Annika from Raglan Community Media caught up with local surfer legend Daniel Kereopa to look back on the World Surf League’s event in Raglan. DK shared his reflections on what the event meant for the coast and the people who call it home.
Q: How did it feel when the WSL packed up and left?
DK: It happened really fast. One day the event was there, the next day half the structures were gone. We had our final karakia and then Manu Bay felt like itself again. The feeling of the place hadn’t changed. We just happened to host thousands of guests for a couple of days.
Q: You were involved behind the scenes from the beginning. What was your first reaction when you heard the WSL wanted to come to Raglan?
DK: Honestly, I didn’t believe it at first. Then I realised it was real. My role became making sure the community was heard. I wanted the event here, but I also felt responsible for looking after the wider community and making sure people were part of the conversation.
Q: What was the most challenging part behind the scenes?
DK: Communication. Everyone wanted updates, but information arrived late. The whole community was trying to plan around the event. It took a lot of people working together to make it happen.
Q: Looking back, what do you think the event gave back to Raglan?
DK: The biggest thing for me was seeing the kids. They were smiling, running around, meeting their heroes. I kept thinking how much I would have loved something like this when I was young. There was a lot of excitement and a lot of positive energy around town.
Q: Was there a moment during the event that really stayed with you?
DK: One evening a cousin and I saw something moving across the water against the current. It made us think of Te Ātau o Rongo, a local taniwha connected to our marae. We started talking about the old stories and then, as the sun was setting, the waves started arriving. For us, those stories aren’t just legends. You got to believe in something that’s beyond us.
Q: What do you hope visitors took away from Raglan?
DK: I hope they slowed down. Raglan teaches you not to force things. You have to work with the rhythm of the place. The surfers who adapted to that seemed to do the best.
Q: And what should Raglan remember about the WSL?
DK: The whole community should be proud. Whether people loved the event or not, we showed the world something special. Not just our waves, but who we are.
