Ahipara School Year 6, 7 & 8 classes participated in the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme in 2005. Their local area under investigation was Shipwreck Bay.

Four classes (around 110 students) then experienced the marine reserve at Goat Island first hand. After their marine experiences they put their work on display at the annual gala day, hundreds of people were at the gala day, many of which spent time looking at the students marine work.

Stand out work included Hannah Kiely's treasure chest and Sian Sullivan-Mangles' submarine comparison. Sian was the Ahipara School representative on the 'Dive! Tutukaka - Experiencing Maine Reserves' annual competition trip to the Poor Knights.

"Why we need to protect marine areas? The ocean is a finely balanced system, which looses its balance if to many fish, seaweed, sand or rocks removed, or excessive sewage and chemical waste are added.
It is important to conserve the natural character and quality of the coastal and marine environment, protecting it from threats such as over fishing and pollution.

One way to achieve this is through a network of marine reserves representing the different marine ecosystem."

- Year 6 student Ahipara School.