Life Beneath The Surface
Frances Dickinson is an underwater filmmaker, photographer, and video editor based on the Big Omaha coastline; so it comes as no surprise that Goat Island is one of her favourite spots.
Inspired by a childhood exploring tidepools and snorkelling in the North Sea and influenced by her uncle, John ‘Stevie’ Stevenson a pioneer in the dive industry, Frances developed a deep respect for marine life. After diving with sharks around the world, she settled in New Zealand, where she creates conservation-focused content that highlights the beauty and challenges of marine ecosystems. Her work, used by scientists and educators, aims to inspire people to care for our oceans and protect them for future generations.
Right in her backyard is Te Hāwerea-Maki Goat Island, Aotearoa’s oldest marine reserve. This world famous site was established in 1975 by a team of scientists at the University of Auckland and was one of the first designated marine protected areas in the world. At the time, the bay was barren from overfishing and had little kelp or habitat to support life. Now, nearly 40 years later this incredible ‘natural aquarium’ is a destination hotspot for Aucklanders all year round.
Over 300,000 people visit Goat Island each year to meet the engaging underwater residents by snorkelling in the clear waters and exploring the rocky shoreline. With the increase of human impact pressures on the overall well-being of the moana, the reserve gives visitors the opportunity to experience a healthy ocean habitat alongside supporting marine biodiversity within the Tīkapa Moana/ Hauraki Gulf - also documented by Frances’ visual storytelling which clearly illustrates the value of marine protection.
“It's common to see fish in knee deep water and curious schools of tāmure (snapper) following snorkellers as they explore the bay,” says Frances, noting that pods of playful dolphins visit regularly and seem to enjoy observing swimmers in the shallows. Octopus can also be easily seen in the tidal pools along with colourful nudibranchs and other smaller creatures - making it clear why this is a favourite destination for Frances both personally and professionally.
Te Hāwere-a-Maki is only an hour's drive from Auckland city and with Leigh township just around the corner for great coffee and ice cream, it makes a great family day trip over the summer months. Frances encourages locals and visitors alike to enjoy this fabulous resource but also implores these simple rules are followed when enjoying marine protected spaces - don’t feed the marine life, take nothing away and leave nothing behind.