Experiencing Marine Reserves

Time

  • 10:00 am

Date

  • 14/11/2020

Organiser

  • VOYCE

Location

  • Takepa Point

Whakamana te maunga 

Whakamana te wai 

He mauri o nga tangata 

Nga mea katoa he pai 

Haumi e

Hui e

Taiki e!

Our VOYCE whanau was lucky to team up with Experiencing Marine Reserves to offer a snorkel day out in the Bay of Islands for our care experienced tamariki and whanau.

Led by the incredible duo Oliver and Croatia, VOYCE tamariki spent a day at the beach and in the water learning about our moana and the creatures within. We geared up in wetsuits and used boogie boards to float and check out the kina, fish and other sea life below.

The whole day was a set of firsts for many; from the ride out on the passenger ferry to figuring out how to use flippers and a snorkel. We were very lucky to spy a VOYCE rangatira, Zeran Mackie, who gave a guided tour of the “pirate ship” the R Tucker Thompson straight off the wharf in Russell.

Oliver shared his matauranga about our connection from whenua to moana and the role we all have as kaitiaki. Everyone was pretty excited to get in the water and check it all out! We snorkelled our way around the rocks and out towards the point, where Tapeka opens out to the Bay of Islands!

Our day ended in beautiful kai and korero about what we had seen out on the water, before bundling into the vans and home on the ferry.

Mihi atu ki a Oliver raua ko Croatia. We are all hanging to get out there and do it all again!

VOYCE Whakarongo Mai.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.