From whales to whitebait, the magic of sea and freshwater lifeforms was the subject of a multi-school sea week event earlier this week.
The Mana Whaitake event pulled together 320 students across 10 schools, as well as a large contingent of home-schoolers.
Mana Whaitake translates as “meaningful achievement” and allows students to engage in activities with experts to inspire and generate action and education about the health of the wai (water) and taiao (environment).
The students worked in and around Kaiteretere, traversing between six activity stations. Senior students from Riwaka School also shared their findings about the effects of plastics on the marine environment, following on from their recent experience snorkelling at Tonga Marine Reserve with Tasman Bay Guardians.
At one station the students were able to climb on the brand-new coastguard boat and learn about marine pests with the biosecurity team from Tasman District Council. The Birdsong Trust focussed on mammalian pests and the damage that they cause to our ecosystems.
At the patterns in nature station, shapes were creatively used to make sand sculptures. The groups here also enjoyed the chance to wet their feet on such a hot day.
Shirley, the education lead from Project Jonah, brought along a whale to mimic a stranding.
The students measured him and learned how to keep him hydrated, simulating Project Jonah’s work with whales and dolphins.
The shady area beside Withell’s Walk was utilised to discover more about freshwater habitats and identify risks to our native freshwater species, such as the redfin bully and īnanga.
Linda Jenkins, resplendent with her little blue penguin earrings, shared how the Little Blue Penguin Trust cares for and protects the world’s smallest species of penguins, which are native to New Zealand and Southern Australia.
Over at Little Kaiteretere, Donna McLeod led local stories and history as well as a beach discovery at Ryder Reserve in the morning.
The Tasman Bay Guardians’ Experiencing Marine Reserves team led a snorkel experience for 37 students, who saw up close and personal some of the ocean’s wonders, with starfish, sea cucumbers, kina and spotties abundant in the area. The special appearance of a very chilled out eagle ray was everyone’s favourite.
The rangatahi from Motueka High School, working with Harold Helmbright, volunteered on the day, and their help was invaluable.
A big thank you to all those who participated and presented, and the Kaiteretere Recreation Reserve Board for sponsoring the event.
Congratulations to Dovedale School who gathered the most points and were given this year’s Mana Whaitake o Aorere award.
