Diving into the Love Rimurimu Immersion Day
Inviting others to take the plunge into the world of seaweed is what Love Rimurimu is all about. The Love Rimurimu Immersion Day was a great opportunity to share everything we’ve been learning with others.
People came from across Aotearoa to hear from the many collaborators who make up this project.
Since it’s inception the Love Rimurimu project has been focused on sharing our journey with others. “We wanted to share and showcase every part of what we’re up to” says Project Lead Zoe Studd, “covering everything from our education programmes, to plant-outs, to the work with our research partners, and Taranaki Whānui -who are generously sharing their mātauranga and investigations into natural fibres as part of the work.”
Educators from across New Zealand chatting with tauira (students) about the different seaweed species found in Te Whanganui-a-tara.
With lots to cover participants rotated between sessions at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna, Worser Bay Boat Club and the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA). These locations each provided opportunities such as visiting the seaweed nursery, creating muka (flax rope) whilst sharing kōrero with Taranaki Whānui and taking part in the student-led Hinonga Rimurimu challenge.
Kono woven by the students from TKKM o Ngā Mokopuna & the ‘green gravel’ rocks used to seed young seaweeds for plant—outs.
The Hinonga Rimurimu challenge (which roughly translates as ‘project seaweed’ challenge) was led with enthusiasm by the students from TKKM o Ngā Mokopuna! Participants had to learn the names, play the games and find out just what it takes to get a seaweed regeneration project underway. It is continuously inspiring to see the lead the students take in this project, enacting their vision for a thriving Te Whanganui-a-tara.
Scientists from NIWA sharing their research and aquaculture methods.
Some of the folks attending came from other restoration projects across New Zealand, others were working in the education space - but everyone found something to spark inspiration. There was a lot of reflection on how they might utilise their learning and leverage new connections and collaborations to help things progress in their own regions. Bellies were kept full and connections strengthened over the amazing seaweed kai prepared by chefs from the kura.
For many, meeting others was what the day was all about.
“The connections with the kura kelpers, the Love Rimurimu rōpū and everyone there [was a highlight]. It was such a beautiful experience to connect with like-minded people all interested in restoring the mauri of the moana in Aotearoa”
Everyone left with a greater appreciation of our seaweed forests, and an understanding of what it actually takes to regenerate them - a community of passionate people.