Created by national marine conservation and education organisation Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR), the annual competition for an all-expenses-paid trip to the Poor Knights Islands is aimed at inspiring young people with a passion for the ocean. The project is sponsored by the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation and Dive Tutukaka.
EMR national co-ordinator Lorna Doogan said the competition trip was open to young people aged 8-18 years, with sponsorship available for two rangatahi and two guardians to go on the trip, departing on May 12. Entries must be submitted by Monday, April 23.
The sponsorship covers flights, three nights’ accommodation, dinner, education sessions, a night snorkel, and a full day of snorkelling with instructors in the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.
To enter, young people are asked to create a short video about an Otago marine conservation issue, with a focus on estuaries or oceans, including information about planned environmental action.
Ms Doogan said EMR had taken more than 77,000 people into New Zealand’s marine reserves since 2001.
"We usually take 30 young people and 30 guardians on our trips to the Poor Knights — a full boat of people having an awesome marine experience," Ms Doogan said.
Thomas Pope, of Dunedin, was one of the winners in 2019 for a video about sea lions he filmed around Otago Peninsula.
After his Poor Knights’ experience, Thomas finished year 13 in 2021, then started on his dive master and instructor certificates. He now works full-time at Dive Otago.
For more information, and criteria for entries, follow the online link at emr.org.nz or email questions to lorna@emr.org.nz
