Team Tomahawk from Dive Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand is no stranger to Project AWARE's FinathonTM. The team has taken part in Finathons since 2013.

But little did the team know that their actions this year would reach a different kind of fame.

After a series of challenges and fun video compilations to raise awareness on the plight of sharks, Dive Otago received news they would never have imagined possible. 

"We provided a lot of raw images and videos of Great White sharks from the deep south of New Zealand to the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) in the hope to help them with their research. We only asked one thing in return... If there was an unidentified shark within the footage, could it be called "Tomahawk" in recognition of the work we were trying to do in raising awareness for these amazing creatures," says Chris Zinsli, a PADI Instructor.

The NIWA passed the footage and Chris' request on to lead white shark expert, Clinton Duffy at the Department of Conservation in New Zealand. Just hours before the official Finathon kicked off, Duffy contacted Team Tomahawk. He confirmed that Dive Otago had actually documented ten individual great whites. But there was one mature 3.7 metre male who was unknown to the department. With the unidentified shark now documented, this great white was officially named "Tomahawk."

Chris adds, "This is now a permanent legacy of our Finathon campaign. We hope it will inspire others that a small group of individuals can make a difference."

Team Tomahawk's fun and crazy videos, along with support from the Department of Conservation, has inspired change and helped lead to conservation action. But the team won't stop here. Says Chris, "We've still got plenty of silly ideas to convey our message and help our majestic ocean comrades. Watch this space."

You can follow Team Tomahawk's videos or start your own fun filled Finathon action.