There will be lots of Seaweek 2019 events happening in Northland and full details will be posted here as we receive them. Contact the Northland Regional Coordinator if you’d like to organise an event: Shirley Peterson from KiwiNorth – email: ShirleyP@kiwinorth.co.nz Ph 09 438 9630 Ext 2
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If you attend a Seaweek 2019 event you can win a copy of The Collins Field Guide to the NZ Seashore by completing one of our online Event Reports to tell us what you enjoyed about the event. |
Northland Seaweek 2019 Events:
- Free Professional Development Opportunity for Primary Teachers with Young Ocean Explorers – Tuesday 18 September 2018
- Reotahi Snorkel Day – Saturday 12 January 2019
- Matai Bay Snorkel Day – Thursday 17 January 2019
- Tapeka Point Snorkel Day – Saturday 19 January 2019
- Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day – Saturday 26 January 2019
- Kai Iwi Night Snorkel – Saturday 26 January 2019
- Reotahi Snorkel Day – Sunday 10 February 2019 – CANCELLED
- Marine Reserves LEARNZ Virtual Field Trip 19 to 21 February 2019
- Waikaraka Kayak Day – Saturday 23 February 2019
- Reotahi Snorkel Day – Sunday 24 February 2019
- NZAEE Green drinks for Seaweek with Heni Unwin – Tuesday 26 February 2019
- LEARNZ and Sustainable Seas Science Challenge Virtual Field Trip – 2-10 March 2019
- Seaweek 2019 Family Fun Day at Baylys Beach – Saturday 2 March 2019
- Sea Lives – an interactive community project for all ages – Friday 8 to 25 March 2019
- Love Whangarei Monthly Clean-up: Ngunguru Snells Point Estuary – Saturday 9 March 2019
- Reotahi Snorkel Day – Sunday 10 March 2019
- Pataua Drift Snorkel – 18 March 2019
- Waikaraka Kayak Day – Saturday 24 March 2019
- Mountains to Sea Wananga 2019 – 26 – 28 April 2019
- Poor Knights Community Guided Kayak Day – Sunday 19 May 2019
NZAEE Green drinks for Seaweek with Heni Unwin
Tuesday 26 February 2019, 5pm at The Old Stone Butter Factory, Bank Street, Whangarei.
Through our Seaweek connections to the Sustainable Seas Science Challenge we have reached researcher Heni Unwin from the Cawthron Institute who is working on tools to visualise plastic pollution distribution around our shores. Heni is visiting Whangarei on 25th and 26th February.
This is a link to the particle tracker model which is a fun way to see how plastic pollution is moving in Cook Strait https://datatechnology.cawthron.org.nz/cook_strait_particles/
Below is the link to project information on the Sustainable Seas page
https://sustainableseaschallenge.co.nz/programmes/managed-seas/interactive-tools-app
Join Heni at The Old Stone Butter Factory, Bank Street, Whangarei Tuesday 26th February 5pm for NZAEE Green Drinks for Seaweek
Love Whangarei Monthly Clean-up: Ngunguru Snells Point Estuary
Saturday 9 March 2019, 1 – 3pm. Meet at Carpark by Memorial Hall
As the beginning of March is Sea Week, we are wanting to work with it and host an event by the sea.
Ngunguru was a good option as I have seen a fair amount of rubbish in the area in the past.
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We would encourage Carpooling. So if you have a few extra seats in your car, or need a ride, Post to the event, and hopefully someone will be able to help.
Donations to fuel are always well appreciated to those you are catching a ride with, unless they say no need.
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Working with the Tides, If we headed in at our usual time, we would be wading around, and not have much luck finding the sunken trash so we are pushing it a tad later, but also giving us enough time to get to the dump.
Location: Beach and Mangrove forest
Meeting: Carpark by Memorial Hall
When: 1pm until 3pm
Area: Mangrove bush area, steep banks, road berm
What will you need: Sturdy footwear/Gumboots
Gloves if you have them, Some can be provided for use
High Vis Vest – some can be provided for use
Great attitude and teamwork.
Thank you in advance for the assistance.
We will be heading down to into the mangrove bush along the bank on the left as you head into Ngunguru at Snell point, we will also check along the road edge and around the beaches. Within the depths you will find rubbish caught by the mangrove roots. Currently unknown amount of rubbish.
The area we will be working on can be quite Mucky so be prepared to get stuck.
I will be supplying some gardening and plastic gloves, sunblock, disinfectant, high vis vests and water.
There will be a few giveaways donated by local companies for those helping us with the clean ups.
There are also Keep New Zealand Beautiful badges and stickers available.
Together we are a F.O.R.C.E. to be reckoned.
Sea Lives – an interactive community project for all ages
Friday 8 to 25 March 2019, 10am – 4.30pm daily at Quarry Arts Centre, 21 Selwyn Avenue, Whangarei
The Quarry Arts Centre’s Community Project “Sea Lives”, to coincide with Sea Week, is an interactive collaborative gallery experience for young and old.
We invite you to create your own sea creature in the gallery with recycled cardboard, tape, glue, and pens in our provided workspace. Add your creation to the installation in the gallery and become part of our efforts to raise awareness of the health of our precious oceans and the life they hold.
Sea Week’s 2019 theme is “Tiakina o Tatou Moana – Care for our Seas”. We consider the vast underwater world and the damage bycatch causes to it.
Opening event Friday 8 March at 4 – 6pm.
More info: https://quarryarts.org/
Seaweek 2019 Family Fun Day at Baylys Beach
Saturday 2 March 2019, 2 – 5.30pm at Baylys Beach, Northland.
A range of displays regarding the local marine environment, quizzes, beach games, BBQ – (sausage sizzle), sand sculpting comp for adults and children, surf lifesaving demos.
No water based activities included
Free event (Hosted by Baylys Beach Society)
Contact: Cheryl Carmichael, email: baylysbeachsocietybbs@gmail.com Ph: 0210 854-2003
Waikaraka Kayak Day

Two events:
Saturday 23 February 2019, 10am – 2pm at Waikaraka Council Reserve, 350-276 Whangarei Heads Road, Whangarei
Sunday 24 March 2019, 10am – 2pm at Waikaraka Council Reserve, 350-276 Whangarei Heads Road, Whangarei
Come and explore the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve aboard a kayak. Learn first hand about the marine life that lives there and get kayaking tuition from the professionals. You will be guided through large mature mangroves and down a tidal channel where one of New Zealand’s largest colonies of cormorants live and nest. See yellow-eyed mullet leaping out of the water, flounder in the shallows or the royal spoonbill hiding in the mangroves if you’re really lucky!
Fun for the whole whanau – recommended for children over 7. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult participant to ensure adequate ratio.
Registrations are essential. Only 64 spots available. Sea conditions permitting. Participation by koha/donation.
Book here for February event: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/waikaraka-kayak-day-february-tickets-52506143288?aff=efbevent&fbclid=IwAR1xKtgFI7trTuzke–J-I4Z8TIgPzOFhJCAC2VFyIj_Bwb8vHTeH3zt5cc
Book here for March event: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/waikaraka-kayak-day-march-tickets-54898206012?fbclid=IwAR3OPaLaAXQysh8otxTkQH9grqrCtfIWlUkPT3ahrhXfIq2FPXSAk-QJU9A
Sessions are 10.00am, 11.00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm, 1 hour duration each
Where: Waikaraka Council reserve rest area on Whangarei Heads Road (please note: this is not the marine reserve at Reotahi!)
Bring: Footwear for kayaking. Spare change of clothes. Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
Lifejackets and kayaks are provided
option of BYO kayak
This event is funded by and supported by Seaweek, Paacific Coast Kayaks and the Department of Conservation
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
EMR has a minimum age of 7 years for kayaking/paddleboarding. If you’re child is under the age of 13 an adult participant has to accompany that child to ensure adequate ratios.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
There is parking available on the gravel carpark at the reserve
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
You can email the organiser at isabel@emr.org.nz
Mountains to Sea Wānanga 2019
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 April 2019
Registration is essential. Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/WlzuAA4oTAXC0Fe23
“He Wai Rangitira”
Defines or denotes the underlying ancestral, spiritual, strategic and economic significance of the water to us as a people and/or as a partnership with papatuanuku. We will explore these values and find ways to form stronger partnerships and collaborations for common goals and aspirations.
Purpose:
An inspirational professional development and networking opportunity for all those involved or interested
in freshwater and marine conservation.
Objectives:
• provide a forum for marine and freshwater educators to network about education for
sustainability initiatives and projects around science communication
• provide opportunities for our volunteers to develop
• provide professional development opportunities
• provide a forum to discuss the effectiveness of existing and potential partnerships that foster
action for marine and freshwater conservation
• ensure strong delivery of the Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) and Whitebait Connection
(WBC) concepts around New Zealand
• raise the profile and value of He Wai Rangatira for conservation and education
• empower community to make changes for the benefit of the marine and freshwater environment
• benefit the Kaitaia community
Wānanga registration will include:
• powhiri at 11am on Friday 26th April
• marine & freshwater keynote presentations from Fred Lichtwark (Whaingaroa Harbour Care) and
Tom Trnski (Auckland Museum)
• inspirational presentations from five iwi representatives on current enviro programmes
• fresh wholesome meals and marae accommodation over the 3 day conference – wānanga
• idyllic scenery of the Far North
• marine and freshwater field trips including local conservation initiatives and attractions
• an opportunity to share your own project during ‘show n tell’, displays & facilitated workshops
• inclusion of local residents, tangata whenua & conservation groups throughout the programme
• Invite extended to wider community to attend keynote presentations for gold coin koha
• an additional 1.5 days of specialist training workshops for Experiencing Marine Reserves & Whitebait Connection coordinators after the wānanga (Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th April)
Previous wānanga video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1eprXd-GyM
Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/WlzuAA4oTAXC0Fe23
Matai Bay Snorkel Day
Thursday 17 January 2019, 10am – 4pm at Matai Bay Campsite, Karikari Peninsula, Kaimaumau, Far North.
Looking for something fun you can do with the entire family? Our free community guided snorkel days are a great family activity. Held at Maitai Bay, learn about the new no take Rahui. All the equipment and an experienced guide is provided, you might spot triplefins spotties or nudibranchs! We are always seeing something new and interesting. Register at the event on the day.
You can bring your own gear or use ours! All children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult beach observer. Experienced guides and advanced safety procedures are in place on the day.
The event is free but we certainly accept koha.
Sea conditions permitting. Postponements posted on www.emr.org.nz and www.facebook.com/emr.mtsct
For more info email info@emr.org.nz
Reotahi Snorkel Days
Saturday 12 January 2019, 10am – 3pm
Sunday 10 February 2019, 12pm noon – 3pm – CANCELLED due to strong SE winds, sorry!
Sunday 24 February 2019, 12pm noon – 3pm
Sunday 10 March 2019, 12pm noon – 3pm (30 March back-up)
Looking for something fun you can do with the entire family? Our free community guided snorkel days are a great family activity.
Held at Reotahi Bay (end of Beach Rd, Onerahi, Whangarei Heads). All the equipment and an experienced guide is provided, you might spot pipefish, triplefins, spotties or nudibranchs! We are always seeing something new and interesting. Register at the event on the day.
You can bring your own gear or use ours! All children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult beach observer. Experienced guides and advanced safety procedures are in place on the day.
Dates are 12th January, 10th Feb, 24th Feb, 10th March and 30th March (back up). We are also hosting free Community Guided Kayak Days 23rd Feb and 24th March (these ones require pre-registration) and a Pataua Drift Snorkel experience on March 18th. The events are free but we certainly accept koha.
Sea conditions permitting. Postponements posted on www.emr.org.nz and www.facebook.com/emr.mtsct
For more info email info@emr.org.nz
Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day
Saturday 26 January 2019, 10.30am – 3.30pm at Kai Iwi Lakes and Campground, 296 Domain Road, Northland.
A family fun day that you can either enjoy on, at or in the water!
Explore the life underwater in the crystal clear lakes by going on a guided snorkel! Practice your paddling skills with the Waka Ama team! Or simply hang out and enjoy the many activities and displays on offer on land – there’s something for everyone at the Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day 2019.
Thanks to Kaipara District Council and the support of many local businesses and organisations, the Open Day also gives you an insight into the rare biodiversity found in dune lakes – they are a truly special place!
The Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day is held on Auckland/Northland Anniversary weekend – make a day of it or book a campsite at Kai Iwi Lakes campground.
Activities include:
– Day Time Snorkeling
– Night Time Snorkeling (registrations essential, details will be posted asap once registrations are open)
– Waka Ama
– Water Safety Displays
– Biodiversity Displays
– Colouring Comp and Games
– Food and Drink for Purchase
-Prizes
Hosted by Whitebait Connection – Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
Kai Iwi Night Snorkel
Explore Lake Waikere by night – see tuna/eels, koura and bullies. Registrations essential. This event is funded by Foundation North. It is part of Seaweek.
When:
Saturday 26th of January 2019 – Auckland/Northland Anniversary Weekend
Twilight snorkel from 8:00-8:45pm
Night snorkel from 8:45-9:30pmWhere: Lake Waikere, Kai Iwi Lakes Dargaville
Cost:
Koha – either by cash on the day, donate online or your time. Most people donate $5-10 per person.
Bring your own gear or get free hire of our mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits. Recommended for everyone 12 years and up. Experienced guides and advanced safety procedures will be in place on the day.
As this event requires registration – if you give less than 48 hours notice or do not show up an invoice of $20pp will be issued.
Information Sheet: https://emr.org.nz/images/emr/pdf/snorkel-days/Kai_Iwi_Night_Information_Pack_2019.pdf
Check out our frequently asked questions here:
https://emr.org.nz/images/emr/pdf/snorkel-days/FAQ__Information_Sheet_2018-19.docx.pdf
Tapeka Point Snorkel Day
Looking for something fun you can do with the entire family? Our free community guided snorkel days are a great family activity.All the equipment and an experienced guide is provided, you might spot pipefish, triplefins, spotties or nudibranchs! We are always seeing something new and interesting. Register at the event on the day.
Saturday 19 January 2019, 10am – 3pm at Tapeka Point, Russell, Bay of Islands.
You can bring your own gear or use ours! All children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult beach observer. Experienced guides and advanced safety procedures are in place on the day.
The events are free but we certainly except koha.
Sea conditions permitting. Postponements posted on www.emr.org.nz and www.facebook.com/emr.mtsct
For more info email info@emr.org.nz
Free Professional Development Opportunity for Primary Teachers with Steve Hathaway from Young Ocean Explorers
Let Steve Hathaway, underwater cameraman for BBC’s Blue Planet 2 and creator of Young Ocean Explorers introduce you to the unique underwater world of New Zealand. Steve’s compelling footage and stories are all centred around their Young Ocean Explorers website from which you can confidently teach ecology, the environment living world, habitats and endangered species. The Young Ocean Explorers website covers topics that link to the curriculum for science, social sciences, english, health and physical education and the arts. Steve will introduce you to these curriculum links and the assignments that you can use and create for your class. Come along to the evening and you will leave with an assignment created for your class ready to go.
Register as a teacher on the Young Ocean Explorers website in advance so you’re ready to go on the night.
Bookings are essential. To book contact Erin erin@youngoceanexplorers.com
Tuesday 18 September 2018, 5.30-7.30pm at Northland Regional Council, 36 Water Street, Whangarei
This event is in partnership with Northland Regional Council, Wright Family Foundation and GIFT.
Marine Metre Squared
Why not grab a Marine Metre Squared kit and go out to discover what lives on your local shore?