There will be lots of Seaweek 2020 events happening in Auckland and full details will be posted here as we receive them. Contact the Auckland Regional Coordinator if you’d like to organise an event: email seaweek@merc.org.nz
Auckland Seaweek 2020 Events:
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari Seaweek Promo – 22nd February – 8th March
Inner Gulf Adventure Snorkel – Saturday 22 February
Shark Conservation Competition – Accepting entries from Feb 29 through March 8
Teacher Development Evening – Wednesday February 26 at 4PM
Friends of Wairaki Stream – Volunteer Day – Saturday, 29 February 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Pest Free Hibiscus Boating – Saturday 29 February 8:30-10:30 am
Centennial Park Family Bush Camp 2020 – Sat 29 Feb 2pm – Sunday 1 Mar 9.30am
Sea MERC Day III – Sunday 1 March 2020, 11 AM – 3:30 PM
Whau River Regatta and Clean-up – Sunday 1 March 1 – 5 PM
The Shark Feeders @ The Vic Devonport – Tuesday 3 March 10-30am, 12-30pm & 2pm
The Shark Feeders @ Waiheke Cinema – Tuesday 3 March 5pm & 7-pm
The Shark Feeders @ Sozo Cafe Glen Eden – Wednesday 4 March 11am 12-30pm 2pm
Lopdell Film Fest – The Shark Feeders – Special Screening – Thursday 5 March
Bill Ballentine Memorial Lecture – Thursday 5 March 7 – 9 PM Details TBA
Outdoor Screening of Maiden – Friday 6 March 2020 5:00 – 10:30 PM
Waitakere Clean-Up — Love Your Coast 2020 – Saturday 7 March
Picnic in the Park at Little Oneroa – 7 March
Sailing for Sea Week aboard the Ted Ashby – Saturday 7th March 3pm – 4.30pm
Sharks of Sea Week Library Presentation – Sunday 8 March – 10 AM
Annual Seaweek Beach Walk the 5 Bays – Sunday 8 March 1:30 PM
Hatfields Beach Clean Up – Sunday 8 March 1:30 PM
Goat Island Snorkel Day – Saturday 28 March
What: Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari Special Seaweek Promo
Where: Aboard the AWADS boat!
When: Between 22nd February – 8th March 2020 (inclusive)
Details: Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is turning 20 years old, AND it’s Seaweek (29th February – 8th March) so, we’re celebrating with 20% off tickets!
To get your discounted Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari tickets, use the promo code ‘HAURAKI20‘ when you book online. Check out their website for full details and to find out some cool facts about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and how you can help protect our oceans. This month alone they’ve seen false killer whales, Bryde’s whales, common dolphins and lots of seabirds including little blue penguins!
What: Inner Gulf Adventure Snorkel
Where: Otata, The Noises, Hauraki Gulf
When: Saturday 22 February
Details: Come Snorkelling around Otata Island at The Noises! Sea Shuttle departing from Okahu Bay and Matiatia. Ever wondered what lives under the water around Otata – The Noises in the Hauraki Gulf? Join Experiencing Marine Reserves for a snorkel with our experienced guides and get FREE mask, snorkel, fins & wetsuit hire. Sea shuttle from Okahu Bay is $75pp + booking fee for 2 snorkels and from Waiheke for 1 snorkel is $30pp + a booking fee. Safe fun for the whole whanau! See baby pāua, spotties, eagle rays, triplefins and mussels. What to bring: Togs, towel, sunhat, warm clothes, raincoat, water bottles, walking shoes, a picnic lunch.
Shuttle leaves from Okahu Bay wharf at 9:00am and Matiatia wharf at 11:00am. You need to arrive at the wharf 30 mins before your departure time.Parking: Some free parking at Okahu Bay wharf, Pay and display at Matiatia Wharf.
Please note that there will be a ~20min walk on the beautiful pest free island to get to the second snorkel site for those coming from Okahu Bay. Reasonable level of fitness required. Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
This event was sponsored by The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation. It is run in conjunction with the help of Auckland Sea Shuttles. Please note that the shuttle ticket is non-refundable – and the trip will run rain or shine! Our snorkel location will vary dependent on the weather. If you are late and miss the boat unfortunately there are no refunds. Check out our frequently asked questions here. Cost $75 from Okahu or $30 from Waiheke. Website link to more information.
What: Shark Conservation Competition
Where: Online competition with information on both the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s official website as well as our Facebook page.
When: Entry into the competition will be via email or Facebook from Feb 29 – March 8
Details: Throughout all of Sea Week, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s will be searching for Aotearoa’s biggest shark fan! If you love sharks, and think that they need to be protected, then we want to hear from you – you could win yourself a FREE SHARK CAGE EXPERIENCE for two people!
Submit a one paragraph summary of why you LOVE sharks and why we should take care of them either via email to learn@kellytarltons.co.nz or via Facebook by commenting on one of our posts regarding the competition. Entries close 9.00am on the 8th of March with the winner announced that same day.
What: Teacher Development Evening
Where: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s – 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei
When: Wednesday 26 February
Details: Join us at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s and discover an OCEAN of marine and conservation education resources! Joined by BLAKE, Whitebait Connection, MERC and others, this is a great opportunity to find out what is available to you to enhance your students learning experience. Don’t miss out on this “one-stop-shop” event for marine and conservation education.
Please note – this event is for registered teachers. To attend you will need to present a valid registered teacher’s card upon arrival. If you are not a registered teacher, but would still like to attend, please email learn@kellytarltons.co.nz to discuss prior to the event. Cost Free. Website link to more information.
What: Friends of Wairaki Stream – First Volunteer Day of the Year
Where: Wairaki Stream Reserve, Halsey Drive, Lynfield
When: Saturday, 29 February at 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Details: Cleaning up Lynfield Cove and Wairaki Stream Catchment area. Come and clean out your local stream and the beach area. Do some conservation, meet like minded people, have some fun and feel satisfaction with a job well done! Everyone welcome for as much time as you can spare.
Please wear: Closed footwear, long sleeves and trousers, hats, sunblock, gloves. We will celebrate with pizza at the end! Link to Facebook Event to RSVP You can Follow/Contact Us – Friends of Wairaki Stream Facebook Email fowairakistream@gmail.com – Dianne 021 141 0150 – Kathy 021 254 7164
What: Pest Free Hibiscus Boating 
Where: Gulf Harbour Yacht Club & Boat Ramp
When: Saturday 29 February 8:30-10:30 am
Details:Free sausage sizzle & hot drink. Free rat trap for your backyard (koha welcome). Advice on how you can protect wildlife at home
& on pest free islands. PEST FREE BOATING poster Contact Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Coordinator: Jenny Hanwell j.hanwell@forestandbird.org.nz M 02041205512
What: Centennial Park Family Bush Camp 2020
Where: Centennial Park, Rae Road, Campbells Bay, Auckland
When: Sat 29th Feb 2020 2pm – Sunday 1st 9.30am
Details: Grab your camping gear and join us in the great outdoors for an evening your kids won’t forget! Price: $35 per tent site/family (2-3 person tents only) – we have some tents available for families without their own tent. Bookings essential (spaces limited to 20 families) BBQ dinner, nature walks, environmental activities and campfire under the stars included. Sorry no pets or alcohol permitted. Primary aged children only. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information and bookings please contact: Community Programmes Ranger – Anna Baine: mylocalpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Where: Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre, 1045 Beach Road, Long Bay, Auckland, New Zealand 0630
When: Sunday 1st of March 2020, 11 AM – 3:30 PM
Details: As part of Sea Week 2020 MERC is hosting its annual open day for the public. The theme is Connecting with our Ocean so we are inviting you to bring the whole family down for a day of fun in the sun, celebrating our connection to the ocean by doing what we do best; enjoying the ocean through water-safe and respectful recreation. We will also have educational displays and an opportunity to learn how you can do more to respect the ocean that does so much for us! Bring your togs and a towel and we’ll provide the rest! There could be paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, surfing or body-boarding. Activities are dependent on conditions of the day. View and RSVP to this event on Facebook.
What: Whau River Regatta and Clean-up 
Where: Archibald Park, Kelston
When: Sunday 1 March 2020 1.00 – 5pm
Details: Race from Archibald Park pontoon to the West End Rowing Club in fancy dress/decorated boats crafts. Sausage sizzle and prize giving once all teams arrive. Return to Archbald Park in your own time collecting rubbish as you go and we will provide skip to take all litter away. Registration starts at 11.30am Entry forms from sandra@whauriver.org.nz
Where: The Vic Cinema Devonport
When: Tuesday 3rd March 10-30am 12-30pm
Details: ‘The Shark Feeders’ and ‘Aotearoa-Land of Ice and Fire’ plus two award winning short films 75 minute programme with Q & A presented by Film-maker Robin Kewell. FREE ADMISSION www.flickscinema.weebly.com
Where: Sozo Cafe 2, Shetland Street Glen Eden
When: Wednesday 4th March 11am, 12-30pm & 2pm
Details: ‘The Shark Feeders’ and ‘Aotearoa-Land of Ice and Fire’ plus two award winning short films 75 minute programme with Q & A presented by Film-maker Robin Kewell. FREE ADMISSION www.flickscinema.weebly.com
Where: Waiheke Island Community Cinema
When: Tuesday 3 March
5pm and 7pm
Details: ‘The Shark Feeders’ and ‘Aotearoa-Land of Ice and Fire’ plus two award winning short films 75 minute programme with Q & A presented by Film-maker Robin Kewell. FREE ADMISSION www.flickscinema.weebly.com
What: Lopdell Film Fest –
The Shark Feeders
*Special Screening*
Where: Lopdell House
When: Thursday 5 March 10-30am / 1-30pm / 4-30pm / 6pm
Details: ‘The Shark Feeders’ and ‘Aotearoa-Land of Ice and Fire’ plus two award winning short films 75 minute programme with Q & A presented by Film-maker Robin Kewell. FREE ADMISSION Visit the website for details. View the PDF Poster for the Special Seaweek Screening at Lopdell
What: Bill Ballentine Memorial Lecture
Where: Auckland University, the Fisher and Paykal Auditorium, in the Owen G Glenn Building at UoA
When: Thursday 5 March from 7-9pm
Details: Two speakers, Assoc. Prof. Rochelle Constantine and Louise Wilson will be presenting on great, important, marine science topics (briefs below) and at the end of the evening we’ll have the announcement of the Ocean Champion Award. View PDF with details here: Ballentine Lecture Poster
Are Marine Protected Areas effective for large marine animals?
Assoc. Prof. Rochelle Constantine from the School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, will talk about the challenges with protecting marine megafauna – the whales, seabirds, dolphins and sharks – and how Marine Protected Areas can play a role.
Assessing human impacts on the soundscape of the Hauraki Gulf
Louise Wilson is a PhD student based at the Leigh Marine Lab. Louise will discuss the different ways in which she and other researchers at the lab are using sound to monitor marine ecosystems and increase awareness of this highly prominent stressor. 
What: Outdoor Screening of Maiden
Where: Silo Park Cinema is the best spot to unwind on a Friday evening! Soak up the last rays of sun for the day surrounded by fresh local food trucks, a wide selection of cold beverages and a movie on the grass.
When: 6 March 2020 5:00- 10:30 PM (Film starts at 8)
Details: Bring along your blankets or bean bags so you can get cosy! Event starts at 5PM with yummy food and drinks available for purchase. Movie screenings in March start at 8 PM.
Film Details: In the late 1980s, amateur British sailor Tracy Edwards decided she’d had enough of being dismissed and belittled as the only woman on the seafaring crews she’d participated in. Setting her sights on the upcoming Whitbread Round the World Race — a staggering 40,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation of the earth that few boats dared tackle — Tracy assembled the world’s first international all-female sailing crew and entered the competition. As they weathered not only life-threatening high seas but also a storm of sexism in the media, this inspiring group of women had to rely on their own pure resilience—and each other—to prove the naysayers and skeptics wrong. What they hadn’t quite expected, however, was how their expedition would come to signify so much more than just a race to the finish line.
PLEASE NOTE: All Silo Park activities are dependent on good weather, so check the website or Facebook page for any updates.
What: Waitakere Clean-Up — Love Your Coast 2020
Where: There is four different registration locations for this Clean-up!
Muriwai Beach: In front of the Surf Life Saving Club. This station will be managed by the Muriwai Environmental Action Community Trust and will service Muriwai Beach, Maori Bay and the surrounding community areas.
Bethells Te Henga: Register in the main carpark. This station will be managed by local residents and service Bethells Te Henga, O’Neill’s and the surrounding community areas.
Piha: Register at the Piha Camp Ground*. Thanks to the Piha Residents and Ratepayers group. Please register here for South and North Piha and the surrounding community spaces.
Cornwallis: Meet at the Pine Ave carpark. Managed by Save Cornwallis Old Wharf and the Cornwallis Petrelheads. This station will service Whatipu Beach and the beaches on the northern coastline of the Manukau Harbour, from Little Huia and Laignholm.
When: Saturday 7 March
Details: PLEASE GO TO SUSTAINABLEOCASTLINES.ORG TO REGISTER
Sustainable Coastlines are running a HUGE public clean-up of Auckland’s west coast beaches, from Muriwai to Whatipu and around the corner into the Manukau Harbour, thanks to our amazing sponsor The Warehouse Group.
You should remember: To register online! Bring: closed-toed shoes. Sun-smart gear. Raincoats and appropriate clothing for the day on the coast. Reusable drink bottles, filled and ready to go. A camera!
What we’ll provide: All relevant equipment: Gloves, sacks, sunblock etc. Health and Safety documentation & briefing. First aid trained staff and first aid kits. Hand sanitiser. Refreshments post-cleanup. Water refills. Rubbish removal. Website link to more information.
What: Picnic in the Park at Little Oneroa
Where: Little Oneroa
When: 7 March 2 to 5 pm
What: Sailing for Sea Week aboard the Ted Ashby
Where: Auckland Maritime Museum
When: Saturday 7th March 3pm – 4.30pm
Details: Celebrate Sea Week on-board the Museum’s heritage vessel Ted Ashby with under-the-sea commentary from Marine Educator and ocean-lover Sara Kulins from the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre.
Pack a picnic to enjoy onboard and learn all about the marine life in the Hauraki Gulf and the Waitematā during this family-friendly 1.5 hour sailing. Book via their website here!
What: Sharks of Sea Week Library Presentation
Where: East Coast Bays Library – 8 Bute Road, Browns Bay, Auckland
When: Sunday 8 March – 10 AM
Details: Join SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s at the East Coast Bays Library for this once off SHARK event! We’re celebrating Sea Week 2020 by busting some pretty common myths about sharks. So come along to learn more about these amazing creatures – as well as to see some real marine artifacts. This is your chance to find out for yourself just how sharp shark teeth are, or exactly what their skin feels like!
Come along at 10.00am for a presentation, or from 10.45am on to say hi, have a chat and take a look at the shark treasures we’ll be bringing along with us. Cost: Free
Website link to more information.
What: Annual Seaweek Beach Walk the 5 Bays
Where: Wattle Bay to Grahams Beach. Parking @ Coulthards Reserve
When: Sunday 8 March 1:30 PM
Details: Walk starts 2pm at Coulthard Reserve, Dodds Road, Wattle Bay, Awhitu. Gold Coin donation. 2-3 hours long, suitable for families and dogs on leads. Bring sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing. Shorebird talk at start. Displays of Coastal Plants & Shorebirds. Learn about Pest Control. Refreshments at Grahams Beach, coffee and ice cream to purchase. Sausage sizzle. Bus shuttle back to carpark. Visit the Awhitu Beachcare Facebook Page for more info.
What: Hatfields Beach Clean Up 
Where: 547-603 Hibiscus Coast Highway
When: Sunday 8 March
Details: Normally the Clean Up Crew run beach clean ups across the North Shore but for Seaweek we’re going to try somewhere a little bit different this month and head up the coast to Hatfields Beach on the Hibiscus Coast Highway.
There’s no need to register for this event, but if you would like to let us know you’re coming or ask any questions you’re quite welcome to contact us at thecleanupcrewnz@gmail.com
People of all ages and abilities are most welcome to attend, the more the merrier. Although we happily accept latecomers, and no one is obligated to stay for the entire duration, we would prefer everyone to arrive for 1.30pm so we can ensure you all receive the health and safety briefing, and don’t miss out on the group photo!
We’ll supply the buckets and gloves, just bring yourselves and your friends and family because many hands make light work. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Link to more information
Where: Goat Island Marine Reserve
Park up in the main carpark and walk down the hill.
When: Saturday 28 March 10am – 3pm (arrive and register any time between 10am and 2:30pm)
Details: Explore the waters of Goat Island by snorkel. Find huge snapper, silver drummer and elusive crayfish. Fun for the whole whanau. This event is funded by the The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation. It is part of Seaweek. Meet at the grassy area on the way up to the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre. Please park in the top carpark and walk down. NO DOGS AT GOAT ISLAND. Bring your own gear or get free hire of our mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits. Recommended for everyone 5 years and up. All children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult beach observer. Experienced guides and advanced safety procedures will be in place on the day. Back up date of Sunday 5th of April 2020
Experiencing Marine Reserves runs a series of free and subsidised events over the summer months that rely on public support to make them happen. The Long Bay Okura Great Park Society is active in protecting the marine environment from the pressure of an expanding city. We appreciate donations to participate, either cash on the day, online or by giving a koha of your time volunteering at a future event. Most people donate $5-10pp.
Check out some frequently asked questions here.
Website link to more information.
