There will be lots of Seaweek 2019 events happening in Christchurch/Canterbury and full details will be posted here as we receive them. Contact the Christchurch/Canterbury Regional Coordinator if you’d like to organise an event: Jocelyn Papprill – email: Jocelyn.Papprill@ecan.govt.nz, phone: 027 703 0772
 
 

If you attend a Seaweek 2019 event you can win a copy of The Collins Field Guide to the NZ Seashore by completing one of our online Event Reports to tell us what you enjoyed about the event.

Christchurch / Canterbury Seaweek 2019 Events:

• Canterbury Seaweek Poetry Competition – 29 January to 11 March 2019
• Marine Reserves LEARNZ Virtual Field Trip 19 to 21 February 2019
• Farewell to the Godwits – Wednesday 20 February 2019
• Estuary Fest – Saturday 23 February 2019
• Poetry Workshops for Y7-10 – Friday 1 March 2019
• LEARNZ and Sustainable Seas Science Challenge Virtual Field Trip – 2-10 March 2019
• Seaweek Exclusive Cruise Offer – 2-10 March 2019
• Christchurch Beach & Coastal Clean Up – Saturday 2 March 2019
• Lyttelton Cruise with Black Cat Cruises and the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust – Saturday 2 March 2019
• Poetry and Peril on Banks Peninsula’s Wild Coastline – Saturday 2 March 2019
• Beach Clean Up & Driftwood Art Sculpture Competition – Sunday 3 March 2019
• Public talk on “Hector’s dolphin – New Zealand’s own dolphin!” – Sunday 3 March 2019
• Lyttelton Cruise with Black Cat Cruises and the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust – Sunday 3 March 2019
• Twilight Beach Walk – Monday 4 March 2019
• What’s in a teaspoonful of seawater? – Tuesday 5 March 2019
• Public talk on “What’s next for Hector’s dolphin protection” – Tuesday 5 March 2019
• Children’s Art Workshop – Wednesday 6 March 2019 CANCELLED!
• Sea Week Special: Defend, Conserve, Protect with SeaShepherd NZ – Wednesday 6 March 2019
• Seaweek Pub Quiz – Thursday 7 March 2019
• Poetry Workshops for Y7-10 – Friday 8 March 2019
• Auckland Islands in the Sub-Antarctic Group – three perspectives – Saturday 9 March 2019
• South Brighton Estuary Edge Clean Up – Saturday 9 March 2019
• Lyttelton Cruise with Black Cat Cruises and the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust – Saturday 9 March 2019
• Wetland Detective Exploration Walk – Sunday 10 March 2019
• Lyttelton Cruise with Black Cat Cruises and the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust – Sunday 10 March 2019

Lyttelton Cruise with Black Cat Cruises and the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust

• Saturday 2 March, 1.30 – 3pm
• Sunday 3 March, 1.30 – 3pm
• Saturday 9 March, 1.30 – 3pm
• Sunday 10 March 2019, 1.30 – 3pm.

Cruises depart from B Jetty, Lyttelton harbour. Park in Lyttelton and follow the signs for Black Cat Cruises as you walk over the weybrige down to the jetty where the Canterbury Cat and Diamond Harbour ferry depart from. Your cruise is aboard the Canterbury Cat.
Celebrate SeaWeek on the stunning Lyttelton Harbour thanks to Black Cat Cruises and the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust! Step aboard their spacious catamaran, the Canterbury cat and search for the endangered Hector’s dolphin as you’re taken on a guided cruise around Lyttelton Harbour. The cruise will last for one & a half hours and all profits will be donated to the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust. Each cruise will host a special expert guest from the trust so you can you learn from the scientists studying Hector’s dolphins.
Cost: $30 adult $20 child (0-15)
More info: https://treatme.co.nz/christchurch/all/deal/child-and-adult-lyttelton-harbour-seaweek-cruise-pass-valid-2nd-3rd-9th-and-10th-march-at-130pm-with-black-cat-cruises–0060I00000bPaxOQAS
 
 
 

Beach Clean Up & Driftwood Art Sculpture Competition

Sunday 3 March 2019, 2 – 5pm at Birdlings Flat. Turn off main Christchurch to Akaroa Highway to go to Birdlings Flat. Event at the Community Centre at the end of the road.
3 March – BIRDLINGS FLAT BEACH CLEAN UP – at 2pm. Meet at the hall/car park. Bring some gloves, bags supplied. This years rubbish run followed by a drift wood art competition, and the usual sausage sizzle/drinks etc. The locals can come down later for a social drinkie BYO. Details about driftwood comp to Norma 3290044 for Rubbish Clean up Fiona 3290171. All Welcome, children, families Contact Fiona 3290 171.
DRIFTWOOD ART SCULPTURE COMPETITION – Competitors can start creating their Art Sculpture with their finds from the Beach Clean Up at 3.00pm in front (Seaward side) of the Birdlings Flat Community Centre. Norma will be there to give further instructions ideas. Any queries phone her on 3290044.
Supported by Te Whare Tapere o Te Mata Hapuku (Birdlings Flat Community Hall).
Please bring you own gloves if you have them.
Free event.
Contact: Fiona Waghorn, email: waggie@xtra.co.nz Ph: (03) 329-0171
More info: http://littleriver.org.nz/?page_id=3521
 
 

Public talk on “Hector’s dolphin – New Zealand’s own dolphin!”

Sunday 3 March 2019, 5pm at Canterbury Cat vessel, B Jetty in Lyttelton Harbour (see below for directions)
This is a public talk about the biology and behaviour of Hector’s dolphin, including the North Island sub-species Maui dolphin. This very special dolphin is found only in New Zealand, and “as kiwi as the kiwi”. Researchers, conservation groups and dolphin-watching companies like Black Cat Cruises are encouraging the government to substantially improve dolphin protection this year. Professor Liz Slooten will fill you in on research and conservation needs of these unique dolphins.
Free event.
The talk is on the Canterbury Cat, which will be at B Jetty in Lyttelton Harbour.  At the end of the Lyttelton tunnel turn left onto Norwich Quay. The 2nd turning to the right is the Oxford Street overbridge, you will need to park on Norwich Quay and walk over the bridge. Follow the footprints on the pavement and signs to the Black Cat. Alternatively you can catch the number 28 bus. A regular bus service runs between Christchurch and Lyttelton and a ferry service operates to Otamahua/Quail Island from Lyttelton. Lyttelton is around 15 to 20 minutes drive from the centre of Christchurch. See http://maps.google.com/ for detailed information about how to drive yourself. Print this map out to help you navigate.
 
 

Public talk on “What’s next for Hector’s dolphin protection”

Tuesday 5 March 2019, 11am at Akaroa Cinema.
2019 is an important year for Hector’s dolphins! The government is reviewing dolphin protection. A series of science meetings have been held over the last year, with the next and last workshop scheduled for 22 February. There have been four meetings in Auckland and Christchurch with representatives from the fishing industry, government, conservation groups and scientists, to discuss goals and protection options. A public discussion document is due out in March. Professor Liz Slooten, Jesus Valdes and Lindsay Wickman will give an update on their research and will let you know what you can do to help in the next couple of months.
Gold coin donation.
 
 

Christchurch Beach & Coastal Clean Up

Saturday 2 March 2019, 10.30am – 1pm at Sumner Beach
Come along with friends and family, and get involved in the first Our Seas Our Future X Flo & Frankie Beach Clean Up event!
In celebration of Seaweek, we have some amazing eco friendly and yummy spot prizes to be won by lucky volunteers on the day! We recommend bringing your own gloves/rubbish collecting bags if possible, however both will be provided for those without. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather, we’re hoping for a beautiful day 🌞
Where?
The white OSOF flag will be located outside Beach Bar Sumner (meeting point)
When?
We will meet from 10:30am onwards.
Bring collected rubbish back to the meeting point by 1:00pm at the latest for sorting and removal!
We look forward to meeting you all then 🐟🦀🐙🐳
*thanks so much to Auguste The Label for the beautiful beach picture
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/293492488015815/
 
 

South Brighton Estuary Edge Clean Up

Saturday 9 March 2019, 1.30 – 4pm at South Brighton Community Centre, 74 Beatty St, South New Brighton, Christchurch 8062.
South Brighton Estuary Edge Clean Up. Everyone welcome!
Brought to you by Conservation Volunteers NZ. Supported by Avon-Heathcote Ihutai Estuary Trust and Environment Canterbury.
Meet at the South Brighton Community Centre on Beatty Street to be provided with gloves, bags and location. Everyone will be given a health & safety briefing before heading out.
Bring your collected rubbish back to base & enjoy a tasty BBQ by way of thank you.
Please register beforehand so we have some idea how many to cater for.
Free event. BBQ and dump fees funded by Environment Canterbury
Contact: Hamish Fairburn, email: hfairbairn@cvnz.org.nz Ph: (02) 139-9040
More info: https://conservationvolunteers.co.nz/
 
 

Estuary Fest

Saturday 23 February 2019, 1 – 5pm at McCormacks Bay Reserve, 3 McCormacks Bay Rd, Mt Pleasant. Off the causeway to Redcliffs.
Bring the whole family for a fun afternoon celebrating our Estuary.
Rides and Giant Games for the whole family! In 2019 we welcome back the Ferris Wheel.
Celebrate our wonderful estuary and learn about the creatures that call it home.
Live Music all afternoon featuring Amiria Grenell.
Great food available all afternoon!
Free admission, though some rides cost & you’ll need money to buy yummy food.
Contact: Jocelyn chchnzaee@gmail.com M: 027 7030 772
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/451153098625168/
 
 

Seaweek Pub Quiz

Thursday 7 March 2019, 7 – 9.30pm at Twisted Hop Pub, 616 Ferry Rd, Woolston, Christchurch.
An evening of fishy fun for all the swashbuckers out there! Make up a team & test your maritime knowledge at this annual NZAEE branch fund raiser for Seaweek 2019.
Entry fee per person $10 – pay on the night but please register your team by contacting Jocelyn chchnzaee@gmail.com M: 027 7030 772
 
 

Poetry Workshops for Y7-10

Friday 1 March 2019, 9.15am – 2.45pm at Kaiapoi Library, 176 Williams St.
Friday 8 March, 9.15am – 2.45pm at Mt Pleasant Centre, 3 McCormacks Bay Rd.
Poetry workshops for Years 7-10 tutored by Gail Ingram. This workshop will have a Seaweek theme. Places are limited so book asap. $30.
Two times + Venues:
Friday 1st March: Kaiapoi Library
Friday 8th March: Mt Pleasant Centre
To book click here
 
 

Wetland Detective Exploration Walk

Sunday 10 March 2019, 12 noon to 2pm at Charlesworth Reserve. Meet at Charlesworth Wetland Reserve carpark, Charlesworth Street, Brookhaven, Ferrymead.
Wetland Detective activity for the whole family
Walk the 40-minute Detective trail in the restored wetland. Follow a map to discover interesting facts about the wetland.
Register to be in to receive a prize for completing the walk.
Free event
Contact: Tanya Jenkins, email: info@estuary.org.nz Ph: (027) 224-5627
More info: https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/plains-and-wetlands/charlesworth-wetland-reserve/
 
 

Twilight Beach Walk

Monday 4 March 2019, 6.30 – 9.15pm at Southshore Spit Reserve. End of Southshore Spit. Walk ends: Chapel of the Waves, Collingwood Street, New Brighton.
Twilight beach walk & talk on marine mammals of Pegasus Bay
Approximate length of walk: 90 minutes followed by a guest speaker (tbc) on Marine Mammals of Pegasus Bay.
Organised by the River of Life Project.
[Note: will run Tues evening if wet Monday]
Please wear comfortable shoes.
Gold coin donation to cover costs of venue hire.
Contact: Mark Gibson, email: watermark2022@gmail.com Ph: (022) 322-8645
 
 

Poetry and Peril on Banks Peninsula’s Wild Coastline

Saturday 2 March 2019, 5 – 7pm at The Gaiety Theatre, Rue Jolie, Akaroa
A multi-media presentation that brings to life 175 years of shipwrecks around Akaroa’s rocky coast, seasoned with Denis Glover’s nautical poetry.
Presented by senior students from Akaroa Area School
Spot prizes on the night.
Gold coin entry
Contact: Jane Scribner, email: events@akaroa.com Ph: (021) 089-0535
More info: https://akaroa.com/seaweek-akaroa
 

Seaweek Exclusive Cruise Offer

 

2-10 March 2019
Seaweek exclusive Cruise offer – Akaroa Dolphins
Offer: Receive 25% off an Akaroa Dolphins- Harbour Nature Cruise every day during Seaweek- on the 3.15pm sailing tour when booking directly by phone of in store quoting Seaweek19.
Bookings essential – subject to availability.
Contact Akaroa Dolphins. Email: cruise@akaroadolphins.co.nz Ph: (03) 304-7866
 
 

Auckland Islands in the Sub-Antarctic Group – three perspectives

Saturday 9 March 2019, 5pm at Akaroa Boat Shed. The Boatshed, 81 Beach Rd. [Waterfront near Akaroa’s Main Wharf].
Auckland Islands in the Sub-Antarctic Group – three perspectives:
• John Rogers, historian: The Auckland Islands – the human history of a remote wilderness.
• David Johnston, PhD candidate, Uni of Otago Marine Science Dept.: Sentinels of the Southern Ocean – southern right whales as indicators of oceanic productivity
• Shona Riddell, author: Islands of Despair– The Dramatic History of the Auckland Islands. Her book will be available for purchase: $40
Gold coin donation
Contact: Jane Scribner, email: events@akaroa.com Ph: (021) 089-0535
More info: https://akaroa.com/seaweek-akaroa
 

Sea Week Special: Defend, Conserve, Protect with SeaShepherd NZ

Wednesday 6 March 2019, 7 – 8.30pm at Canterbury Workers Educational Association (WEA), 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch.
Come along to this public talk to celebrate SeaWeek!
Sea Shepherd New Zealand is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Learn about the issues we face in NZ waters and the campaigns Sea Shepherd are running including: Operation Pahu to protect our precious Hector’s Dolphin and the Marine Debris Campaign. Find out how you can be part of this powerful if sometimes piratical force for good.
Entrance: Gold Coin koha
Contact: Lottie Vinson, email: programme@cwea.org.nz Ph: (021) 120-1654
More info: https://cwea.arlo.co/courses/349-social-issues-soap-box
 
 

What’s in a teaspoonful of seawater?

Tuesday 5 March 2019, 5.30 – 7pm at Spark Place, ground floor – Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011.
The library venue at Tūranga is a 10 minute walk from the bus exchange.
An evening’s talk by Dr Paul Broady – What’s in a teaspoonful of seawater?
There can’t be much can there? But we’re talking about extremely small microbes and some very large numbers are involved. Life in the ocean is dominated by microbes so even in a very small volume there are many different types. The total number of individuals easily surpasses the human population of Christchurch! Also, different microbes perform different functions in the complex ecological webs of interaction that are active at this tiny scale.
Paul’s talk was popular last year – come and learn more about our fascinating marine environment.
Free but koha welcome to allay cost of venue hire.
Contact: Jocelyn Papprill, email: jocelyn.papprill@ecan.govt.nz Ph: (027) 703-0772
 
 
 

Farewell to the Godwits

Wednesday 20 February 2019, 6 – 8pm at Southshore Spit Reserve
6pm: Meet at Southshore Spit Reserve at the end of Rockinghorse Road. Enjoy a free sausage sizzle, music and information stalls.
6:30pm: Council Park Ranger and bird expert Andrew Crossland will tell us about the incredible journey these little birds make between our Estuary and Alaska, followed with a short guided walk to view the birds up close.
Free event.
Contact: Tanya Jenkins, email: info@estuary.org.nz Ph: (027) 224-5627
More info: https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/find-a-learning-opportunity/show/2230
 
 

Children’s Art Workshop

Wednesday 6 March 2019, 3.30 – 5.30pm at Mt Pleasant Centre, 3 McCormack’s Bay Rd, Christchurch. CANCELLED
Children’s Art Workshop with local artist, Robyn Webster. target age: 8-13 years of age.
Cost: $20 payable on the day to cover materials. Limited spaces; book early.
Wear clothing you don’t mind getting paint or inks on.
Contact: Jocelyn Papprill, email: jocelyn.papprill@ecan.govt.nz Ph: (027) 703-0772
 
 

Marine Metre Squared

Why not grab a Marine Metre Squared kit and go out to discover what lives on your local shore?