Matarau students ‘pay it forward’ for their school action project
This year Matarau school year 1 – 3 students have participated in the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme, thanks to support from the Whangarei Harbour Health Improvement fund.
The students snorkeled the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve site at Reotahi and saw triple fins, spotties and juvenile snapper.
“We are really happy to have the snorkel equipment to cater for so many young students. It’s so important the students are able to experience their local marine reserve ... we live around such an awesome harbour,” says Samara Nicholas (EMR founder and programme director)
The final part of the EMR programme is to take action in the community, and the school decided to “pay it forward” by fundraising for $715 for EMR to replace some of EMR's old boogey boards.
“The yellow boogey boards, which have not been replaced for over 15 years have become a really important safety feature of our programme. Young students can feel safe and secure with them in the water. "
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
⛰️ Is Bream Head the ultimate Northland spot?
According to The Press, the Bream Head Scenic Reserve at Whangārei Heads has it all: the best views, the best forest, and the best adventures.
Do you have a hidden gem that gives Bream Head a run for its money?
We’re on a mission to find Northland's best "Secret Spots" 🤫
We want to hear from you! What is your go-to spot when you want to show off the best of the North to friends or family? 📸
Drop your recommendations (and photos!) in the comments below! 👇
Get up to $30,000 back* with your new home
Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.
Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!
Discover the lifestyle that awaits.
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