Enter the Seaweek 2019 Ocean Champion Challenge

NZAEE Seaweek is delighted to announce that entries are now open to find our Seaweek “Ocean Champions” for 2019.

This year’s Ocean Champion competition requires entrants to undertake a specific Ocean Challenge to help solve a problem in the marine environment. Junior entrants (under 16) will all be entered into a prize draw for a selection of fantastic spot prizes.

Senior entrants will outline their challenge and voting will take place during February on the Seaweek website to choose the winner. Entries will close on Friday 21 December 2018. Nominees will all be featured on the Seaweek website and/or social media channels.

Visit the Seaweek website at seaweek.org.nz to enter your “Ocean Challenge” and tell us your creative ideas for improving our marine environment.

The senior winner will be announced during Seaweek 2019 and will receive a prize package equivalent to at least $500 donated by the New Zealand Coastal Society to support their work. Junior winners will be awarded a range of spot prizes.

Last year's Ocean Champion was founder and Director of Experiencing Marine Reserves Samara Nicholas.

Seaweek National Coordinator Dr Mels Barton says:

“We are looking forward to seeing what creative ideas our ocean champions can come up with this year. There are so many people and groups working away quietly around the country doing their bit to protect our coastline and seas and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate their work and share their stories. We hope everyone finds it as inspiring as we do, because we can all be ocean champions if we rise to the challenge we set ourselves”.

Seaweek 2019 will take place from Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 March. The theme “Tiakina o Tātou Mōana – Care for our Seas” will highlight practical steps we can take to keep our coastline and seas healthy for all.

Seaweek 2019 will see more great opportunities and resources to inspire children and communities to get involved in citizen science.

Events scheduled around the country for Seaweek 2019 will include favourites such as ‘Farewell to the Godwits’ bird watching, clean-ups, adventure races, films, lectures and guided snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up-paddleboarding trips. If you are interested in organising an event contact the Seaweek Regional Coordinator for your area to discuss how they can support you. Their contact details and all events will be available on the Seaweek website www.seaweek.org.nz

The Seaweek team would love to hear what events your school or group is doing to explore next year’s Seaweek theme “Tiakina o Tātou Mōana – Care for our Seas” and help you with publicity and resources. Please let the National Coordinator, Mels Barton know your ideas and plans: mels@subliminal.co.nz

Seaweek 2019 is coordinated by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) and supported by Department of Conservation, New Zealand Marine Studies Centre (Otago University), Environment Canterbury Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, The National Aquarium - Napier City Council, New Zealand Coastal Society, Young Ocean Explorers, Experiencing Marine Reserves and many local sponsors. Major sponsors are yet to be confirmed.

ENDS

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