We offer the full ‘Experiencing Marine Reserves’ programme to Northland Schools, but we also like to spread the marine experience as far and wide as possible, so please contact us and we may be able to help or put you on to people in your area that can!

The Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme empowers schools and communities by providing hands-on experience in the ocean. The programme involves investigating marine biodiversity and the local marine environment before venturing to a fully-protected marine reserve. After this experience, students are able to compare unprotected and protected areas and are encouraged to put their knowledge into action within the community.

The EMR programme is offered to schools in the Northland region during Term Four & Term One. The programme focuses on year 7 & 8, but can also adapt to year 5 & 6 and high school level.

Being part of the programme would involve a classroom introduction to marine biodiversity and conservation, a field trip to the local marine area, a field trip to a fully-protected marine area (Leigh Marine Reserve), associated classroom work and an action orientated activity within the community.

The Experiencing Marine Reserves programme offers:

Free access to marine conservation video’s and CD ROM’ Free EMR manual (including marine curriculum unit and activities)
Free posters, brochures and relevant information for your school to keep
Free marine biodiversity and conservation presentation (led by EMR marine educator, using marine education treasure chest, PowerPoint, video and sound) for the whole school
Free coordination/organisation of field trips to local and fully protected marine areas
Free Snorkel Instructor
Free expert marine advice
Free curriculum and safety management planning with teachers involved
Free coordination of volunteers to assist on field trips and snorkel instruction
Free use of snorkel equipment and wetsuits

Note: Under the current funding situation, the above services can all be offered free of charge to Northland Schools. However, if this situation changes, EMR coordinators reserve the right to charge schools for the services they provide. Bookings are essential in advance!!!

Ideally 2 classes (or 60 students) per school can participate in coordinated field trips. The school would be required to cover the cost of travel (cost of bus or cost of petrol for cars) and any other associated expenses with regard to field trips, such as food, overnight accommodation if necessary (Omaha Marae $12 pp or Pakiri Camp (price dependant on numbers)) and optional glass bottom boat ride at Leigh marine reserve $6 pp for half hour or $8 pp for 45 min.

The ‘Experiencing Marine Reserves’ programme is a professional marine education programme coordinated in Northland by Samara Nicholas (National programme coordinator, Whangarei Young Person of the Year, Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader recipient, Bachelor of Applied Science, NAUI Skin Diving Instructor and PADI Rescue Diver) and Kim Boyle (Environmental Management and Conservation Diploma, PADI Open Water Diver and Snorkel Instructor). We are committed to the care and safety of all who we associate with.

To register your school’s interest and arrange initial meeting, please contact Samara Nicholas by email samara@emr.org.nz or phone 09 433 8205 or 021 036 2019 . For more info check out www.emr.org.nz

Experiencing Marine Reserves is currently supported by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, ASB Community Trust, Lion Foundation and the Department of Conservation.