"He was doing what he loved, and I'm so proud of him."
One person is being treated by paramedics.
Police believe the 22-year-old is dead, but his friends haven't given up hope.
Violence, public urination, drug deals and assaults are commonplace, according to locals.
Koyren Campbell's family say they remain hopeful that the sea will return him.
The quake struck on Friday morning.
The group of Taranaki Whanui members upped the stakes yesterday, serving a trespass notice to The Wellington Company.
The investigation into Tongia's death is still ongoing.
She will appear in court on Thursday.