RŪNĀ

We’re proud to share that RŪNĀ has been awarded the Environmental Sustainability Award at the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards 🌊🏆
RŪNĀ began as a way to introduce sailing to underserved communities, creating more equitable access to our sport. Since then, it has grown into something much bigger.
Today, the programme places ocean health at its heart, alongside participation and deepening connections to our moana. It’s about empowering rangatahi with knowledge of the marine environment and giving them practical ways to help protect it for future generations.
This recognition reflects the incredible commitment of teachers, schools, and yacht clubs across Aotearoa who bring RŪNĀ to life every day.
Special thanks to Dean Stanley and Sally Carson for their leadership, passion, and contribution to this journey.
Ngā mihi nui to everyone who has contributed to this journey. 💙
The Lion Foundation Maersk Worser Bay Boating Club Marine Science Otago Coastal People : Southern Skies

🌊 Happy World Ocean’s Day!
A big thank you to everyone who braved the cold and took part in the Live Ocean winter swim yesterday, especially our NZL sailing team members! ❄️💙
If you missed it, there are still some sunset swims happening today, so it’s not too late to get involved.
Today is also a great opportunity to kōrero with your students or kids about the vital role our ocean plays in our lives, how deeply we are all connected to it, and how we can help protect it for future generations - Moanamana.
https://www.runa-yachtingnz.org.nz/moanamana

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ezequias Alliende on his first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ezequias is one of the founders of a school and sailing club in Chile that have embraced the RŪNĀ – Kōkōkaha programme within both their education and club environments. It was fantastic to share some of the ways the programme is brought to life here in New Zealand.
During his visit, Ezequias spent time with Wakatere Boating Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, and the Yachting New Zealand office, gaining valuable insight into how our clubs deliver RŪNĀ in practice. He then travelled to Wellington, where he visited Worser Bay Boating Club and met with Dean Stanley, who played a key role in shaping RŪNĀ, as well as Seatoun School’s Associate Principal.
A huge thank you to all of the clubs and people who welcomed Ezequias so generously and shared their experiences. It’s through this kind of collaboration and openness that we continue to grow the programme and showcase how New Zealand develops some of the world’s best sailors.

Monday 8 June marks World Ocean Day, communities and clubs across the motu are coming together throughout the weekend to celebrate our moana 💙
If you're in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, LiveOcean is inviting you to join them at Takapuna Beach Reserve from 9:30am this Sunday, or head along to Long Bay Beach on Monday at 5pm near MERC for a sunset swim.
In Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, you might already have your ticket to the World Ocean Quiz Night, or perhaps you’re holding out for the Matariki Sunrise Swim on Sunday 28 June.
In Whitianga, locals are gathering at Buffalo Beach, while in Ōtautahi Christchurch you can meet at 5pm near Cave Rock.
However you choose to celebrate, let’s come together to honour and protect our oceans 🌊

🌺 Talofa lava, Happy Samoan Language Week!
This week, explore how language connects us to place, history, and the ocean.
Through RŪNĀ, learners engage with:
🌿 Kōrinorino – understanding local histories and stories of place
⛵ Kōkōkaha – exploring navigation, sailing, and STEM through Pacific knowledge

In Samoa, the voyaging waka hourua is known as a va‘a - a reminder that Pacific navigation is deeply rooted in language, culture, and identity.
Gagana Samoa carries generations of knowledge about the moana - how to read it, travel it, and protect it.
When students learn language alongside local histories and voyaging traditions, they begin to see science as something lived, not just learned.

Come aboard, enjoy the freedom of the ocean.

Kia ora educators,
This is your final opportunity to provide feedback on your RŪNĀ experience.
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/CJmDQLh8FM
Your voice helps us strengthen resources, support teaching and learning, and demonstrate impact.
We’re also preparing new classroom resources connected to The Ocean Race (February 2027), an exciting global event coming to Aotearoa.
Ngā mihi for your time and insight!

🌊📸 Rockpool Explorers This Long Weekend!
Get your students and their whānau outside and exploring the coast this long weekend 🌿
🦀 Perfect timing as low tide is around midday (Saturday), making it ideal to explore rockpools and discover creatures in the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, where some of the most fascinating marine life can be found!
🔍 Here’s the challenge:
- Join iNaturalist NZ
- Visit your local beach or rocky shore
- Take photos of sea creatures, seaweeds, shells, and other life you find
- Use the app to identify species and learn more about your local moana

💚 This is a great way to help young people:
- Appreciate the amazing biodiversity in our oceans
- Feel connected to the natural world
- Develop curiosity and observation skills

📷 Bonus: Share your best photos with us, we’d love to see your rockpool discoveries!
Let’s celebrate and protect the life that calls our coastlines home 🐚💙