Press Release - for immediate release Wednesday 9 November 2016

Nominate your Seaweek 2017 Ocean Champion

NZAEE Seaweek is delighted to announce that nominations are now open to find the Seaweek “Ocean Champion” for 2017.

Visit the Seaweek website at seaweek.org.nz to nominate your “Ocean Champion” and celebrate all those individuals, groups and organizations who work so hard to look after our seas and the marine life that lives in them.

Nominations will be open from Wednesday 9 November 2016 until Friday 27 January 2017 and voting will take place during February 2017. Nominees will all be featured on the Seaweek website.

The winner will be announced during Seaweek 2017 and will receive a prize package equivalent to at least $500 to support their work donated by the New Zealand Coastal Society.
Last year's Ocean Champion was Taranaki conservation group the Friends of Waitara River.

Seaweek National Coordinator Dr Mels Barton says “We are looking forward to seeing which Ocean Champions are nominated this year. There are so many people working away quietly around the country doing their bit to protect our coastline and ocean that 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 anyone can be an Ocean Champion”.

The theme for this year’s Seaweek, which runs from Saturday 25 February to Sunday 5 March 2017, is “Toiora te Moana - Toiora te Tangata, Healthy Seas - Healthy People”. This year’s theme highlights the enormous contribution our beaches, seas and coasts make to our health and wellbeing, and practical steps we can take to keep our coastline and seas healthy for all.

New for Seaweek 2017 will be the launch of more great opportunities and resources to inspire children to get involved in citizen science.

Many events will be scheduled around the country during Seaweek 2017, including favourites such as ‘Farewell to the Godwits’ bird watching, clean-ups, adventure races, films, lectures and guided snorkeling trips. Sustainable Coastlines have already announced they will repeat their clean-up of the entire Manukau Harbour in Auckland during Seaweek. 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.

The Seaweek team would love to hear what events your school or group is doing to explore next year’s Seaweek theme “Toiora te Moana - Toiora te Tangata, Healthy Seas - Healthy People” and help you with publicity and resources. Please let the National Coordinator, Mels Barton know your ideas and plans: mels@subliminal.co.nz

Seaweek 2017 is coordinated by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) and supported by Foundation North, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Marine Studies Centre (Otago University), Environment Canterbury Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, The National Aquarium - Napier City Council, DSP Print Group Ltd, New Zealand Coastal Society, Young Ocean Explorers and many local sponsors.

ENDS

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