Live Ocean founders Blair Tuke and Peter Burling are diving headfirst into World Ocean Day, encouraging Kiwis to take the plunge and make a splash for ocean conservation. Photo / Live Ocean
Grab your togs and get ready for a chilly dip, Great Barrier Islanders! Live Ocean founders Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are challenging us all to take the plunge in the name of ocean health this World Ocean Day. Whether you’re braving the waters off Medlands Beach, or taking a quick dip in Tryphena Harbour, share your video on social media with the tags @itsliveocean and #LiveOceanDip to show your support for a healthy ocean.
“We’ve seen some super creative winter dips over the years,” says Blair Tuke, “so I’m really looking forward to seeing the number of Kiwis backing the ocean.”
But the fun doesn’t stop there! As darkness falls on Saturday, June 8th, Aotearoa will light up blue in a dazzling display of unity for our moana. The Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, Eden Park, and many other national landmarks will glow in support of World Ocean Day.
Peter Burling, co-founder of the Live Ocean Foundation, reminds us, “Aotearoa is an ocean giant. We have the fourth largest ocean space in the world, but we currently protect less than 1% of it. World Ocean Day is an opportunity for us in New Zealand to reflect on the critically important role the ocean plays in the health of our planet and take action to protect it.”
“We’re stoked to see Kiwis, organisations and nationally significant landmarks get behind the message for a healthy ocean. It does so much for us, it’s time to start prioritising it.” he added.
Vector Lights will illuminate Te Waitematā with a dynamic light and sound show every 15 minutes, and Peter Burling will switch on the Sky Tower lights at 6:00 pm. Even the Clock Tower in New Plymouth and the National Aquarium in Napier will join the blue wave of support.
So, while Great Barrier Island might not be the place to light up our skies, we can certainly make waves in ocean conservation. Let’s dive in, make a splash, and show the world our commitment to protecting our precious moana. Happy World Ocean Day!
