‘Portal’ to an underwater reef
A bright photo frame set up at a South Taranaki beach is a portal for passers-by to an offshore reef they’d normally need scuba gear to see.
The marine frame at Ohawe Beach has its own website,social media pages and QR codes linking to videos of the various undersea creatures pictured in the photos.
It was installed through a collaboration between the members of ‘Project Reef’ and the South Taranaki Underwater Club, and the Te Rangatapu Trust, which owns the land.
People can pose behind it for photos with an ocean backdrop, surrounded by images of the undersea life to be found just 11km from shore.
The frame is the latest artful way the reef enthusiasts are sharing the awardwinning project with the community.
“We don’t have premises, this is 24/7,” spokesperson Karen Pratt said.
“Rather than being an information board which disconnects you, the idea is you’re part of the environment, you see the awa and the maunga, you see the ocean and what’s under the ocean.”
The reef also features in an exhibition at Puke Ariki in New Plymouth, and on sculptures and a mural at Pātea.
Starting on May 5, members from the club and Project Reef are holding monthly drop-in sessions at the frame, so anyone who wants to know more about Project Reef, or diving, can talk to them.
They will be sharing marine stories, and encouraging others to do so, showcasing research equipment and dive gear and welcoming questions.
“We’re just trying a different format, it’s really casual, from 2pm-4pm on the first Sunday of each month. Somebody might want to chat with us for the two hours, or just for five minutes before they go for a walk on the beach,” she said.
“I feel that we learn through stories, so we are encouraging other people to come and share their stories with us.”
The frame was made and installed, and the area around it landscaped and a car parking area put in, all with donated materials and labour from more than 20 individuals, groups and businesses in the community, Pratt said.
The project was funded by the Toi Foundation and the South Taranaki District Council.