Hibiscusmatters 15 February 2012 | 11 EDU C AT IO N O N T HE COAST n
learningfrontiers Learn about marine reserve for free during Seaweek
An opportunity to explore and learn more about Leigh Marine Reserve at Goat Island with the free services of a knowledgeable guide is being offered next month as part of Seaweek. The free informative snorkelling sessions, to be held on March 3, will run from the beach with wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins provided. Volunteer guides and patrolling kayakers will not only ensure the safety of participants, but also help by naming the many fish species that can be seen and pointing out things of interest. No bookings are needed, and families are welcome (children under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult). Half
Photo, Darryl Torckler
price vouchers for Glass Bottom Boat trips are available to participants and there will also be free flax weaving under the pohutukawa trees. If the weather, or sea conditions do not make the event possible, the back up day is March 10. Info: ph DOC Warkworth, 09 425 7812. For cancellations listen to NewstalkZB. Community Snorkelling Day • Leigh Marine Reserve (Goat Island) • March 3, 10am–2pm
Community’s youth benefit from Orewa Big Dig fundraiser Although final numbers are still being crunched, the recent Big Dig is expected to raise a record total of around $6000 for local youth organisations. Sunshine and the holiday atmosphere of Auckland Anniversary weekend were major contributors to the most successful day in the event’s 33-year history. In excess of 3000 children aged from five to 16 years dug cordoned off sections of Orewa Beach searching for buried prize tickets.
Orewa Lions president Paul Reid says seeing that number of diggers taking part was an awesome sight. “It was like carnage out there – sand flying everywhere,” Paul says. Most of the more than 1000 prize tickets buried in the sand by Lions volunteers were dug up. The event, on January 30, was held two weeks later than normal, and Paul says there is no doubt that the Anniversary Day holiday increased the numbers attending.
He says local businesses got right behind the Big Dig, especially Orewa New World, supplying prizes that included bikes and scooters, vouchers and gift packs. Sausages were sizzled by the dozen by Whangaparaoa Lions and entertainment on the reserve, which included bouncy castles, slides and merry go-rounds were so popular that people were queuing at 9am for rides. For more photos, visit www. localmatters.co.nz
Children’s Fun Day Celebrating Children in our Community
free event
Open to th e Commun ity
Friday 2 March 10am - 11.30am Western Reserve Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa
A1329-NC
Hibiscus Coast
Ph 421 1062