Plans for artificial surf reef at Orewa Beach

A community group wants to build an artificial reef at Orewa Beach in an effort to boost the size of waves for surfers.

Zane Taylor, chairman of the Orewa Beach Reef Charitable Trust, said the reef off the beach north of Auckland would change the wave pattern, potentially creating surf suitable for longboard riders and beginners.

Waves would be higher and there would be more days suitable for surfing.

Tests had begun to establish what benefits the reef would offer.

The Rodney District Council was commissioning a feasibility study by Raglan-based researchers ASR Ltd.

Mr Taylor said authorities had already spent up to $1 million on sand maintenance and reports on Orewa Beach in the past 20 years.

Other benefits from the reef could include a dry beach for activities such as volleyball, walking and picnics.

Mt Maunganui surfers are backing a proposed artificial surf reef off their beach.

In October, about 700 people signed a petition pledging support for a reef to be built 250m offshore and at the depth of 0.4m below the lowest tide level.

If approved, the $800,000 reef will be the first in New Zealand.

The Tauranga District Council has earmarked $150,000 for the project and the Port of Tauranga has said it will donate 5000 cubic metres of sand.