Storme Cook - Marine Adventure and Eco Tourism

“Since I was 4 years old, I’ve had an immense passion for the marine environment and always told people I wanted to be a marine biologist or a marine photographer. I grew up in the Hokianga and everyone in my class knew I’d get there.”

“I dropped out in year 13 though because I wasn’t learning what I wanted. I lost heart for a year and got a job.”

“Then Mum spotted this course. I was reluctant because I’d temporarily given up, but when I talked with Justin at the interview day I thought ‘this is SO me!!’”

“I realized I still had the passion but not the qualification so this course was perfect.”

“The best thing so far about the course is coming across the unexpected – like a baby mako shark a metre off the end of my kayak paddle!”

“I‘m amazed at how much we’ve learnt already including making full sense of a weather report. I’m not usually a team player but it’s nice having people around that you can rely on. We all relate like a family and we talk about everything and anything.”

“I’m getting very high marks now, so I’d love to go on and do the Diploma in Marine Science at Tauranga…..and yes, become a marine biologist or photographer in a marine environment!”    

Read more about NorthTec's environmental management programme