Kia ora, I’m Maioha. I’m a local resident and student volunteer for the Māngere Te Ara-rata Stream Team.

My dad, Clint, also volunteers and serves on the Stream Team committee. In May 2022, we did the Poor Knights Dive Experience in Tutukaka, 30 minutes from Whangārei.

“[The dive experience] opened my eyes to the need for the sustainability of Aotearoa’s marine reserves…”

The dive experience was awesome! We swam close to fish and saw many different underwater plants.

We learnt about fish species, underwater plant life, island wildlife and caves, and the Māori history of the islands.

Usually my whānau and I dive to collect seafood for eating. This experience was different, and it opened my eyes to the need for the sustainability of Aotearoa’s marine reserves and their importance.

Friends of the Farm sponsored Maioha and Clint’s trip, in recognition of their awesome mahi in caring for the environment.