RŪNĀ

Great to see the connections growing around Moanamana and citizen science! 🌊⚓
Naval Point Club Lyttelton is doing incredible work alongside Sabrina and James Nikitine (Blue Cradle), delivering a pilot programme with local schools focused on citizen science. Their approach highlights the power of strong local partnerships, bringing together clubs, educators, and environmental experts to create meaningful, place-based learning experiences for young people.
Across Aotearoa, we’re seeing a similar pattern emerge. While the Moanamana kits provide the tools, it’s the passionate people and organisations on the ground who truly bring the learning to life. Each club implementing the Moanamana module has benefited from working with local specialists who can guide, inspire, and deepen the impact of the programme.
With more clubs coming on board (especially in Auckland this September) we’re excited to keep building this network and strengthening these connections. Together, we’re creating opportunities for rangatahi to engage with their marine environments in authentic, hands-on ways. 🌱🌏

So inspiring to see the incredible mahi coming out of Nelson Intermediate School 👏🌊🐧
Huge congratulations to the Kaitiaki students for the care, curiosity, and commitment you’ve brought to this kaupapa - what an amazing effort to support our precious kororā (little blue penguins).
The future of kaitiakitanga is in great hands 💙
Tumeke work, everyone!

Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club - TYPBC is one of 20+ clubs around the motu delivering the RŪNĀ programme to local schools, helping rebuild participation in sailing and strengthening ocean connections. Check out their story...

SunLive - Tauranga Yacht Club riding wave of success - The Bay's News First Tauranga Yacht Club riding wave of success

To all our amazing volunteers, from Bluff Yacht Club, New Zealand to Taipa Sailing Club, and everywhere in between, thank you for your dedication, commitment and passion for sailing. You are the heartbeat of our sport, keeping sailing vibrant and our communities connected.

Happy National Volunteer Week! ⛵💙

We’re proud to share that RŪNĀ has been awarded the Environmental Sustainability Award at the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards 🌊🏆
RŪNĀ began as a way to introduce sailing to underserved communities, creating more equitable access to our sport. Since then, it has grown into something much bigger.
Today, the programme places ocean health at its heart, alongside participation and deepening connections to our moana. It’s about empowering rangatahi with knowledge of the marine environment and giving them practical ways to help protect it for future generations.
This recognition reflects the incredible commitment of teachers, schools, and yacht clubs across Aotearoa who bring RŪNĀ to life every day.
Special thanks to Dean Stanley and Sally Carson for their leadership, passion, and contribution to this journey.
Ngā mihi nui to everyone who has contributed to this journey. 💙
The Lion Foundation Maersk Worser Bay Boating Club Marine Science Otago Coastal People : Southern Skies

🌊 Happy World Ocean’s Day!
A big thank you to everyone who braved the cold and took part in the Live Ocean winter swim yesterday, especially our NZL sailing team members! ❄️💙
If you missed it, there are still some sunset swims happening today, so it’s not too late to get involved.
Today is also a great opportunity to kōrero with your students or kids about the vital role our ocean plays in our lives, how deeply we are all connected to it, and how we can help protect it for future generations - Moanamana.
https://www.runa-yachtingnz.org.nz/moanamana

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ezequias Alliende on his first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ezequias is one of the founders of a school and sailing club in Chile that have embraced the RŪNĀ – Kōkōkaha programme within both their education and club environments. It was fantastic to share some of the ways the programme is brought to life here in New Zealand.
During his visit, Ezequias spent time with Wakatere Boating Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, and the Yachting New Zealand office, gaining valuable insight into how our clubs deliver RŪNĀ in practice. He then travelled to Wellington, where he visited Worser Bay Boating Club and met with Dean Stanley, who played a key role in shaping RŪNĀ, as well as Seatoun School’s Associate Principal.
A huge thank you to all of the clubs and people who welcomed Ezequias so generously and shared their experiences. It’s through this kind of collaboration and openness that we continue to grow the programme and showcase how New Zealand develops some of the world’s best sailors.