On the 24th June, a small group of students went to visit the Taputeranga Marine Reserve. This was a fabulous day out guided by Roni Mohan - a marine biologist- from Wellington City and Sea. Following our visit students made thank you cards and wrote about their excursion.

The Taputeranga Marine Reserve is a spectacular place to visit on the Wellington south coast.

In 2008, the marine reserve was officially opened, legally protecting all marine life. An exciting activity that you can do is snorkeling and diving around the shipwreck, observing life under water.

The taonga/treasures found here, are protected for future generations to enjoy.

Now, more than ever, is the time to protect our environment.

By Olivia Vintiner

What is the purpose of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve?

The Taputeranga Marine Reserve legally protects natural features and Marine life of this ‘national park’ of the ocean. Scientific research done here works to protect species from extinction. They also stop threats from human activity e.g. pollution. Taonga or treasures can't be taken from this reserve.

What did I find?

Hiding in the rock pool attached to the rock there was a cushion star camouflaged to the colour of the rock.He was tan coloured with five points and he looked soft and squishy. He didn’t move.There were other creatures in the rock pool like barnacles, seaweed and sea anemones. This is a photograph that I captured of the cushion star I found hiding. 

By Madison Lynch