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Yachting New Zealand is launching the first in a series of free webinars designed to support educators with ideas, resources and practical tips for monitoring local waterways and marine environments.
Titled Monitoring the Moana - Participatory Science Methods, the first 45-minute session will take place from 4pm next Thursday (14 August). It will be hosted by Sally Carson, from the University of Otago's Department of Marine Science, and is supported by the Science Learning Hub.
"Sally played a crucial role in the development of our third RŪNĀ module, Moanamana, so this webinar is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from her," said Alisa Torgersen, Yachting New Zealand's education lead.
The session is open to all, whether you're new to participatory science or looking for a refresher. It will also explore how citizen science can be conducted without a dedicated Moanamana kit, using simple tools and approaches to get started.
"This is all about making marine science more accessible to teachers, coaches and rangatahi. Whether you're based by the coast or inland, our waterways are all connected and we all have a part to play in protecting them."
The Moanamana module and accompanying kit were developed as part of Yachting New Zealand's environmental education programme, RŪNĀ. Five sailing clubs across the country - Worser Bay Boating Club in Wellington, Naval Point Club Lyttelton, Nelson Yacht Club, Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club, and Bucklands Beach Yacht Club in Auckland - have already received their Moanamana kits and taken part in local hui, where educators were introduced to NZL Blue Belt tools.
"We're aiming to distribute more kits to clubs over the coming year," said Torgersen. "But you don't need one to get involved. This webinar is a great way to start or continue your journey in environmental monitoring and kaitiakitanga."
Click here to register for the webinar.
