In 1950 Land Information New Zealand designated "Karioitahi" to be the official name, replacing an older spelling "Kariotahi". However, "Kariotahi" is still occasionally used. The [|local surf club] uses yet another spelling: "Kariaotahi".
The localsurf club, originally named 'Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving Patrol Inc' and later renamed in 2006 to be 'Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi Inc', was founded in 1969. Patrols operate on all weekends and public holidays from Labour Weekend in October to March or early April, with minimum patrolling hours being 1100 hrs–1600 hrs Oct/Nov/March/April and 1100 hrs–1700 hrs Dec/Jan/February. Weekday patrols are run from mid-December until late January. SLS Kariaotahi has been recognised with several club and individual awards over its history:
Voted Best Patrolled Beach in Northern Region for the 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2012 seasons.
Long standing club member Judith Coe, awarded Surf Life Saving Northern Region, Volunteer of the Year 2006
Senior Lifeguard Mike Lawrence, awarded Surf Life Saving Northern Region, Surf Lifeguard of the Year and finalist Surf Life Saving New Zealand Surf Lifeguard of the Year 2006
Senior Lifeguard Chris Parker was awarded Surf Life Saving New Zealand Rescue Of The Year and Northern Regional Lifeguard of the Year for the 2009/10 season.
Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Surf Life Saving New Zealand Rescue of the Month Winner, February 2011
Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Surf Life Saving New Zealand Rescue of the Month Winner, Winter/November 2011
Surf Life Saving Northern Region Rescue of the Month Winner, April 2012
Surf sports
SLS Kariaotahi used to be identified at competitions by an orange and chocolate-brown quarter-cap but has since adopted the colours of red, white and black which is in line with other sports teams from the region, such as the Counties-Manukau Steelers. SLS Kariaotahi lifeguards actively compete in canoe racing and IRB racing, which are team events. Both disciplines produced medal-winning performances at the 2011 Northern Region District Championships held at Ruakaka.
Paragliding Schools
The southern end of the beach and cliff, known as Maioro, is commonly used for by local paragliding schools for training beginner pilots. Qualified paraglider pilots are advised against flying in the area, thus leaving it safe and clear for beginners.
