PROJECTS /
Songs of the Sea
Project Summary
Stories of the former abundance of marine life in one of the world’s great coastal ecosystems, now on the brink of collapse
Inspiring a new generation to step up as guardians
Nearly one third of the world’s marine mammal species live in or visit the Hauraki Gulf
Photo Credit / Name of Person
Stories of the Hauraki Gulf
Most of us can’t remember the former abundance of Tīkapa Moana the Hauraki Gulf, or what has been lost. Songs of the Sea is an innovative multi-media series that uses archival photography, film and audio to tell personal stories of the Hauraki Gulf’s past abundance, and highlight what has been lost.
Sue Neureuter’s account of growing up visiting the Noises Islands in her holidays, just north of Waiheke is the first of the series. It has been in her family since the 1930’s, and she has witnessed the decline in marine life and seabird population first-hand. Other voices include Keith and Ailsa Lewis, pioneer divers from the 1960s, as well as wisdom from beyond the grave from legendary marine advocate Wade Doak and kaumatua Laly Haddon.
Songs of the Sea aims to inspire a new generation who are tasked with the collective responsibility to be the guardians of one of New Zealand’s most remarkable ecosystems.
“The Hauraki Gulf used to be one of the great coastal marine ecosystems of the world. Above the waterline it still looks great, but when you go under water, it’s a different story,”
Blair Tuke
Founder – Live Ocean
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