Help Rebuild the Dream – Support the Tui Marine Education Centre

On Wednesday 4th June 2025, a devastating fire destroyed The Tui — a historic vessel set to become a beacon for marine conservation, community connection, and kaitiakitanga-led education.

Just weeks earlier, the TriOceans Education Trust had received a grant from Foundation North to begin transforming The Tui into a marine education centre. Building work was due to start the following week. The dream of offering free, community-focused marine education was finally within reach.

While some insurance was in place, full coverage was impossible to secure (despite best efforts) due to the vessel’s age and state of disrepair when purchased. Construction insurance — which would have finally enabled full coverage to kick in once work began — was set to activate the day of the fire. The timing couldn't have been worse! Sadly, both the build team’s and owners’ insurance will not pay out.

We are heartbroken — but not defeated.

This Givealittle page was created in response to many kind-hearted people asking how they can help. Your support will go toward:

• Rebuilding the dream of a Northland marine education centre

• Supporting the Guerin whānau, who poured their lives into this kaupapa and now face significant loss

We don’t yet know what the next version of The Tui will look like — but it will stay grounded in the same values: care, community, kaitiakitanga, and aroha for our moana.

From the bottom of our hearts, ngā mihi nui for standing with us.

— The TriOceans Whānau