'Love Our Gulf' Beach events promote New Zealand's largest and most used marine park

Residents and visitors have been involved in a series of special WWF on-shore 'beach' events in Auckland and Waikato this summer as part of a campaign to highlight the importance of the Hauraki Gulf New Zealand's largest and most used marine park.

WWF Head of New Zealand Projects Lee Barry explains "WWF loves the Hauraki Gulf. It is on the doorstep of our biggest city, and is crammed full of beauty spots, fishing spots and cool critters.

"(But) we want to know; why do you Love Our Gulf?"

Mana whenua, local and central government have just kicked off a process called Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari to plan for a healthy, productive and sustainable future for the Hauraki Gulf and all those who live near, visit, work or play in the Hauraki Gulf can be part of this ground breaking process.

Barry added "WWF are right behind Sea Change. We want to create opportunities for real conversations to listen and learn about why people love our Hauraki Gulf, where they love to visit and what they love to do there. WWF believe it is vital that the public has a say in the Gulf's future."

'Love Our Gulf' are the first events to gather information about how people use the Gulf, which WWF will pass on to the Sea Change Stakeholder Working Group, which are leading the planning process.

The events take place in some of our favourite coastal spots in and around the Hauraki Gulf this summer and will coincide with events like the Whangamata Billabong Pro.

People can visit WWF's funky "beach scene" and create their own personal messages about why they love the Hauraki Gulf - through videos, photos, personal statement and art.

"Those who can't make it in person can still post and share on Love Our Gulf's online platforms.

"Participants in the 'Love Our Gulf' beach events will not only be in the running to win great prizes, but can start being involved in Sea Change through creating their own personal messages about why they love the Hauraki Gulf."

WWF-New Zealand is the local branch of the WWF International network, also known as the World Wildlife Fund. WWF-New Zealand is made up of a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about conservation.

For more information go to www.wwf.org.nz/

16th June 2010 - NATIONAL OCEAN WATER SPORTS CENTRE FOR TAKAPUNA BEACH