Scientific Snorkeller Training Day

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust (MTSCT) will be running a Hauora Moana monitoring training day in collaboration with Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Center (MERC), and Glenn Edney from Te Wairua O Te Moananui Ocean Spirit. The aim of this event is to help train community volunteers to monitor Auckland’s East Coast Bays using the Hauora Moana method.

This day will consist of an introduction to scientific monitoring techniques such as timed swim fish surveys, kina and kelp quadrats and the Hauora Moana method. Most of the day will focus on Hauora Moana, with the in-water survey snorkel focusing on this method, and will include consensus wānanga after the observational snorkel.

The day will begin at the MERC base in Long Bay where the introduction will take place. Afterwards, we will be heading down to Rock Isle Beach in Torbay to gear up and complete our snorkel survey, and consensus wānanga following that. If you do not have your own snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, weights/weightbelt, hood/hooded vest, gloves), MTSCT can provide it. Please note that as we are in winter, water temperatures can drop down to 14 degrees celsius .

This event requires participants to be a minimum age of 16 years old, must be a strong swimmer and have prior snorkel experience. The training will cover basic snorkeling skills as well as duck dives, and how to stay safe in the water.

This event is funded by the Auckland Council.

What is provided?

• All snorkel H&S
• Survey training
• Experienced instructors and guidance
• Hoods/ hooded vest
• Snorkel gear (if needed)
• Please note that MTSCT does not provide any prescription mask, if you require glasses, contact lenses are recommended to be worn with our masks.

⌚️When

Saturday 22nd August

09:45 am - 10:00 am - Sign in and settling in

10:00 am - 10:45 am – Welcome, karakia, whakawhanaungatanga, H&S

10:45 am - 12:00 pm – Introduction to scientific monitoring, Hauora Moana with Glenn Edney

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm – Travel to Rock Isle Beach, gear up, snorkel H&S

12:45 pm - 1:30 pm – Snorkel survey

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm – Lunch and consensus wānanga

3:15 pm - 3:30pm – Final remarks, participant evals, closing karakia

🏠Where

MERC - 1045 Beach Road, Torbay, Auckland 0630 ← Meeting point for day

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yime28BbU6enWvKL6

Rock Isle Beach - 57 Rock Isle Road, Torbay, Auckland 0630

🎟 Registrations (essential for all participants)

Minimum age for the activity is 16 years old. Prior snorkelling experience and strong swimming ability is required.

Bring your own gear or get free hire of our mask, snorkel, fins and 3mm wetsuits. Experienced guides and advanced safety procedures will be in place on the day.

About Hauora Moana

Developed by Glenn Edney, Hauora Moana is a holistic qualitative monitoring method designed for community monitoring initiatives which consists of three parts: the survey, the consensus process, and the analysis of results. To find out more about Hauora Moana, check out this link here.