The next wave of Whāingaroa Raglan talent is rolling in, with local groms getting the chance to hang ten alongside some of the world’s best.
RAGLAN TEEN LANDS BIG BREAK AT NZ PRO
Earning a wildcard for the WCT event in Raglan is a dream come true about 10 years earlier than expected for 15-year-old Alani Morse.
Everything you need to know for the Championship Tour in Raglan –event times, transport, access, and how to make the most of the action at Manu Bay.
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Maatai Gridelli-Muru, Peppa Wikeepa and Mako Gridelli-Muru are paddling out at the NZ Pro as part of the Rising Tides initiative. Image: Geraldine Burns @g.design_photo
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Edith Symes | Annika Stricker | Janine Jackson
READ IT ONLINE: raglanchronicle.co.nz or on raglan.net.nz
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Maki Nishiyama
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Geraldine Burns
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COBHAM
RAGLAN TEEN LANDS BIG BREAK AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR
BY JANINE JACKSON
Earning a wildcard for the World Surf League Championship Tour in Raglan is a dream come true about 10 years earlier than expected for 15-year-old Alani Morse.
The Raglan Area School Surf Academy student secured her spot on home turf, winning Queen of the Point on her final wave to make the draw.
“One of my goals was to compete on the CT, and to do it so early in my career is really cool. I didn’t think it would happen until I was in my 20s, so this is kind of crazy,” Alani says.
Despite the milestone, Alani has her feet firmly planted on her board. Life will continue as usual – alongside surfing, she trains at The Refinery two days a week under Johnny Rickard and two days with Raglan Surfing Academy, while keeping on top of schoolwork.
Those who know Alani weren’t surprised by her win, including her surf academy teacher Larry Fisher.
“Alani had it in her for sure,” he says. “She's got the belief that she could win it, and everyone who’s been supporting and watching her the last few last years knows she's good enough.”
Fellow wildcard Billy Stairmand is also a surf academy alumnus. Founded in 1998 by Dean Hishon, the academy supports students to excel in both school and competitive surfing.
“We look at the whole package. It's not just surfing that it's going to win it,” Larry says. “Alani needed a lot of physical fitness to get her through all those heats along with smart decision-making – where to sit, staying calm under pressure, and choosing the right manoeuvres. On that final wave, she picked the right turn on the right section to get the points.”
Originally from Auckland, Alani moved to Raglan with her family five years ago. She first jumped on a board as a three-year-old, inspired by her dad.
“My dad surfed and I grew up in a large family of surfers. I'd say, ‘Dad, take me on your board’. I just loved the water.”
That early start saw Alani competing in the surf for the first time when she was six at the NZ Primary School Champs in Gisborne and she’s always strived to be the best in her chosen sports.
“I was always highly competitive with surfing, athletics, netball and skating. I was a top New Zealand skater when I was 10, so I thought I was going to be a pro skater.”
Alani says female surfers have come a long way and she’s stoked to be part of that progression.
“Men are naturally more powerful, but our women's power surfing is becoming more and more advanced through training hard. I think
RAGLAN
women also bring a kind of flow – almost like dancing – that’s still powerful and strong,” she says.
Taking things one step at a time, Alani is focused on refining the small details in her surfing as she prepares for the Tour.
“One of my favorite mottos is if you can improve 10 percent in 10 different areas, then you're a 100 percent better surfer.”
Securing the wildcard has meant putting another comp on the back burner. An invitation to compete at aerial surf competition Stab High at Virginia Beach clashes with the Championship Tour.
“I had to let Stab High go, which was quite a hard thing to do, because I've been wanting to do it so long,” she says.” But competing here in my hometown is priceless and I am so grateful for the privilege and opportunity.
Looking ahead, Alani has her sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. “I’m aiming for 2028 and will give it a crack but I don’t want to rush things. I want to enjoy everything – and there’s always 2030 in Brisbane.”
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Alani, moments after her win at Manu Bay. Image thanks to PhotoCPL
RAGLAN’S NEXT GENERATION PADDLE OUT WITH THE PROS
BY JANINE JACKSON
The next wave of Whāingaroa Raglan talent is rolling in, with local groms getting the chance to hang ten alongside some of the world’s best through the World Surf League’s (WSL) Rising Tides and Local Grom Board Caddy programmes.
Supported by the Māori Board Riders and Raglan Point Boardriders, the initiatives are giving young surfers a shot at paddling out with elite athletes and soaking up the buzz of the WSL Championship Tour from the inside.
Twelve of Raglan’s young surf guns have been selected for Rising Tides and will take to the water at Manu Bay during the official practice day on Thursday, May 14, scoring a once-in-a-lifetime session with the pros.
Heemi Ngahere from the Māori Board Riders says both clubs have worked with the WSL organisers to secure places for local surfers, ensuring the next generation gets a taste of world class competition.
“Our young surfers today are so vibrant that they just jump into everything and anything,” Heemi says. “If the doors open for them, we want to put them in there, and WSL has opened this door for them with Rising Tides.”
After taking out the Māori Board Riders Open Men’s comp at the end of last year, 15-year-old local surfer Mako GridelliMuru has earned his spot in the Rising Tides lineup.
“I’m looking forward to getting some experience and catching some waves with the pros,” he says, adding it’s a stepping stone towards his goal of one day competing on the CT circuit.
In total, 30 young Kiwi surfers – 15 boys and 15 girls – will have the opportunity to surf alongside Championship Tour athletes.
From first waves to sharing line-ups with the pros, Rising Tides is designed as a pathway to the sport’s top tier. With more than 19 alumni already stepping up to the Championship Tour, the programme is helping shape surfing’s future.
Meanwhile, local surfers under 14 will get in on the action as board caddies, a key role behind the scenes. These groms will be on hand to manage backup boards and sprint them down the beach when needed – keeping the pro surfers in the game.
For many, it’s not just about carrying boards, but about being part of the energy, learning the ropes, and getting close to the heart of competitive surfing.
HOW TO MAKE IT WORK: RUNNING A SURF SCHOOL - WITH WES ROGERS
WITH ANNIKA STRICKER
From freezing cold waves in Massachusetts to the long lefts of Raglan. I recently invited Wes Rogers onto my Raglan Community Radio show How to Make It Work, a podcast exploring how people build lives and livelihoods that truly fit them.
As co-owner of Green Wave Surf School, Wes is now helping others catch their first wave.
Q: You grew up surfing in pretty extreme winter conditions, what was that like?
Yeah, it was cold. Proper cold. Five or six mil wetsuits, boots, gloves. Sometimes there was snow on the beach. But it was a great surf community. I’ve got lifelong friends from surfing back there.
Q: What first brought you to Raglan?
Surfing, honestly. Especially as a goofyfooter, Raglan was always one of those places you hear about. I first came here in winter, so I met a lot of local people. It was such a nice introduction to the community. That’s what brought me back.
Q: You worked for the World Surf League before settling here, how did that come about?
My professor connected me after I graduated. I ended up working as a full-time writer covering events. It was completely remote, so I was travelling and chasing waves myself. Although watching contests for work at 2.00 in the morning was not ideal.
Q: And how did you go from that to running a surf school?
I met the guys who started Green Wave on my first trip here. When I came back in 2017, I just sort of fell into managing it. Then one of the owners moved on, and I became part of it. It all evolved pretty naturally.
Q: Green Wave is one of New Zealand’s top-rated surf schools; what’s the secret?
Keeping it fun, focusing on the customer, and having good staff. Also, just making sure people are on the right equipment. That’s a big part of getting them standing up.
Q: What do you love most about the job?
Everyone is so excited to try something new. It is such a good energy, and it reminds you not to take surfing too seriously.
Q: And the World Surf League coming to town, big deal?
It’ll be interesting. Good waves and weather will decide a lot. For me, I’m more excited for the local kids seeing it all happen at their home break.
Catch the full interview on Raglan Community Radio’s How to Make It Work, Mondays at 12:30 pm, or listen anytime via the station’s website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
If you have found an unconventional way to make it work, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out via Instagram @stories. by.annika and be the next guest on my show.
9-TIME NATIONAL CHAMP SET TO USE HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE AT NZ PRO
Whenthe World Surf League Championship Tour arrives in Raglan this May, one of the country’s most accomplished surfers will be paddling out on familiar ground.
Billy Stairmand has secured a wildcard into the New Zealand Pro, putting him in the draw against the world’s best, this time on the wave he knows better than most.
“This is crazy and really surreal for me, and I’ve been pretty emotional since getting the news,” he said.
He may be one of New Zealand’s most decorated surfers, but you’re just as likely to find Billy most days around Raglan playing a round of golf or grabbing a meal in town.
Raised here, Billy’s career has taken him to Olympic competition and events around the world, but the
chance to compete at home carries a different weight. The long left-hand point break beneath Mt Karioi is a wave he knows inside out.
Billy has been working towards this level for most of his career. A two-time Olympian and nine-time New Zealand champion, he has spent more than 15 years competing on the Qualifying Series and Challenger Series, often close to breaking through to the Championship Tour.
He first drew international attention in 2011 when he defeated 11-time world champion Kelly Slater at Margaret River.
“I’ve been on the QS and Challenger Series for over 15 years now, knocking on the door of the Championship Tour and have come close a few times. But now, to get that opportunity and for it to be at home, in my backyard and in front of all of my friends, family and community and country, is such a huge honour and privilege.”
Raglan’s point break is a different prospect to most stops on tour, long and technical in places. Billy has spent more than three decades surfing it. That familiarity doesn’t guarantee results, but it gives him an edge when it comes to figuring out the wave.
Billy will be one of three New Zealand surfers in the draw, with Taranaki’s Tom Butland and fellow local Raglan surfer Alani Morse also securing wildcard
Aspots for the Raglan leg of the World Surf League Championship Tour next month.
“The Championship Tour coming to New Zealand is such a huge opportunity for everyone, not only to compete for a spot in the main event but to see the world’s best up close and in waves they get to surf,” Billy said.
“That does so much for a young aspiring surfer, so this is such a big deal for all New Zealanders.”
For the town, the event is as much about community as competition.
“It’s really exciting that there will be three Kiwis in the event,” Billy said. “Raglan is a beautiful little town with amazing waves, so I’m so stoked to see the world’s best get to experience this place.”
“It’s going to be an amazing experience for all of the community, and I can’t wait.”
At 36, Billy is one of the more experienced surfers in the field, but he remains active on the international circuit and continues to perform at a high level. He enters the event with form, experience and a deep understanding of the conditions.
For locals watching from the hill or the rocks, the storyline is straightforward. Billy will be out there at home taking on the best in the world.
NATIONAL CHAMPION GEARING UP FOR WSL AT HOME BREAK
fter a wind-blown win at the nationals back in January, Raglan’s Maya Mateja is ready for the world tour at Manu Bay. Even if she won’t be in the draw.
Maya didn’t hear the moment she won. Out the back at Makorori Beach earlier this year, the conditions were messy with the wind howling, and choppy peaks rolling through. “I couldn’t hear anything,” she says. “I just thought, ‘Oh no, I probably did really bad.’”
She had just surfed a tight final at the Nationals north of Gisborne. At 17, Maya bagged her second national crown, scoring a good late wave. She only realised it on the beach. “Everyone was like, ‘Oh, you won,’ and I was just so happy.”
While Maya mainly grew up in Mexico, Raglan is firmly part of home. “My dad is Kiwi and I come here every year,” she says. “It felt really special to represent that side of my family.”
But that same dual identity is what kept her from competing for the WSL wildcard at King and Queen of the Point: Maya represents Mexico internationally. Growing up between both countries is “like splitting your heart,” she says. After winning her first national title at just 15, both Mexico and New Zealand asked her to represent them internationally. “There was a lot of
BY ANNIKA STRICKER
thinking, a lot of analysing with my dad, just figuring out where I was going to be based,” she says. “Yeah, it was hard.”
With the world tour about to hit Manu Bay, Maya won’t be in the draw but she’ll be watching closely. “It’s gonna be really cool to see how the pros surf the wave that I’ve surfed many, many times,” she says.
Maya is already cheering from the sidelines. “I am so proud of Alani Mores. She’s only fifteen and she got the wildcard. So amazing.”
9-time New Zealand National Champion Billy Stairmand will pull on the CT jersey as a wildcard on home soil this May. Image Credit: WSL
Event Times
Event window: 15–25 May 2026
Event hours: 7:30am – 5:00pm (ON days)
Daily status call made by the WSL Tours and Competition Team
Event status: ON / OFF / ON HOLD
Live updates: Download the World Surf League App for notifications and event alerts.
Capacity & Venue Entry
Venue capacity: 6,500 spectators at any one time
Managed entry system in place.
Access controlled via park & ride transport system and controlled local resident free access until venue capacity is reached.
These measures have been implemented due to limited onsite viewing capacity, restricted parking at Manu Bay, and safety considerations along Wainui Road, while ensuring essential access for local residents, businesses, event officials and emergency services.
Event Park and Ride Transport System
There is no public parking at Manu Bay. All spectators from outside the surrounding area must use the park & ride system. No spectator vehicles will be permitted past the designated checkpoints (see Traffic & Road Closures below).
Park & Ride Transport Location
Raglan Airfield (main event transport hub)
Transport Passes
Event Festival Transport Pass (access every day):
$50 adult / $30 7-16 / Free (U6)
Event Day Transport Pass (one day only):
$15 adult / $10 7-16 / Free (U6)
Operating Times
u Only operates on event days (between May 15-25)
u 6:00am – 7:00pm (parking and ticket box open)
u Buses only depart on event days
u Last bus from Manu Bay is 6.15pm
u No overnight vehicle parking permitted, cars will be towed
How It Works
1. Arrive at the airfield transport hub
2. Scan QR code or purchase Event Transport Passes at the ticket booth
3. Collect wristband at airfield ticket box
4. Wristband must be worn at all times for bus access
NOTE: If you have an Event Transport Pass wristband, please do NOT remove it until you no longer wish to attend the event!
A limited number of Event Festival Transport Passes will be released on Thursday, May 7, at 11:00 AM NZST via the Flicket website. All other passes are available at the Raglan Airfield on event days.
The Raglan, Watch window
The Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy is coming to Manu Bay, Raglan, bringing the world’s best surfers to one of New Zealand’s most iconic waves.
Watch the top 36 men and 24 women compete across a dynamic competition window within the event period.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE EVENT:
Instagram: @wsl https://www.instagram.com/wsl/
X (formerly Twitter): @wsl https://twitter.com/wsl
Facebook: /wsl https://www.facebook.com/WSL/
Watch Live: worldsurfleague.com
Food, Retail, Activations & Onsite Experience
Enjoy a wide range of onsite food trucks
u Corona Cero Public Bar (proposed; subject to approval)
u Bonsoy Activation
u I-SEA Sunglasses Activation
u YETI Activation
u Red Bull Activation
u Backdoor Official Merchandise Shop
u Raglan Roast Coffee Stations
u Christian Surfers Skate Ramp Bring your own skateboard; helmet required
u Wide Range of Onsite Food Trucks
Guests are welcome to bring their own food. Please support a low-waste event by avoiding single-use plastics. Reusables keep our oceans cleaner. Choose zero waste over single-use.
What to Bring
u Weather-appropriate clothing
u Reusable drink bottles
u Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
u A responsible, low-waste mindset
WHAT’S ON
6
Thursday,
8
Friday,
10
Live Sites in Town
Can’t make it to the event site? Catch the live stream at the venues below and soak up the Raglan atmosphere.
u Harbour View Hotel
u Orca
u The Yard
u Raglan Club
u Raglan Fresh Fish
u George’s Beach Club
u Wyld
u Rasoi Raglan
u Raglan Golf Club
Be sure to explore the local businesses showcasing the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy poster for a complete Raglan experience.
Manu Bay Site Changes
Build Phase (1–13 May)
u Venue build and infrastructure setup underway
u Top carpark, toilets, and showers remain open for public use
u Boat ramp access limited from 11 May
Bump-out Phase (26–31 May)
u Venue pack-down following event completion
u Top carpark, toilets, and showers remain open where possible
u Boat ramp reopens 30 May
Monday, May
Tuesday,
7
Friday,
Sunday,
Sunday
MANU BAY VENUE MAP
THE RAGLAN POINT BOARDRIDERS
BeforeBruce Brown put Manu Bay on the worldwide map back in 1966 with the release of The Endless Summer, the Raglan Point Boardriders were already here.
The club was established in 1962/63 by a group of passionate surfers who would go on to be known as ‘The Originals’—the first surfers of Manu Bay. The Point Boardriders, as it’s more commonly known these days, was started as The Hamilton Point Boardriders, because at the time, that’s where the surfers lived. That, of course, very quickly changed.
Manu Bay’s surfable left-hand break was first surfed by Peter Miller, who would drive from Hamilton to Whale Bay to go out on his 16-foot surf ski. It wasn’t until a fateful day in the late 1950s that the large waves forming around a point on the headland finally caught Peter’s eye, and he stopped his car at the top of Manu Bay to walk down the hill and “give it a go”.
After riding The Point that day, Peter rang another fellow ‘Original’ at the Mount, Chas Lake, with one message, “get here.”
Back then, there was no Surfline, Instagram, or Windy App to check the conditions or predict the swell. If it was big, Peter would ring the Mount Surf Club from the old Petchell’s Bakery in Raglan, and they would make the 80-mile mad dash from the Mount across the Kaimai Range; what surfers now call a “strike mission”.
Peter Miller would quickly be joined in the lineup by a handful of others, including Mike Court, who would become one of the first ding repairers in the country and the first to secure the Billabong Franchise in New Zealand. They would go on to establish the club together alongside the other Originals. They even successfully shifted a ‘clubhouse’ from Hamilton down to Manu Bay one day so they could store their boards next to the waves.
The Point Boardriders would go on to host their first local contest, The Junior Point Boardriders Competition, in 1964, which a local Raglan guy by the name of Butch Walters would win. The trophy can be found in the Raglan Museum’s Surfing Exhibition alongside the other Point Boardriders trophies and historic boards shaped by the many local shapers who have called Raglan home. As for the clubhouse? It was overrun with rats a few years after the Originals put it out at Manu, so Mike Court burnt it to the ground.
From The Originals, the ones who were the first to surf Manu Bay, to the many shapers who showed up in Raglan through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s—Don Wilson, Mikey T, Craig Hughes, Marc Camenzind, Ray Finlay, to name a few—to the many members who have gone on to represent Raglan around the country and across the world at competitions and championships, the club has been the backbone of surf culture here.
Club members have gone on to compete in some of the most notable surf contests around the world, from the ISA World Championships all the way to the Olympics. And this month, two of the club members, Billy Stairmand and Alani Morse, will join the top surfers in the world in their bid to take out the WSL’s CT event at Manu Bay.
With more kids involved in the club than ever before, The Point Boardriders club days are an opportunity for those kids, their families, and of course the seasoned saltydogs to ride their home break in the same way The Originals did, without the crowds and the worry of getting dropped in on by an out of towner on a soft top… word to the wise: don’t take soft tops to Manu Bay.
As the years have gone by, The Raglan Point Boardriders have remained steadfast. While the neverending stream of visiting surfers can feel quite daunting at times, the club and its longstanding history provide a home base and a sense of ownership among the surfers
SURF SERIES
in the community when they're out in the lineup alongside 40 others.
The Originals couldn’t have known what they were starting back then, when it was just a handful of them out in the waves, or that 60 years on, Manu Bay would be hosting the best surfers on the planet, two of them homegrown.
THIS CONTENT WAS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO SPONSORSHIP FROM RAGLAN SURF CO.
ARTS
STORIES FROM THE LOCAL ART SCENE
With Raglan Arts Weekend behind him and the World Surf League Championship Tour set to bring global attention back to town, local artist Harrison Synnott has been shifting his focus towards painting outdoors, drawing inspiration directly from the landscape.
Harrison, whose sister is Olympic snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, shares a similar connection to the outdoors, though expressed through painting rather than sport. Ahead of a new exhibition opening during the WSL event window, we caught up to see what’s been happening since last year. What’s been happening in your world since we caught up with you last year prior to Raglan Arts Weekend?
I have been doing art classes, small art blocks about once every couple of months. And I have changed my focus towards the landscape, outdoor painting in particular. Some people I love bought me a great outdoor painting easel for my birthday, and I think it has been the
LOCAL ARTIST FINDS RHYTHM IN LANDSCAPE AHEAD OF WSL EXHIBITION
outside and painting is often the only painting I feel like doing at the moment. It is a bit of a meditation for me, being outside, slowing down and observing what is happening in nature.
The art classes are simultaneously a way to condense my thoughts about painting and see if new approaches I have been trying will work with beginners, and I have found that most of the time they do. People are really surprised at what they are capable of. Being born an artist with a paint brush in hand is a myth.
How has living or working in a small town like Raglan shaped your journey as an artist?
I think living in Raglan is so good, firstly, because it is an incredible place. It’s just such a good fit for me, and I think a lot of people who move here might have that feeling too. The good vibes of the community, the surf, really fill my cup up and give me endless reasons to paint.
Secondly, the Raglan Arts Weekend is an incredible opportunity for us local artists. The fact that people are coming from out of town specifically to see what Raglan artists are doing is so special, and we are really lucky to have that date
by Harrison Synnott
What’s next for you; any upcoming projects or exhibitions?
I am having an exhibition while the WSL event is on in town from the 15th–25th of May at the WabiSabi studio behind Atamira.
15th May opening night starts at 5pm, live music kicks off at 6pm with the Sticky Chicken trio. Drinks and food will also be provided.
What has inspired this new body of work and how does it differ from your previous exhibition?
It is all about the local landscape, being by the water and trying to capture that feeling of being present with nature — certain moments in the day where the colours are specific to that time. 90% of the paintings are painted outdoors on location.
OCEAN CONNECTION RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Withthe WSL bringing global attention to Raglan’s waves, the link between art and the outdoors is front of mind.
For Harrison, that connection is close to home. His sister, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, has built her career in a different environment, but the thread is similar — time spent outside, reading conditions, and responding to the landscape.
Where and when did surfing begin for you?
I spent a large part of my childhood growing up in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, and I was lucky enough to live right by the beach so I could just walk down and go surfing when I was a kid. I think my parents got me a surf lesson when I was 5, so that was the first time I can remember standing up on a wave. But I got really into it when our house was being renovated and there was a painter who loved to surf after work, and he used to take me out. I think I was about 11 or 12. After that I was hooked.
Your sister is world-famous snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, who I know enjoys the surf too. Is this something you connect on?
Yeah, it is. I really appreciate it when we do get the opportunity to go
surfing together, but it doesn’t happen often these days. She has been to Raglan a couple of times to enjoy the surf.
You must be immensely proud of what she has achieved. What qualities growing up did you recognise in her that have perhaps led to her success, and how has her success influenced you?
Absolutely. Our whole family is immensely proud of her. It’s quite strange really that she is kind of famous now. I don’t think I could have ever predicted it when she was really young, pre-snowboarding competitions, other than she was often wanting to do what my brother and I were into, like skating and snowboarding. It is hard to say looking back, but I think she was always driven to keep up with us or be better than us. That being said, I could be completely wrong about that. Ultimately, I think she just fell in love with snowboarding. Maybe seeing her incredible success has inspired me to pursue doing what I love as a career path as well. Maybe seeing what is possible when there is potential to live a certain way. I never really thought about her influence on me too much, but no doubt it has worked its way into my unconscious mind.
ARTISTS LINEUP FOR SURF INSPIRED EXHIBITION
BY JANINE JACKSON
Coinciding with the World Surf League Championship Tour, the Surfelicious Art Show at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre celebrates surf culture and laidback beach vibes.
Running May 15–24 from 1-4pm, emerging and established artists present a wide range of mediums – from mosaics, ceramics, photography and painting to jewellery, beach bags and a hand-painted surfboard – offering a diverse snapshot of vibrant coastal living.
Having taken up mosaics nearly 20 years ago as a hobby, Achilles Botes is now turning his eye to a new medium. That shift has sparked fresh ideas, inspired by his move to Whāingaroa Raglan and his love of surfing.
Working with copper foil, leadlighting and stained glass, Achilles is creating surf
fins designed to shimmer with colour in the sunlight.
“I started using more stained glass for the colour – it feels like a whole different discipline,” he says.
Originally from Wellington, Achilles and his partner Nicole moved to Raglan after years of visiting, drawn first by the surf and then by the slower pace of life.
Like the mosaic work he has honed over the years, this new direction demands precision and patience – and, in Achilles’ case, a drive for perfection.
“I want to make something I can be proud of, so it’s a case of not rushing things – that’s the beauty of this whole process.”
That attention to detail is evident in his intricately assembled longboard flex fin
OFF THE WALL EXHIBITION
Two artists, two distinct practices, one shared curiosity.
For Paula Moy, the starting point is always nature then emotion, instinct, and memory form layers in the art works. With a hands-on simplicity, shaping directly with minimal tools, Paula’s process is physical and intuitive. Rolling, slapping, carving the clay, it’s treated like moving parts, elements that will later come to form a piece. Each piece is a balance between structure and spontaneity, the form evolves as she works, then finishing with layers of texture and earthy patinas. The composition must hold together both visually and physically. Often comprising of multiples pieces woven together with a cord pattern that becomes part of the dialogue, she explores how separate elements can be brought together into a cohesive whole. Often, new forms reveal themselves mid-process, guiding the final outcome.
For Jeannine Friedrich, the process is equally immersive but driven by colour, layering and experimentation. Her work resists easy explanation, having painted
replicas, each one a nod to his connection with the ocean.
After exhibiting in his first Raglan Arts Weekend in 2025 as part of The Hatch emerging artists show, Achilles is motivated to keep pushing his practice in new directions.
Exhibiting in his first Raglan Arts Weekend in 2025 as part of The Hatch emerging artists show, Achilles is motivated to keep pushing his practice in new directions.
With his workshop humming and creative pathways opening up, he’s eager to deepen his connection to the local arts scene.
“There’s so much talent here – it’s inspiring to be part of it.”
Join the artists on opening night Friday, May 15 from 6-8pm at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre, 5 Stewart Street.
for many years her biggest art lesson is to show no restraint. It is less about outcome and more about the act of making. Paint is poured, moved and built up in layers, creating evolving compositions that respond to instinct and environment. She works across multiple pieces at once, sometimes over years, allowing each to develop in its own time. Materials are unrestricted. Paint, glitter and found elements all contribute to texture, depth and shine. Her practice reflects a fascination with collecting, combining and continuously reworking until the piece feels complete.
Drawn to each other’s contrasting approaches and a shared love of art that inspires contemplation, Paula and Jeannine have come together for an art exhibition that explores both difference and connection. Each artist has responded to the other’s work, applying their own techniques to one shared piece. The result raises an intriguing question. Can two distinct creative languages merge into one? Visit the exhibition to experience the answer firsthand.
SURF BOOK GIVEAWAY
The Local Rag has two copies of Not A Babe by local author Sarah Johnson to give away.
Set in Raglan, Not A Babe is a young adult novel for teenagers and surf story lovers of all ages. The novel charts the adventures of surfing buddies – Jerri and Frida – as they navigate the challenges of school projects, family secrets and epic surf breaks.
Frida is a sponsored surfer, her eyes firmly on a professional career, but Jerri likes to keep her head down, happy to pass unnoticed. She just about manages, too, until things in the lineup start to get ugly, and she accepts a challenge to surf at a gnarly break down the coast – a decision she quickly comes to regret.
Published in April 2026, Not A Babe is available at Zinnia, the Raglan iHub, Made and other places around town.
To enter the giveaway, send an email with ‘Book Giveaway’ in the subject line to: info@raglanchronicle.co.nz
EPIC LINE UP IN PLACE FOR OCTOBER’S RAGLAN ARTS WEEKEND
FROM RAGLAN ARTS WEEKEND
The 16th Raglan Arts Weekend this October is all set to impress with over 70 participating artists in 48 studios, as well as a new lead artwork selected to represent this year.
The self-guided art trail has always been a firm fave due to the high standard of art in Raglan. Styles and media keep evolving year to year and 2026 promises to delight with oil and UV painting, Japanese Gyotaku fish printing, 3D printing, stone sculpture, textiles, photography, designer jewellery, graffiti art, glass art, bespoke furniture, mosaics, illustration, and so much more.
Local urban graffiti artist Shortydubs has his ‘Bored Rider’ surf art featured on the Raglan Arts Guide front page, and as the lead image for the RAW event marketing. “It’s a landmark year for Raglan with the WSL and we’re pleased we can give a subtle nod to this in our chosen style for this year, from a Raglan artist who seems to be really making waves and moving from strength to strength,” says Nicky Brzeska.
This Labour Weekend in October, visitors will be delighted by installations, public art murals, demos, workshops and of course music from RAW’s partner, the Raglan Country and Blues music festival.
Over its 16 years, RAW has grown into one of the North Island’s most favourite self-guided art trails, and now boasts:
a three-week Preview Exhibition made possible by The Chartwell Trust
The Hatch, an emerging artist incubator, enabled by Rangitahi
An ‘Artist Connect’ program including an opening ceremony at Iso Bistro and a RAW-artist bus tour, in partnership with Bayleys Real Estate in Raglan Miguel Villagra from Mafia Design has been working with the RAW team since 2019 on its brand, and is responsible for all design elements, including the RAW logo, the Raglan Arts Guide, signage, RAW studio flags etc.
RAW Open Studio Trail: Labour Weekend, 24 to 26 October 2026
Sign up to the RAW newsletter for news: www. raglanartsweekend.nz/contact
LOCAL BUSINESS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BIZWORX
CONSULTANCY LTD.
IsoISO BISTRO AND COCKTAIL LOUNGE
THE LOCAL RAG BRINGS YOU A SPACE TO INTRODUCE LOCAL BUSINESSES IN WHĀINGAROA. WE TALK TO LOCALS ABOUT LAUNCHING THEIR BUSINESSES, THEIR IDEAS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES.
Bistro and Cocktail Lounge here in Raglan is proudly owned by Matt and Rebecca Taggart.
We talk to Rebecca Taggart about Iso Bistro and the hospitality side of providing a great dining establishment to visitors during the WSL event:
How would you describe the atmosphere of your space to someone who has never been?
The atmosphere at Iso Bistro is warm, intimate, cosy and inviting — somewhere guests can truly relax. With the glow of the fire and candlelight, plus comfortable seating, it is a space that’s both welcoming and sophisticated, without feeling too formal.
What makes Raglan such a great place to open a restaurant, and are there any real challenges you face?
I think Raglan is a town that has a reputation for creativity, sustainability and community-minded living, which means customers often appreciate places that offer great food with a fun atmosphere, especially in the evenings. We absolutely value the tourism that comes to Raglan, but there’s also our loyal local customers who support our business outside of the peak periods, which is so crucial for our long-term sustainability.
Owning a restaurant in a small beach town comes with real challenges. Seasonal fluctuations, a smaller customer base and the pressure to stay consistent year-round, just to name a few. But it’s incredibly rewarding to create a space where both locals and visitors can come together to enjoy great food, genuine service, fun, laughter and most importantly create good memories around the table. It then becomes more than just a restaurant, it becomes part of the community.
What kind of crowd and energy can people expect during the WSL event?
I think during the WSL event, Iso will draw a lively mix of surfers, visitors and locals, creating a really fun atmosphere.
Expect a high-energy but still relaxed vibe. People coming together after a day in the water for great food, cocktails and good conversation.
Why is your venue the perfect spot for a ‘post surf comp session’ for visitors?
I think because it offers that balance people are looking for — somewhere warm, comfortable and social, without losing the relaxed Raglan vibe. It’s an easy place to transition from the energy of the comp into a laid-back evening with friends or fellow surfers. We are also open seven nights from 3pm.
How would you describe your menu and how do you showcase local ingredients?
Our menu is a real celebration of Raglan’s coast and countryside, with a thoughtful balance of local and international flavours. Some of our local suppliers include the delicious breads from Artisan Bakery and beautiful herbs from Soul Food Farms.
Do you have any special events, DJs or live music planned during May?
Yes, we will definitely be providing a mix of local DJs and acoustic evenings in May and will most likely advertise these on our Instagram page, so please follow us and watch this space! :) @isoraglan
THIS CONTENT WAS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO SPONSORSHIP FROM BIZWORX CONSULTANCY LTD.
RAGLAN FOOD JOURNEYS
A CELEBRATION OF THE DIVERSE & VIBRANT VOICES THAT MAKE OUR LOCAL FOOD SCENE SO UNIQUE
Delving into the kitchens of passionate home cooks, chatting with local food artisans, and exploring the creations of our local foodies.
To get in touch - recipe feedback, comments, nominating a foodie friend or let us know what you have going on (producers) E: raglanfoodjourneys@gmail.com
Tucked into the iconic Dairy Co building on Wallis Street, you will find The Monster Studio, where local ceramics artist Karla Stevenson’s studio blurs the line between gallery and pantry. A place where handmade ceramics sit amongst a curated selection of condiments, cheeses and flavours from near and far. It’s a relaxed space where ceramics, food, and other curious bits and bobs sit side by side.
Karla came to Raglan 25 years ago when her boys were nine months old. “I just loved how strong the sense of community was. With very young babies, I instantly made friends. Some of my best memories are those first five years here, no money, no pressure, just hanging out, sharing food, feeding the babies and ourselves.”
1. Don’t be afraid to mix sweet & salty - most of the best things in life live in that overlap.
2. Always add a splash of vinegar — it wakes everything up, clay included.
3. There’s never a bad time for cheese.
4. Being a terrible baker doesn’t make you a bad cook, just bad at following instructions.
5. I’ve always thought food & humour should be added to the love language guide.
Her own food journey began early, and she credits her mum with teaching her the basics. “I decided to go vegetarian when I was about 10 or 11 (not veggo now), and Mum got me my first cookbook—Meals Without Meat by Alison Holst. I still use it to this day. I basically cooked my way through it, there is lots of butter and cheese, so everything tasted yum as.”
That same instinct to create began just as young. “Creatively, I’ve always been making things, hanging in the garage with my dad, crafting, making huts and rearranging my room. I always had a project on the go.”
It eventually led her into a career in art. “I studied sculpture straight out of school, then switched to painting because it was more practical when the boys were little, I could work at the kitchen table instead of dealing with big sculptures.”
Years later, her path evolved again. “In 2012, I teamed up with Hayley Hamilton and joined Monster. We worked side by side for over 10 years. About three years ago, Hayley moved into painting full-time, and I took over the pottery business.”
The addition of food to the studio came from both practicality and passion. “Food came into it partly because I love it, but also because my material costs went up a lot after COVID. I had to raise my prices, which meant I didn’t have many lower-cost items anymore. Food felt like a natural addition and it’s been a really fun journey figuring out what the Raglan community wants.”
What began modestly has grown into a thoughtfully stocked selection. “It started with condiments, my fridge at home is probably 60–70% condiments, so that made sense. My first products were chutneys from Foraged, which are super popular. Then I added a cheese fridge, and now I’ve got Greek, Italian, and Mexican ranges, along with some specialty New Zealand-made products.”
Her days in the studio are fluid, shaped by curiosity rather than routine. “I never get bored, there’s always something to do. Some days I’ll focus on one task, other days I’ll be super distractible and flit from one thing to another. My friend Ayeesha works with me a few days a week and is way more organised than me, so she keeps things ticking along when I’m a gong show. Nothing’s ever too urgent, so I just plonk along and tick things off as I go”.
That same openness feeds both her art and her food selection. “With pottery, I love thinking of a specific person or something someone’s going through and making a tile that fits them, especially if it makes them laugh. Hearing people crack up in the shop is one of my favourite things. With food, I just love flavour. I’ll try anything, there’s not much I don’t enjoy. The overlap is in my domestic ware. Cheese bowls, platters— things that go perfectly with the food I’m selling.”
Connection happens naturally where art and food combine. “I love chatting with customers, and if they’re interested in something, I’ll often give them a taste, whether it’s cheese or a condiment I’ve got open. Talking about food and seeing people get excited about it gets me excited too. I’ve met some amazing people over the years, people I now call friends. It’s a relaxed space apart from my yappy dog, who’s not always the best for customer service! But I distract her with treats, same as I do with myself.” Her philosophy on art, food and life is refreshingly uncomplicated. “Just give it a crack. That’s how I approach life. The worst that can happen is it doesn’t work and who cares? It doesn’t have to be perfect. I think perfection is so overrated, I like being ordinary and not putting too much pressure on myself. If something makes you happy and sparks your creativity, just do it, even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. When it comes to food, she says to give things a go; even if something smells a bit weird, it might taste amazing”.
It is fitting advice from someone whose studio resists tidy labels. Part shop, part gallery, part conversation hub, The Monster Studio is a place built on instinct, flavour, humour and heart.
To explore Karla’s work and browse her food selections, visit The Monster Company at 58 Wallis Street, open 7 days, or follow @themonstercompanypottery on social media.
NANA ANNA’S CHICKEN, RICE & COLESLAW
This is my favourite comfort food meal that my mum makes. It’s got all my favourite flavours, and it can be modified to be vegetarian with tofu too.
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken nibbles
tbsp soy sauce
cup plum jam
cloves garlic
cups rice
cabbage
carrots
red onion
cup mayonnaise
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Take your chicken nibbles & pop them into a roasting dish. Add the soy sauce, garlic (crushed or finely chopped) & plum jam. Give everything a good mix so the chicken is nicely coated.
3. Bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through & sticky on the outside.
4. While the chicken is in the oven, cook your rice. Basmati, jasmine, or whatever rice you fancy will do—just keep it simple.
5. For the coleslaw, finely shred the cabbage & grate the carrots. Thinly slice the red onion, then toss it all together with the mayonnaise. Give it a good mix & set aside.
6. Once the chicken is ready, serve it up with the rice & coleslaw. Spoon a little of the cooking juices over the rice for extra flavour.
WSL feature
If you’re heading to Raglan for the World Surf League Championship Tour this May, there’s more to experience than what’s happening in the water.
From places to eat and unwind after a day at the beach, to local art and live music, the town has plenty to offer throughout the event.
Scan the QR code for the WSL event guide
DISCOVER RAGLAN’S LIMESTONE COAST
WITH RAGLAN KAYAK
Paddle through the iconic “Pancake Rocks” and explore a dramatic coastline shaped by time, tide, and sea.
Raglan Kayak’s guided journeys offer a close-up experience of one of New Zealand’s most distinctive coastal environments.
Impressive, immersive, and accessible to all experience levels.
Our local team and signature excursions are rated among the Top 10% of experiences worldwide.
Escape the ordinary with friends and family.
The Limestone Express | 2-hour guided kayak experience | Daily departures | Ages 8+ | No experience required
Together with Waikato orienteering Karioi is hosting its very first Rugged Rogaine on the 24 May – and it’s shaping up to be a good one.
If you’ve never tried rogaining before, think of it as a giant treasure hunt for all ages. Using a map, you’ll navigate your way around checkpoints, collecting points as you go. The challenge? Maximising your score within your chosen time (2 or 4 hours) – without being late back. It’s not always the fastest or fittest who wins, but those who plan well and work together.
This event is as much about the experience as it is about the competition. Expect plenty of laughs, a bit of strategy,
and the chance to explore some incredible corners of Mount Karioi – including access to private farmland generously opened up just for this event. The views alone are worth it.
Whether you run, jog or walk, go solo or as a team, everyone can take part – no matter your fitness level. New to navigation? Training can be arranged to get you started.
Even better, this event is a fundraiser for the Karioi Project, meaning your entry fee goes straight back into local conservation.
So grab some friends or bring the family – and come discover Karioi in a whole new way.
To enter https://www.karioiproject.co.nz/ events/rugged-rogaine-on-karioi
Karioi Project news is proudly sponsored by Raglan Boat Charters
RAGLAN CHOCOLATE
BEAN-TO-BAR ~ MADE RIGHT HERE ~
Eight years making Chocolate in a tiny factory five minutes from town, we have been supported mightily by locals and business here.
This has kept the Chocolate flowing and the Cacao knowledge growing. We buy in Cacao beans from our neighbour Growers in the Pacific;
• SAMOA
• PAPUA NEW GUINEA
• VANUATU
Grower and Maker working far apart but together in the same end goal of small batch quality chocolate.
Find the Choc bars in local shops and this May come find us at the Creative market and Bow Street markets for tastings and talk all things chocolate, it’s a good time.
Read more of our chocolate journey on the website.
Simone & Mike W: www.raglanchocolate.co.nz P: 0211553744 (Simone)
RELEASE & RECHARGE YOUR BODY
WITH TRUELIFE BODYWORK MASSAGE THERAPY
Release and Recharge your body this month while Raglan is pumping. Visit TrueLife Bodywork - Massage Therapy in central Raglan.
Have you spent long days on your feet, in the water, or travelling and need your body released? Let’s get you moving more freely, out of pain and deeply relaxed. Offering Deep Tissue and Myofascial treatments as well as the Signature Surf Release Massage, TrueLife Bodywork is here to set your body free!
The studio is in a central location and offers a grounded. calming space for you to let go and recharge.
Release your body and mind this month.
Book a session online: www.truelifebodywork.co.nz or call/text 022 632 1004
BOOK NOW:
WILD ABOUT EVE FLORIST
UNDOUBTEDLY BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS, WITH A LITTLE BIT OF WILD
For the romantics, the rule-breakers, the ones who want something just a little different. Artfully wild floral designs, thoughtfully curated using seasonal blooms, textural layers, and an effortless style that feels lush, intentional and personal.
From intimate gestures to grand occasions, Wild About Eve florals say – “thank you”, “happy Mother’s Day”, “have a great stay in our holiday home”, “let’s celebrate”, “happy birthday”, “welcome new baby”, “let’s get married”, “a gift for you”, “let’s create a beautiful event”, “I appreciate you”, or simply because… there’s always a reason to bring something beautiful into your space.
BOOK ONLINE: https://clientportal. zandahealth.com/ clientportal/ havenmassage
SUPPORT FOR BODY AND MIND DURING THE WSL EVENT
WITH HERBAL DISPENSARY
As Raglan fills up for the World Surf League, the pace shifts. Long days, late nights, and a break from your usual rhythm. It is a great time to be here, but it can leave you feeling a little off.
That’s where we come in.
At Raglan Herbal Dispensary, everything is made with one goal in mind: helping you feel better, naturally. Our teas and tonics are blended on site by qualified naturopaths, so you are not guessing what to take or hoping something works. Whether it is steady energy, better sleep, or support for your immune system, we can guide you in the right direction.
If you are after something simple, our organic herbal teas are an easy place to start. Warming, grounding, and genuinely effective. If you need something more targeted, our liquid herbal tonics are made to support the body in a practical, noticeable way.
You can also grab something fresh to go. We make juices, smoothies, and herbal teas on site, an easy way to refuel and reset during a busy day.
Downstairs, you will find fresh organic produce, good quality pantry staples, and fresh bread, along with a selection of thoughtful gifts if you are taking something home. It is food and products you can feel good about.
We also offer complimentary 15-minute consultations upstairs. If you are feeling run down, not sleeping well, or just want a bit of direction, we are here to help.
We have been part of Raglan for decades, and we know what people need when they are out of routine.
Pop in, warm up, and find what you need. You will find us just off the main street.
Raglan Herbal Dispensary
6 Wallis Street 07 825 7444
www.raglanherbaldispensary
WHAT'S HAPPENING
41B Wallis Street, Raglan —
1/3 SHARE | 2266SQM
Walk to the water
Successful Air bnb
Raglan town and Wharf close by
Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz
3257 State Highway 23, Raglan —
3 BED | 2 BATH | 5.2 HA
Home & Self contained unit
Swimming Pool, Large workshop
Immaculately presented grounds
3 BED | 1 BATH | 831SQM
Raglan bar, Harbour views Landscaped gardens Fruit, Nut trees 51 Norrie Avenue, Raglan —
Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz
20 East Street, Raglan —
3 BED | 1 BATH | 2605SQM
Existing rental providing income
Subdivide or Landbank
Resource Consent for four individual titles
Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz
3/25 Rangitahi Road, Raglan —
2 BED | 1 BATH
Water Views
Apartment Living
Low maintenance
Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz
Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz
3 BED | 1 BATH | 1083SQM
North facing, elevated site
Exceptional water views
Subdivision potential 69 Government Road, Raglan —
Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz
11 Sunshine Rise, Raglan —
3 BED | 1 BATH | 941SQM
Solar, 33,000L Water tank Walk to Lorenzen Bay Private, Double garage
May is a busy month in Raglan, be kind, courteous and respectful to the whenua and community
local - Love local.
Brand
new surf shack- Great holiday rental!
This brand new lock up and leave architectural home with harbour and mountain views is now available for it's very first owner; No maintenance, easy living right on the coast with plenty of bedrooms, garaging for your jet ski and surfboards...leave the chores at home. A great holiday rental when your busy!
Set within a community known for its commitment to design excellence and environmental sensitivity, the next offering of several brand-new residences deliver a sanctuary of style, serenity, and simplicity. Terraced thoughtfully into the landscape, these homes enjoy a commanding position with stunning harbour views and outlooks spanning from Mt Karioi to the West, across the golf course and harbour towards town. bayleys.co.nz/2313768
Elevated and front row to Raglan’s ever-changing harbour and iconic bar, this near new home secures a truly exceptional outlook, where sunsets, surf and sweeping north-west views take centre stage. Positioned to maximise both light and scenery, this as new built residence, delivers a refined yet relaxed coastal lifestyle. Clad in a timeless combination of cedar and coloursteel, the home presents a clean, contemporary aesthetic. At its core, the open-plan living and kitchen area is designed for connection and anchored by polished concrete floors and enhanced by expansive stacker doors that open effortlessly to a substantial kwila deck. Here, indoor and outdoor living merge, creating an inviting space to entertain or unwind against a stunning natural outlook. bayleys.co.nz/2620110
Large modern waterfront home!
This brand new large bespoke waterfront family home in Raglans newest coastal community is sure to tick all the boxes with privacy, five bedrooms, multiple living areas, good garaging and stunning views of the harbour and Mount Karioi on the horizon. Designed and created by award winning Waikato based builders Signature Homes, a trusted name with your new home, you'll be buying a high-quality home with personalised attention to detail, by a locally based company with new build guarantees and one of the most renowned builders in NZ. Plenty of room for the whole family with the upper-level housing the main open plan kitchen, dining and living area with access to multiple decks and outdoor living spaces.
bayleys.co.nz/2620081
One of a kind waterfront section- Now priced!
It’s very rare for a large private elevated waterfront section to come to the open market in Raglan so prepare to be amazed and get planning today. Its been priced to sell as the vendors are super motivated. Similar sections in the area have sold for $1.5m so this is a fantastic price for your dream
section
from
bayleys.co.nz/
the
The Lookout - Home and Awesome Surf Bach!
The Lookout. A structure carefully placed to embrace Raglan’s coastal landscape and expand the visual reach well beyond the boundaries of its site. Elevated and oriented to frame panoramic views, the house becomes a place for gathering, quiet reflection, and connection to nature. The Lookout is a shared vision between Red Architecture, a Waikato award winning architectural designer and Hay Construction, an award-winning local Raglan building company. Creative minds intersect mindful construction. The earthy coloured cladding blends stylishly with the vertical Timber Rainscreens, allowing light, design and privacy around alfresco living areas. Floor to ceiling doors and windows capture expansive views of the harbour below, native flora surrounds and local Maunga, Mt Karioi in the distance.
bayleys.co.nz/2620069
Raglan Sunset Charter Business
corporate events and bespoke on-water experiences.
• Established trading history since 2010
• Strong forward bookings and repeat clientele
• Licensed bar and event capability
• Commercial survey compliant
• Recognised Raglan tourism brand
• Turn-key operation Wahinemoe represents a rare opportunity to acquire a proven, award-winning
rwraglan.co.nz/RAG30765
21 Point Street, Raglan
Positioned to capture sweeping views over the Raglan Estuary, golf course, and out to Mount Karioi, this exceptional home delivers a lifestyle that is simply hard to beat. This architecturally considered home has even received recognition for its thoughtful design, where living spaces and private rooms are perfectly positioned to embrace the stunning natural surroundings. A north facing deck with rainsensor louvres captures the morning sun, while the decking flowing from the lounge provides the perfect vantage point for unforgettable west coast sunsets.
Negotiation
Where the bush meets the sea
Tucked away in a truly special pocket just moments from Ruapuke Beach, this off-grid coastal retreat delivers the kind of lifestyle most people only dream about. Set on approximately 2 hectares of native bush, the property offers complete privacy, tranquility, and uninterrupted ocean views that are simply breathtaking. The board and batten home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, thoughtfully designed to embrace its natural surroundings while providing comfort and independence. Whether it's your permanent escape or a weekend haven, this is a place where you can truly
A home that just feels right
Welcome to 15 East Street, Raglan - a beautifully renovated home
tucked away in a peaceful, private setting. From the moment you step inside, the craftsmanship and attention to detail are immediately apparent. The heart of the home is a thoughtfully designed kitchen, where tiled flooring seamlessly meets stunning Rimu cabinetry and benchtops. This natural warmth continues through to the living area, where rich Rimu floorboards create a cohesive and inviting living space. This charming two-bedroom, onebathroom home offers a sense of calm and retreat, while still being
Raglan 1574 Whaanga Road
Raglan 15 East Street
Raglan 14B Taipari Avenue
West is best
Tucked away on a peaceful and quiet street in Raglan West, this charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom home offers comfort, convenience, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Set back from the road at 14B Taipari Ave, the property enjoys a private setting just 100 metres from the local playground, close to the Raglan West shops, and a short stroll into town. Positioned to capture the sun, the northfacing home features a beautiful wraparound deck with disabled accessibility, making it easy to enjoy the outdoor living spaces. The deck is perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or soaking up the Raglan sun.
Whatawhata 1041 Horotiu Road
A place to gather, grow & create memories
Just minutes from Te Kowhai and Whatawhata, this special 17.1ha property offers something increasingly hard to find - a home designed not just for living, but for bringing people together. With easy access to The Base Shopping Centre, Hamilton CBD, and the laid-back surf coast of Raglan, you're perfectly positioned to enjoy both connection and escape. At its heart is a warm and inviting Lockwood homestead, cleverly arranged to suit modern family life. The main home offers comfort and character, while the adjoining family wing, connected via the garage, creates a natural separation.
Elevated living with stunning harbour views
Tucked quietly at the end of a cul-de-sac, with stunning harbour views that can't be built out, this is Raglan living. Positioned at 2 Rose Street, this north-facing home captures sweeping outlooks across the harbour toward Te Akau, a constantly shifting panorama that is as calming as it is captivating. Upstairs is designed for relaxed living and effortless connection to the view. A light-filled lounge opens out to the harbour, creating a space that feels both private and expansive. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and internal access garaging, the layout is practical.
Raglan 1, 2 & 4 3054 State Highway 23
Lifestyle section selection
Offered for sale here, are 3 delightful lifestyle sections part way between Te Uku and Waitetuna, so in other words an easy commute to Hamilton and Raglan and close to two fantastic country schools. All sections have fantastic rural views with Karioi and The Windfarm obvious from all three but the rear two enjoying a quite stunning native forest backdrop, associated bird life and river frontage. Lot 4 has around 200m of Waitetuna River frontage whilst Lot 1 has around 80m. There are no restrictive/ protective building or farming covenants in place at this stage.
Raglan 2 Rose Street
DON’T LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR? THE COURTS RULE. LIVE AND LET LIVE.
New Zealanders are renowned for loving their
“patch of grass” and, in both common law and statute, landowners have legal rights to the quiet enjoyment of their land without interference from a neighbour. Irrespective, neighbour horror stories abound where one neighbour may wrongly perceive his or her rights override those of their neighbour, resulting in clear demarcation and legal interference with an owner’s quiet enjoyment of their land.
Under the law, specifically the Property Law Act, there are many solutions for difficult neighbours, starting with court proceedings to obtain orders and, depending on the interference, significant awards of damages.
One particular neighbour problem involves owners of cross-lease properties who make renovations to the house, for example extensions, additional decks, or the conversion of carports into garages or conservatories, without obtaining the other cross-lease owners’ consent. This can create a defective title, either because the boundaries of the flats plan have been altered or because the other cross-lease owner(s) withheld their consent.
In Liow v Martelli, the New Zealand Court of Appeal recently re-examined the question of whether consent can be reasonably withheld by a neighbouring cross-lease owner. The upshot is that there is now far less scope for a cross-lease neighbour to frustrate development and/or remediation projects.
Smallfield v Brown, being until now the leading authority in this area of law, found that a neighbour who retrospectively withheld consent to the construction of a deck and access via French doors facing the other owner’s property did have an interest in the alterations, as they could affect light, air, view and appearance, and thus the enjoyment of their property. Consent is only reasonably withheld where the benefit to the party seeking change
WITH GINA JANSEN LAWYERS
will be substantial and produces only a trifling detriment to the neighbour.
However, in the recent Liow case, a small uncovered deck and a larger covered deck were demolished to make way for an increase in the footprint and size of the house, adding a pool, new decking, and removal of a separate garage. The development was undertaken without the neighbour’s consent and, upon application to convert the title to freehold, consent was retrospectively refused by the neighbour.
As lease covenants require arbitration, the arbitrator applied the Smallfield test and found there was more than a trifling detriment to the neighbours, and thus consent was reasonably withheld. Following a hearing in the High Court, the matter was appealed to the Court of Appeal on a point of law. The Court agreed that the Smallfield test was wrong in law.
All cross-lease properties in New Zealand involve lease covenants, and many of these leases are for a term of 999 years. Inevitably, structures will require rebuilding a number of times over the term of the lease, and the Court held it cannot be right that the intention of the alterations covenant in the lease is to preserve structures in the same configuration as they were at the beginning of the crosslease.
Similarly, planning laws and building controls will change over time, along with societal changes in how people live in and use residential properties. The starting point is therefore that cross-lease alterations will not only be desirable, but necessary over the term of the crosslease.
Whether one owner can reasonably withhold consent is ultimately a question of fact, by asking whether a reasonable cross-lease owner, having regard to the interests of all cross-lease owners, can withhold consent. An individual owner viewing their interests as being harmed, even if reasonable, is not determinative, but is one factor to be weighed in considering whether consent can be reasonably withheld. This assessment should not be fettered by rigid rules.
The overriding approach is that there must be consideration of all cross-lease neighbours in a joint ownership capacity of the fee simple, rather than their individual rights. Regard must be given to each of their interests in order to preserve good relations between owners and recognise that alterations, and even rebuilds, will become necessary over the duration of a cross-lease.
In the words of the Court of Appeal, it is in everyone’s interest to be a good neighbour, give and take, and live and let live.
Got knucklehead neighbours? Reach out to our experienced Raglan property team. We are legal architects who design and construct legal solutions that fit perfectly and solve your problem. Phone us on (07) 242 0751 or email us via our website www.ginajansen.co.nz to chat.
DISCLAIMER: the content of this article is not to be re-used without the express permission of the author. The information contained in this article is current as at the date of publishing, and is of a general nature intended to be a guide only, and is not a substitute for specific legal advice. Please contact Gina Jansen Lawyers for specific legal advice.
FEATURE
SHOWCASING LOCAL BUSINESSES
home
Our regular HOME feature introduces you to home related businesses servicing Whaingaroa. Support local tradespeople and services to create the home of you dreams.
If you would like to be included in the next HOME feature please contact Geraldine gebgdesign@gmail.co.nz
FOX CABINS
TINY HOUSES & TRANSPORTABLE HOMES
Raglan based Fox Cabins is seeing growing interest in ‘Granny Flats’ and small dwellings, following recent changes to New Zealand regulations that now allow for secondary dwellings of up to 70 square metres without full council involvement.
Now in its ninth year, Fox Cabins has delivered more than 100 custom tiny houses and transportable homes across Aotearoa, many designed to support extended family living, ageing parents or flexible work from home arrangements.
Owner Adam Fox says the regulatory shift is a game changer for families wanting to add space without moving house.
“For the first time, people can create a high quality, permanent home on their property without the usual cost, delays and complexity,” he says. “It’s making well designed granny flats a genuinely practical option.”
With Licensed Building Practitioners, strong compliance expertise and a focus on thoughtful design, we help homeowners add long term value while keeping homes compact, efficient and future proof.
Fox Cabins -13 Nau Mai Business Park, Raglan P: 07 788 0101 W: foxcabins.nz E: info@foxcabins.nz
At MOTIDE, thoughtful design meets handcrafted joinery.
We are Christina and Sascha, a small design and making team based in Raglan. Christina is an architect with a passion for interiors, colour and spatial design, while Sascha brings each project to life in the workshop, crafting furniture and cabinetry from natural materials.
Together we design and build bespoke kitchens, furniture and interiors that are tailored to each home and the way people live in it. From the first ideas through to the final installation, every project is carefully considered and designed to feel timeless, functional and beautifully made.
Our furniture and cabinetry are handcrafted locally in our Raglan workshop, allowing us to focus on quality, detail and sustainable materials.
Whether you’re renovating, building new, or planning a future project, we’d love to help create something unique for your home.
Styling a home for short‑term rental success takes more than good taste—it’s a specialist skill that blends design, market insight, and guest psychology.
At Groundswell, we transform ordinary spaces into high‑performing holiday homes that attract more bookings, command higher nightly rates, and keep guests coming back.
Led by Sarah Hogan, a design expert with extensive experience in vacation rental styling and property optimisation, our team knows exactly how to create spaces that photograph beautifully, feel welcoming, and deliver an exceptional guest experience. From layout planning and furniture selection to brand‑aligned décor and finishing touches, we ensure every detail enhances your property’s value and performance.
Whether you’re preparing a new listing or refreshing an existing one, Groundswell provides the expertise to elevate your home’s appeal— optimising for both financial returns and five‑star reviews. Ready to unlock your property’s full potential? Sarah would love to hear from you.
ALL THE ACTION, ALL THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE HARBOUR VIEW THIS WSL
Raglan is set for an incredible few weeks with the World Surf League in town, and at the Harbour View Hotel, we’re here to make sure there’s a place for everyone to come together and enjoy it.
We’ll be showing all the action live and on replay across 8 big screens, including our indoor spaces and a 3-metre screen in the garden — so whether you’re following every heat or just dropping in, you won’t miss a moment.
Alongside the surfing, we’ve put together a full live music line-up to keep the energy going day and night. It’s about creating a space where locals and visitors can connect, relax, and enjoy everything Raglan does best.
And when the competition wraps up, we’re keeping things moving with the awesome energy of "Racing" playing Saturday 23rd — a night we’re really looking forward to also.
With the town set to be busy, local operator Raglan Shuttles will be running throughout, offering group transport and safe rides home, alongside our own courtesy van. Bookings can be made on 0800 825 8159.
We’re proud to be part of the wider Raglan experience during this time — offering great food (recently recognised among New Zealand’s Top 50 gastropubs), genuine hospitality, and a place where people can come together.
We’re here for all the action — and we can’t wait to welcome you.
LOCAL SOCIAL
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE SHACK
FIND OUR MAG
...IN STANDS AROUND TOWN:
Outside The Shack, The Herbal Dispensary, Soul Shoes at the wharf, Raglan iHub, Wainui Rd Supermarket, Te Uku Store, Property Brokers, Ray White, Bayleys, The Hut at Rangitahi, Fresh Choice & Raglan 4 Square.
@local_rag
BROWSE • CONNECT • INTERACT
ON OUR CALENDAR
Raglan: Coast to Canvas Exhibition till mid July
Surf Art & Photography from Whaingaroa @ Raglan Museum
Live & Local Music @ the Old School 8 May Feat. Raglan Theatre Academy, Kalakari & The Blister Sisters. @ Raglan Old School Arts Centre
Ain’t That Swell - live podcast 13 May with local surf legends Billy S, Daniel K, Luke C, Indo charger Tai “Buddha” & WCT surfers TBA @ The Raglan Club Tix: undertheradar
Live Series @ Harbourview Hotel 15-25 May
Live bands, big screens, great food & cold drinks. For more info head to HVH FB: @harbourviewhotel
The Surfelicious Art Show 15-24 May
Beach vibes & surf culture group exhibition Open 1-4pm daily @ Old School Arts Centre
The Yard Sale - preloved markets 23 May 10am - 3pm, live DJ from 11am @ The Yard Raglan
Off The Wall Exhibition 23-24 May With artists Ona Studio & Jeannine Friedrich @ the Hall at 3 Stewart Street
Into The Blue Exhibition Opening 29 May
A themed group multimedia exhibition on till 13 June, 10-4 daily @ Raglan Old School Arts Centre
FEATURE IN OUR MAG...
The Local Rag LOVES to support LOCAL!
We create regular features to showcase local businesses - if you are interested in featuring in one of these please contact Geraldine: gebgdesign@gmail.com Our regular features include: Home, Women in Business, Health & Wellbeing, Art, Wharf & Foodies. For any other advertising or content for the mag, please contact Jacqui: info@raglanchronicle.co.nz
We love seeing your images of our magazine on Instagram - please share the love & tag our mag... @local_rag #localragmag
OBJECTS WE LOVE
READ IT ONLINE:
Read issues of the Local Rag and the Raglan Chronicle online at: www.issuu.com
(Search ‘Raglan Chronicle’) raglanchronicle.co.nz
RAGLAN SURF CO. T-SHIRTS
Available in a range of colours & designs. FROM $49.99
Available from: RAGLAN SURF CO. @raglansurfco
RSE HATS
Available in a range of colours & designs - caps, beanies, bucket hats... Available from: RAGLAN SURF EMPORIUM @raglansurfemporium
GRABSOME MAGS
RAGLAN.NET.NZ
For info on what’s on, weather, news & more - visit local website: www.raglan.net.nz
Please feel free to grab some of our mags from the stands around town for your airbnb, business or venue - they are FREE
RAGLAN ARTS WEEKEND
Is on 24-26 October - with over 40 local artists exhibiting their work on a self-guided tour. IG: @raglanartsweekend FB: @raglanart W: raglanartsweekend.nz
VISIT THE RAGLAN MUSEUM
Discover the history of surfing in Whāingaroa at the Raglan Museum Surfing Exhibition. Explore local surf culture & see vintage surfboards, shapers’ stories, historic surfing photos, memorabilia & the legacy of the Raglan Point Boardriders Club. FB: @raglanmuseum
ON THE GRAM
CHECK OUT WHO WE HAVE MENTIONED ON OUR SOCIAL PAGE ON INSTAGRAM... follow / like / share @raglanmuseum @raglanoldschool @theswellian @raglanclubnz
Check out Raglan’s local food markets below. Also, head to our fabulous regular page RAGLAN FOOD JOURNEYS further back in the mag!
RAGLAN CREATIVE MARKET Sunday 10 May, @ the Raglan Old School Art Centre @creativeraglanmarket
RAGLAN CROP SWAP 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month, @ the Raglan Bowling Club
RAGLAN GROWERS MARKET 5-7pm every Friday - bring cash @ 1-3 Stewart St @raglangrowersmarket
RAGLAN VINE FESTIVAL Saturday 16 May - tastings, live jazz/funk @ the Raglan Town Hall raglanvine.com
Cnr Wainui Rd & Bow St, Raglan open 7 days from 8am till 3pm
The Shack welcomes visitors to Raglan for the WSL event. Please head to our website for our opening hours. Fresh food, made daily. For updates on our cabinet food - Follow us on IG @theshackraglan
CHECK OUT MORE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING THE WSL EVENT INSIDE THE MAG. For Harbour View Hotel listings, head to page 39.
OFFICIAL LIVE SITE
THE CORONA CERO NEW ZEALAND PRO PRESENTED BY BONSOY
live music CAFE & BAR
EVENT SCHEDULE
Wed May 13 Muso Night - Open Mic (pre-event)
Fri May 15 Official WSL Opening Party x I-SEA x Corona Cero from 7pm. Hank, Hutch, Connor Tomoana + LILFLAV
Sat May 16 Deckside Sessions 3–5pm + Raglan Sessions feat. B.Rex + Rafiki - 8pm
Sun May 17 WSL Live Feed + Raglan Sessions feat. Bruci Jordan
Tue May 19 WORLD PREMIERE - Volcom "No Vacancy" + Goons of Doom live - 6pm (free entry) LIMTED CAPACITY
Wed May 20 WSL Live Feed + Muso Night (Open Mic)
Thu May 21 WSL Live Feed + Raglan Sessions - FEaT. DJ Atmosphere
Fri May 22 Raglan Sessions feat. Reiki Ruawai - 8pm
Sat May 23 The Yard Sale Vintage Market 10am–3pm + Deckside Sessions 3–5pm + Summer Thieves (night)
MOVIES AT THE OLD SCHOOL
5 Stewart St, Raglan
For Sale
FIREWOOD –DELIVERED – TRAILER LOAD – DRY old man pine – 215.00, Pine –210.00, Blackwood 220.00, Phone 021 0771524.
RAGLAN GARDEN GROUP NEXT MEETING
Next meeting Tuesday 19 May at 1pm in the Church Hall, Stewart Street. Guest speaker Anna Fisher, Raglan Macadamias. Floral Art theme – Honouring Mother. Normal competitions, display table, sales table, Garden Vibes, raffle, tea and biscuits. All welcome.
PANUI WHAANGA 1B2C2B
WHAT’S ON
AIN’T THAT SWELL at the Raglan Club, Live Podcast Show May 13 - from 6 PM
PINK RIBBON BRUNCH, Thursday 14 May, 11.00am–12.00pm, Bayleys Raglan, 9 Bow Street
WINE, BEER & SPIRITS TASTING -16 May at Raglan Town Hall
WSL ATHLETE TRAINING SESSION Thursday, May 14, 8 AM – 3:30 PM – EManu Bay CORONA CERO NEW ZEALAND PRO PRESENTED BY BONSOY MANU BAY, Friday, May 15 – Monday, May 25. Check for comnpetition ON days.
CROP SWAP. First and third Sundays of the month. 9.30 -10.30am at Bowling Club, James Street. Bring anything from the kitchen or garden to swap – seedlings, plants, produce, preserves, baking. It’s not direct swapping, we share abundance, and everyone gets a bit of everything! All welcome
RAGLAN GROWERS MARKET, 5-7pm Every Friday on Stewart Street Remember to bring your reusables!
READ THE LOCAL RAG AND MORE RAGLAN NEWS ONLINE!
To all beneficiaryshareholders. Hui to be held 30 May 2026, 14 King St, Ngaruawahia at 10.30 am. Resolutions for mandate: Form Customary Trust & Maori Authority. File s131 TTW Maori Act 1993 MLC Application. Reactivate contingency Ahu Whenua Trust. Approve papakainga, custodian to unsucceeded shareholders, protection of dormant shares, Form K&R Rongo Whanau Trust. For Hui details contact Kathy 0201113708.
TENOR:
BIRTH OF A SOUL RUNNER Raglan Book Launch Tuesday 12th May, 6pm at the Food Department on Wainui Road
RUGGED ROGAINE ON KARIOI Sunday, May 24, 2026, 10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. The Rugged Rogaine Series is a fun way to explore the beautiful Waikato countryside. Regos close 20 May.
RAGLAN BOWLING CLUB Join our friendly club for roll-ups Wed and Sat 1pm. Register 12.45pm. Give bowls a go.
WHAT’S ON @ THE OLD SCHOOL
5 STEWART STREET, RAGLAN
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW DUE 2025/26 memberships expired 31 March – please renew now to support the arts in Whāingaroa and benefit from news, discounts and access to the Clay Shed (extra fee) www.raglanartscentre. co.nz/about/being-a-member-of-the-oldschool/.
POP-UP EXHIBITION – TILL 8 MAY Ruth Hickman. Open 10-2 weekdays. LIVE AND LOCAL – FRIDAY 8 MAY
Our regular showcase of Whāingaroa talent. This month featuring Raglan Theatre Academy, Kalakari and The Blister Sisters. Adults $10 or koha, under 18s free. Whare Tapere, 7.309.30pm, doors open 7pm. Licensed bar and café open.
RAGLAN CREATIVE MARKET – SUNDAY 10 MAY The best of Whaingaroa food, crafts and art. This month also incorporating the Surf Garage Sale – surf gear only, garage sale stalls free: contact Monika market@raglanartscentre. co.nz to book your garage sale stall. 9am – 2pm at the Old School, 5 Stewart Street, second Sunday of every month. For more info - www. raglanmarket.com
THE SURFELICIOUS ART SHOW – 16 – 24 MAY A group exhibition celebrating surf culture, beach vibes and personal expression. Opening 6-8pm Friday 15 May, then open 10-4 daily. INTO THE BLUE EXHIBITION – 30 MAY – 13 JUNE Themed group exhibition featuring 20+ local artists – ceramics, painting, mixed media, textiles, photography. Opening Friday 29 May 6-8pm with mulled wine, then daily 10am-4pm Saturday 30 May – Saturday 13 June.
REGULAR EVENTS
Ragtimers Ukulele Group 2nd and every subsequent Wed 4pm Clay Shed Members’ Night weekly on Wed 5-7pm Karioi Quilts & Crafts Monthly on 2nd Thurs, 10am Raglan Art Group Monthly on 1st Fri, 10am Backgammon Club monthly on last Fri, 5pm
