2012 Maui's Dolphin Day at Te Kopua Domain on March 10th!
Whaingaroa Environment Centre and Xtreme Waste really pulled it off with this year’s Maui’s Dolphin Day! Well over 500 people attended the full day of activities. Twenty stalls from national and local environmental and community organization offered information, competitions and goodies supporting marine conservation and especially Maui’s Dolphins. In the morning, we heard the latest scientific findings from DOC and Dr. Liz Slooten, who flew from the South Island on her own dollar to represent the Maui’s and Hectors Dolphins. Dr. Slooten highlighted the main threats to Maui’s Dolphins, including unsustainable fishing practices, seabed mining, and polluted seas. She also hinted that there are now around 80 Maui’s Dolphins left in our waters. Since we have learned that the numbers may be closer to 55... The Whaingaroa Youth Movement also supported the cause with a dance performance. Shortly after, all eyes were on the water for the Xtreme Waste Recycled Raft Race (see article below).
The afternoon programme included local musicians: Karin Bettley, Ashley Knox, Marten Ten Broek, and Lucy Cioffi as Little Lapin as well as more speakers and giveaways.
Maryann Tuao and Karin Bettley were the winners for our water conservation competition. Mason Swann won our kid’s water tip competition, with his creative water tip published in this week’s Chronicle! Thanks Mason!
Throughout the day, Peggy Oki collected hundreds of photos of people posing with DOC’s life-sized Maui’s Dolphin for the “Let’s Face It’ visual petition. Meanwhile, the kiddies enjoyed coloring in their own visual petitions over in the kid’s art tent.
The day ended beautifully with an evening screening of Minds in the Water, featuring pro surfer Dave Rastovich who was also visiting Raglan for the event. Sustainable Coastlines provided a screen in their converted shipping container Education Station, while Tractor FM provided speakers.
To follow-up on our actions around Maui’s Dolphins, check out www.whaingaroa.org.nz and join our newsletter or stop into to WEC to become a member.
Massive thank you’s are due to so many people for making this day happen. Funders included ASR, Sky City, WWF and Trust Waikato. Donald, Rob and Wayne from Tractor FM contributed the stage and sound. Solscape donated accommodation and meeting space. Te Mauri Tau fed our volunteers. Kristel Van Houte brought out a crew from Arocha in Hamilton to run our kid’s area. All the musicians and dancers gave us their time and talent. Speakers and stallholders gave their passion and knowledge. And more thank you’s to Howard and Mary Jane Towle, Anna Cunningham, Peter from Raglan Carriers, Peggy Oki, Dave Rastovich, Phil and Bernadette, Trade Aid, Juan Duanzo, Patti, Paul Murray and Paul Peterson (our vibrant emcee’s!), Steve Soanes from Council, and everyone who came and had fun – if we have forgotten anyone it’s only because we are so tired!
