A LIFELONG CONNECTION TO THE MOANA – RILEY HATHAWAY
Recently recognised with the prestigious Blake Award, Riley’s work continues to inspire the next generation to care for Aotearoa’s marine environment.
Tell us about your involvement in ocean conservation.
My connection to the moana goes back to my earliest memories and was shaped by my Dad, Steve Hathaway. His passion for the ocean and work as an underwater cameraman meant the moana was always part of our everyday life. Through his lens, I was exposed to the beauty, complexity, and fragility of the marine world, which quietly taught me a sense of responsibility.
A school project I completed on turtles and the impact of plastic pollution deepened that awareness and became the catalyst for co-founding Young Ocean Explorers alongside my Dad.
What began as a small, student-led idea has grown into a national movement focused on ocean literacy, supporting teachers, inspiring students, and helping young people understand that their voices and actions matter.
You recently received the Blake Young Leader Award. What does this accolade mean to you?
I was incredibly honoured to be nominated for the Blake Award, which carries the enduring legacy of Sir Peter Blake and his commitment to leadership, exploration, and ocean protection. To receive an award so closely aligned with those values is deeply meaningful.
The recognition is made even more special by the fact that my Dad received a Blake Award in 2019.
To now share that honour makes us the only father and daughter to have both received a Blake Award, something we feel incredibly proud of. For me, the award also highlights the importance of ocean education and reinforces the belief that when young people are trusted, supported, and given real opportunities to lead, they can create genuine change. Being recognised alongside other inspiring recipients is a reminder that this work is about collective effort and carrying forward a shared legacy of positive impact for Aotearoa.
How has your connection to the local area influenced your work?
Growing up here meant the moana was never something distant – it was part of everyday life. Having Te Hāwere-a-Maki (Goat Island Marine Reserve), the world’s first marine reserve, right on our doorstep shaped my understanding of what ocean protection can look like in practice. Seeing protection and conservation working locally shaped my values and career path.
It reinforced that meaningful environmental leadership often begins at home and when communities choose to protect what they love, real change is possible. This has had a lasting influence on how I approach conservation, education, and storytelling.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hope is that every child grows up with a strong connection to the ocean and confidence in their ability to protect it. I want ocean education to be a normal part of learning, not an optional extra. Longer term, I dream of a future where decisions about the ocean reflect intergenerational thinking, where tamariki voices are genuinely valued, and where caring for the moana is seen as a shared responsibility.
Through education, connection, and trust in young voices, Riley continues to help shape a future where caring for the ocean is second nature.
Support for Young Ocean Explorers is greatly appreciated to ensure the moana is protected, respected, and thriving for generations to come.