Marine Learning Day

Children from across the catchment gathered for a fun-filled day of learning and connecting with nature at Motuweka/Havelock Estuary. The day was organised by Sarah Huntley, Te Hoiere Project Education Coordinator, where students from Canvastown, Linkwater, Rai and Havelock were joined by Waitaria Bay School from Kenepuru Sounds.

The teina (learners) were placed into rotating stations with local experts to learn about everything from eDNA and rimurehia (seagrass) to habitats and native planting. Helping to teach that day were tuakana (experts) from Department of Conservation, freshwater and marine scientists from Marlborough District Council, NZ Landcare Trust, NZ Marine Studies Centre and Ngāti Kuia kaimahi from their native nursery, Ngā Tai Pūrua.

“The purpose of the day was to have all the tuakana in one place at the same time, so tamariki could show up ready to have fun and learn,” Sarah said.

Coastal scientists with Marlborough District Council spoke to the children about the importance of estuaries and their role in nature. Council scientist Jorgia McMillan said that along with helping the students identify bivalves (aquatic life living in shells), bird life and estuarine plants, they also highlighted what’s not present in the area. Motuweka Estuary has experienced a decline of rimurehia in recent years, due to environmental pressures of the surrounding area.

“This was a fantastic day out with the kids and a great opportunity to inspire tamariki,” she says.

Another station was kayaking the Motuweka Estuary to help students understand these delicate ecosystems and the importance of restoration. The kayaking was run by Pelorus Eco Adventures, which took the groups through the Kaituna River mouth. Here, they gathered water samples that were brought back for eDNA testing sponsored by Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao. Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao is an Environmental Protection Authority programme to help communities understand and protect waterways by testing their eDNA.

“Kayaking on the estuary gave tamariki a hands-on connection to the natural world. As they paddled, they observed native wildlife, learned about tidal flows and water quality, and saw conservation efforts in action. This experience builds their role as kaitiaki, encourages curiosity, and strengthens teamwork, resilience, and environmental awareness,” Sarah said.

Havelock School Principal Tracey Wearing said the students (and accompanying adults) enjoyed themselves, fully engaged in each session.

“We all learned something new and are looking forward to seeing the results once the eDNA sample reports come back,” she says.

Thank you to the volunteers and organisations that helped to make this day happen:

EPA NZ (Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao), Pelorus Eco Adventures, Department of Conservation, NZ Landcare Trust Nelson/Marlborough, Marlborough District Council, NZ Marine Studies Centre, Ngāti Kuia, Linkwater School, Canvastown School, Rai Valley Area School, Havelock School, Waitaria Bay School