Inspiring Curiosity and Connection with our seas, during Seaweek 2025
On the 7th March the TBG team were thrilled to share the exciting Mana Whaitake engagements led by experts to three Whakatů schools—Appleby, Tahunanui Primary, and Birchwood Primary. These whole day was designed to inspire our Tamariki to develop a curiosity and deep appreciation for the incredible ecosystems, and creatures that make up our “big blue backyard.”
The Mana Whaitake event was part of the National Seaweek celebrations. The theme connecting with the sea was actively linked to all of the activities and participants were supported and sponsored by Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park where the event was hosted.
Our experts and connection sessions included:
Nelson Museum – Tāonga of the Beach:
Ākonga (students) had the opportunity to explore fascinating taonga (treasures) from the beach. Within the interactive discussions, students identified items they knew, were curious about, or didn’t know, allowing them to share prior knowledge. The hands-on approach encouraged deep engagement as they investigated taonga, built connections to local history, and shared stories.
- Vicki Smith – Turangawaewae:
This session was a mix of art and ecology, where students explored the unique intertidal ecosystem of the Back Beach. They learned about the local endangered species that can’t be found anywhere else in Aotearoa and how to practice kaitiakitanga (guardianship) to protect our beaches. Students also created homes for the Back Beach Beetle as part of a fun ecology and art project. - NCC – Horsing Around: What’s the Go with Horse Mussels?
Students delved into the role horse mussels play in the marine ecosystem and examined their importance off the coast of Nelson. By building the food web of the horse mussel, students also explored stress factors impacting them and brainstormed ways to protect these marine creatures. - Town & Country Vets – Fish Dissection (Barracuda):
In a hands-on dissection session, students studied the anatomy of a local fish species, the Barracuda. They identified external and internal anatomical features of the fish, compared them to human anatomy, and gained a deeper understanding of how both systems function in their respective species. Thank you the Talleys company for supplying the fish for us to dissect.
Fisheries NZ – Me Kohikohi Kaimoana:
Students learned the correct and legal methods of collecting kaimoana (seafood) from the ocean with the help of a local fisheries officer. They also had the opportunity to study the anatomy of a large snapper, making this session an engaging, interactive experience.
- Project Jonah – Saving a Whale:
In this insightful session, students learned about the processes involved when whales or dolphins are stranded. Through hands-on activities, they gained a deeper understanding of the work Project Jonah does to rescue and protect marine mammals. - Otago University Marine Biology – Mudflat Mystery & Whale Migration Patterns:
Students explored the mysteries of mudflats and identified the creatures that inhabit them. They also participated in an interactive activity to learn about the migration patterns of humpback whales in the South Pacific, tying in knowledge of marine biology with real-world applications.
These engaging sessions sparked a sense of wonder and responsibility, giving our young learners the tools to protect and cherish the natural marine environment around them. The activities not only broadened their understanding of local marine life but also encouraged them to become future kaitiaki (guardians) of our environment.
