Manannan O’Connell

Manannan is a year 13 student at Henderson High School who attended BLAKE Inspire in 2020. Growing up in the Waitakere Ranges of West Auckland he has always had a passion for the unique flora and fauna of New Zealand, with a particular interest in birdlife. He is actively involved in many conservation projects as well as having worked with organizations such as BirdCare Aotearoa, Sustainable Coastlines, Ocean Cleaners, and the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SoTM); as well us undertaking leadership roles within his school and wider community. He is currently working towards his gold Duke of Edinburgh award and aims to study zoology at Otago University in 2023.

This will be his first major scientific expedition and he hopes to gain a greater understanding of the ecosystem and wildlife in this unique part of the country, learn more about scientific work, and bring this knowledge back to inspire others.