Help Rakau Protect the Ocean!
I'd like you to meet my friend, Rakaunui Te Puni, or Rakau for short. You can see him there on the left with a giant smile on his face because he's about to do one of his favorite things: go fishing with his dad and brothers. Rakau is a 14 year-old Māori youth who lives in rural North Island, New Zealand. This is a fundraiser for Rakau. I will let him tell his story:
“My name is Rakaunui Porikapa Awatere Te Puni and I am 14 years old. My mum is Marijke Warmenhoven and my dad is Suman Te Puni. I have an older brother Te Maera, two younger brothers named Moana and Manu, and my baby sister, Reremoana. I was born in Te Puia Springs and I have lived in Ruatoria, East Coast my whole life. I am currently in year 10 and my favourite hobbies are fishing and diving.
“Since I was a young boy I have accompanied both my Mum, Dad, and brothers to gather seafood at our Whanau beach, which is an essential part of our traditional diet as Ngati Porou Whanau. My Mum grew up on our Whanau land at Reporua Bay and gathering seafood was part of her upbringing and my Dad is a very passionate fisherman, brought up on his whenua. He taught me how to fish. In December 2016, I had my best experience and met some of my best friends when I got to sail at sea for eight days on the Waka Haurua, Hinemoana - Hawaiki Rising Voyaging Waka from Port Tauranga. It was the most amazing experience for me ever and I did not want to return to land. I would love to be part of the crew one day and also do Marine Biology or a career that involves the ocean.
“My name is Rakaunui, named after the full moon that shone brightly when I was born. As the ocean and moon synergise, so do I and Tangaroa, the God of the mighty seas and oceans. A great protector and kaitiaki of the natural world which sustains me.” -- Rakaunui Te Puni
How will this fundraiser help Rakau and his community?
This fundraiser will help Rakau travel from his home in New Zealand to the Pacific island nation of Palau where he will attend the 2018 Heirs to Our Oceans’ International Summit for Empowerment, Action and Leadership. The money raised will cover his international flights along with his $700 camp fee, which will cover his accommodation, food, and activities in Palau for two weeks. Take a moment to watch the video below about the camp:
What is H2OO International S.E.A.L.?Summit for Empowerment Action and Leadership (S.E.A.L.) is a two-week intensive, deep-dive immersive summer camp for students between 11 and 17 years of age. From June 18 – July 1, 2018, in Melekeok, Palau, kids from around the world will be engulfed in learning about human impacts on oceans and waterways. They will develop leadership skills and work to process community-based solutions together. They will learn from each other, from skilled educators, and from renowned experts, and they will be charged with becoming empowered leaders to mobilize youth in their communities.
Who are Heirs to Our Oceans?
Heirs to Our Oceans (H2OO) are the next generation and the future generations who will inherit this planet and all that comes with it after your generation is done with it. A non-profit organization based out of San Francisco, California, H2OO helps establish student chapters in middle schools and high schools in the United States and in island nations throughout the Pacific Ocean. Each chapter hosts activities to help youth learn about the ocean, help them gain a better understanding of marine conservation issues, and most importantly, empower them with the skills necessary to be advocates for our ocean and leaders in their communities: compassion, good communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Who will attend H2OO S.E.A.L with Rakau?
Forty young people will be selected to attend S.E.A.L. from the United States, Palau and other countries and territories around the Pacific Ocean. The goal is to engage students who have shown sparks of leadership and dedication to ocean conservation in their own community. Young people from all over the world have discovered H2OO and want to get involved, self-identifying as future Heirs chapter leaders. Of the 40 kids, more than 30 of them will be invited to attend from outside the United States. Of the 10 Heirs attending from the U.S., H2OO has offered the majority of the slots to students from marginalized communities. Participants are selected based upon referrals who vouch for their leadership qualities and conservation efforts.
Where will H2OO International S.E.A.L. 2018 take place?
Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau is a chain of small remote islands. Home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, Palau is the perfect place to learn from the local people about living in harmony with the sea and their challenges of today. Students will learn from locals and experts about both the incredible marine biodiversity as well as the threats that their islands face.
What will the campers learn?
"What did I learn at S.E.A.L.?” says JoJo, from Pohnpei, Federal States of Micronesia. “I learned a lot about the ocean and how it's dying because of human activity. I learned that some sunscreen causes coral to die. I learned that we don't always need a plastic bag -- I know because I went a day without plastic. I also learned how to speak in front of a crowd, but most importantly I learned how to protect our oceans. I am inspired to go out and make big change for my generation. I am inspired to not use plastic. I am inspired to teach my community the things I learned from Heirs To Our Oceans. I am inspired to make our world a better place."
Why invest in sending Rakaunui to H2OO S.E.A.L.?
The campers who attend S.E.A.L. have the potential to influence their community, their country and their cultures, and, most importantly, their peers to actively respect and restore our oceans and waterways. We have seen incredible results from S.E.A.L. as new Heirs leave with a new perspective, a commitment to changing their lifestyles and habits to protect their oceans, waters, and their health. They return to their communities with a charged energy to influence and educate others. It is important to make this learning and empowerment opportunity more accessible to kids from around the world to have a global impact.
How will your money be used?
The fundraising goal for Rakau to attend S.E.A.L. is $3,000. This will cover the cost associated with his transportation, local and healthy food, and to ensure that underprivileged global communities are represented and fully served. Once Rakau is on the ground in Palau, these funds will help cover the buses and boats for the his in-the-field learning excursions. Each Heir also receives a bamboo utensil kit and a stainless steel water bottle amongst other necessary items. Any additional funds raised will go to supporting other campers at S.E.A.L., but if we’re able to double our goal and raise $6,000, we will be able to send an additional Māori student from New Zealand.
Who is the person behind Rakau’s sponsorship?
I guess now would be a great time to introduce myself. Hi, I’m Erika Delemarre! I’m a passionate marine conservationist and environmental educator. I have spent five years volunteering and living in countries around the Pacific Ocean where I worked on a variety of marine conservation, environmental education, and youth development initiatives. I had the great pleasure of calling New Zealand home for two years, which was more than enough time to fall in love with its stunning coastlines, to connect with its pristine natural environment, and to develop a deep appreciation for the Māori concept of “kaitiakitanga.” 
Kaitiakitanga translates to “guardianship” or “protection.” In the Māori world view, humans are closely connected to the land, the sea, and nature as a whole. Kaitiakitanga is based on the idea of humans are part of the natural world and must help manage responsible use of the environment. As kaitiaki, or guardians, people care for an area such as a river, lake, forest, or fishery, and in turn receive the benefits provided by a balanced ecosystem.
Why is this so important to me?
My time in New Zealand inspired me to work hard to protect what I love and make a broader impact. In 2017, I returned home to the United States to study Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography where I have specialized in conservation communication, marine plastic pollution, and marine protected areas. In February of 2018 I had the great pleasure of meeting Rakau and his mother, Marijke when they traveled from New Zealand to California to attend Algalita’s Plastic Ocean Pollution Solutions Youth Conference. I truly believe that one of the core approaches to solving marine conservation issues can be done through outreach and education. I love helping youth discover and explore their connection with the ocean and empowering them with the skills they need to be the next generation's change-makers.
Why am I asking you to donate now?
June 2018 will be an exciting and pivotal month for me. Within a matter of weeks, I will celebrate my 35th birthday and World Ocean’s Day, then (if all goes as planned!) I will graduate with my master’s degree from Scripps Institution the following week. Less than 18 hours after I graduate, I will be boarding a flight to Palau to take part in H200 S.E.A.L. as one of the camp educators and adult mentors.
New Zealand had a profound impact on my connection with the natural world and ultimately, the direction of my career. I am so happy to have to opportunity to support Rakau in his endeavors to learn more about the ocean and how to help protect it. In lieu of birthday and graduation gifts, I am requesting my family and friends make a donation to Rakau so he can learn the skills he needs to become and ocean advocate and a conservation leader in his country. Any additional funds raised beyond the goal will assist other students in getting to the camp, but if we double it, I can sponsor another Māori child from New Zealand.
Thank you for your support! --Erika