2023 - Roze Webster, Author and Community Leader
Recognising New Zealand’s Ocean Heroes
The Ocean Champion Challenge is about celebrating the work of many passionate ocean advocates and sharing their stories to inspire others.
This year's challenge has been refreshed to recognise the variety of actions being taken to protect the ocean and raise awareness.
We are accepting entries up until 31 March.
The categories are Creator, Investigator, and Narrator:
Creators advocate for the ocean through their art. Entries include an image of your ocean-inspired artwork along with a short explanation of the meaning or story behind its creation.
Investigators contribute observations or collect data related to our marine environment. Entries include a description of the contributions and how they help us understand our marine environment.
Narrators share insight into any type of action aimed at positively impacting our ocean. Entries include a short video or written piece which communicates how the individual or group is contributing to ocean education, conservation, or awareness.
Ocean Champion Challenge Nominations
Is there someone you know that should be recognised as an Ocean Champion?
Nominations help us celebrate individuals and groups who might be too shy to enter themselves. Submitting a nomination is easy and helps us to thank people for their work, even if they aren't seeking to be recognised.
Visit our nomination form to see what details we need.
When you submit a nomination you go in the draw to win one of five copies of the Celebrating Sea Creatures of Aotearoa poster.
Prizegiving
Nominees and applicants are eligible for the same prizes in the above categories. One outstanding individual will win the cash prize, awarded by the New Zealand Coastal Society, who have been sponsoring this award since 2014.
Those under the age of 16 are not eligible for the cash prize we do our best to award prizes generously donated by our Sponsors & Supporters based on entry/nomination merit.
During April we will notify all participants and send out prizes.
View or Download the Ocean Champion Challenge Poster
Past Winners
2022 - Nicole Miller, Author of 'Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea'
2021 - Zoe Luffman, Passionate Young Ocean Advocate
2020 - Lorraine Shaab, Petone Beach Clean-Up Crew
2019 - Lorella Doherty, Rethinking Plastic Revolution
2018 - Samara Nicholas, Experiencing Marine Reserves founding Director
2017 - Dr. Dan Godoy, Marine Scientist & Turtle Expert
2016 - Friends of Waitara River, Taranaki Community Group
2015 - Pete Bethune, Ocean Advocate & Conservationist
Click on the tiles and image boxes above to take you to examples of some outstanding entries!
P.S. Don't forget to check out the events page to discover more ways to get involved in Seaweek.