Written and photographed by Lorna Doogan
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust - Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) is excited to be partnering with Tangata o te Wai Trust in the Kahungunu - Hawkes Bay region to get rangatahi into te moana.
In September 2024, National Coordinator Lorna Doogan travelled down to Blackhead Beach to explore Te Angiangi marine reserve with a camera and meet Robert Houkamau kanohi ki te kanohi.
In the kōrero with Rob his passion for his mahi was clear.
Robert Houkamau saying,
As a Māori rangatahi growing up in Hawkes Bay, like so many others, I had problems learning at school. This fuelled my passion to seek knowledge from te taiao beyond the walls of a classroom.
I left school at a young age where I gained an opportunity to work as a self employed scaffolding contractor. This allowed me to experience different education pathways and highlighted my passion for seeking knowledge.
My journey led me to Tangaroa! I’ve always felt a huge connection to the sea and everything Tangaroa has had to teach. He has provided me an opportunity to live in my turangawaewae and live as a Māori. To continue learning and sharing the tīkanga and matauranga to keep our whānau safe.
Tangaroa has also provided the opportunity to establish a charity, Tangata o te Wai Charitable Trust. We provide Water Safety and Dive Education opportunities to whānau within Kahungunu and wider within Aotearoa.
In our collaboration with Mountains to Sea, we couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities that Tangaroa has provided. We can’t wait to share these experiences with you!
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust is excited to be able to share our knowledge and H&S systems to assist Tangata o Te Wai Trust to continue to get rangatahi outside the classroom and immersed in te taiao.
Explore Te Angiangi with us on Saturday the 29th of March 2025 for a free community event and snorkel day.
Want to hear more about Rob's mahi? Contact him on robert@mountainstosea.org.nz
Volunteer with us in your region
Join us in pursuing your passions! We value our volunteers and need enthusiastic individuals from all around the motu. Whether you want to be a snorkel guide, tree planter, or wetsuit washer, we’d love your help - please get in touch!
Ngā mihi nui
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