May 25-31 is Māui Dolphin Week and there are three epic events planned for the next few days where our community can explore local issues and actions related to the environment - particularly our marine ecosystem.
(Listen to the full news bulletin below:)
Covid restrictions over the past couple of years have caused disruptions to the usual events around Maui Dolphin day and the recycled raft race that are held every year to celebrate our endangered dolphin species. Local organisations have banded together to host a series of smaller community events to make up for the cancellation of the main day
Science Night Seabed Mining - Thursday 26 May from 6pm at Harbour View Hotel
Local activist Phil McCabe (from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition and former Chairperson of KASM) will be talking about the threat of seabed mining and why we need to ban it permanently.
“Seabed mining is a threat to our oceans. The iron sands off the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, are a unique geological and marine environment and are currently in the crosshairs of global mining companies looking to exploit their high iron content and low extraction costs.”
Join Phil from 6pm at the Harbour View Hotel courtyard. Arrive early to order dinner, a drink and snag a good table in the courtyard. Some bar snacks will be provided. This is a free event and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions after the talk.
More information: https://facebook.com/events/s/science-night-10-seabed-mining/572014920953899/
Xtreme Zero Waste Site Tour - Friday 27 May at XZW from 10am
For the past 18 years, XZW and Whāingaroa Environment Centre have organised the iconic Recycled Raft Race as part of Māui Dolphin Day. With Māui Dolphin Day and the Recycled Raft Race being cancelled this year, the XZW team are inviting members of the community to join them on site for a behind-the-scenes tour.
This 1.5 hour tour takes you for a sneak peak at how Xtreme operates, visiting different areas of the site and looking at the recycling and resource recovery process.
This is a free event but numbers are limited and all attendees are required to pre-register. Please email: envirocentre@whaingaroa.org.nz. Covered shoes must be worn on site at all times. Once onsite, please wait at the Metal Yard for directions.
More information: https://fb.me/e/1U0KeY3n7
Te Ākau Beach Clean - Saturday 28 May from 1.30pm, Meet at the Jetty
Whāingaroa Environment Centre in collaboration with the Raglan Community Board, Raglan Sport Fishing Club, Coastcare Waikato and Xtreme Zero Waste invites the Whāingaroa community to join them in this year's cleanup event across the harbour at Te Ākau.
“The last time we organised a beach clean across the harbour in 2019, over 60 volunteers participated and we collected 1 cubic metre of rubbish!”
Although Aotearoa is isolated, currents increasingly bring to our shores some of the eight million tonnes of plastic that ends up in the sea annually, choking sea life along the way and threatening life on the beach and sand dunes.
The local legends at the Raglan Sport Fishing Club will be providing transport across the harbour so be ready to go at the Raglan Jetty by 1.30pm sharp. Please bring water, snacks, suitable clothing & footwear. You are also welcome to kayak/SUP to join the crew.
If you require assistance to participate please get in touch: envirocentre@whaingaroa.org.nz