The Ngā Motu Marine Society is a regional partner of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and the endorsed Taranaki provider of the nationwide Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme. EMR provides Taranaki schools and their communities with the expertise, knowledge and snorkelling equipment to experience their local marine environment first-hand, fostering a deeper connection to the sea and a sense of kaitiakitanga.

Working with Schools

Each year we work with one or two classes from four different schools in Taranaki. From north to south, rural ro coastal, the programme reaches a diverse range of school communities around Taranaki Maunga.

Students begin by learning about marine biodiversity and conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand. They then develop their snorkelling skills and learn about water safety in the school pool. Once they are confident, students head into the sea to explore their local marine environment. This is usually held at Ngāmotu Beach, which provides a safe and accessible introduction to snorkelling. Parents are trained as snorkel supervisors, allowing them to support students in the water while also building their own confidence and connection with the marine environment.

A highlight of the EMR school programme is a trip to Te-Hāwere-a-Maki/Goat Island Marine Reserve. Students snorkel within the marine reserve (NZ’s first marine reserve) and at nearby protected sites, allowing them to directly compare ecosystem health, biodiversity, and fish abundance. These are safe, sheltered and accessible environments compared to what we have available to us here in Taranaki on the west coast of the North Island.

Throughout the year, teachers continue the learning in the classroom and, with support from the EMR coordinator, students develop and carry out action projects that make a difference to their local marine environment.

Community Snorkel Days

EMR also brings marine education directly to the wider Taranaki community through free community snorkel days. These events give people of all ages the opportunity to get in the water, discover what lives along our coast, and build confidence exploring their local marine environment.

Our snorkel days are supported by trained EMR guides and volunteers, with equipment available for those who need it. They are a chance to experience the marine environment first hand, ask questions, and learn more about how we can all care for, and protect our coastal waters.

Learn more about EMR here.