Coromandel Life Magazine 2015 Winter V3

49 / 56

Coromandel Community
SPOTLIGHT
49
Whangamata surf sensation Ella Williams
– hot off her win at the Rip Curl Pro competi-
tion in Raglan at the end of May – headed to
Popoyo Beach, Nicaragua, for the Inter-
national Surfing Association’s 2105 World
Surfing Games. Below, Ella waves the flag at
opening ceremonies as Kiwi sand is mingled
with that of the 27 competing nations. Ella
progressed strongly through all her heats and
claimed third place on the podium (shown
with gold medalist Tia Blanco of the USA) in
the Women’s Open Division.
Many fans followed Ella’s progress on her FB
page, enjoying the photos snapped by Mum.
“Thanks, Mum!”
Opoutere and Paeroa
Students learn about marine conservation
...then snorkel to see it
Students learn snorkeling techniques in a pool before diving at the
Gemstone Bay. Inset, snorkeling at Poor Knights marine reserve.
Opoutere and Paeroa Central Schools have just completed the
Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme, a national
programme of experiential learning about marine conservation.
“We did a theory lesson in class”, explained EMR Auckland Regional
Coordinator Lorna Hefford, “then taught the students how to snorkel in a
pool. And then we took them to Hahei where we snorkelled at the south
eastern end outside the marine reserve and then inside the reserve at
Gemstone Bay. The students have also been working on action projects
to help their community.”
The Action Project and Bobby Stafford Bush Art prizes were awarded to
students, “Summer de Thierry from Paeroa Central and John Canlass
from Opoutere School who will be flown to Whangarei with a parent to go
snorkelling at the world famous Poor Knights marine reserve with Dive!
Tutukaka,” she said. (Boatload of winning students seen above.)
The Friends of Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve Trust, a Charitable
Trust, provided the funding to deliver the EMR programme to the
schools. To make a donation to support their work, see
or contact the secretary Barbara Ritchie at
Pic: ISA / Nelly
THE BIKE MAN • 16 COGHILL STREET • WHITIANGA
866 0745 • 021 15 2557 •
Bike Hire
Parts
Sales
Repairs
Accessories
14 Victoria St, Whitianga • 07 866 2679 •
Facials
Manicures / Pedicures
Lash and Brow
Tinting / Shaping
Waxing / Electrolysis
Body Wraps / Tanning
Relaxation Massage
Hair Styling & Colouring
Makeup / Ear Piercing
Appearance Medicine
World Surfing Games...
ELLA WILLIAMS
EARNS BRONZE
Whangamata