Bringing Rangatahi to the Poor Knights Islands

This October, we brought our Marine Mahi For Rangatahi project on an exciting journey to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, alongside our friends at Dive! Tutukaka.

It was great to reunite with some familiar faces — many of the rangatahi were students that had participated in Experiencing Marine Reserves programmes in school, up to 10 years ago! 

It is always a privilege to enable New Zealanders to experience the moana up close, and especially so with trips to iconic places like this. It was the first time for most participants at the Poor Knights, and it certainly showed up for us. After discussing snorkelling techniques and safety skills, we jumped in at Blue Mao Mao Arch and found ourselves swimming with thousands of blue maomao and demoiselles. To top the experience off, we were visited by two beautiful kekeno/New Zealand fur seals. 

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who joined us! Here’s what a few participants had to say:

‘The event was well controlled. I felt safe and confident in my ability, and well-informed. The hot chips at the end of the day was a lovely bonus!’

‘What I took away from the event was to take my time and work on breathing and equalizing control in the water. It was good to be in the water for fun, instead of for gathering. Being around multiple people and observing the instructors helped me and the event was a fun day from sign in to sign out. This kaupapa will benefit future generations to come.’ 

‘This experience has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for us, something that just wouldn't have been possible in our situation, and yet my son and I have been so blessed to be able to join! The experience in the water made me realise how sad our waters are closer to the mainland with the lack of fish and life. This has definitely sparked something in me to want to be part of more ocean conservation work. And my son had his first proper snorkel and was able to see such beautiful fish and ocean life! 

Thank you to all the people at Mountains to Sea and Dive! Tutukaka. I think funding opportunities like this would definitely create a love for our environment for NZ youth and help the future of our waters, guiding our youth into different pathways in life that otherwise would have not been an option for them.’

Ngā mihi nui to Foundation North for funding the Marine Mahi for Rangatahi project.