The sunny day provided the perfect backdrop for participants of all ages to explore the hidden wonders beneath the waters surface.
Equipped with snorkels, masks, fins, wetsuits and even boggie boards, attendees braved the chilly water for a guided underwater exploration. The event was made possible via sponsorship from the Ministry of Environment, Sport Tasman and New Zealand Water Safety, along with generous support volunteer support from Manawhenua ki Mōhua. Four sessions were offered starting with a safety briefing and a gear familiarisation in the shallows.
Organiser Jude Heath expressed delight at the communities enthusiatic turnout, highlighting the events focus on showcasing the beauty of the Waitapu River. Participants were alsotreated to the sight of volunteers undertaking weed release around the native plants lining the riverbanks, contributing to the rivers health.
Snorkelers enjoyed glimpses of diverse underwater life, including a school of yellow-eyed mullet, and earnbed fascinating details about whitebait breeding behaviour. The event underscored the inmportance of unerstanding our local waterways and encouraged families to enjoy and appreciate the environment together.
The choice of location was particularly significant as the Waitapu River holds historical and cultural importance for local Iwi. The name Waitapu is connected to the old Waitapu awa which once was a tributary of the Tākaka River. This awa was traditionally called Ngā Waitapu o Uruao ( the sacred waters of Uruao) as it was the place where Rākaihautū then called forth the kaitiaki taniwha Huriawa from her resting place on Parapara to protect it and the surrounding area, including Te Waikoropupū.
In more recent times the area was the site of one of the prominant historical kāinga (settlements) in the valley, named Pātoto where local Ngāti Tama Rangatira Te Meihana lived. He cultivated much of the lands around the lower reaches of Tākaka.
Willow Morgan, who works for Tasman Bay Guradians, says: “Today manawhenua are working to help restore part of the area by planting native plants in the riparian strip near the car park. Any keen community members are welcome and encouraged to help out with some of the ongoing weeding at the site. There’s lots to be done!”
The success of the event has inspired Tasman Bay Guardians to plan future opportunities for community engagement. The Guradians are seeking local sponsorship to ensure the continuation of these experiences and hope that the event will keep growing and engaging whole families.
