Reflections from the Love Rimurimu Wānanga
On Friday the 29th of September, Emily and I were lucky enough to travel to Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) thanks to the Waiheke Marine Project (WMP) and attend Love Rimurimu’s immersion day. It was a beautiful day full of connection, learning, and sharing stories, and so inspiring to see the number of people gathered with a shared passion, all united in our dedication to nurturing and revitalising te taiao. Rimurimu (seaweed) became our focal point for the day, but it also served as a powerful symbol of our collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
Starting the day at Te Kura Kaupapa o Nga Mokopuna, we were introduced to the tamariki (also called ‘Kura Kelpers’) who had been working throughout the year on different projects, whether it was the several kēmu or the actual regeneration of rimurimu they had been learning about. Whilst learning about the programme and future activities, we mingled with one another over rimurimu-inspired kai. From soup, bread, pasta, and even ice cream! The majority of the delicious cuisine was rimurimu inspired. Throughout the day, we travelled between the kura, NIWA and the Worser Bay Boating Club, learning about the different uses and importance of rimurimu. From making traditional muka out of harakeke fibres to learning about the different types of kelp within Aotearoa.
Overall, seeing the new generation, such as the tamariki from Te Kura Kaupapa o Nga Mokopuna, be so passionate for te taiao inspired us to use our knowledge for future activities within WMP and our university studies. The experiences we had on this day were unparalleled, leaving us both brimming with newfound knowledge and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for our respective roles within the WMP and the regeneration of rimurimu within the Hauraki Gulf.
Our time at Love Rimurimu immersion day was a pivotal moment that reinforced our commitment to the environmental regeneration, the power of collective action and Te Tiriti partnership in practice. We returned home not only enriched with knowledge but also invigorated, ready to contribute even more meaningfully to the preservation and restoration of our marine ecosystems. Both Emily and I will be forever grateful to everyone at Te Kura Kaupapa, NIWA, Love Rimurimu and Waiheke Marine Project for giving us this opportunity. We cannot wait to get in the water and share our learnings with you all this summer!
Nā Bri Marvin (Kelp Gardener Co-ordinator) & Emily Griffiths (NPKW Intern)