Last week Martina and Genevieve from our Donations team had the pleasure of joining a group of 58 school children and their parents from the Far North to Otago, on a fabulous snorkelling trip to Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve. What an amazing day out!
Here’s what Martina had to say about her experience:
“Experiencing Marine Reserves runs a great hands on educational programme designed to engage communities, schools and students to be actively involved at protecting our oceans, marine environments and the fantastic biodiversity they bring. Thanks to EMR, Tutukaka Dive and all the families for inviting us to share their snorkel/marine trip to The Poor Knights Marine Reserve last week. We were lucky to join the students from all over New Zealand to share their experience. The day was full of thrills, spills and giggles and that was just the boat journey to the Poor Knights! Our snorkel trip was just amazing, the fish were out to shine, play and show off, as was the incredible islands of the Marine Reserve. Thanks so much to Jordie for being our guide, to Samara and all the team for making the day an unforgettable experience, the marine reserve was simply stunning.”
The EMR programme provides schools and communities the equipment and expertise for a hands-on learning experience in the ocean. EMR involves leaning about marine biodiversity in the classroom, snorkeling in the pool, and investigating the local marine environment before venturing to a fully-protected marine reserve. After experiencing the delight and wonder of snorkeling in a marine reserve, students are able to compare unprotected and protected areas and are supported to put their knowledge into action within the community.
Over 28,000 Kiwi kids have had snorkel experiences in marine reserves thanks to EMR.
The Tindall Foundation has supported EMR since 2007 and has enabled the EMR programme to expand to eight regions across New Zealand.