Kelp out our seaweed forests in Wellington

We don’t often think of seaweed forests like our forests on land - but they’re just the same.

Seaweed forests improve coastal waters by absorbing excess carbon and nutrients. Algae are also the powerhouse behind many marine ecosystems - providing habitat, food and shelter. This is vital for humans too.

The team at Love Rimurimu aim to improve conditions and restore sites in the harbour with juvenile and adult seaweeds, to set up the right environment for regeneration.

Last year alone, over 1200 young ‘kelpings’ were planted out into Wellington Harbour through the efforts of the project - with more planned in 2025.

In many places, the water is loaded with sediments, is impacted by poor water quality and the natural ecosystem balance is out of whack - which can create scenarios where the population of grazers gets out of control, munching though our ocean forests. 

Fun facts about seaweed:

• Algae provides over 60 percent of the world's oxygen.
• Giant Kelp can grow up to half a metre a day, it's impacted by climate change and warming waters. 
• Rimurimu is the collective name for seaweed. 

Wellington City Council Urban Ecology Manager Daniela Biaggio believes that protecting our underwater forests means we are supporting our whole ecosystem.

"Our efforts to restore nature on land and sea are interconnected. The work we have been undertaking to restore dunes and coastal forests helps protect our coastal birds and supports the restoration of our seaweed forest. To enable the restoration of these habitats we need to care for water ki uta ki tai, from mountains to the sea and to our fresh water ecosystems and buried streams."

To celebrate our seaweed forests, Love Rimurimu is launching the country’s first ever Seaweed Festival right here in Pōneke. From Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 March, there will be events across Te Whanganui-a-Tara for all to enjoy. 

The festival aims to encourage an appreciation for these underwater forests, whether it’s through a community snorkel, mystery movie night, whānau day, sing-a-longs or even by flavouring your local gin, there are over 30 events to choose from. 

To find out about Love Rimurimu, visit their website or check out the Seaweed Festival programme. Or find out more about how to care for our beaches and coast.