tutukaka 8am – returning 4pm – sharing trip with EMR – Experiencing Marine Reserves. This trip is a thankyou trip for volunteers and hopefully recruit a few more from the Dolphin Club to join EMR as a volunteer. Very rewarding to see the enjoyment of those experiencing what we love so much, our Big Blue Backyard. If you want to travel up on the Saturday night and book accommodation, there is a night snorkel in the Matapouri Esturary at 5.45pm full tide. Cost for two tank dive or just to enjoy the Poor Knight Islands and snorkel $130 if you put your name down to volunteer in the near future (training course at the Club Rooms on the 8^th August 2pm – 7pm – dinner included – register with Lorna Doogan 021 027 32339 lorna@emr.org.nz ). If wanting to go on this trip, and unable to volunteer the cost is $150. A wonderful opportunity at this great discounted price. If keen let me know and I will send you details on how to book.

8^th August – EMR Training at Club Rooms 2-7pm and Club Cleanup of the Lake Edge and carpark. For those keen Divers the wonderful Lake Pupuke or delightful Quarry is there for you to explore and collect the rubbish on the bottom. Let me know if you are available for the Cleanup as the Club will provide a BBQ for the workers.

12^th August – Wednesday – 7.30pm – Dive Club Meeting – Club Rooms – Northcote Road Extension – Guest Speaker to be confirmed

5^th September to 15^th September – Kermadec Islands Trip on the ‘MV Braveheart’ sharing with Mount Maunganui Club, leaving from Tauranga. There has been plenty of info sent out in the past on this trip. September is a far better time as we will see the humpback whale migration at this time of year. Five Members from the Dolphin Club are on this trip Chris Nipper, Margaret Howard, Allan Dixon, Laurie Wright and John Herring. There are still two places available if you are keen on the new dates contact Steve Grant 0276583599 or steven@holmesbearings.co.nz

Don’t miss the Meeting on the 8^th July, come along and dream of some warm diving in Fiji . Also share what have you been up to diving/boating/fishing/tramping/or just a good old phone chat/whatever – lets catch up Wednesday night

Denis will endeavour to still put out a newsletter.

This also means our AGM in April will be postponed and he will advise when we can hold it later.

Don’t forget if anyone has any dives, events, outings, dinners anything they would like to organise themselves, please let Margaret know and the details will be sent out to all.