Seaweek 2023 at Ngāmotu

The rich biodiversity and connections with our sea is being celebrated at Ngāmotu Beach this upcoming Seaweek.  

A free public family friendly event from 10am to 1pm on March 5 will involve snorkelling tours, a beach clean-up, science in action and wildlife monitoring demonstrations, art marine activities, face painting, information stands and more.  

Biodiversity Advocate Danielle Gibas, from Wild for Taranaki, is coordinating the event at the Breakwater with a range of organisations, including the Department of Conservation, Taranaki Regional Council, New Plymouth District Council, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre, MetOcean Solutions Ltd, local businesses, and clubs/trusts who interact with the sea.  

She says Ngāmotu Beach is an ideal place to celebrate connections to the sea, the theme of this year’s Seaweek, and thanked Ngāti Te Whiti and Port Taranaki for their support of the event. 

“We are lucky to have rich areas of biodiversity around Ngā Motu and a marine reserve on our doorstep. It’s all so accessible – you don’t have to have a boat to snorkel, or you can just go for a walk along the Breakwater”.   

She says there has been good support for the event – with more than 12 groups taking part.  

“Seaweek is an annual event but not a lot has happened in the last few years due to Covid. We’re all really looking forward to spending the day connecting with the community and sharing what we do. There will be heaps going on. Bring the family and come down for a jam-packed day of discovery!”  

Danielle, who has a Masters in Oceanography, loves to spend time in the sea and is looking forward to talking with others at the event. “There are so many ways to connect to the sea and more to learn from other marine users. For me it’s a playground and a chance to interact with some incredible wildlife. I never regret jumping into the water, no two days are ever the same.” 

To find out more, head to our events page.