14 January 2019
The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education has extended the closing date for entries in its annual,
national Seaweek “Ocean Champions” competition to Thursday 31 January 2019.
This year’s Ocean Challenge requires entrants to undertake a specific action to help solve a problem in the marine
environment. There are two award categories - Junior (under 16) and senior.
Junior entrants will describe their challenge and publicise it on their school blog or Facebook page. Entries will all
go into a prize draw for a selection of fantastic spot prizes from Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari and the Outboard
Boating Club.
Senior entrants will outline their challenge on the Seaweek website. Voting will take place online during February to
choose the winner, who will receive a prize package equivalent to at least $500 from the New Zealand Coastal Society in support of their work.
Nominees will all be featured on the Seaweek website and social media channels and the winners will be announced during
Seaweek 2019.
To enter your ‘Ocean Challenge’, visit the Seaweek website: seaweek.org.nz and tell us your creative ideas for improving our marine environment.
“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”, says Seaweek’s National Coordinator
Dr Mels Barton.
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.
For information and resources and to find out what events will be taking place in your region, visit 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) supported by Foundation
North, Department of Conservation, Fisheries New Zealand, New Zealand Marine Studies Centre (Otago University),
Environment Canterbury Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, The National Aquarium - Napier City
Council, Kiwi North, Wild for Taranaki, New Zealand Coastal Society, Young Ocean Explorers, Experiencing Marine
Reserves, Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust, Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari, Outboard Boating Club, Canoe and Kayak, Fish4all, Harper Collins Publishers and many local sponsors.
ENDS