Media Release
18 February 2021

Fifteen young New Zealanders and five school teachers will join a team of world-class scientists and environmental leaders on a scientific voyage of discovery to the Kermadec Islands / Rangitāhua as part of BLAKE’s fifth BLAKE Expeditions programme.

HMNZS Canterbury departs Auckland on 1 March and will return on 12 March 2021. The student crew consists of 15 high school and University aged students from Dunedin to Kerikeri. Each student and teacher delegate has previously participated in BLAKE’s annual BLAKE Inspire or BLAKE Inspire for Teachers programmes.

Located halfway between New Zealand and Tonga, Rangitāhua is one of New Zealand’s largest fully protected marine reserves and identified as one of only four pristine marine ecosystems on Earth, fully functioning with a unique mix of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate species of fish.

The Kermadec Islands are 1,000 km northeast of New Zealand and are a significant conservation area for both New Zealand and the world. They’re the visible surface of a chain of about 80 volcanoes, stretching between Tonga and New Zealand. The current marine reserve was created in 1990 and covers 745,000 ha and supports New Zealand’s only truly subtropical marine systems.

BLAKE Expedition Director Jacob Anderson says we have much to learn from Rangitāhua and its thriving ecosystems to help us address climate and ecological challenges now and in the future:

“Rangitāhua’s marine environment has not been comprehensively researched, there are many new discoveries when people visit the islands. We need to understand how the whole ecosystem works, so we can detect how sensitive it is to environmental change.

“This voyage is a once in a lifetime opportunity for delegates to combine marine science and research with an ocean adventure on board a Royal New Zealand Navy ship. During the voyage they’ll encounter marine wildlife most people will never see in their lifetime. They’ll work alongside scientists from Massey University, NIWA and Auckland Museum and be exposed to hands-on marine research and leadership development opportunities.

“Sir Peter Blake was passionate about young people experiencing the environment through adventure and participation, and in turn becoming lifelong and passionate advocates for it. At BLAKE we aim to continue his legacy through programmes like BLAKE Expeditions,” says Jacob.

HMNZS CANTERBURY Commanding Officer CDR Martin Walker said the Royal New Zealand Navy had a special partnership with BLAKE and the crew was looking forward to having the expedition members on the ship.

“Rangitāhua is a unique environment and they’ll gain first-hand knowledge about marine ecosystems and the important conservation work going on there. We hope their experience of life on board a Navy ship is also something they will remember forever.”

This voyage marks 20 years since Sir Peter’s own ‘Blakexpeditions’, which sailed to Antarctica, the Tierra del Fuego and the Amazon to inspire and motivate people to care for our natural environment and to understand the issues it faces.

BLAKE Expeditions is made possible with the help of programme partners including the Royal New Zealand Navy, NIWA, Massey University and Auckland Museum.

The voyage crew includes Westpac Commercial Analyst Luke O’Brien. Westpac is BLAKE’s Foundation Partner and Luke will run a Managing Your Money workshop for students on board the ship during the voyage.

ENDS

EDITORS NOTES

BLAKE Expeditions crew profiles and images can be viewed HERE or on the individual links below.

Delegate images and bios available on links below. Photos from the Kermadecs / Rangitāhua will be available throughout the BLAKE Expeditions voyage. Contact Lara Harrison 022 079 3554 or email [email protected]

Note: Auckland is currently at COVID-19 Alert Level 2. All activities will be subject to government guidelines, and adhere to alert level restrictions at the time of departure.

Delegate bios by region:

Auckland

• Ethan McCormick Student, University of Auckland
• Inka Pleiss Student, University of Auckland
• Kahu Rangiuia Lindup Student, University of Auckland
• Serena Woodall Student, Waiheke Island
• Jacob Anderson BLAKE Expedition Director
• Annika Andresen, BLAKE Senior Environmental Educator
• Bhakti Patel BLAKE Programme Manager and Health & Safety Officer
• Hayden Walsh Teacher, Hobsonville Point Primary School
• Associate Professor David Aguirre Marine Ecologist, Massey University
• Dr Libby Liggins Marine Ecologist, Massey University
• Dr David Shand Expedition Doctor
• Dr Tom Trnski Head of Natural Sciences, Auckland Museum
• Irene Middleton PhD Candidate, Massey University

Bay of Plenty

• Luke O’Brien Westpac Foundation Partner representative

Canterbury

• Piper Pengelly Student, University of Canterbury
• Bethany Kaye-Blake Student, University of Canterbury
• Ben Kepes BLAKE Leader, Technology Entrepreneur and Mentor

Gisborne

• Nicolas Shand Teacher, Wainui Beach School

Hawkes Bay

• Ihaia Rollo Teacher, TKKM o te Wananga Whare Tapere o Takitimo

Northland

• Malindi Reihana-Ruka Year 13 Student, Springbank School

Otago

• Benjamin Burrow Student, Otago Boys’ High School
• Lucy Davidson Student, University of Otago
• Stella Fish Student, University of Otago
• Mahina Walle Student, University of Otago
• Joel Clement Student, University of Otago
• Josh Morgan, Photographer and Videographer

Taranaki

• Nicola Burtenshaw Teacher, Monrad Intermediate

Waikato

• Vienna Pahi-Samuels Student, Rototuna Senior High School
• Serita Drewery Teacher, Korakonui School

Wellington

• Adam Nachowitz Student, University of Victoria
• Charlotte Doogue Student, Victoria University
• Dr Roberta D’Archino Marine biologist, NIWA
• Dr Wendy Nelson Marine Biologist, NIWA
• Dr Joanne O’Callaghan Oceanographer, NIWA