Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve ten year anniversary celebration

Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve is approximately sixteen kilometres north of Gisborne and covers an area of 2450 hectares. It was established in 1999 the result of a joint application between DOC and tangata whenua, Ngati Konohi of Whangara.

As part of its 10 year anniversary celebrations, a photo competition was held to encourage people to try and capture the essence of Te Tapuwai o Rongokako Marine Reserve. These are the winners:

First Place

Sarah Varenne. (Three free night passes for two on the Great Walk Lake Waikaremoana gifted by DOC Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, Ladies care pack gifted by Suncity Pharmacy, Gisborne, and a Casio mens watch gifted by Business Applications, Gisborne)

Sarah Varenne's winning entry. Photo: Sarah Varenne.

Second Place

Duke Hauiti (4 years). (MP3 player gifted by Bond and Bond Gisborne)

Duke Hauti's second place entry: Photo: Duke Hauti.

Third Place

Renate Brunner of Tolaga Bay. (Sports fleece jacket gifted by SportsWorld Gisborne)

Renate Brunner's third place photo: Photo: Renate Brunner.

Peoples Choice Award

Whangara School. (Zip blender gifted by Briscoes, Gisborne). A ballot box was placed by the display on the celebration day for those present to vote for their favourite.

Highly Commended Awards

Went to Ian Benson, Renate Brunner and Sherolyn van den Brink.

Judges of the competition were volunteers from our community. Stephen Jones of Stephens PhotoPlus and Gisborne Camera Club, Margaret Takoko from Gisborne Camera Club, Jacqueline Haapu from Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve Committee and Jamie Quirk, DoC Ranger whos portfolio includes this Marine Reserve.

Judges looked for images that could interpret an appreciation of the marine reserves beauty and value to the community.

Sarahs image depicted the beauty of natures elements on the marine reserve. Dukes entry depicted the value of family enjoyment, by this encouraging our next generation to care for our natural heritage, Renates entry depicted the intricacies of natures formations.

All entries will be on display at:

Gisborne Whakatane Area Office
Phone: +64 6 869 0460
Fax: +64 6 867 8015
Email: gisbornewhakatane-ao@doc.govt.nz
Address: 63 Carnarvon Street
Gisborne 4010
Postal Address: PO Box 668
Gisborne 4040

Contacts

For more information contact your local Department of Conservation office

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai