Malindi Reihana-Ruka

Malindi is 16 years of age. She is of Ngāpuhi decent and is Head Girl at Springbank School in Kerikeri. She is completing her last year of high school and is currently studying Marine Science, Physics and Design and Technology, having gained University Entrance last year. Next year she hopes to study environmental management / engineering / science and / or marine studies at university.

She is extremely grateful to have attended BLAKE Inspire in 2020, as this enabled her to apply for BLAKE Expeditions, which will provide opportunities for her to work alongside like-minded young scientists, marine ecologists, the New Zealand Navy and BLAKE NZ whilst also being fully immersed in New Zealand’s most pristine marine environment. She also believes that by her experiencing and understanding what an untouched marine environment looks like will help her be more determined to make sure that our oceans receive the care and protection they require by hopefully creating a better way of managing our marine resources through kaitiaki groups and networks.

Malindi loves the outdoors and being active. She really enjoys putting herself outside of her comfort zone, meeting new people and trying new adventures, and activities. She is a keen surfer, PADI rescue scuba diver, loves waka ama, swimming, snorkeling, horse riding, playing touch rugby and volley ball.

Malindi hopes that by going to the Kermadec’s she will get more direction and inspiration into the path she wishes to follow in the near future and she is so extremely grateful and excited to have been selected to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity amongst other new and awe-inspiring like-minded people.