Realising how potent the mermaid was as a metaphor for the connection between humans and the natural world, Mahina began to explore
ways she could use her talents as a freelance professional mermaid and
designer of the unique original MerFins for environmental conservation.
She felt education was the key, and what better way to inspire future
generations than to create tails, with tales.
And so began a
six year journey in design, innovation and hard work, that took this
little mermaid to three continents in quest of the perfect product and
message to offer the world.
It was part of this quest that the
MerFins would be as environmentally friendly as possible. Kazzie’s
persistence paid off when she found a factory who not only use
environmentally sensitive practices and machines, but who were also
happy to use recycled rubber to produce her MerFin designs.
The
MerFin is the first functional rubber mermaid fin of its kind on the
market, as well as one of the first eco-friendly/recycled fins produced.
Mahina is combining her love for nature with the aspirations of her
business, by delivering a strong message of sustainability and social
responsibility.
Mahina started the MerPod for this reason: it is a fun group aimed at inspiring and educating the young Mer.
The MerPod is currently partnered with Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society
specialising in beach clean-ups. The MerPod document and track all the
debris they pick up and enter it into the database for the Australian
Marine Debris Initiative. Mahina has also worked in conjunction with Tim
Silverwoods Take 3 initiative.
Mahina continues to travel,
enjoying special moments like visiting Tonga to swim with humpback
whales, as well as swimming with wild dolphins on both the east and west
coast of Australia and many more exciting watery adventures.
Her connection to the ocean is profound, and she embodies the beauty and essence of the ocean.
Incredibly, after many years of mermaiding and completing a free-diver
course in Thailand, Mahina reached a breath hold time of 5 minutes and 4
seconds! This was under controlled conditions, and no movement.
However, one might start to wonder if she might even have gills?!
Mahina’s passion for the ocean and nature, and her longing for a closer
connection and respect between the human and natural worlds are at the
heart of all her campaigns, stories and products of Mahina Mermaid.
