Reef Alive! | Ka Ora Ākau!

About this programme

What lies beneath the waves?

Dive beneath the surface of Taranaki’s coastline and discover the reefs that thrive offshore. In this hands-on, immersive workshop, ākonga will explore a vibrant marine ecosystem where animals co-exist, adapt, and survive in an ever changing ocean.

Stepping aboard a replica research vessel, ākonga become marine scientists. Through guided exploration of local reef habitats and the Reef Alive exhibit, they will identify common reef species found along the Taranaki coast and investigate how these animals depend on healthy marine environments.

Ākonga will also explore real-world research being carried out offshore, learning how scientists monitor reefs, track environmental change, and protect te moana through projects like Project Reef.

This learning experience sparks curiosity, strengthens environmental understanding, and empowers ākonga to ask questions, think critically, and see themselves as active kaitiaki of our local ocean.