A letter-written plea to Nelson’s mayor to help make the ocean “a wonderland for the little creatures that live in it” earned a Nelson Intermediate School student a snorkelling trip to the North Island last month.
Emma Miller, 12, scooped the action project category from a national pool of entrants, after writing to Nick Smith about her experience snorkelling at Cable Bay with marine educators Tasman Bay Guardians, through their Experiencing Marine Reserves programme.
Her entry struck a chord with the judges of the annual Poor Knight’s competition trip, which takes students from around the country on an all-expenses-paid four-day trip to Northland’s Matapouri, including a snorkelling trip at the world-renowned Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.
The water was beautifully clear, and she saw lots of different fish, including a snapper that seemed to befriend her.
Another highlight was the pod of dolphins that began following the boat.
“I like getting to see all the creatures under the water,” she says. “It’s nice to know they have some place where they’re safe.”
In her letter, she acknowledges that the mayor probably gets “a lot of requests on practically everything” but asked him to consider petitioning the government for more marine reserves.
“I believe all marine species and ocean life deserve a habitat free from pollution, and real consideration from humans that interact with it. I’m going to be straight with you, I believe we need more reserves at the top of the South Island!”
Emma was housed with Riwaka School student Nikita Faifua, also 12, who had won the Art for the Moana section of the competition with a crafted sea scene.
Sport Tasman is the main sponsor for the local Experiencing Marine Reserves programmes.
The annual Poor Knights trip, now in its 24th year, offers rangatahi (youth) the opportunity to explore the reserve, snorkel with marine experts, and share their mahi (work) with sponsors and peers from around the country.
The trip, which ran this year from 22–25 May, included a full-day marine adventure with Dive! Tutukaka, marine biodiversity exploration, coastal walks, and the chance to present their art or action projects during a celebration evening.
A representative from Tasman Bay Guardians and Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust says they are proud to see these two passionate young kaitiaki (guardians) representing our region on the national stage.
