Please only register if you are committed to attending.
This is a limited-capacity workshop, and no-shows directly impact other whānau who may have wanted to attend. If you can no longer make it, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. Email chelsea@toitangata.co.nz

Workshop Details:

Freediving Water safety and Skills workshop is a practical pool experienced aimed at bringing Tāne Māori together to upskill and learn safety practices keeping them confident and comfortable in the water. At the end of our workshop, you will come away with practical free-diving skills allowing you to take the knowledge and skills back to your own whānau to be safer in and around the wai.

What to Expect

Participants can expect to take part in a focused, hands-on water safety and freediving skills workshop designed to build confidence, capability, and safer decision-making in and around wai.

Classroom theory Session (1 Hour)

The workshop will begin with a classroom-based safety kōrero that introduces participants to key foundations of safe water engagement and freediving practice. This session will cover:

An introduction to freediving and snorkelling gear, including correct use and safety considerations
Breath-hold and breathing techniques, including relaxation, recovery breathing, and safe breath-up practices
Important water safety principles, risk awareness, and recognising personal limits
Safe buddy systems and communication in the water

This session is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and understanding needed to approach the practical pool component with greater confidence and awareness.

Pool-Based Skills Session (3 hours)

Delivered in a controlled pool environment, this workshop focuses on foundational skills that support safer freediving, snorkelling, and kai-gathering practices. Participants will learn:

Breathing and breath-hold techniques to improve control, relaxation, and efficiency in the water
Duck dive technique and safe underwater movement
Underwater skills including body positioning, fin use, and communication
Rescue and buddy skills, including recognising risk and responding appropriately

The pool setting allows participants to learn and practice these skills safely, build confidence at their own pace, and develop good habits before applying them in open water.

Water Safety Knowledge & Decision-Making

Alongside practical skills, participants will be supported to strengthen their understanding of:

Risk awareness and personal limits
Safe buddy practices
Preparation and planning before entering the water

This knowledge is particularly relevant for whānau who spend time in the water for recreation, kai gathering, or cultural connection.

Who is it For?

This workshop is suited for Tāne Māori from aged 15 years and over who are interested in learning about safe diving practices and water safety. It’s ideal for those wanting to build practical dive skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of these skills for our waterways.

Although aimed at Tāne, we also welcome bringing a whānau along with you, such as a partner, child (15+), or friend, to learn alongside you. Please make sure to register both/all those who wish to attend. We recognise that learning together can strengthen confidence, accountability, and safer practices in the water.

Our Dive Instructors

Kristina Arnold – PADI Freedive & EFR Instructor

Kristina is a PADI Freedive and EFR Instructor who brings together water safety, education, and hauora to create empowering diving experiences for whānau. With qualifications in Outdoor Education, Risk Management, and a Bachelor of Health Science, she has a strong foundation in both physical and mental wellbeing.

Kristina has delivered breathwork and water safety workshops for tāne, wāhine, and rangatahi, supporting men seeking positive mental health outlets, women reclaiming space in the water, and rangatahi wanting to connect with their fathers and the moana.

Currently teaching Outdoor Experiences at EIT, Kristina works closely with whānau from Central Hawke’s Bay through to Ruatoria, fostering confidence, safety, and connection through mātauranga Māori and lived experience in the ocean.

Rawiri Broughton – PADI Freedive Instructor

Rawiri has been diving for many years, exploring some of Aotearoa’s most iconic underwater environments, from Fiordland to Whakaari / White Island and Aotea / Great Barrier Island. His journey into freediving instruction began out of necessity. Diving regularly with a close group of friends, Rawiri recognised that while the passion for the moana was strong, the safety knowledge and decision-making needed to be strengthened.

Motivated to ensure his crew were diving safely and confidently, Rawiri stepped up to upskill for the benefit of everyone around him. He qualified as a PADI Freedive Instructor in 2023 and now brings a strong focus on safety, preparedness, and practical, real-world experience to his teaching.

Gear List

Dive Gear: Wetsuit, Mask & Snorkel, fins & booties, weight belt, towel. We can provide masks, snorkel if needed please make sure to note that in your registration.

Kai: Drink Bottle and lunch/snacks

Contact the host of Freediving Water Safety & Skills Workshop June 21st