wai mātau
wai mārama
wai ora
Connecting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau through surfing, water safety, learning and adventure.
more than a surf school
Tai Ora Surf School exists to build water-confident, capable people through surfing, water safety and matauranga Maori.
We support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to develop understanding, judgement and responsibility in and around water, enabling them to engage safely, confidently and with care.
Our Purpose
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Wai Mātau
Understanding water, our environment and our place within it.
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Wai Mārama
Developing awareness, confidence and good judgement through experience and learning.
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Wai Ora
Supporting wellbeing, connection and positive relationships with wai, whānau and community.
OUR LOCATIONS
Based on the East Coast, just 54km’s north of Gisborne, our regular programmes are delivered across three key surf locations within the Ūawa area. These beaches, highlighted below, provide safe, progressive learning environments for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau while offering a variety of surf and water conditions.
For more experienced surfers, sessions may also be held at Marau Point and The Cove. We may also utilise other local beaches and breaks throughout the region, depending on surf, weather, and safety conditions on the day.
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Kaiaua, East Coast
GPS: -38.335, 178.316 (approx.)
Nestled along the stunning East Coast, Kaiaua Beach provides an ideal environment for surfing, water safety and outdoor learning. Its diverse conditions offer opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to build confidence, develop water awareness and connect with the moana.
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Ūawa Main Beach
GPS: -38.367, 178.298 (approx.)
Located in the heart of Ūawa, Main Beach is where many of our programmes come to life. With its wide sandy shoreline and changing conditions, it provides the perfect setting for surfing, learning and developing a deeper understanding of wai.
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Hoturangi (The Wharf)
GPS: -38.373, 178.300 (approx.)
A significant local landmark, Hoturangi Wharf offers a unique vantage point for observing tides, currents and weather conditions. It is a place where participants learn to read the environment, understand the movement of water and strengthen their connection to the moana.
Our Team
KEREHAMA & KEL BLACKMAN
Kere is a surfer, mentor and waterman passionate about helping young people build confidence, skills and a lifelong connection to the moana.
Kel is a Programme coordinator and community advocate dedicated to creating positive opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
Together, Kere and Kelly created Tai Ora Surf School to provide a pathway for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to connect with the moana through surfing, water safety, learning and adventure. Their vision is to help build water-confident people who understand, respect and enjoy the unique environments they are part of.
COStA & JOHN-SONNY BLACKMAN
Costa is a passionate surfer who enjoys working alongside young people and sharing his love of the ocean. He is committed to helping tamariki and rangatahi build confidence, learn new skills and develop a lasting connection with the moana.
John-Sonny brings energy, positivity and a genuine passion for supporting others. Through Tai Ora, he encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and embrace new experiences in and around the water.
TAI ORA COMMUNITY POOL CREW
This was our awesome Summer 2025-2026 crew: Tawhiri Kirikiri, Peewee Tuapawa, Taiawhio Kerekere and Kerehama Blackman.
Our Community Pool Crew are trusted local rangatahi and community members who help operate the Ūawa Community Pool during the summer holidays. They play an important role in promoting water safety, supporting pool users and creating a positive experience for whānau while developing valuable leadership and employment skills.
TIAKI TAI RANGATAHI SURFERS
Our rangatahi surfers often operate as volunteers and water safety trainees. They are passionate young leaders who are developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to support safe water-based activities. Through service, learning and practical experience, they grow their leadership abilities while giving back to their community.
community PROGRAMMES
Our Community Programmes create opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and wider community members to connect with the moana through surfing, water safety, leadership development, recreation and outdoor learning.
Designed to be inclusive and accessible, these programmes bring people together, build confidence and strengthen connections to each other and the environments we call home.
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Term Surf Programmes
🌊 TERM 4 STARTS SOON!
Kia ora whānau,
Our Term 4 Surf Programme kicks off on Saturday, 17 October! 🏄
Designed for ages 5-18, our 8-week programme focuses on building confidence, water awareness, surf skills and connection through fun and supportive experiences in the moana.
✅ Limited spaces available
✅ 8-week programme
✅ Starts this weekend
✅ $27.50 per session or $220 per termRegister now to secure your place before spaces fill.
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School Programmes
Tai Ora works alongside schools and kura to deliver tailored surfing, water safety and place-based learning experiences.
Programme design, delivery and pricing are developed in partnership with each school or kura to meet their specific needs and objectives.
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Surfing For Farmers
Tai Ora is proud to support the Surfing for Farmers initiative, helping farmers and rural communities take time out, connect and enjoy the benefits of the moana.
Our Ūawa programme begins on Thursday 19 November, runs through to Christmas, and resumes again in the new year.
Learn more about the kaupapa here: Surfing for Farmers
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Holiday Programmes
Tai Ora may offer holiday programmes throughout the year, subject to capacity, surf conditions and demand.
These programmes provide fun, active and engaging opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi to learn, surf and connect with the moana during school holidays.
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Top 10 Holiday Park Experiences (New)
Tai Ora Surf School is proud to partner with Roxine Habib and James Habib at Tolaga Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park to offer visitors a unique East Coast surf experience. Whether you're staying for a weekend or a summer holiday, we'll help you get out in the water and experience the best of Ūawa.
🌊 TOP 10 Club Card holders receive an exclusive Tai Ora Surf School discount. Check out our TOP 10 Member Deal.
🏕️ Need accommodation? Visit Tolaga Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park and complete your East Coast adventure. 🌊🏄♂️☀️
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Community Supported Events
With support from local stakeholders such as Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga a Hauiti, the Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence Trust, and Gisborne District Council, Tai Ora is able to deliver community programmes that connect tamariki, rangatahi and whānau with the moana and the environment.
From learn-to-surf programmes and water confidence sessions to dune restoration projects through Tai Aro Eco Projects, our focus is on building confidence, connection and wellbeing through meaningful local experiences.
Watch this space for future programmes.
Lessons & Hire
EXPERIENCE THE EAST COAST FROM THE WATER
Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a longer stay, Tai Ora Surf School offers personalised surf experiences tailored to your confidence, goals and the conditions on the day.
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Private Surf Lessons
One-on-one coaching tailored to your ability and goals.
$125 per person - Learners / Beginners / Social Surfers.
$150 per person - Intermediate / Advanced / Progressive Surfers (includes a 30-min video analysis session)
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Small Group Lessons (2-4 surfers)
Learn alongside friends or whānau with personalised coaching and guidance.
$95 per person - Learners / Beginners / Social Surfers.
$150 per person - Intermediate / Advanced / Progressive Surfers (includes a 30-min video analysis session)
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Group Experiences (5+ Surfers)
Ideal for families, holiday groups, organisations, corporate and business groups.
$70 per person - Learners / Beginners / Social Surfers.
Advanced groups, events, birthdays or team sessions available by discussion.
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Equipment Hire
Forgot your gear? Maybe this is your first time learning to surf? We’ve got you covered.
$40 per day - Surfboard Hire
$20 per day - Wetsuit Hire
$55 per day - Board & Wetsuit Hire
Equipment subject to availability. Surf lessons include equipment unless otherwise arranged.
Tai aro eco projects
Tai Aro Eco Projects connects people with the environment through restoration, education, and community action. From coastal planting and environmental stewardship to hands-on learning experiences, we empower tamariki, rangatahi, and whanau to care for the places they love. We are not the experts though, our whanau are.
While our tamariki and rangatahi are in the water learning to surf, whanau on the beach are leading by example, helping restore our coastline through planting, weeding, fencing, and site maintenance. Together, we're growing awareness of the health and wellbeing of our dunes, estuaries, beaches, and rocky coastlines.
We recognise that we're just one part of a much bigger effort. A special thanks to our community members, landowners, volunteers, and the team at GDC who continue to support and champion coastal restoration across our rohe.
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UAWA DUNE RESTORATION
Working together to restore and protect the coastal environment at the Ūawa Beach through planting, weeding monitoring, installing some temp fences and community action.
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KAIAUA DUNE RESTORATION
A community-led effort to strengthen and restore the dunes of Kaiaua through kowhangatara and pingao planting and ongoing care. From a blank canvas to this. A beautiful work in progress.
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FENCING FOR PROTECTION
Protective fencing helps create safe spaces for dunes and native vegetation to recover and thrive naturally.
They don’t have to be flash, they just have to work. -
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WHANAU VOLUNTEERS
From planting and fencing to site observation and maintenance, our whānau continue to roll up their sleeves and care for the places they love. Even just leaving a fenced off space to grow takes an amazing community effort.
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
Tai Ora Surf School is built on the support of our community. We are incredibly grateful to the organisations, businesses, funders and whānau who help make our programmes possible. We encourage our community to support the people and organisations that support us.
Our Supporters
KE Design
Chagan Fisheries - Bill Destounis
Tolaga Bay Area School & Kahukuranui
Te Kura o Mangatuna
Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence Trust
Mahutonga
Maori Womens Welfare League
Gisborne District Council
Our collective hapū, iwi and marae
Our local businesses
Tai Ora Surf School is more than a programme, it's a community. From our tamariki and rangatahi to our whānau, volunteers, coaches and supporters, every person plays a part in creating a positive, welcoming environment both in and out of the water.
Together, we're building confidence, sharing experiences, developing future leaders and creating lifelong connections with the moana.
Our SURFING COMMUNITY
Saltwater Whanau - Carmen, Regan, Te Waiotu & Uruao Fairlie
Pardoe Whanau - Geoff, Sarah and Jaxon
Ngati Porou Boardriders - Haz McClutchie
Papa Dan Maitai, Reg Keelan, Mike McGrannachan, Gene Vanderzanden, Henry Hindmarsh, Tunis Harrison
Flo Bub (prev. Gizzy Boardriders)
Surfing for Farmers and our Farming Community
Manawa Taiao - Grant Whanau - Iain & Hannah
Coasty Cooks - Kayla, Vix, Naila, Kyon and the whānau
The Gizzy Surfing Community
The East Coast Surfing Community
All our surfers, volunteers and their whānau!
