Young Blake Expedition to the Kermadec Islands 2018

Kia Ora,

I’m Rebecca-Rose Ngatai and I am a Year 13 student at Hamilton Girls’ High School.

Back in 2016 I was fortunate enough to attend YELF (Sir Peter Blake Trust Youth Enviro Leaders Forum) in sunny Nelson. This was a week full of adventures and developing leadership skills while focusing on pivotal environmental issues and how youth can help solve these problems. It was a life changing experience which truly opened my eyes and created lifelong friendships.

I have been offered another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Sir Peter Blake Trust again, allowing me to grow my passion for the environment and continue on the legacy of Sir Peter Blake.

Later this month I will be sailing on the HMNZS Canterbury to the Kermadec Islands. Alongside 19 other student voyagers from around New Zealand and the Pacific. We will be joining members of the scientific community with a team including marine biologists, scientists and seabird researchers to participate in important conservation research in this pristine and isolated environment. The islands are located halfway between New Zealand and Tonga (1000km north-east off the coast of NZ) and are one of the few untouched places left on earth with such a unique ecosystem. The Kermadecs, being located in the subtopics, are home to a plethora of seabirds and marine life which are endemic to the region. Visiting such an isolated place which few get the chance to visit, let alone know about is a true honour and I cannot wait to share my experiences and all the knowledge I gain once I return home.

The voyage is funded by the Ministry for the Environment and corporate sponsors but each Student Voyager has been asked to fundraise $2000 to raise awareness for the region, the trip and to carry on Sir Peter Blake’s Legacy.

This is a very small portion of the cost to undertake an amazing voyage of this size and the life skills and experience I gain from this trip will truly be invaluable.

Anything you can give in helping me towards reaching this - even just a few dollars - will be greatly appreciated.

Ngā mihi,

Rebecca-Rose Ngatai