Since records began, New Zealand has suffered 12 fatal shark attacks dating back to the 1850s. Twelve deaths in 160-ish years are odds I'm comfortable with.
At Bay beaches, sharks are common.
In summer there are always plenty of reports of swimmers encountering bronze whalers in the water.
Niwa says they live in shallow coastal waters during the summer - reefs, bays, estuaries and surf beaches - and are commonly seen this time of year for two main reasons: more people head for the beach in summer, and because they come into warmer waters to chase fish or give birth. They are not normally aggressive towards humans.
So, in other words, chances of a shark attack in the Bay are not high. There is a risk, but a small enough one to be almost insignificant.
You're far more likely to be hurt while in a car, yet I don't hear of many people afraid to get into cars for that reason.
It's good to have a healthy respect for nature, but it's no reason to let it prevent you enjoying the beauty on our doorstep.
