Sea Week

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Conservation Environmental
Where:: New Zealand
Date change rule:: Variable week in late February to early March
Holiday emoji:: 🌊

Sea Week invites New Zealanders to celebrate and protect their unique marine environment, typically running from late February into early March. Organized by the N.Z.A.E.E., this annual observance features educational programs, beach cleanups, and community events designed to foster a sustainable relationship with the ocean. Dive into local activities, learn about marine life, and pledge to protect our seas.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Sea Week Deals

As a vital cause-driven observance, Sea Week focuses on community engagement and fundraising rather than commercial deals. The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (N.Z.A.E.E.), the primary organizer, partners with local businesses and environmental groups to host donation drives, educational workshops, and volunteer events. Many participants contribute through direct donations to organizations like WWF-New Zealand or by joining beach cleanups organized by groups such as Sea Cleaners. Retailers might offer special promotions on sustainable products, with a portion of sales benefiting marine conservation efforts. We encourage supporting these initiatives and visiting the N.Z.A.E.E. website for official ways to get involved.

Platform Guide for Sea Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SeaWeekNZ. Share insights on sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility in marine conservation.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SeaWeekNZ. Share photos and videos from beach cleanups, educational events, and family activities during the week.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SeaWeekNZ. Post stunning visuals of New Zealand’s marine life, coastal landscapes, and community efforts to protect our oceans.

Sea Week Hero

Sir Peter Blake

Sir Peter Blake (1948-2001) was a legendary New Zealand yachtsman and environmentalist. After a distinguished sailing career, including America's Cup victories, he dedicated his life to ocean conservation. He led expeditions to document environmental damage and founded the Blake Expedition to raise awareness about marine issues, tragically losing his life during an Amazon expedition.

History of Sea Week

Sea Week was started by the Marine Education Society of Australasia and brought over to New Zealand in 1992. The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (N.Z.A.E.E.) organized Seaweek every year after that with the help of enthusiastic individuals, groups, and organizations. Since 2019, the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Center (MERC) has taken the reins of national coordination and led the coordination of Seaweek events in Auckland.

The primary aim of Sea Week is to get people truly involved in the betterment of the sea, marine life, and environment to create a sustainable future. This week is the perfect time for all of us to get to know our ocean, its habitats, and its inhabitants more intimately. Sea Week offers volunteers a wide range of activities, opportunities, and competitions that help them connect with the sea and appreciate the delicate ecosystem that it supports.

With the threats of climate change, rising sea levels, global warming, and sea pollution, we should be concerned with the long-term consequences of these detrimental actions. As we get caught up in our daily lives and continue with our current lifestyles, it’s important to pause and think about what we can do to prevent further degradation of our seas. The ecosystem that is supported by the seas also affects human well-being — a rise in sea levels floods our cities and the depletion of marine animals affects biodiversity. Celebrations like Sea Week ensure the harmonious coexistence of all living creatures.

Sea Week timeline

1985

The Clean Ocean Action's Beach Sweeps

It becomes one of the longest-running beach clean-ups in the world.

2013

The Ocean Cleanup

The organization cleans up garbage patches in oceans.

2018

The Biggest Ocean Clean-up Drive

The biggest ocean clean-up drive is organized with the cleaning of the Pacific Garbage Patch.

2020

103 Tons of Garbage is Cleaned

The cleanup mostly includes plastics and fishing nets.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Sea Week

Local businesses in New Zealand can actively support Sea Week by implementing sustainable practices, reducing single-use plastics, and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Restaurants might source sustainable seafood, while retailers could highlight marine-themed products or donate a portion of sales to local conservation charities. Organizing or sponsoring a community beach cleanup is another impactful way to engage, demonstrating a commitment to protecting New Zealand’s unique marine environment.

Sea Week FAQs

When is Sea Week?

Sea Week 2026 runs from Saturday, February 28 to Sunday, March 8, inviting everyone to connect with New Zealand’s marine environment and participate in conservation efforts.

How much of New Zealand's territory is ocean?

New Zealand has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that covers more than 4 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest in the world. This vast marine territory is approximately 15 times its land area, highlighting the nation’s profound connection to the ocean.

How many species live in New Zealand's marine waters?

New Zealand’s marine environment is a biodiversity hotspot, estimated to host over 15,000 known species, with many more yet to be discovered. This includes a significant number of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, making its conservation critically important.

What is the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (N.Z.A.E.E.)?

The N.Z.A.E.E. is a non-profit organization that champions environmental education across New Zealand. They are the driving force behind Sea Week, promoting sustainable relationships between people and marine life through various educational initiatives and community engagement programs.

How to Observe Sea Week

Visit a beach
Celebrate Sea Week by being close to the sea and what better way to do that than by visiting a beach! Pack a picnic lunch, your swimsuit, and favorite books, and head to the nearest beach.
Organize a beach clean-up
A noble way to celebrate Sea Week is by organizing or participating in a beach clean-up. Gather your friends, family, and colleagues and encourage everyone to clear the beaches of plastic and trash.
Raise funds
If you are unable to visit the beach or organize a beach clean-up, don’t worry, you can still do your bit to help. Raise funds and donate money to organizations that clean the seas and look after the well-being of marine creatures.

5 Facts About Oceans That Will Blow Your Mind

Most wildlife exists in the oceans
About 94% of the total wildlife can be found in the oceans.
The deepest part of the ocean
The Mariana Trench is around seven miles deep and located in the South Pacific Ocean.
There’s a lot of volcanic activity
About 90% of the Earth’s volcanic activity happens in the ocean.
Ship accidents
The ocean floor is littered with three million wrecked ships.
We haven’t really explored the seas
Only 5% of the ocean’s floor has been mapped in detail.

Why Sea Week is Important

It helps marine life
Celebrations such as Sea Week help us to do our bit for our fellow inhabitants. This is the week to help marine life and ensure that they live long and healthy lives — coexistence is important.
It protects our future
Sea Week is an active step towards cleaning up our seas and oceans, and improving the health of the marine ecosystem. When we take care of the present, we ensure a happy future for the next generations.
It’s a reason to spend time by the sea
Sea Week is celebrated with visits to the sea, participating in water sports, and more. This is a great week to take a break and spend as much time by the sea as one likes!