An initiative to bring together sea lion enthusiasts and supporters from around New Zealand will be held Saturday 13 September 2025 at Tūhura Otago Museum.
The inaugural New Zealand sea lion/pakake/whakahao Symposium/Wānanga is being held to develop and strengthen connections between people and sea lions across Aotearoa.
DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming says celebrating and strengthening connections between people and sea lions is more important than ever.
"Connection to nature is a unifying value embraced by all New Zealanders. New Zealand sea lions are among the rarest in the world and it's a privilege to share our coastlines with them," he says.
"We want to celebrate and inspire people to take action – whether by finding out more about them, learning how to share the beach with them safely and respectfully, or getting involved in their conservation, everyone has a part to play."
The free event will include talks from mana whenua representatives, researchers, fisheries and conservation managers, and will cover a range of topics including mātauraka Kāi Tahu, sea lion diet, archaelogy, disease investigations, road management, and fisheries bycatch mitigation.
Aukaha Sea Lion Action Plan Community Liaison Kate Stevens West says after years of online meetings, the group's members and supporters are excited to meet kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) again.
"This free weekend wānanga brings together mātauraka Māori, science, and community to explore how we can connect with and protect sea lions into the future. Everyone is welcome, whether you're already involved or just curious to learn more."
The afternoon session will be a series of facilitated discussions to build connection and discuss what we can do for sea lions in the coming breeding season.
In addition, Tūhura Otago Museum will be showing us some of the pakake taoka they care for.
Background information
How you can register for this free event
When: Saturday 13 September 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
All participants are required to register with Tūhura Otago Museum first.
To register for this free event, please visit: https://checkout.roller.app/otagomuseum/products/sealionsymposium?date=20250913#/sessions
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