A friend of mine is heading to NZ for three months next week and will be living in Mission Bay, Auckland.  He is not a sailor, but wants to going on a dingy sailing course whilst he’s out there.  I’ve had a good trawl through all the websites, but can only find big boat courses.

Anyone got any ideas?  I know the Park’s moved out there a few years back, but I think there on the south island.

Thanks,

Liam

Try www.sandspit.org.nz
or  www/yachtingnz.org.nz
Both would respond to a query. 
Kiwis are like that - helpful except when playing Rugby!

Tell him to go to takapuna Boating Club which is on Aucklands North Shore, the club is run by some super friendly people and they will take him out in anything from cats to penultimate I14's to a simple P-Class dinghy.
Every night of the week in the summer there is sailing of some discription going on at Takapuna Beach - he just needs to get down there and say hi!
Talk to Grant Cunningham - he's the manager there - a sound bloke!

Hi Liam - Takapuna hosted the 14 worlds last year, where Stevie Morrison, son of the famous...was contraversially  relegated to second place...another story! Sadly I couldnt make it but from all accounts, its a great place to sail.  MJ

But he wanted a course as in being taught not course as in racing on one!

The Parkes are on the North Island, but live over at Napier on the east coast.  Very beautiful spot, but a long drive from Auckland.  I've not seen them since 2004, but at that time they they were doing a bit of keel boat sailing.  

I think they mentioned there was a fleet of OK's at their sailing club.

great place to learn - the race course! taught me all I know (didn't take long) no-one will get in your way, they'll all be arguing their handicaps.

The Old Trout - your mistaken, the Parkes are also in Napier, Hawkes Bay! - you live in the same town!
Lovely spot by the way - we spent Christmas with them a couple of years back... amazing piece of water too for racing.

Isn't that what Old Trout said "Napier"?

I thought so....

I know you said Napier :-)I was just mentioning that the Parkes are also in the same town - as you didn't appear to know that - forgive me if I am stating the obvious!

Then why did you say mistaken? Christmas come too early?

Takapuna is hosting the 420 Worlds just after Christmas. There are 7 UK male-crewed boats and 7 UK Female-crewed boats going. They would no doubt be pleased to find someone from the old country to fetch their trolleys, drinks and nappies.

One being crewed by Allis Rook.