RICHARD de HAMEL - the MARINE MAESTRO
“How much do you know about your local Marine Environment? I have helped make the marine environment come alive for thousands of children, their teachers and parents. Google me!
“As a biologist, I have had the opportunity to visit and experience many remote and inaccessible places, from the Sub Antarctic to remote offshore islands. I have been privileged to be able to work for the Department of Conservation, Otago Museum, three Aquariums, University of Otago and Te Pūkenga (Aquaculture), as well as partnering with the Cawthron Institute, and other marine focused agencies. Saltwater has never been far from my heart!
“I am recognised for my creative, experiential approach to education. I use puppets, storytelling, dress-ups, games and action, in what I call “Education by Subterfuge”!
“I work with schools on a wide range of marine topics including; Māori fishing technology, Polynesian navigation, Rocky shores/coastal environments, or animal adaptations to the marine environment. My life experiences on remote islands have also given me an insight into this country’s fascinating biological past.
I can run workshops on; puppet making and their use, developing games to teach science by subterfuge, or hands-on boat-based days exploring the Ocean and learning about the Ocean.
