Ocean Champion Challenge

The national Seaweek Ocean Champion Challenge – Moana Toa Whakatara - is a call for all environmental heroes to share with us what action they are taking to help solve a problem impacting our marine environment.

Ocean Champions

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.

The Ocean Champion Challenge 2024 has a new approach, recognising the different ways people connect to and work to protect the ocean. 

This year's categories are Creator, Investigator, and Narrator. 


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 and data pertaining to our marine environment. Entries include a description of your contributions and how they help us understand our marine environment.


Narrators share an account of how someone embodies guardianship - kaitiakitanga. Entries include a short video or written piece which communicates how the individual or group is contributing to ocean education, conservation, or action. 



Find information about some of our previous winners on our blog:

Roze Webster: environmental educator and children's book author

Fiordland Undaria Project: combating invasive seaweed in Fiordland

Nicole Miller: inspiring teacher and writer

The New Zealand Coastal Society has been sponsoring this award and supporting the work of Ocean Champions since 2018. 

Find examples of entries from groups by clicking on the image tiles down below, and see our past Sponsors & Supporters below.

Categories

Creator

Investigator

Narrator

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

Our Sponsors and Supporters

Click on the image boxes above to take you to some examples of outstanding group entries! 
 
P.S. Don't forget to check out the events page to discover more ways to get involved in Seaweek.