We have a winner

The results of the NZ Underwater Association Diver Survey are in and the winner is.........

July 4, 2024
The amazing underwater world at Volivoli Beach Resort Fiji
The amazing underwater world at Volivoli Beach Resort Fiji
Photographer:

Congratulations goes to Amanda Viana of Arrowtown.

When you answer the phone and someone says 'Are you sitting down?', you are not quite sure what to expect. But I realised when I heard that I had won this fantastic holiday prize by filling in the New Zealand Underwater Association Diver Survey, that sitting down was the last thing I felt like doing!
The competition had been off the radar and I had completely forgotten I had entered. Never in a million years did I imagine I would win. I actually started walking round in circles; I was literally shaking and had goosebumps when I heard the news. The first thing I did after the call ended was to ring my husband. He said to me 'Are you sure this is not a scam?' (as did many people)! Neither of us had been to the Pacific Islands before and we couldn't quite believe it!

"The first thing I did after the call ended was to ring my husband."

A little about Amanda

About me...Diving was my whole life for a few years! I learnt to dive in Egypt, and became a Dive Instructor in Thailand, where I lived and worked for a year and a half. Diving had been a dream of mine for many years and I went on to work in Mexico on the Pacific side. While there, I was involved with turtle conservation. My philosophy was always a 'no touch no take' one so conservation has always been a part of my diving career.
I continued my journey to become an IDC Staff Instructor in the late 2000s in Invercargill, where I dived in the lower South Island lakes, rivers, Fiordland and Stewart Island. I was even lucky enough to experience ice diving under Lake Alta on the Remarkables. Underwater cleanups in Lake Wakatipu were also something I enjoyed very much.

I have always had an affinity for the ocean and loved water, and it was a bit like a heartbreak once I stopped diving professionally. Since having kids (and living in the mountains), it's pretty much only been snorkelling. I am super excited to have the opportunity to get back into some warm tropical waters.

I would like to say a huge thank you to NZUA and Dive Pacific for providing the Diver survey and the fantastic holiday prize. I hope to be able to take my kids so they can also learn to dive and experience the wonders of the underwater world like I have.

Thanks also to Fiji Airways and Volivoli Beach Resort for providing me with this amazing opportunity to enjoy a tropical holiday.
BULA
Amanda

Amanda has won for herself this irresistible prize:

  • 5-nights Premium Ocean View villa at Volivoli Beach Resort.
  • Return flights to Fiji for two adults with Fiji Airways, including 30 kg checked luggage per person, flying from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
  • Daily 2 course breakfast, 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner.
  • Return transfers from Nadi to Volivoli Beach Resort.
Premium Ocean View villa at Volivoli Beach Resort
Premium Ocean View villa at Volivoli Beach Resort
Fiji Airways
Fiji Airways

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