The Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet are striking out in a new direction in 2004, as they share once again in the New Zealand-wide celebration of Seaweek 2004. This year they will be offering boat rides on the Inlet to families of Porirua City.
No New Zealander lives more than 140 kilometres from the sea. The Seaweek programme is mounted annually to alert all New Zealanders to the wonders and the responsibilities of our unique marine location and environment.
The marine environment for which New Zealand is responsible covers 430 million hectares - more than 15 times our land area. The Seaweek website tells us that to date 8000 marine species have been identified in our oceans. On average seven new marine species are discovered every fortnight - that's about one fish and six new invertebrate species.
Porirua is specially fortunate in its close relationship to the sea and to New Zealand's marine history. Mana Island just off shore is linked to the earliest explorer, Kupe. The Porirua Harbour and the Pauatahanui Inlet penetrate deep into the city environs.
'Our surrounding waters add to the quality of life for the citizens of Porirua,' says John Wells, President of the Guardians. 'Their modification over the years, and increased risks of pollution from urban development and from increased traffic flows close to the waterways, however, demand our continued vigilance.
'Porirua citizens and the regional and city councils need to work together to preserve the viability of what are now very fragile waterways. Each year the Guardians have celebrated Seaweek as a way of reminding the citizens of Porirua of our good fortune and of our responsibilities.
'For several years the Society conducted very successful photographic competitions. Last year we shifted the focus to an equally strongly contested poetry competition.
'The Guardians this year are planning an opportunity for local families to experience the Pauatahanui Inlet from a new perspective, from the water. We have had wonderful co-operation from Mana Cruising Club and Paremata Boat Club.
'Wayne Roberts, Manager of Mana Cruising Club, will be organising up to ten small craft, whose owners will be providing their services free as their contribution to Seaweek. Darryl Hayes, Commodore of Paremata Boating Club, has made their jetty in front of the clubhouse alongside State Highway 58 available as the take off point.
'Given good weather, there will be two rounds of boat rides of the inlet, on the morning of Sunday 7 March, at 10 am and 11 am. This will make good use of the high tide at 10.40 am. We have the afternoon of Sunday 14 March available as a fall back replacement day, if required, with departures at 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.
'In the interests of safety, to give control of numbers, the one hundred tickets available will need to be purchased in advance. The $5.00 donation for each ticket will be given by the Guardians to the Mana Youth Sailing Trust and to the Paremata Boating Club's Youth sailing programme. Lifejackets will be provided for all on each of the boats.
'Tickets may be picked up at Plimmerton Pharmacy, Mana Pharmacy, Whitby Post Shop and the Challenge Service Station at Pauatahanui. We are grateful for their ready co-operation,' said John Wells.
To find out more about the Guardians or about Seaweek, the Society invites you to visit its recently upgraded website at www.gopi.wellington.org.nz.
Contacts - Cynthia Petersen, Secretary phone 233-9597; John Wells, Chairman, phone 2341788; or Ken Rae, Publicity for Seaweek, phone 2339614
