Rock-Based Fishing Research

Fishing from rocks continues to be one of New Zealand’s most dangerous pastimes. Five fishers lost their lives off Auckland’s West Coast in late in 2005, initiating the implementation of the West Coast Rock-based Fishing Project. In spite of the persistence of rock-based-fishing fatalities on Auckland’s west coast little was known about this fishing fraternity, their demographics, perceptions of associated risk of drowning or their water safety behaviours when fishing at hazardous locations.

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West Coast Rock-Based Fishing Safety Project 2026

(Authored by: Dr Teresa Stanley, Research and Impact Manager, and Josh Carmine, Aquatic Safety Researcher, Drowning Prevention Auckland)

This report presents findings from the 2026 West Coast Rock-Based Fishing Observation Programme. Building on more than 20 years of research and prevention work, the programme recorded 487 completed observations across 19 rock-fishing locations on Auckland’s west coast. In total, 457 people were observed on the rocks, including 378 who were actively fishing. This observational research provides a real-world picture of fisher activity, lifejacket use, environmental conditions, public rescue equipment readiness and risk-related behaviour at these high-risk coastal locations.

The strongest positive finding was the increase in lifejacket use. More than half of the fishers observed were wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (51%), compared with 29% in 2025. Fishing alone also decreased from 21% to 12%. These results suggest that lifejacket hubs, on-site engagement and targeted safety messaging may be helping to influence behaviour. However, significant risks remain. More than one-quarter of fishers (27%) were observed fishing in dangerous conditions, while 32% displayed other risky behaviours. The most frequently recorded behaviours were turning their backs to the ocean, climbing down rocks to retrieve tackle, and consuming alcohol or other drugs. Only 30% were recorded as wearing suitable clothing and footwear. Safety behaviour also varied considerably between locations. Lifejacket use was high at several Piha and Bethells sites but remained low at some frequented locations, including Muriwai Flat Rock, Whatipu Paratutae Island and Whatipu Ninepin.

The findings provide a clear evidence base for the next phase of the project. Priorities include maintaining access to lifejackets, regularly auditing public rescue equipment, strengthening messages about swell and tide conditions, discouraging edge-risk behaviours, and targeting engagement at the locations and times where fishers are most exposed. Continued collaboration with fishing brands, retailers, clubs, community leaders and trusted fishing personalities will also be important in making safer preparation and behaviour a normal part of every rock-based fishing trip.

Full details, findings and recommendations can be found, along with previous years’ reports, which can be downloaded from Related Files on this page. Read more about Land-based Fishing Safety and don’t forget to check out our Rock-based Fishing e-Learning Module.