Today’s Maui Dolphin Day at the Kopua Reserve is a winner with large crowds coming to the mix of environmental issues centred around saving the Maui dolphin.
The event began at 10am with Kindy Rock and kiddie dance music followed by other musos. And from time to time there was a quiz on Maui dolphin facts with chocolate fish prizes for the winners.
At midday, everybody gathered around the bridge for Xtreme Waste’s annual Recycled Raft Race. The entrants got off to a good start although the bath tub entry had to withdraw at an early stage. The recycled rafts were paddled under the footbridge, down to the far buoy and then back to the to the finish line under the footbridge.
On the sandy beach the kids’ treasure hunt was a favourite. The rest of the day also features local music, including Little Lapin, Ashley Knox as Blue Stratos, Marten ten Broek, Leon from Katchafire and Karin Bettley. Speakers include Dr. Liz Slooten, who is flew in from the South Island to update us on the latest findings about Maui and Hector dolphins. There are also have speakers from ASR, DOC, Project Jonah, and stalls from Forest and Bird, Raglan Community House, Earthrace, and WWF.
Peggy Oki, surfer and marine enthusiast, comes to Raglan from the U.S. every year to help out, and this year was taking pictures with a life-sized Maui Dolphin! David Rastovich, surfer and marine advocate, will also join in with his movie, Minds in the Water, which will be screening at 5pm after the event.