were employed full-time, 168 (17.4%) were part-time, and 33 (3.4%) were unemployed. Activity Surfing is the main pastime at Maukatia (Maori Bay) and Muriwai Beach. Other pastimes enjoyed at Maukatia include paragliding and hang gliding, especially when the prevailing southwesterly wind provides favourable conditions. Fishing is also popular, although dangerous in many places. Bush walking is encouraged, with boardwalks in place, and the 'Hilary Trail' passes through Muriwai. Driving along the beach is popular, especially at fishing contest time, although vehicles have been mass stranded in past years. Surf boards, surfing tuition and sand yachts are available for hire at the Muriwai Surf School near the beach. There are many mountain bike trails up in the pines, mainly downhill and freeride trails. The beach was used extensively for motor racing from the 1920s through to the 1940s. Horse riding is popular along the beach, as well as through the extensive tracks behind the sand dunes. Access is also available through the Woodhill Forest Equestrian Park. Geology Sand and rock (sedimentary), older volcanic material, with many concretions and layers in the cliff walls. A blowhole plays often. The shore platform is also well jointed, with the main rock type being piha conglomerate. Muriwai Beach has black sand, caused by the iron content derived from the ancient volcanoes in the area, including the large Kaipara Volcano which was situated offshore from the Kaipara Heads, and erupted 23-16 million years ago. The black sand is moved up the west coast of the North Island by longshore drift. 2013 shark attack In February 2013, filmmaker Adam Strange was killed at Muriwai Beach while swimming about 200m offshore, when he was attacked by a small group of great white sharks. As a result, Muriwai Beach was closed for a number of days. Initial reports suggested the culprit was a bronze whaler, but it was later deemed more likely a great white was to blame. It was the first fatal shark attack in more than three decades in New Zealand. References External links Muriwai - community promotion Muriwai Regional Park Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service Muriwai Environmental Action Community Trust Hillary Trail Muriwai Community Association Photographs of Muriwai held in Auckland Libraries' heritage collections. Surfing locations in New Zealand Lookouts in Auckland Beaches of the Auckland Region Shark attacks Populated places in the Auckland Region Black sand beaches West Auckland, New Zealand