10am to 5pm, 10th March. Free event at the Kopua Reserve, Raglan
Maui Dolphins are the world’s smallest dolphin. With a cute round dorsal fin, they are easily recognizable. But only the lucky get a chance to see one of the few Maui’s left. Come see a life-sized Maui Dolphin at Maui Dolphin Day! Activities and competitions will raise awareness about their status as a critically endangered taonga, while celebrating Raglan’s community and our marine environment.
The event begins at 10am with Kindy Rock and kiddie dance music. At midday, all eyes will be on the water as Xtreme Waste’s annual Recycled Raft Race thrills the crowd. Entrants will paddle their recycled rafts around the footbridge, hopefully making it all the way to the finish line. The day will also feature 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 flying in from the South Island to update us on the latest findings about Maui and Hector dolphins. We also have speakers from ASR, DOC, Project Jonah, and stalls from Forest and Bird, Raglan Community House, Earthrace, WWF and more… Peggy Oki, surfer and marine enthusiast, comes to Raglan from the U.S. every year to help out, and this year will be taking your picture with a life-sized Maui’s Dolphin! Peggy will compile these photos into a massive banner to create a visual petition. 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.
The day is part of Seaweek 2012, whose theme this year is “One Ocean – Too Much Love?” Raglan seeks to celebrate our seas, without taking too much from them. To further this goal, Whaingaroa Environment Centre is seeking funding to create a Maui Dolphin sculpture for the new Raglan wharf. The sculpture will remind boaters and visitors about the Maui Dolphins, encouraging safer fishing practices.
More activities and surprises are coming, so come down to Raglan’s Kopua Domain on March 10th to find out more!
For further information contact Bexie Towle on 07 825 0480