Written and photographed by Lorna Doogan
In February 2025, the wetsuits were dusted off and the first Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme was run in the Coromandel in 4 years. Between COVID, cyclones, a summer of never ending easterlies and road closures the snorkel gear has been dry. Cue Jorja Gilmore coming on board with local provider organisation Friends of the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve Trust.
Jorja saying, “I am so excited to be able to help get the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust’s EMR programme back up and running. I have just had the privilege of running the first school snorkel event alongside Lorna Doogan for the 2025 season. The two-day snorkel event consisted of 70 students all participating in a snorkel at the eastern end of Hahei beach and the Purangi Estuary in Cook’s beach.
"Both days of snorkelling couldn’t have gone any better, with the kids coming out of it with greater snorkelling abilities and a wider knowledge of both the marine and estuarine environment. There were many smiles, laughs, (happy) screams and some very tired but happy kids by the end of it, with many of them wanting to carry on their newfound snorkelling passion and wanting us to come back for a third day of snorkelling.”
The programme delivery was supported by DOC Marine Rangers, Marie Everth and James Blackmore helping out in the tent. With Marie saying, “It was a pleasure to support both Jorja and Lorna at Hahei Beach to deliver the EMR programme. The best part of the day was seeing the joy and excitement on the kids' faces after their snorkel around the reef at Hahei. To hear them chatting about the octopus they saw, snapper and other marine life really puts into perspective the effect and importance the EMR programme has in getting kids connected to the moana and the conservation of our oceans. We look forward to supporting Jorja in the future, enabling kids across the Coromandel to experience marine life in their backyards and hopefully inspire the next generation of ocean conservationists!”
This delivery was supported by National Coordinator Lorna Doogan. Jorja saying, “Lorna’s help throughout the two days was invaluable and I could not have done it without her. She was able to show me the ropes and get some epic photos. Watching her energy and enthusiasm with the kids was inspiring!”
Want to explore your local environment with your school? Contact jorja@mountainstosea.org.nz or check out www.mountainstosea.org.nz for more information on our programmes.
Want to support Jorja directly? Click the link below to donate to future school programmes.
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