The Northland-based Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust was established in 2002, as a charitable umbrella and support organisation for the Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) marine education and Whitebait Connection (WBC) freshwater education programmes. These are both leading models in education for sustainability in New Zealand and now available nationally.

In addition to EMR and WBC we have developed a range of supporting projects, resources and services such as community guided snorkel days, community events for Seaweek & Conservation week, DVD’s, the MarineNZ website, and the Drains to Harbour and Mangrove Discovery programmes. A diagram of the structure of the trust and its programmes can be viewed by clicking on the link at the top of this page.

The current focus in this region is on monitoring and raising awarenessIMG 5429 of local freshwater issues, supporting local government initiatives and local community groups in North and West Auckland.

Key waterways of current projects include the Mahurangi River (Rodney – Hauraki Gulf), Kaipara – Hoteo River sub-catchment, Henderson Creek, Snells Beach, Long Bay and Kaipatiki Creek .