I find it is easier just to let the live bait swim itself out, although they do have the habit of going parallel to the beach or swimming back to shore (probably being chased). Also have the risk of the livey dragging the sinker into a snag. But I can see the advantage when the surf is up a bit and you want the live bait to stay a good distance out.
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Whitebait Season starts 1 September 2026 and ends 30 October (inclusive). Chatham Islands: 1 December to the last day of February (inclusive)