2024 - Riley & Steve Hathaway, Young Ocean Explorers
Recognising New Zealand’s Ocean Heroes
The Ocean Champion Challenge is about celebrating the work of many passionate ocean advocates and sharing their stories to inspire others.
Entries for this year's challenge are now closed.
Is there someone you know that should be recognised?
Submitting a nomination is easy and helps us to celebrate and encourage efforts to look after our moana.
Creators advocate for the ocean through their art. Entries include an image of your ocean-inspired artwork along with a short explanation of the meaning or story behind its creation.
Investigators contribute observations or collect data related to our marine environment. Entries include a description of the contributions and how they help us understand our marine environment.
Narrators share insight into any type of action aimed at positively impacting our ocean. Entries include a short video or written piece which communicates how the individual or group is contributing to ocean education, conservation, or awareness.
Prizegiving
We do our best to award these generously donated prizes based on merit.
The $500 cash prize is awarded by the New Zealand Coastal Society, who have been sponsoring this award since 2014. Thank you to all our Sponsors & Supporters for making it possible for us to recognise outstanding efforts.
Past Winners
2023 - Roze Webster, Author and Community Leader
2022 - Nicole Miller, Author of 'Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea'
2021 - Zoe Luffman, Passionate Young Ocean Advocate
2020 - Lorraine Shaab, Petone Beach Clean-Up Crew
2019 - Lorella Doherty, Rethinking Plastic Revolution
2018 - Samara Nicholas, Experiencing Marine Reserves founding Director
2017 - Dr. Dan Godoy, Marine Scientist & Turtle Expert
2016 - Friends of Waitara River, Taranaki Community Group
2015 - Pete Bethune, Ocean Advocate & Conservationist
2014 - Our Seas Our Future, Marine Conservation Advocacy
Click on the tiles and image boxes above to take you to examples of some outstanding entries!
P.S. Don't forget to check out the events page to discover more ways to get involved in Seaweek.