Many families took advantage of the Saturday heat wave and attended Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Department of Conservation scientist Debbie Freeman also gave a talk on the recovery of the area and, for the more energetic, there was a history of the area from atop the pa site above the reserve.

The area was prized for the abundant kaimoana, said Anne McGuire of Tipuna Tours.

About 150 people took part in the celebrations, which also included sand-castle competitions, face painting, fancy dress and the “Happy 10th Birthday Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve” photo competition prize-giving, with top honours going to Sarah Varenne.

The reserve covers an area of 2450 hectares and was established in 1999 as the result of a joint application between DoC and tangata whenua, Ngati Konohi of Whangara.