Willow and Olivia were mentored by Post Graduate Marine Science students from the Otago University. In groups of six they conducted research and experiments on everything seaweed-related, from fieldwork recording kelp forests to lab work studying seaweed spores. They learned about how seaweed affects oceans and how it is a significant part of our marine ecosystem in Aotearoa—at the end of the programme, Willow and Olivia presented their findings to the public, as well as a novel presentation. It was a challenge working with people they had not met before, but soon had new friends. Every evening the group took a boat over to their accommodation on Quarantine Island in the Otago Harbour and then completed a whole bunch of fun activities together. This was a great experience, and the memories Willow and Olivia made will stay with them forever, as will the things they learned.

Willow Blair & Olivia Morriss