Lucy's "Young Blake Expedition - Kermadec Islands 2018"

Hi all!

My name is Lucy Coulston and I am a year 12 student from Gisborne Girls High School. Recently I have been chosen to attend, along with 19 other students, a Young Blake Expedition to the Kermadec islands! The voyage will take place between February-March and is with/held by the Sir Peter Blake trust and the Royal New Zealand Navy.

We will be voyaging 1,000km northeast of the tip of the North Island of NZ. The Kermadec Islands are one of the few places on earth that remain untouched and unexplored. Boasting an amazing showcase of sub tropical ecosystems, they are also the home to over 113 species of native plant (23 of which are endemic to the Kermadecs), and 35 bird species (3 of which can only be found in the Kermadecs).

What excites me most about this trip is the opportunity to learn about a world treasure and return to New Zealand with the knowledge and skills to EDUCATE people and promote environmental causes. I want to gain new insight on how to get more young people excited about caring for our world. YELF was an amazing experience which revitalised my passion, and the young blake expedition will take it to the next level. The hands-on, fully immersive experiences will equip me with the confidence and skills I need to inspire more people back home in Aotearoa.

Sir Peter Blake built an amazing legacy. Due to his overwhelming drive and love for our environment and the love for adventure and exploration, youth all across New Zealand have the chance to not only continue Sir Peter’s legacy, but also build it stronger and start to make their own. Due to Blake's commitment to education and inspiration, his family has built a trust that has the ability to share his experiences, use them to educate youth and inspire them. Because of this, I (along with 19 other students) am able to collect data along with scientists that could greatly effect our knowledge on the environment of the Kermadecs and how Climate Change is effecting that.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and not many people will ever get the chance to even visit the Kermadecs, something I most definitely look forward to is coming home and using my experience to inspire and educate others!

Although mainly a government and SPBT funded excursion, as voyagers, we have been asked to contribute $2,000 to costs. Although a small price to pay for the experience I will get out of it, any and all contributions would be immensely appreciated and valued!!

Nga Mihi nui, your contribution is greatly appreciated!

Lucy :)