Sustainable Kaipara – Seaweek, a role for everyone

Communities across Aotearoa will mark Seaweek, an annual celebration of the ocean, from February 28 to March 8. It is a time to honour our connection to the moana and reflect on the responsibility we share in caring for it.

I love the ocean, it is one of the reasons I love living here in Mangawhai. I am a freediver and scuba diver, and some of my happiest moments are spent beneath the surface of the water. I love long dog walks along the beach and floating on my surfboard at sunset. The ocean gives me calm, perspective and joy, and Seaweek feels like a way to give something back.

Last year, after attending a shark talk by Clinton Duffy, at Mangawhai Golf Club, I left feeling energised and inspired. That moment led me to step into the role of Seaweek Northland regional representative and support projects through Sustainable Kaipara. It reminded me how powerful community action can be. When people show up and share their passion, it creates momentum. You never quite know who is in the room or how far those ripples of inspiration might travel.

That same spirit is shaping this year’s local events. Young leaders at Mangawhai Beach School were recently inspired by a visit from Riley, of Young Ocean Explorers. When I met with them, they were clear and enthusiastic. They are now organising a student-led litter pick, encouraging their peers to care for the spaces they use every day. It is young leadership in action, and it is heartening to see.

The MAZ Clean-Up Crew and the Mangawhai Sailing Club have joined forces for a special Seaweek edition of their monthly clean-up, clearing litter from beaches, estuary edges and streets before it can reach the ocean. The crew meets on the first Sunday of every month and all are welcome.

Seaweek in Mangawhai will also feature an evening hosted by Sustainable Kaipara, welcoming award-winning underwater filmmaker Steve Hathaway. Steve’s work has featured on Blue Planet II and in National Geographic. He will share stories from behind the lens. I can’t help but wonder if the next underwater videographer superstar will be inspired by this talk or be in the room that night, sparking their career and love for our marine world.

As these events come together, I find myself thinking about what could be possible. My vision is for Mangawhai to become a national leader during Seaweek. I would love to see our town known across New Zealand as the place where Seaweek comes alive, where community led events are diverse and creative. Where care for the ocean is visible in both words and action, and this spills out into the rest of the year.

Seaweek invites each of us to ask a simple question: What can I do to protect our ocean? Mangawhai’s connection to the moana runs deep. This is our chance to celebrate that bond and strengthen our commitment to caring for it. For updates on Seaweek events in Mangawhai, visit Sustainable Kaipara’s Facebook page.

If you have an idea or would like to get involved, email me at charlie@sustainablekaipara.org.